Minutes for March 11, 2002

ATTENDANCE

Trustees and Committee Members: John Burge, Todd Cahill, Jean Colley, Adam Gavin, Jeannie Hale, Kate Lloyd, Heather Newman, Barb Ragee, Stan Sorscher, Jim Strunk, Mark Trumbauer, Don Torrie, Maggie Weissman, Karl Weyrauch, Pat Wright

Guests: Larry Curd, Tennis Center Advisory Committee; Karen Ko, Department of Neighborhoods; Neighbor Susan Marten; Kelly Smith; Neighbor Bonnie Zinn

CALL TO ORDER: Hale called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Trustees and guests introduced themselves.

TENNIS CENTER AT SAND POINT/MAGNUSON PARK: Larry Curd briefed the board on the Tennis Center Advisory Committee for Sand Point/Magnuson Park. The city council approved the Sand Point Physical Development Management Plan, which included development of a tennis center in 1997. In 1999, the council approved the Magnuson Park Concept Design and this also included the proposed tennis center. In 2000, the city realized that the goals in creating the tennis center exceeded available funds. So, the Parks Department decided to create an advisory committee to provide assistance. A meeting was held in January 2001 at Meadowbrook and over 130 people showed up. From that meeting, about 20 people became the Tennis Center Advisory Committee.

The advisory committee researched the need for a public tennis facility. There is only one public facility, the Seattle Tennis Center on Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. The committee completed an operations review of that facility. There are other private facilities. Representatives of the committee went to Vancouver, WA to see the tennis center in that city. They did a comparative financial review between that facility and the Seattle Tennis Center. Revenues and disbursements amounted to $700,00-$800,000 per year. The Seattle Tennis Center netted between $70,000-$80,000 per year.

In June 2001, the Parks Department selected The Berger Partnership to develop a master plan for the drainage, wetland/habitat complex and sports field/courts project. In September 2001, the city funded an architect to develop a conceptual building design and cost estimates for a tennis center with six indoor and eight outdoor courts, four of which would be covered during the winter months. The advisory committee has worked with Street & Associates Architects.

The new tennis center will operate outside the purview of the Parks Department under a memorandum agreement. The tennis group will operate and manage the facility and will be responsible for raising the necessary $6M. They will undertake a feasibility study in this regard. They do not yet have a 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status, but are working on this. The idea is to find someone to donate $1M and several others to donate $500,000 each. The advisory committee is looking for people to help out who have fundraising, legal and or PR skills.

ADMINISTRATION

1. Changes to the agenda: Add short item re land use consultant expenses. Add budget report.

2. Minutes: M/S/P (Strunk): To approve the January and February 2002 LCC minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

3. Budget Report: Kim presented a budget documenting projected income and expenses for 2002. The income categories include: dues, newsletter advertisement and miscellaneous interest income. Expenses include: newsletter editor, newsletter printing costs, newsletter mailing expense, NE 41st Street maintenance, attorneys fees, insurance, Little League and miscellaneous. It was suggested that Kim add other LCC consultant expenses into the budget. It was suggested that LCC develop project budgets for various projects, such as the "welcome to Laurelhurst sign" project. It was suggested that the sign at the tennis courts be replaced because the writing is too small to read. There was some talk about whether LCC should establish a reserve fund to deal with possible future litigation and other expenses. Torrie mentioned that the community center has a reserve of funds. It was suggested that Torrie ask the center if they could purchase a podium for LCC community events and meetings and perhaps a banner. Kim indicated that he would only be able to stay on as treasurer through July as he is expecting a new baby. He will prepare a detailed quarterly report prior to leaving the board.

CALLS AND CONCERNS FROM NEIGHBORS

1. Babysitting Network: Bonnie Zinn, a new Laurelhurst neighbor, called on 3/01/02 and was at the meeting to discuss the possibility of establishing some kind of neighborhood babysitting network or clearinghouse. She is willing to do some legwork on this. She suggested that something be put in the newsletter. Sorscher is willing to work with her on this to also have something on the LCC website. It was suggested that Zinn coordinate with Children's because it offers babysitting courses. Zinn will put together draft materials and report back at a future date. When Zinn called on 3/01/02, she also inquired about Block Watch Captain responsibilities and was put in touch with Pat Wright who provided assistance.

