Laurelhurst Community Club

Minutes for February 9, 2004

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM

Attending: Susan Rucker, Don Torrie, Bonnie Zinn, Maggie Weissman, Jim Romano, Dermot Noonan, Jennifer Biely, Joe Herrin, Kate Lloyd, Heather Newman, Mark Holden, Mark Trumbauer, John Burge, John Clark, Pat Wright, Shahina Piyarali, Jeannie Hale, Stan Sorscher, Mimi Levin (left early due to illness)

Absent: Barbara Ragee; Susan Torrance

Guests: Robin Chalmers, Karen Ko, David Goldberg

Minutes from the January meeting were distributed for reference. 

David Goldberg, Project Manager for Laurelhurst Community Center Expansion: 

1.      Background:  In November 2000, Seattle voters approved the ProParks Levy.  For two years prior to submission of the levy to the voters, LCC worked with the ProParks Committee charged with developing projects to include in the levy proposal.  This involved attending meetings at least three evenings a month to help formulate the criteria for selection of projects and urging inclusion of funds to expand the Laurelhurst Community Center.  For two years prior to commencement of this process, LCC worked on the update of the 1993 Parks Comprehensive Plan to ensure that renovation and/or expansion of the Laurelhurst Community Center and upgrading of the gym at Laurelhurst School remain priorities along with other projects of interest to the Laurelhurst community.  LCC was successful in its efforts relating to the Comp Plan update and in having the $2.5 M Community Center expansion project included in the $198 M ProParks Levy. 

2.      The Process:  It is now the time to develop the community involvement process for expansion of the Community Center.  Background information about the Parks Department Project Advisory Team (PAT) process is included in the agenda packets. 

 The PAT will be made up of 12 community representatives plus Park Staff. The Parks Department is looking for broad representation and will accept applications on simple forms electronically or by hard copy. Recommendations from the PAT and Parks staff would go to the Project Steering Committee.  Also included in the packets is the community questionnaire used by the Montlake Community Club on its website for its community center renovation.  

David said their planning considers possible uses of the center over the next decades. Design guidelines specify some of the desired features. Construction would be scheduled to start in 2006. The remodeled building would be about twice the size of the existing one. The project would try to retain the historical value of the original building, which was a WPA project  

CALLS AND CONCERNS

1.      Sex Offenders:  On February 5, neighbor Cheryl Herndon emailed to let LCC know about a bill in the state legislature, House Bill 2400, that would impose enhanced penalties for sex offenders.  Herndon was added to the neighborhood email network and told about the upcoming Crime Prevention meeting.

2.      February Email Message to Neighbors:  Irene Steward, formerly with the Department of Neighborhoods, emailed on February 6 to compliment LCC on its email message to neighbors, stating that Laurelhurst has one of the best neighborhood e-newsletters she’s seen.  Neighbor Michelle Summers emailed on February 6 to thank LCC for its monthly email message.  Jean Amick emailed on February 5 to compliment LCC on the February email message

3.      Project on 41st:  Sara Mockett emailed on February 8 to express concern that the construction at 3710 NE 41st might not be complying with its permit.  The permit authorizes a two-story addition and a few other changes.  To Sara, it looked like they were building two houses on the lot and that is what a worker told her.  A call to the Department of Planning revealed that the owners changed their mind about the two story addition and decided to build two houses.  The original house that was built in 1940 was built across two lots and had been legally platted by King County.  For this reason, the city granted another permit to build a separate house on what will become 3706 NE 41st Street. 

4.      Speeding on 41st:  Brian Acarregui emailed on February 7 to tell LCC that he had checked out our website and wondered why our Transportation Master Plan only covered the northern segment of the neighborhood when the heart of Laurelhurst is south of NE 45th.  He said that the speed of cars driving through the entire Laurelhurst neighborhood is out of control and needs to be addressed.  He added that he would be happy to contribute on a yearly basis to the gradual addition of speed bumps and islands throughout the neighborhood, and I'm sure so would a great number of people.  The speed of cars for example on NE 45th, NE 41st, 43rd NE, and Surber drive to name a few is way too high and dangerous to pedestrians and children.  He suggested a stop sign at the intersection of NE 41st and 43rd NE due to speeding and poor visibility problems.  Paul Schmidt, who also lives on 41st, emailed on February 6 about the same problems.  He and his wife have some suggestions that would improve the quality of life on the street, as well as address the real safety issues, starting with a few that would be inexpensive and could be integrated nicely with the new boulevard improvements.  Paul would like to come to a future LCC meeting.  

In response to concerns from neighbors about the intersection of NE 42 and 43rd NE, Kate Lloyd followed up with the transportation department about installation of street buttons to alert drivers as to when they should start making turns.  This has been a major problem and there have been several near head-on collisions.  The buttons were installed this morning. Speed bumps are not allowed on steep hills.  

