Laurelhurst Community Club Minutes for January 17, 2005
The meeting was called to order at 7:07 PM
Attending: Jennifer Biely, Joe Herrin, Dermot Noonan, Barb Ragee, John Clark, Tom Maider, Mark Holden, Kate Lloyd, Heather Newman, Joyce Hinckley, Mark Trumbauer, John Burge, Jeannie Hale, Pat Wright, Dan Becraft, Stan Sorscher
Bonnie Zinn, Maggie Weissman, Joe Torrie and Susan Torrance could not attend tonight’s meeting due to conflicts.
Guests: Coco Sherman, Karen Ko, Alan Hovland, and Jean Amick
Neighbor Appreciation Day: Coco Sherman, LCC’s Special Events Coordinator, briefed the board on planning for the annual Neighbor Appreciation Day reception. The event is scheduled for Saturday, February 12 from 10-noon at the community center. Trustees were provided flyers to distribute explaining the process for nominating neighbors for Good Neighbor Awards.
This will be our 8th Neighborhood Appreciation Day event. The City coordinates meetings in as many neighborhoods as possible. The idea started with Judith Wood in 1995, and takes place on the Saturday before Valentine's Day. Coco read examples of nomination letters, and emphasized that we are looking for helpful considerate individuals who make special effort for the neighborhood. We hope to have 60-80 people attend. Elementary school students usually submit artwork in a city-wide contest related to the event.
Karen Ko observed that the Laurelhurst Good Neighbor Day event is always well done, and captures the spirit of Judith Wood's concept.
We talked about volunteers to help set up and break down the room, and help Coco with chores at the meeting.
Maggie Weissman could not be here tonight but has recommended that LCC nominate Jeff Gietzen, new owner of the old Texaco station for a Good Neighbor Award. Gietzen installed plants, mulch and stones in the new curb bulb at his own expense as part of the curb bulb/stop light project. Weissman is willing to write the letter for LCC. The Board expressed general agreement to nominate Jeff Gietzen.
ADMINISTRATION:
Treasurer’s Report: Jennifer Biely reported that we made a large payment on attorney's fees in December. That debt could be retired in 2005 if our regular dues payments are in line with past years. Neighbors have been generous in their support.
Minutes: The board reviewed the minutes of the December 13th meeting. The following corrections were suggested:
On page 1, regarding the motion listed at the bottom of the page, the minutes should be corrected to reflect that the motion passed unanimously, rather than anonymously.
Clarification was sought as to action taken by the board regarding the Board's decision on the sign ordinance. Hale’s notes reflect that the board unanimously voted to support strict enforcement of the sign ordinance, rewriting the City codes and rules in clear, understandable language and educating the responsible city employees. The Board agreed that we had reached agreement as recorded by Hale, but had not voted on a motion to that effect.
On page 8, the minutes were corrected to indicate that the "hygiene center" is in the U-District.
In the future, we should try to note individuals abstaining when we vote on motions.
Motion by Clark, seconded by Herrin to approve the minutes as corrected. Motion passed unanimously.
CALLS AND CONCERNS
Absentee Landlords: In response to an article in the December/January LCC newsletter about problems relating to absentee landlords that do not take care of their property, LCC has heard from neighbors. On 1/13 Marilyn Davis emailed about rental property on NE 43rd behind where she and her husband lives. She said the backyard grass has not been cut in three years and the front is not much better. Davis will provide the exact address to LCC so that we can contact the landlord. Heather Newman will collect information on code violations and offered to discuss them with owners.
Lorrelle Shearer emailed on 1/08 to thank LCC for its efforts to convince landlords to be good neighbors. She said she has been struggling with how to handle a rundown rental situation across the street from her home. She has the name of the landlord and LCC said we would follow up. The address of the property in question is 4334 NE 43rd Street. This could be the same property Davis is referring to. Barbara Davis emailed today to see if there was anything that could be done about homeowners (rather than landlords) who don’t take care of their property. Davis will let LCC know if she notices any Code violations.
Dog Problems: A neighbor who would like to remain confidential emailed LCC on 1/03 to report a flyer she had received at her house about a German shepherd that escaped from its invisible fence and attacked and severely injured another dog. The shepherd lives at 5128 NE 54th Street. The neighbor also complained about barking dogs.