2. Junk Storage at the Gas Station: There have been complaints about the junk pile at the Union 76 gas station on Sand Point Way and Ivanhoe. LCC will follow-up on this. In May 1999, Laurelhurst supported Code amendments intended to help DCLU deal with violators who did not respond to initial efforts to gain compliance in several areas including outdoor storage of junk in residential zones. These amendments were adopted by the Council.

3. Talaris: Neighbor Ben Smith emailed on 2/18/02 again expressing concerns about the connection between Talaris and the University of Washington and the Settlement Agreement. Smith recalled that years ago Children's told the community that it would build a little hospital and put trees on the NE 45th St. and we would not even know it was there. What a story, he said. Smith is counting on LCC to protect the community with regard to development of the Battelle property.

4. Accident at the Overpass: Neighbors Bill Rex, Kathryn Gardow, Dolores Petra, Kate Hokanson, Lee Brillhart, Andi Pepple and the Weeks' emailed to thank LCC for the update on the accident at the overpass. Petra asked if Sellen Construction would be paying for the repair and LCC responded that probably Sellen's subcontractor's insurance would pay.

5. Compliments! Loie DiJulio emailed to compliment LCC on its email network and to ask that her son who also lives in the neighborhood be added to the list.

6. Moved: Andi Pepple emailed to say she has moved to the Ravenna area.

7. Beach Club: Jo Vanderlee called on 3/04/02 to inquire about how to join the Beach Club. Phone numbers were provided.

8. Speed Humps: Cheryl Pleas called to congratulate LCC on the speed hump project.

9. Wetlands: Amalia Leighton called on 3/07/02 to indicate students working on the Union Bay Natural Area wetlands restoration project would like to brief the community sometime soon.

10. Overgrowth: Ann Hightower who lives on 42nd Avenue NE and 45th called on 3/09/02 to ask what to do about thick bushes on both sides of her alley that obstruct the view of pedestrians. She is going to talk to the neighbors and if that doesn't work will be back in touch with LCC.

11. Space for Classes: Helen Belvin called on 3/11/02 to inquire if there is space her oil painting teacher can use for classes. Hale suggested that Belvin call Sand Point Elementary School and the Parks Department.

ANNOUNCEMENTS (Also see NEDC announcements in the member organization packet.)

1. Thank you! Special thanks to Don Torrie, Stan Sorscher, Maggie Weissman and Kate Lloyd for distributing trustee packets this month.

2. Absent: Shahina Piyarali had a parent-teacher conference tonight and could not attend the LCC meeting.

3. They're Back! The beautiful daffodils planted by Jean Colley on the 41st Street median extension are up for the entire neighborhood to enjoy! Thank you, Jean!

4. Parks Board Responds: In response to LCC concerns about the shocking lack of civility at the Parks Board meeting addressing the Joint Athletic Facilities Program, Park Board Chair responded thanking LCC for its comments and recognizing the divisiveness that occurred at the meeting and the need to address the issues.

5. Alleged Mismanagement of ProParks Funds at Off-Leash Area at Sand Point Magnuson Park: Marco Lowe from the Mayor's office responded to LCC's 2/27/02 letter inquiring about a letter from the Magnuson Off Leash Group regarding alleged mismanagement of Pro Parks Levy Funds for the Magnuson Park Off Leash Area. Despite a lengthy memo prepared by the Parks Superintendent justifying Parks Department activities, the Mayor responded to the Off-Leash area suggesting several improvements to ensure accountability.

6. Emergency Preparedness from Councilmember Compton: Councilmember Compton approached LCC asking for an opportunity to present his powerpoint presentation on emergency preparedness in the event of a terrorist attack. After a poll of the board, LCC invited Councilmember Compton to attend the March trustee meeting. Councilmember Compton was busy until May so maybe that will happen in the future. He is interested in attending the LCC annual meeting and willing to rearrange his schedule due to a larger crowd.

7. Talaris: LCC emailed Talaris to ask why we had not heard from them in working together on their development project. No response to date from Talaris. Carol Eychaner reports no additions to the DCLU file on the proposed expansion of the Battelle property.

8. Seattle Sun: The Seattle Sun, formerly the Jet City Maven, approached LCC again to offer the opportunity to purchase an ad for $20 in their anniversary edition of the newspaper. LCC did this last year. The ad will say, Laurelhurst Community Club, serving the Laurelhurst community for 78 years and will include contact information.

9. Children's Advisory Committee: The next meeting of the Children's Advisory Committee will be held on April 29th at 7 p.m. at the hospital. Additional details next month.

