Minutes for May 10, 2004
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM
Attending: John Clark, Jim Romano, Kate Lloyd, Mark Holden, John Burge, Barb Ragee, Maggie Weissman, Joe Herrin, Mark Trumbauer, Jennifer Biely, Jeannie Hale, Mimi Levin, Stan Sorscher, Dermot Noonan
Excused: Heather Newman, Don Torrie, Pat Wright, Bonnie Zinn, Susan Torrance
GUESTS
Jon Lebo, Senior Project Manager, UW Capital Projects Office, Proposed Expansion of UW Golf Driving Range, Robert King, John Parisan, Theresa Doherty, Todd Cahill, Karen Ko
John Lebo spoke about the UW Driving Range project. One goal is to increase the number of tees. A controversial feature of the project is the 80 ft fence intended to contain driven balls. A somewhat scaled-back design is now envisioned, with 43-48 tees and lower net configurations. On the east and west side, the net would not be raised, and the north end would be at 65 ft or less. Greens would be added down-range to encourage more focused driving. Currently, University Village is zoned for 65 ft construction. Some of the trees around the range are above 65 ft in height. The net would be suspended on 13 high-strength steel posts, supporting the netting on cables.
The range would be regraded and covered with artificial turf. Lights on the east and west sides would light the landing area. Overall lighting levels would be less than sports fields in the area.
Questions from the group included methane mitigation, and water migration. The issues involve the high water table in the area, compaction under the range, and drainage as artificial turf replaces existing grass. The netting material will be stainless steel in a chicken-wire type arrangement. This may be tougher on birds than a softer material. No underlayment material is required for the artificial turf, because the range is not a playing surface. It was not clear what effect the redesign might have on daylighting Ravenna Creek, although water flow in the area is a factor. The new design is motivated in part from high cost of steel. The towers contain a great deal of material, and cost roughly $10,000 each.
Theresa Doherty spoke briefly about the lease lid issue, and a public hearing scheduled for July. Jeannie Hale offered to speak to the local chamber of commerce and the UW regents about the lease lid.
ADMINISTRATION:
Treasurer’s Report: This report was deferred to executive session.
Minutes: The April 12th minutes were reviewed. Motion by John Clark, seconded by Barb Ragee, to accept the minutes of the April 2004 meeting as submitted. Motion approved unanimously.
Nominating Committee: Kate Lloyd reported on the survey of current board members seeking re-election to the Board of Trustees and vacancies.
CALLS AND CONCERNS
1. Cell Towers: On 5/07/04, Lloyd reported that Tom from Shear Pleasure told her that plans for a cell tower on the roof of his building had been abandoned—thanks to LCC’s successful efforts in working with the business community.
2. Laurel Village Problems: Newman emailed the UW on 4/30/04 regarding problems with students in the housing parking on her dead-end street blocking her driveway and access in and out of the street and having loud parties at very late hours. On one occasion, a neighbor’s side mirror had been knocked off due to the over-parking and difficulty of maneuvering vehicles on the narrow street. A basketball hoop was knocked over and landscaping destroyed. UW police were very slow in answering their phone and slow in responding to the incident Newman called about as they couldn’t find the location. If Newman is unable to get cooperation from the UW, LCC will follow up as it has on many occasions in the past.
Barb Ragee reminded Theresa Doherty that UW had assured neighbors that UW would restrict parking by University housing residents on side streets near the housing complexes.
3. Lost Keys: On 4/26/04, the Laurelhurst School secretary was given a wad of keys that a FedEx driver found. The keys are each tagged with dog names and it is suspected that a dogwalker lost them. Newman is checking with the dogwalkers she knows. The keys will be kept at the school office.
4. Magnuson Park: Cynthia McFalls emailed on 4/18/04 to get the low down on the issues relating to the Magnuson Park sports complex as she’d received some material in the mail. Hale explained that LCC supported field development with mitigation on traffic and the adjacent wetlands. She provided links to the pro and con groups for McFalls to check out and encouraged her to contact Lloyd for additional information. Bob Capeloto emailed on 4/21/04 to ask about LCC’s position on Magnuson Park. His biggest concerns with the sports complex is the impact upon traffic on Sand Point Way and issues relating to security and maintenance of such a large complex. Capeloto was complimentary about LCC’s response.
5. Junk Storage in the Neighborhood: Michael Vaughan emailed on 4/15/04 about a house next door to her on 42nd NE and 41st where renovation has been proceeding for about 18 months. The back patio is littered with junk and the lawn and plants have not been maintained. Hale passed along the phone number for Code enforcement as the Code prohibits junk storage and there is no record that the property owner obtained a permit.