5.      Another Laurelhurst Superstar:  Marissa LaMadrid emailed on February 6 to let LCC know that her son also received Honorable Mention in the art contest for Neighbor Appreciation Day.  Max Mermannsfeldt attended Laurelhurst School and is now a 7th grader at Washington Middle School.  LCC prepared a Good Neighbor Award certificate for Max and honored him at our reception on February 9.  He and Christina Chung, the fifth grader from Laurelhurst School who also won Honorable Mention, also received a Good Neighbor Award.  Both received $25 gift certificates from University Village and a big bag of jelly-bellies from The Confectionary.  Christina was given a framed copy of her artwork and Max will also be given a framed copy of his after that is done.   

6.      Caucuses:  Jim Mullens emailed on February 6 to inquire about the neighborhood caucuses.  Hellmut Golde emailed on February 8 to express concern that Neighbor Appreciation Day was scheduled the same time as the precinct caucuses.  Hale responded that LCC tried to get the Mayor to change the date of Neighbor Appreciation Day, but that he refused.  Hale encouraged Golde to email the Mayor and Golde said he intended to do so. 

7.      Robin Chalmers said the crow populations seem to be reduced somewhat. 

 ADMINISTRATION:: 

1.      Treasurer’s Report:: Don Torrie went through the monthly financial review. Dues payments have been received and deposited, although recording will take a while to complete. The largest expense during the month was legal fees from the Land Use appeals.  

2.      Minutes:  The January 12, 2004 LCC minutes will be reviewed at the March meeting. 

3.      Land Use Consultant:  As reported last month, LCC was fortunate to hire land use consultant Carol Eychaner to assist with issues relating to the Talaris proposed development in June 2001.  Since that time, Eychaner has reached the $6,000 authorized.  Revised plans for the Talaris project will be available near the end of February and Eychaner has prepared an estimate of services required to review the plans, monitor activity and the Department of Planning and Development and report to LCC.  That estimate is included in a letter from Eychaner included in the correspondence packet.  Action on this item was deferred for Executive Session.

 ANNOUNCEMENTS 

1.      Thank you!  Thanks to Don Torrie for coordinating distribution of monthly trustee packets and to Kate Lloyd, Dermot Noonan, and Heather Newman for assisting this month. 

2.      Absent:  Barbara Ragee could not be here tonight as she is on vacation.  Welcome back Shahina Piyarali. Susan Torrance is expected back, soon. 

3.      Anonymous Contribution:  On January 23, LCC received an anonymous $5,000 contribution.  The check noted that it was for “Land Use Issues.”  A week or two earlier Hale had received a call in response to an article in the newsletter about LCC’s efforts relating to the lease lid and the UW master plan.  The caller asked questions about the legal matters and expressed appreciation for LCC’s efforts in protecting the Battelle property.  He indicated he would like to make a considerable contribution to the effort.  Hale told the caller that neighbors would be receiving dues statement the following week and that LCC would appreciate anything he would like to contribute. 

4.      Crime Prevention Meeting:  The date and time for the neighborhood crime prevention meeting has been confirmed—March 11 at 7:15 p.m.  Councilmember Nick Licata, the new chair of the public safety committee has confirmed that he will be a speaker.  Pat Wright, and Diane Horswell from the Police Department and Hale are working on putting the agenda together.  Assistance will be needed in getting the word out as the newsletter has already gone to the printer. 

5.      University Village:  In the last month, there have been at least two car accidents at the QFC entrance to the Village.  The Ravenna Bryant Community Association is considering writing a letter to the City requesting that signage to protect pedestrians be installed at the location (Watch for pedestrians or something similar).  The draft letter they are considering also asks that pedestrian safety surrounding University Village be included in the City Council’s listing of transportation priorities. 

6.      Neighbor Appreciation Day Update:  The Laurelhurst annual Neighbor Appreciation Day reception was a big success.  About 80 neighbors attended.  Mayor Nickels, Councilmembers Compton and Della, David Yim and Malcolm Boyles were on hand.  Christina Chung, a fifth grader at Laurelhurst Elementary School, and Max Hermannsfeldt received Honorable Mention in the City’s art contest for Neighbor Appreciation Day and were honored at the event.  Other neighbors who received Good Neighbor Awards include:  Gary Baldwin, Dick Barnum and Sydney Hallum, Tommy Bowden, Jean, Paul and Reid Ekman, Susan Erak, Rita Gill, Tim Hennings, Debbie Jenner, Sue and Al John, Winston and Irma Johnson, Mike Matthews and Karen Anderson, Curt O’Connor, Chip Painter, Ame Simon and Marc Carter, Molly and John Torkelson and Fred and Pat Wright. 

Great Harvest Bread Company provided delicious baked goods and Noah’s Bagels provided bagels.  Mrs. Cooks donated a three-tiered glass cake platter for the drawing and University Village contributed a total of $125 in gift certificates.  QFC provided a $50 gift certificate to help pay for the juice and other supplies.  The University Frame shop contributed discounted framing of Neighbor Appreciation Day cards for the two young people and Coco Sherman.  LCC sold seven Laurelhurst history books at the event. 