10. Children's Garage: Sarah Erickson from Children's emailed to update LCC on the garage project. The garage is up and running. They are working on the logistics and trying to get everything just right for their patients and neighbors. Children's reports that things are going well. Landscaping has begun and will continue to fill out and get thicker on the perimeter. Lighting on the top level of the garage will begin tonight. This time of year, the lights will be illuminated on the top level from 5 Ð 8 p.m. Children's will reevaluate the need for lighting on the top level as the seasons change.

REPORTS/ACTION
Land Use Consultant: In May 2001 LCC voted to hire Carol Eychaner as its land use consultant on the Talaris expansion project. At the time, we authorized her services and expenses up to $3,000. She is now approaching that limit. $2315.19 has been spent to date. If a DEIS or something else fairly substantial comes up, the limit may very well be exceeded. M/S/P (Torrie/Ragee): That LCC put Eychaner on an hourly basis and authorize up to $3,000 in additional services and expenses. Motion passed unanimously.

Crime Prevention Report: Wright passed along the thanks of Hope Bauer for LCC's support of a noise ordinance with teeth. Officer Havenor broke up a party at the playfield. There were two car prowls in the neighborhood. Suspects were caught in one incident due to the efforts of one Block Watch Captain. Burglaries are up in the city, but not in the neighborhood. The North Precinct Advisory Council is working on the noise ordinance and the JAMPAC lawsuit over the All Ages Dance Ordinance/Teen Dance Ordinance.

Annual Meeting Planning: LCC is scheduled to have its annual community meeting in May. It is important that all trustees attend the meeting.

1. Election: At the annual meeting, trustees will be elected and re-elected. This year, the following trustees terms are up: Cahill, Colley, Gavin, Hale, Piyarali, Strunk, Torrie, Trumbauer and Weissman. Trustees who would like to continue on the board should contact Piyarali who is chairing the nominating committee. It appears that we need someone to serve as secretary as it is doubtful whether Schafbuch will be returning to the board due to other responsibilities. LCC may need a new treasurer, if Kim cannot be convinced to remain in that position.

2. Program: LCC needs to decide on speakers and a program for the annual meeting. Last year, the program featured speakers from the TransLake Washington Project, the UW Wetlands Restoration Project, Children's Hospital expansion and Battelle Property expansion. This year, we can present the Laurelhurst Transportation Master Plan at the meeting.

3. Thank You Neighbor Segment: For the past two years, LCC has had a thank you neighbor segment and recognized neighbors who have devoted time and energy to the neighborhood. Coco Sherman, LCC's special events coordinator, presents neighbors with a rose. Possibilities this year include: Liz Ogden for her work on the transportation master plan, Karl Weyrauch for his work on the speed hump project and Children's for its efforts to keep the neighborhood informed about expansion activities.

NE Branch Library Issues: LCC supported the Libraries for All levy in 1998. The levy includes funds to expand the NE Branch, the busiest branch in the City and the one used by Laurelhurst neighbors. In December 2000, 15 architects answered Seattle Public Library's call to apply to design the branch expansion and renovation. In March 2001, the Library Board selected The Miller/Hull Partnership to design the expansion of the North East Library. This was after an advisory panel that included North East residents evaluated proposals and interviewed architect finalists. Finally, in January 2002 the library hosted a meeting to see the first images of the North East Library expansion project. A consultant had earlier been hired to study traffic and parking patterns around the branch. The expansion is scheduled to be completed in 2003.

The NE Branch will be expanded by adding 7,958 square feet. One of the issues is that only 11 parking spaces on site will be provided. The traffic and parking study indicates that there is enough street parking to handle the needs of the expanded facility. It appears that View Ridge Community Council would like to have the expansion redesigned to provide more parking. The Ravenna-Bryant Community Association has expressed concerns that if this happens, the cost would substantially increase and there would be a major delay in proceeding with the expansion. Ravenna-Bryant has reviewed the traffic/parking study and doesn't have a problem with the fact that street parking will be used. By general agreement, it was decided that LCC support the position of the Ravenna-Bryant group.

CUCAC Update:

1. Golf Driving Range Update: LCC submitted an inquiry to the State Auditor about the UW's grassroots lobby campaign to garner support for its proposed rezone for the golf driving range. In getting copies of statements submitted to the hearing examiner on the issue, LCC found that one of the comment letters was written on a handout signed by the University's recreation sports director. State law prohibits state agencies, other units of government, elective officials and employees from using public funds directly or indirectly for lobbying activities. An exception allows agencies and public employees and others to provide information or positions to elected officials. LCC said that it appeared that grassroots lobbying campaigns, such as what the University did, are not allowed and that if there are issues as to how the state law is to be interpreted, at minimum, it appeared that the actions of the University are inconsistent with the intent of the law. Colley reported that there has been no decision on the rezone request yet.

