Minutes for June 13, 2005
Attending: Mark Trumbauer, Pat Wright, Don Torrie, Jeannie Hale, John Burge, Jennifer Biely, John Clark, Joe Herrin, Heather Newman, Susan Bennett, Lora Poepping, Dermot Noonan, Maggie Weissman, Stan Sorscher
Excused: Tom Maider
Guests: Suzanne Petersen, Children’s Hospital; Sarah Rafton, Children’s Hospital; Diane Sugimura, Director, Department of Planning and Development; Alan Oiye, DPD Supervisor and Land Use Planner; Steven Reisler, Donna Massoth, Sheila Dietrich, Miceal Vaughan
Note: Members of LCC’s land use committee were invited to attend tonight’s meeting (Doug Armintrout, Lisa Pascualy, Beth Alderman, Kathy Kirby, David May, Barb Ragee
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM
Relocation of Children’s Helipad: Suzanne Petersen and Sarah Rafton, Community, Government Affairs and Advocacy, Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center. In 1992, Children’s Hospital was granted a conditional use permit to install a helipad on its campus. Because helipads are not allowed outright in single-family zones, the Hearing Examiner and the City Council placed several conditions on siting and operation of the helipad. The conditions specify the size and location of the helipad. Only landings necessary for critical and life-threatening medical emergencies are allowed. All other landings must take place at Graves Field, about a mile away. The conditions also call for a Medical Review Committee to review compliance with restrictions on landings. LCC trustee Mark Trumbauer represents the community of the review committee. The committee meets at least twice a year. Neighbor William Gore has also served on the review committee.
Children's Hospital plans to move the heliport from it current location on the ground in front of the complex, to a pad on the roof. Suzanne Petersen explained that the helipad is an exception to Land Use rules. In making a decision about whether to use the helipad or the Graves Field site, flight crewmembers refer to a list of conditions. Flight crews are trained in interpreting the listed conditions, and the decisions are documented for each flight. Medical review and feedback help maintain understanding of the rules.
Sarah Rafton explained that building and construction plans call for additional clinical offices. Part of the construction will be to move the helipad. In its current location, use of the helipad requires that security personnel clear the site and control access. The rooftop site will be easier to control. The new helipad would be 47 feet above ground, and closer to NE 45TH St. The plans will require a Master Use Permit, and review by a hearing examiner.
Diane Sugimura thought a new process might be required, and said she would check on that.
Mark Holden asked if nearby houses would qualify for special windows to attenuate noise from the new helipad location.
Springbrook Building: Suzanne Petersen explained that Children's hospital is expanding its office space to include the Springbrook Building. Children's leased 5000 sq ft and might obtain leases for 5000 additional sq ft of space. Steven Reisler said that many current occupants have lost their leases with combined affected area well beyond 10,000 sq ft. Suzanne Petersen insisted that Children's would seek no more than 10,000 sq ft. Steve Reisler asked about other properties in the area that have been purchased, apparently by the same owner. How would the other properties be used in the future? Losing the medical tenants would be a significant detriment tot he community.
Housing Project at 3608 NE 44th Street: Diane Sugimura, Director, Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and Alan Oiye, Supervisor and Land Use Planner came to speak to the board about the development near the corner of 36 Ave NE and NE 44th St. LCC has received many complaints about a new house under construction behind John L. Scott. The house appears to be four stories high and the height limit in single-family zones is 30 feet. There are also concerns about lot coverage, setbacks and parking. DPD provided a written explanation in response to LCC questions about Code compliance. The memorandum is included in the agenda packets.
The house has nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms and two kitchen areas. The development includes an accessory dwelling unit on the main floor (includes one of the bedrooms and one of the kitchen areas).
Drawings submitted as part of the development were distributed. Diane Sugimura agreed that this design is not a typical single family unit. DPD recognized that the owner took full advantage of several loopholes in the code, to expand lot coverage, height, provide no parking, and create the possibility of very high number of occupants. DPD added a note that only 8 unrelated adults could occupy the building. Diane Sugimura noted that the design and construction for this project comply with the code. Some features are grandfathered, based on prior structure. For instance, once the building is occupied, the actual use of the property may result in citations.
For instance, the owner must occupy the building in this case, with up to 8 unrelated adults plus the Auxiliary Dwelling unit (ADU) on the lowest floor. The drawings clearly show 12 identical rooms, where 8 are labeled bedrooms, and 4 other spaces are labeled studies or other use. In practice, more than 8 adults could occupy the rooms. Joe Herrin asked what remedy a court might provide if a citation is upheld? One possibility is to remove one of the two kitchen facilities. Mark Holden asked about parking. Alan Oiye said two spaces are required - one for the house and one for the ADU. Joe Herrin asked if this was the worst abuse DPD ahs ever seen of the intent of code for single family housing. Diane Sugimura and Alan Oiye acknowledged that this was an exceptional case, but not necessarily the worst of its type.