Thank you to the trustees and others who helped out with the event:  Maggie Weissman, Heather Newman, Nancy Oblanas, Karen Painter, Stan Sorscher, Joe Herrin, Mark Holden, Jennifer Biely and Jeannie Hale.

 

7.      Precinct Caucuses:  Four hundred and ninety-nine neighbors attended the precinct caucuses at Laurelhurst Elementary School. 

8.      Stylus Pen and Paper:  Stylus Pen and Paper, formerly known as SabTec has apparently gone out of business.  University Village indicates that they believe the owner has moved out of the country.  The business still owes LCC $225 for advertising expenses.

 REPORTS/ACTION

Crime Prevention:  Pat Wright and Jeannie Hale will meet with Diane Horswell and Nick Licata to talk about the neighborhood crime situation. Dave Della spoke to at the monthly meeting about priorities for City Council Committees. This month, our neighborhood experienced a house burglary and Sand Point Clinic was broken into. We want to set up an active block watch program.  

LCC Website Update:  Susan Rucker reported on progress updating the web site. She would appreciate guidance on design features, colors, images and so on. The new service provider keeps log files showing traffic to the site. The level of detail gives us some idea of which areas are popular and general information on who is visiting the site. The Montlake Community Club web site includes links to businesses in the area, and we could give higher visibility to a similar section on our site.  

Paying Dues Online:  It has been suggested that LCC offer neighbors the opportunity to pay dues online.  Sorscher followed up on this.  There is a company called ClickandPledge.com that provides this service to nonprofit organizations.  There is no monthly fee and no minimum payment.  The charge is self inclusive of all credit card charges and fees. VISA (4.75%), MasterCard (4.75%), Discover (4.75%), and American Express (8.75%) are offered.  Organization can choose any or all these cards.  Donors will only be given the option of the cards selected by the organization.  ClickandPledge has a long list of clients, including children’s groups, religious, political and community organizations. Locally, the Municipal League uses this service. 

Based on discussion the sense of the group was to set up the service for a 3 month trial period. We will inquire about lower rates, based on large but infrequent purchases. The setup will include only VISA, MasterCard and Discover card options. 

Sound Transit Montlake Route:  The UW has requested a modified route for Sound Transit.  The routes currently under consideration include a Montlake tunnel route, a 15th Avenue NE tunnel route and two variations of a west tunnel route aligning with Brooklyn Avenue NE. At the CUCAC meeting, Theresa Doherty said the UW prefers locating a station near Husky Stadium.  The UW’s proposed modification would shift the tunnel alignment east of Rainier Vista and move the southern station east of Montlake Boulevard and is expected to have fewer impacts on UW research facilities. A second station would be off Brooklyn near 45th St. Joe Herrin agreed to draft a letter of support for this arrangement. 

501(c)(3):  Andrew Bor, an attorney at Perkins Coie in the Business Department and a Laurelhurst neighbor has agreed to assist LCC pro bono in forming a separate 501(c)(3) corporation.  Reports on progress will be scheduled in the future. 

Doing More with Less:  At LCC’s Strategic Planning Committee meeting on January 26, several proposals surfaced and there was some brainstorming on community building projects and ways for LCC to address community needs. 

Cheryl Kitchen expressed some interest in helping with an earthquake preparedness program. Joe Herrin volunteered for the Community Center PAT. Maggie Weissman will try to coordinate high school service projects with neighborhood activities.  

The Board began Executive Session at 8:50 PM:   

Topics included the legal appeals regarding the UW Lease Lid and Master Plan. Oral arguments in the Master Plan case are scheduled for Feb 17. Instructions for legal counsel regarding next steps were determined.  

Motion made by Bonnie Zinn, seconded by Jennifer Biely:  

Each regularly scheduled LCC Board meeting shall include a consistently formatted Treasurer’s Report including income expected expenses actual expenses for the year-to-date, current balance, and anticipated income and expenses for at least the upcoming three months. 

Further, the Treasurer’s Report shall be one of the first items on the agenda, except for aspects of the report which relate to privileged matters which will be reviewed in Executive Session. 

Further, the Treasurer requires authorization from the Board prior to payment of any legal bill over $1000 per month.

Further, The Board shall authorize and nominate Don Torrie and all elected officers to access financial information and provide financial reports in place of the Treasurer when necessary 

Further, the Treasurer, with the assistance of the Board of Trustees shall prepare an annual budget including recurring known expenses and income, including Newsletter, landscaping dues and foreseeable legal fees.  

After discussion, the Motion passed unanimously.  

Carol Eychaner is studying the new Talaris proposal. The Board authorized her to proceed with the next step in her evaluation.  

The meeting was adjourned at 10:02 PM.

 

 

Minutes by Stan Sorscher