6. 43rd Avenue Median: Sally Gould, Brian McMullen and Sedge and Sally Thompson contacted LCC about the City’s failure to mow the median on 43rd Avenue. The Transportation Department is responsible for the maintenance, but due to budget reductions, has decided to cut back on the mowing and maintenance. Hale contacted Shane DeWald from the Transportation Department and mowing took place the day of her call. DeWald had heard from several Laurelhurst neighbors. She is trying to get neighbors to take over maintenance of the planted areas.
7. Nashville Interest in LCC: The Nashville Planning Department emailed on 4/15/04 inquiring about LCC’s work on the video billboard legislation a couple of years ago. Hale forwarded LCC correspondence, the city report and final legislation passed in Seattle, as well as the amendments LCC was successful in incorporating into the measure passed.
8. Roosevelt All School Reunion: Karmann Kaplan emailed on 4/15/04 to ask if LCC could publicize the Roosevelt High School Foundation’s “All School Reunion and One Last Look” event. LCC included an announcement in the May newsletter and will include something in the May email message to neighbors.
9. Thanks: Mimi Winslow emailed on 4/14/04 to thank LCC for publicizing the Friends of the Library book sale in the April email message to neighbors. Kristi Johnson, Aggie Coates and Rebecca Ross emailed on 4/15/04 and Fritz Hansen emailed on 4/24/04 to thank LCC for the April email message to neighbors.
10. Laurelhurst High Speed Connection: In his 4/24/04 email message, Fritz Hansen inquired as to what problems exist preventing Qwest from establishing a high speed connection in the neighborhood. Hale responded that Qwest is now working on this and explained the two possibilities—equipment at Children’s or adjacent to St. Stephens.
11. Crime at Magnuson Park: George Majercak emailed on 4/14/04 to inquire about unruly teenagers doing damage at Magnuson Park. He thought earlier park closure might help and asked whom he should contact at the Park. Hale provided Park contact information to Majercak, along with contact information for neighborhood leaders monitoring Magnuson Park issues.
12. Earthquake preparedness: Robert King completed a major earthquake upgrade in his home, adding shear walls and securing elements of the structure. He reminded the Board that city officials give guidance to homeowners on structural improvements for earthquake safety and community organizing. For instance, neighbors should know each others’ gas shutoff, and emergency phone numbers, make arrangements for food and water and learn about code conditions. Hot water heater straps can prevent fires and water damage after earthquakes.
13. Childrens’ hospital parking: Jennifer Biely reported that employees and staff are parking in the residential area around the medical center. The city is considering a 2-hr parking zone.
14. Green Streets permit: Stan Sorscher reported that neighbors and Talaris developers would like to cooperate on landscaping the west side of the Talaris project. To that end, a green streets permit might be needed to work in 38th Ave NE. He has started discussions with Donald Nelson at the Seattle Department of Transportation. He has talked to neighbors along the boundary who all expressed interest.
1. Thank you! Thanks to Jennifer Biely and Dermot Noonan for coordinating distribution of monthly trustee packets in the absence of Torrie.
2. UW Master Plan: On March 30, Judge Lukens issued his decision on the UW master plan case. The Judge upheld the decision of the Central Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board in deciding that the Board had no jurisdiction to rule on the matter. The final order was signed by the judge on April 29th. LCC has until May 29th to decide if it would like to file a direct appeal to the State Supreme Court.
3. Retirement Party: Laurelhurst Elementary School Principal Nancy Chin will be retiring at the end of this school year. The Laurelhurst community is invited to attend the retirement reception for her in the school auditorium on Wednesday, June 9th between 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. Chin would enjoy seeing faces from the past and your presence would help make this a special send off to this very special lady. Questions? Contact Susan Lundh at 206-252-5400.
4. DADUs: Councilmember Tom Rasmussen emailed LCC today regarding the Mayor’s Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit proposal. He supports creating more housing opportunities in the city, but will look at traffic and parking impacts of the proposal, privacy of residents and design parameters. Councilmember Richard Conlin emailed on 4/29/04 to thank LCC for the excellent issues raised by LCC on the DADU proposal that need to be addressed.