2. Street Vacation Issue: At its 3/12/02 meeting, CUCAC will be considering issues related to the street vacation involved at the Center for Urban Horticulture. It appears that back in 1983 the UW petitioned for a street vacation to allow the Center for Urban Horticulture to be built. As compensation, the UW agreed to transfer five parcels of land to the city. Four parcels were transferred, but the fifth parcel was subject to certain restrictions. The UW agreed to propose legislation to remove the restrictions so that the City could use the fifth parcel for a bicycle trail. It appears that the Municipal Code was amended in 1986 to exempt state and federal agencies from paying compensation for street vacations. Despite this exemption, records show that the University agreed to approach the state legislature with legislation to be jointly sponsored by the UW and the City during the 1988 legislative session after the change in the Code. It is unclear whether a bill was actually introduced. The UW indicates that the proposal did not get on the legislative agenda in time for the 1988 session. It appears that the City decided not to pursue the bike trail in the area of the fifth parcel due to environmental concerns. LCC had questions about whether the City is entitled to a comparable fifth parcel for the street vacation and wrote to the City Attorney about this. If this is the case, LCC asked whether state legislative approval is required for the transfer? LCC also asked what affect the 1986 change in the Municipal Code had on the original agreement between the UW and the City? The UW assured the City University Community Advisory Committee (CUCAC) that issues relating to the street vacation and fifth parcel are housekeeping in nature, but LCC nonetheless wanted answers to the questions. There is a scarcity of open space in northeast Seattle, and LCC just wanted to know if the City was entitled to a fifth parcel.

Little League Sponsorship: Northeast Seattle Little League has again approached LCC to sponsor a sports team for $500. Neighborhood businesses that sponsor teams include: Burgermaster, Edward Jones Investments, Katterman's Pharmacy, Lovrovich Orthodontics, Varlamos Pizzeria, Pinocchio's Toys, Wells Fargo Bank, e-laurelhurst.com (Windermere Real Estate), Miller Pollard, Quorum Real Estate, Farrell Jewelers. M/S/P (Ragee): That LCC sponsor a Little League team at the $500 level. Motion passed unanimously.

Sand Point/Magnuson Park Update:

1. Field Lighting at Sand Point: NEDC's letter opposing lighting at the fields at Sand Point/Magnuson Park is included in the correspondence packet. The proposed lighting will especially impact the onsite transitional housing. The housing group wants a balance of uses at the park.

2. Housing: The Sand Point Housing Association has been restructured. It now includes three partners: Friends of Youth, Youth Care and the Low Income Housing Institute. They are hoping to hire two staff people. There is an interfaith group that meets out at the park that is involved with the housing group.

3. Lack of Responsiveness of Parks Department: The Liaison Committee will be sending a letter to the Mayor about how dysfunctional park development at Sand Point/Magnuson Park has become. The Special Interest Groups (organized as Project Advisory Teams) seem to be making the planning decisions and the concept of a "balance of uses" at the park is diminishing. At its last meeting, the Northeast District Council voted to write a letter complaining about the lack of notice and an opportunity to comment on development projects at the park. For example, most groups did not get notice about the opportunity to comment on the North Shore Recreation Areas Development. This project includes installation of a commercial restaurant on the premises.

There are PATs for various projects (the sports fields, the library, the Community Garden, etc.) and it seems as if those serving on the PATs are the only ones who get notice about projects. To serve on a PAT, you must be approved by the Parks Department. There is no notice of PAT meetings even though they are supposed to be open to the public. The Parks Department is supposed to prepare summaries of PAT meetings and agendas, but this information is not provided to interested citizens and groups.