Car Pranks: John Behnke who lives on West Laurelhurst and about 35th emailed on 12/23 to tell LCC that on Sunday, 12/19 at about 2 a.m. the horn on his car went off. Someone had wedged a “slow—children playing” sign between the drivers seat and the steering wheel to make the horn go on and stay on. A couple of hours later, the same thing happened a couple of houses up from him. This time the culprits used an orange cone and wedged it between the seat and the horn. The police arrived for both instances. Other nearby neighbors reported seeing a teenage boy run down the street.
Car Prowl: The Hoffmans’ who live on 30th and West Laurelhurst reported a car prowl on 12/21. A rental car was left unlocked. The glove compartment was opened and the contents removed and left on the passenger seat. It didn’t appear anything had been taken. The same thing happened to Charles Evans who lives in the same area. Kip Cramer reported what he thought was an attempted car prowl on 12/22 at about 3 a.m. in the same area. A car alarm had gone off, the police quickly arrived and chased a speeding car that was leaving.
Prowler: Toni Clayton who lives in the vicinity of 45th and 55th Avenue NE reported on 12/22 that she had a prowler in her backyard for two evenings in a row. She called the police and alerted LCC and nearby neighbors.
Car Prowl: Kate Lloyd's car was broken into (again) and CD's were taken. Mark Holden also reported a neighbor's car break-in.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank you! Thanks to Lloyd, Noonan and Newman for delivering this month’s trustee agenda packets. Torrie will be travelling for the February meeting but Tom Maider and Dermot Noonan volunteered to coordinate distribution of the agenda packets.
Community Center Expansion: The next Project Advisory Team meeting is Tuesday, January 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the community center. The next community wide meeting is on Thursday, February 3 at the same time and place.
Center for Urban Horticulture: Rededication of Merrill Hall at the Center for Urban Horticulture in on Wednesday, January 19 from 1:30-3 p.m.
Yard Waste and Garbage: John Clark reported that the yard waste contract is being renewed. In the future, if the garbage collectors find recyclable materials they will leave reminders. At some point fines may result. Yard waste will be picked up every two weeks through the winter.
Meeting Announcements: Project Advisory Team January 25 Community project open meeting Feb 3 Center for Urban Horticulture neighborhood event February 19 SR 520 Meeting: March 1st 7 PM at MOHI
REPORTS/ACTION
Crime Prevention Report: Pat Wright reported graffiti problems in the men's bathroom in the park, and vandalism of the dumpster. The dumpster may be locked down. At the North Precinct meeting, Detective Diane Worley led a discussion of issues important to elderly residents: abuse, exploitation and fraud. She said only one case in 14 is reported. Neighbors can call 206 341 7660 or 341 7661 to report situations to local protective services. Pat directed us to an article on Tasers from a newspaper in Arizona. We are hearing more about liquor in clubs where under-aged patrons are present. Last month, police identified a top ten suspect, who had arrested for stealing from a tip jar at an espresso stand. The suspect had been wanted for 8 years. Detective Diane Newsome described new hotel/motel registration procedures that should help control prostitution and drug dealing on Aurora Avenue. Diane Horswill has been ill so our local statistics report was not available.
CUCAC: Proposal for Biosafety Lab at the UW: In late December, the UW applied for a grant through the National Institutes of Heath (NIH) to build a Level 3 bioterrorism lab on its south campus. The University learned of the availability of NIH grants in June 2004, filed a letter of intent to submit a grant application in November and its application in December—all with no involvement of surrounding communities or the University faculty. When the story broke about the grant application on January 11th, the UW deleted that item off the agenda for the CUCAC meeting scheduled that night. The University has asked CUCAC member organizations and others to submit written questions prior to its February meeting.
Recent articles that appeared in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, The Seattle Times and The Stranger are included in the agenda packets, as well as a statement from the G. Ross Heath, chairman of the UW Faculty Senate. An article that appeared in Saturday’s Times about laws prohibiting public disclosure of information about lethal pathogens and if they are stolen, lost or accidentally released was distributed. Two letters to the editor from both daily newspapers were also distributed.
Federal law allows live deadly viruses to be transported to the laboratory by the post office, UPS, or FedEx. There must be a return to sender notation on the label.
At UC Davis, a proposal for a similar bioterrorism lab was rejected due to the opposition of citizens and local governmental officials. In Boston, a Level 4 facility is planned despite widespread community opposition. The UW lab would be Level 3, but no process is required to upgrade the facility to Level 4.
Boston University placed a full-page ad in local newspapers touting the advantages of siting a lab at its university. A coalition of citizens, scientists and others disputed the many claims made by Boston University. The group checked out BU’s environmental health and safety records and found a history of many violations of environmental rules and releases dangerous and toxic chemicals into the environment—even after being instructed by government agencies to stop the violations.
