Discussion

I would like to begin a discussion on the redesign and possible compromises we could come to.

After the presentation last night with Dekker Perich Sabatini (DPS) I have some
ideas about how we can go about lowering are water bill without making such a
drastic change to the courtyard.

1. I think we need to have a current water bill submitted to the members of the
HVC to establish a baseline for comparison.

2. I think is is very important at the next HCA meeting that the board members
discuss having the Irrigation system retrofitted to take out the spray heads and
put in drip lines in the areas that do not have grass. I think that would make
a huge change to the water bill every month.

3. I would ask that we turn off the water to the fountain in the courtyard for
one bill cycle to see if that reduces water use and waste.There have been a lot
of problems with the the fountain in the courtyard. On several occasions while
in the courtyard I have heard the water from the fountain running into the sewer
system. The only way to know it was overflowing is if the are standing near or above the grate in the grass.

4. Removing grass around areas that are not in the courtyard. I know that there
is grass on the Broadway and central intersection and grass on the approach to
the gym that can be remove to reduce water use.

I think we need to take a few steps similar to the ideas above before we start
in on a total courtyard redesign. I am not saying in any way that Mimi's design
is not a great thing I am just not sure if it is right for our courtyard at this
time.

I would have liked a chance to review all three of her designs.

A few comments
-I am in total agreement to implement the plans presented on Aug 26th, but maybe add a BBQ grill.
-I am also in agreement that a "water audit" of the fountain be made. It seems to be a big expense to maintain, and probably does waste quite a bit of water (just from the evaporation impact).
-I like the idea of removing the grass at the corner of Broadway and Central. This would reduce water use, and show people we are bio-dynamic, as this is seen by the most passer bys.