Laurelhurst Transportation Master Plan: The Laurelhurst transportation plan process is progressing. The focus of attention is on the two arterials, 50th Avenue NE and NE 50th Street. Traffic and speed studies indicate that 47th Avenue has the worst speeding problem. Speeding is also a problem on 45th. The committee is studying various traffic calming devices. Wright asked whether the speed humps on 49th would be a problem for emergency vehicles. Weyrauch responded in the negative as Seattle Transportation considers this prior to installation. Colley suggested putting something in the newsletter reminding neighbors to drive slowly. It was suggested that LCC develop a self-help flyer to tell neighbors how they can decrease speeds on their street--such as parking on both sides, installing speed to create a canopy, etc. It was reported that one person got a speeding ticket for going 34 mph in a 30 mph zone on 50th and the fine was $151. This could be an incentive for neighbors to slow down. Weissman suggested using speed counters. Traffic circles help to slow speeds. Ragee raised concerns about the lack of maintenance of one of the traffic circles in the Town of Yesler.

Noise Issues:

1. Rabanco Issue: Ed Steyh from Solid Waste Contract Administration told LCC that the Rabanco contract (Rabanco does business as Emerald City Disposal) is up for renegotiation. The current garbage collection contract runs until 2009. Rabanco approached the city seeking to amend the contract because they would like to use the same trucks to pick up garbage and recycling, as in some parts of the city (not Laurelhurst) they do both. So, the city has an opportunity to get something in return for what Rabanco wants. The city is not interested in hours of operation and the impact upon residential communities. Ed Steyh said the city would have to compensate Rabanco for extra trucks and employees if it limits the hours of operation. But, the city is exploring adding provisions relating to noise. Specifically, Steyh mentioned requiring quieter trucks, requiring strobe lights for backing up, rather than the current beep, beep, beep that can be heard throughout the segment of our neighborhood bordering the business district, and requiring plastic dumpsters. Hale asked Steyh if there were any other areas that have the same problems as Laurelhurst--quiet residential bordering a business district. He said Fremont and Belltown have the same problems, but neither comparable in terms of our single-family 5000 zoning and the peace and quiet that we enjoy (except for the trucks and ProRobics). The other thing that Steyh pointed out is that the recycle pickups are not governed by any city contracts. It's free enterprise as he states with no limitations at all on the impact on our community. Waste Management, Inc. (our recycle pickup company) can pickup at 4 a.m. if it wants--and it does! This is because our noise ordinance has no teeth.

   Paul Klemond is working on this issue with Sorscher and Newman. Klemond pointed out to Steyh that the big diesel truck engines make the wall rumble in the Town of Yesler. Klemond reviewed the Rabanco contract and found that section 230 states (in part): "The maximum noise level while collecting or compacting materials collected under this Contract shall not exceed the levels set forth in SMC 25.08.410." According to that code, sound originating in a commercial zone and received in a residential zone shall not exceed 57 decibels. Klemond doesn't have a sound meter, but is sure that Rabanco's operations exceed the limit. Klemond reported that 4:48 a.m. and 5:14 a.m. pickups are common. Klemond agreed to come up with some contract language.

   In the meantime, Klemond spoke with Dan Marsden, operations manager at Rabanco. Klemond was told that Rabanco had not had a noise complaint this year. Klemond was encouraged after speaking with Marsden and would like to give Marsden a couple of weeks to try to resolve the problems. Then, if Rabanco can't/won't fix it, he will work with the police department and DCLU to step up enforcement of the current noise ordinance.

2. Noise Ordinance: Sorscher attended a recent meeting sponsored by the University Park Communicy Council. Councilmember Pageler was the speaker and suggested a hearing on the issue of the noise ordinance with a panel of various perspectives. Carla Cole the City's Public Information Officer contacted LCC about revisions to the noise ordinance in response to the LCC letter and letters from Sound Rights, University Park Community Council and the Northeast District Council. She is working with David George from DCLU on the issue. LCC had written a letter to the mayor, city council and city attorney asking that the current noise ordinance be strengthened. In 1999, the Seattle City Council passed an improved Noise Ordinance by a wide margin. Unfortunately, that measure did not become law. LCC is convinced that from the 1999 experience, a workable, enforceable and practical solution to noise problems is within reach.

Princeton Bridge Replacement: In early April, Seattle Transportation will begin the process of removing and replacing the Princeton Bridge (crosses Burke-Gilman to connect Hawthorne Hills with Sand Point Way) with a new, seismically sound structure. The bridge and Burke-Gilman trail will be closed for the duration of the nine-month construction project. Weissman continues to follow this issue for LCC to ensure as minimal impact as possible on Laurelhurst businesses.

Housing Levy: There was general agreement that LCC should write a letter asking that the upcoming housing levy include provisions that prohibit the use or purchase of park property for housing purposes.

ADJOURN: The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m.