The Ravenna-Bryant Community Association voted to send a letter to the University noting its many safety concerns and raising questions about the lack of involvement of the community and the faculty in applying for the federal grant.
Report of the January CUCAC Meeting: The agenda had included an item for the bioterror lab but that item was removed. The UW representatives hope to discuss it at a future meeting.
This would be a good issue for LCC to coordinate with faculty members in the neighborhood who are familiar with lab operations. We should also try to collect public documents that describe and regulate level 3 and level 4 labs. The Faculty Senate prepared very reasonable questions, which can help direct discussion at public meetings.
The Department of Neighborhoods has assigned full-time staff to CUCAC.
Diseased trees in the triangle park near the stadium will be trimmed. Work will also be done on trees along Montlake Ave. A five-story building is planned on Roosevelt. A garage will be expanded near Agua Verde on Boat St. The 12th Ave alignment project will be discussed at community meetings in that area.
Community Center Expansion Update: The Project Advisory Team met in December. Comments from LCC and neighbors were reviewed. The PAT reached a conclusion regarding parking, and favored quality over quantity. The building was nominated as a landmark, based on significant interior and exterior features. The next meeting will be February 2 at 6:30 PM. The architects should bring more detailed schematic drawings, possibly a model and their proposed parking solution.
Laying the Groundwork for a New/Expanded Gym at Laurelhurst School: During the public involvement process relating to the community center expansion project, many neighbors expressed interest in a new or expanded gym at Laurelhurst School. If LCC starts working with the advisory council, the PTA and interested neighbors now, than we could all work towards inclusion of funding for a new or expanded gym in the next parks levy—which should be 2006 or 2007. To get the funding requires much work and attending many, many meetings with whatever new committee will be formed to determine the criteria for new Pro-Parks projects and which will select projects to be included.
SR 520 Update: Jean Amick and Joe herring talked about the 520 bridge project. Joe presented a large map showing the 6-lane design, including a lid over the freeway through Montlake. A sign was recently posted on the Montlake Bridge showing hours for each month when the bridge would not be lifted.
Joe said surface street impacts and noise levels from the bridge project are still issues. The large map indicated sound barriers about 8-10 feet high on the south side, near Madison Park, but no sound barrier on the north side. The barriers may also be visually unattractive.
As these issues approach resolution, we will want high community turnout at the meetings.
U-District Hygiene Center Update: the center provides showers, haircuts, supplies and clothes. They could use a washing machine, and money. "University Friends" operate the Center from 9-2 on Saturdays. They have raised about $3200 so far.
Sand Point Community Housing Update: The project is about $130k short of budget. The Executive Director position was eliminated. Phase 1 includes 97 units. Phase 2 would be 120-130 units. Funding is very uncertain. Residents have done a good job, so far, in managing the site.
Talaris Update: A January 10th letter from The Seneca Group responding to LCC’s October 27, 2004 letter is included in the agenda packets. Sorscher went through the various issues addressed in the letter and reported on his communications with Carol Eychaner and with Bob Wicklein over specific points in his letter.
Magnuson Park and Ride: Lloyd briefed the group on the application of Children’s Hospital for a conditional use permit for a park and ride lot at Magnuson Park near the old commissary and boat launch area. It has used this area for 375 cars without a permit as is required and has a shuttle system to take its employees to work. The permit would be during the construction period at Children’s, which could be at least ten years, or until the Parks Department needs the land for other purposes. The proposed location is heavily used by walkers, those using athletic fields, the boat launch and others. Runoff and other environmental issues are of concern. Parking should be sited away from the Boat Launch.
Lloyd distributed a letter from Bonnie Miller of the Hawthorne Hills Community Council about the issues. In that letter, it was suggested that a park and ride in the north shore area would be a better choice. This is the area to the north of the 75th Street entrance where special events are held in the hangars. There is quite a bit of parking in that area.
Motion by Kate Lloyd, seconded by Mark Holden to support Bonnie Miller's recommendations regarding the application by Children's Hospital for parking. Motion passed unanimously
Carolyn Memorial: As of December 15, almost $2400 was raised, and more donations have come in since. The family says they are happy to apply the donations to LCC's legal fees. The Board discussed setting aside a special planted area dedicated to Carolyn in the median along 41st St. Carolyn was active in the garden club, which may be able to help design and volunteer with the plantings.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:08 PM
Minutes by Stan Sorscher