5. Clean Up of Traffic Circles: Newman is out of town until the end of May and Zinn in unable to continue coordinating the traffic circle project due to family obligations. Both had agreed to work on this project, but additional help is needed. Much of the groundwork has been laid. LCC has a list of the traffic circles from the Transportation Department. Follow-up is needed with the Transportation Department to arrange for pickup of the yard waste. Neighbor Catherine Kalke has volunteered to keep a listing of neighbor plant donations as some of the plants that will work will have to wait until the end of the season to be divided (such as day lilies). Kalke is also interested in working on the circle by her house (46th Avenue NE and NE 50th). Nan Haigwood is scouting the neighborhood to make sure we haven’t missed any of the traffic circles. The tentative clean-up date is June 12th.
6. Annual Neighbors Meeting: The annual neighborhood meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 27 from 7:15-9:15 p.m. at the community center. The Talaris people have confirmed they can attend as well Tom Hinckley, Director of the Center for Urban Horticulture, and others from the Center.
REPORTS/ACTION
Crime Prevention Report: In a written report to the Board, Wright stated:
3. Diane checked again about Farrell’s Jewelry Store burglary; and confirmed that there was some jewelry recovered.
Finance Committee Report:
Dues Payment: As a result of the March 21st Strategic Planning Committee meeting, it was suggested that the trustee responsibilities handout be amended to include a requirement that all trustees be dues paying members. Something such as the following could be added: “PAY DUES: All trustees must make a commitment to pay annual dues to LCC and to assist with fundraising activities.” General agreement was reached that trustees should be members in good standing, but no decision was made that this be a requirement for serving as a trustee on the Board.
Precautionary Principle: Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 1994 in response to the mandates of the state Growth Management Act, was designed to articulate a vision of how the city will grow in ways to sustain its citizen values. There is currently a 10-year update in progress. City staff and citizen groups suggested an amendment to incorporate a “precautionary principle” policy in land use, transportation, neighborhood planning and environmental matters.
It would function in the case of a legal challenge, which could incorporate the precautionary principle as another element of their argument of factors that must be considered.
The American Lung Association, the League of Women Voters and several environmental groups proposed this comprehensive plan amendment. Councilmember Nick Licata held a meeting on the topic on April 22nd.
The "precautionary principle" is a value statement intended as an approach to decision making. It asks decision-makers, policymakers and communities to consider the full range of direct and indirect costs of decisions to our health and the environment, even when full scientific certainty about potential harmful effects is lacking. Where there is doubt, the principle basically asks that the city err on the side of caution. The principle includes a focus on public involvement in decision-making.
The city has many laws and policies that support the proposed precautionary principle comprehensive plan amendment—the Growth Management Act, the city’s endorsement of the Earth Charter, the mission of the Office of Sustainability, city purchasing policies regarding recycling and improving water and energy use efficiency, the city’s environmental action agenda and the city’s pesticide reduction program just to mention a few.
LCC’s land use goals, adopted in the 1980’s call for participation in the Comprehensive Plan process to preserve the character of neighborhoods, provide for adequate open space and to address transportation and other issues. Comments on proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments are due on May 28, 2004 in case LCC would like to support the precautionary principle proposed amendment.
Motion by Kate Lloyd, seconded by Mark Trumbauer: LCC should write a letter of support for the precautionary principle. Motion passed without dissent, with abstentions by Barb Ragee, Mark Holden and Jim Romano.
Noise Ordinance: At its May 6th meeting, the Northeast District Council heard concerns from the University Park Community Club about lack of enforcement of the changes to the noise ordinance. A letter written to the Police Chief by that group is included in the correspondence packet. At recent incidents in University Park, police responded and provided only a verbal warning, whereas the changes to the noise ordinance require responsible parties to receive citations. The police responded a second time and declared they had no authority to do anything. University Park has suggested a meeting with representatives of the police department to assess implementation of the ordinance.
The sense of the Board was to write a letter supporting enforcement of the new noise ordinance, and attending the meeting.
SR 520 Bridge and Replacement Project/Westside Community Roundtable: Herrin has been selected to represent Laurelhurst on the Westside Community Roundtable, a group that will discuss lid design ideas and pedestrian and bicycle connections as they relate to the lids. He reported that the Roundtable had its first meeting on May 6th as part of the EIS process. Impact zone maps were considered. A committee is also looking at effects on arterial streets on our side of the lake. A lid at Roanoke is one possibility. Other issues are noise and lighting on the new bridge, which will be higher and closer to Webster Point.
Magnuson Park:
1. Update: The City Council held a public hearing on April 19th on the proposed sports complex at Magnuson Park. One hundred and sixty-eight people signed up to testify. Statements from the Liaison Committee, Hawthorne Hills Community Council, the Magnuson Park Stewardship Alliance and the Low Income Housing Institute are included in the correspondence packet. Also included in the agenda packets are a couple of reports—the city council central staff analysis of the Mayor’s proposal and a proposal from the Northwest Parks Foundation to privatize Magnuson Park.
The council central staff report stated that there is a need for additional sports fields in the city, but that Seattle was doing far better than other cities including Denver, Vancouver, B.C., Long Beach, California, Oakland, San Jose, San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles. To expand Seattle’s sports field capacity to meet its needs would exceed $100M. There are various ways to expand sports field capacity: build new fields, add lights and synthetic surfaces to existing fields, improve condition of existing fields and provide incentives to encourage off-peak field use. Staff concluded that the greatest potential for expanding sports fields would be to expand the capacity of existing sports fields to accommodate more play.
The central staff report said that Magnuson Park has a greater portion of the city’s sports field capacity—14% as compared to 8-9% in other parts of the city. The report found evidence lacking that northeast Seattle is more deficient in sports fields than any other part of town. Despite this assessment, the Mayor’s proposal for Magnuson Park would double sports field capacity in northeast Seattle at the expense of improvement of fields in other areas of the city. About $12.5M is available for the project, whereas the total cost would be $60M. A proposal to privatize the park (enclosed in the agenda packets) to pay the additional cost has not met with approval. Kate Lloyd brought a copy of an editorial in the Sunday Seattle Times taking a position very similar to LCC’s – seeking reasonable compromises on scale, lighting and hours of use.
The City Council will decide whether to approve the Mayor’s plan for Magnuson Park later this month.
2. Liaison Committee Resolution: At its May 4th meeting, the Sand Point Community Liaison Committee approved a resolution regarding the Mayor’s proposal for Magnuson Park. The resolution calls for a reduction in the scale of the project to avoid privatization of the park, adherence to the ProParks Levy requirements for improvements throughout the park, priority to enhancements of the 65th Street park entrance, removal of eyesores such as the Commissary, mitigation of adverse impacts of the development and application of the precautionary principle to the development. A copy of the resolution was emailed to trustees yesterday and hard copies distributed at tonight’s meeting.
The Sand Point liaison committee resolution was discussed, and the text was modified to replace “soccer field operators” with “sports field operators.” Motion by John Clark, seconded by Barb Ragee: to approve the resolution as amended. Motion passed with 8 aye votes, no nay votes, and with Maggie Weissman, Jim Romano, Mimi Levin, Jennifer Biely and Dermot Noonan abstaining.
3. Naming Issues: In response to requests from community organizations, Parks Department Superintendent Ken Bounds is recommending to the Parks Naming Committee that Magnuson Park be named Warren G. Magnuson Park, to recognize the legacy of Senator Magnuson and his efforts to secure the federal property as parkland for the city (as opposed to Sand Point/Magnuson Park). As a follow-up, LCC has been asked to support the naming of the park after Senator Magnuson and the naming of the community center in the park as Magnuson Park Community Center, rather than Sand Point Community Center.
Motion by Maggie Weissman, seconded by Kate Lloyd: to support the proposal to name the park and community center after Warren G. Magnuson. Motion passed unanimously.
Representatives from the View Ridge Community Council have requested that Northeast District Council member organizations support their proposal to have Building 47 at Magnuson Park be named after Dorothy McCormick. McCormick is past president of the View Ridge Community Council and former co-chair of the Sand Point Liaison Committee. She worked for Mayor Royer from 1978 to 1984. McCormick died on July 17, 1999. Lloyd contacted Jeanette Williams about the proposal. Williams position is that it is difficult to single one person out for recognition when so many have been involved in creating Magnuson Park. Williams and another long-term Magnuson Park activist, Inga Strauss, agreed that some kind of recognition for McCormick should be pursued, but not having a building named after her at the park.
Sidewalk Safety Update: Dermot Noonan met with Karl Weyrauch to transfer materials regarding the sidewalk safety program. The collected information was passed on to Seattle Transportation staff. So far, no word has come back from the proposal for matching funds to repair sidewalks. Another issue is encroachment onto sidewalks by foliage, benches, basketball hoops and parked cars.
In executive session, the Board reviewed expenses, revenues, options in our legal matters and goals as they relate to neighborhood interests.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 PM.
Minutes by Stan Sorscher