Jeannie Hale asked how the code might be rewritten to prevent this exploitation of loopholes. One option is to shift the burden of proof. Instead of taking the owners word regarding use, the owner might be denied a permit until it can be shown that overuse would not occur.
Heather Newman asked about construction noise. Diane Sugimura suggested construction supervisors could be alerted to keep closer track. Mark Trumbauer asked about the height. Alan Oiye explained that the existing grade provides an advantage tot he owner, since the reference point is the highest spot, in the back.
Community Center Rental Policies: Kerry Lasko from the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department is ill and could not attend tonight’s meeting. Informational material about rentals at the Laurelhurst Community Center are included in the agenda packets and additional information was distributed. Herrin briefed the board in Lasko’s absence.
Herrin did some checking with a couple of hotel general managers regarding capacity of the new multi-purpose room based upon their experiences. He asked them what they would consider the capacity of this room to be for weddings and they stated 50 for sit-down dinner with six-foot rounds at ten chairs each; and 80 for no-dinner with a bar scenario. Herrin asked Lasko to clarify Parks policy in light of this.
Herrin had concerns about renting the entire facility out. Lasko stated on his handout that the maximum occupancy would be 250 and cover the total of the three rooms, plus the fireplace room.
ADMINISTRATION:
Treasurer’s Report: LCC experienced good cash flow for the month. We paid off attorney's fees. So far, we have not seen billing for the Talaris Settlement Agreement, although we have held meetings with Talaris and reviewed language.
Minutes: The May 2005 minutes were included in the agenda packets. In the list of "excused" Board members, John Clark's name was included. Motion by Heather Newman, seconded by Lora Poepping to accept the minutes, as amended by noting Clark's excused absence at the May meeting. Motion approved unanimously.
Election of Officers: Hale has expressed interest in continuing as president and Sorscher as secretary. Trumbauer has agreed to be vice president and John Clark treasurer, as Biely is retiring due to other commitments. Motion by Mark Holden, seconded by Don Torrie to accept the slate of candidates. Motion passed unanimously.
CALLS AND CONCERNS
1. Heartfelt thanks: Kim Jones sent LCC a thank you message that is included in the correspondence packet for the Laurelhurst community’s sympathy wishes after the death of her husband and for all LCC did to recognize her husband’s good work in the neighborhood. Lora Poepping and others visited Kim and gave he a token of our sympathy.
2. Thank you: On 5/11, neighbor Barbara Clinton emailed to thank LCC for its May email message to neighbors. On the same day, Laura Martin, St. Stephen’s concert series coordinator emailed to thank LCC for including an announcement about the June 5th concert.
3. Info request: Elva and Peter Schmidt called on 5/13 to inquire about a past ad in the newsletter by someone offering to help move. Information was provided.
4. SR 520 Issues: Alan Morgan wrote to LCC when he and his wife sent in their dues. His letter is included in the correspondence packet. He has concerns about SR 520. Morgan suggested fewer bridge openings to ease traffic congestion and synchronization of traffic lights. Hale indicated that Herrin and/or Amick will respond after they receive his letter in the packets.
5. Junk storage/yard maintenance: On 5/18, LCC received an email from neighbors Sheila Dietrich and Miceal Vaughan who live on the 4100 block of 42nd Avenue NE about the condition of property located at 4162 42nd Avenue NE. DPD records indicate remodeling and alteration of the second floor is underway and that there is a permit for internal electrical work. The house has been vacant for two years. Since then the yard has become overgrown with blackberry bushes and ivy. Construction materials, including a toilet clutter the backyard. Hale and Newman went to the house to survey the situation. A letter to the owner has been sent advising of potential future Code violations with vegetation overgrowth and junk storage.
6. Pedestrian safety: Jim Gunderson emailed on 5/18 to pass along concerns about neighbors who use streets as sidewalks. He had a close call while driving on the short block of 45th Avenue NE between NE 40th and 41st streets. LCC responded that pedestrian safety is a priority and we would do our best to encourage neighbors to use the sidewalks.
7. Springbrook Building: Steven Reisler and Donna Massoth have emailed three times this month about changes at the Springbrook Building. LCC is still trying to get the facts. LCC has been told that the new owners are leasing all vacant space to Children’s and that they are not renewing leases for long-term business professionals—some of whom have leased there for 20 years. LCC was told that PC Management, Pistol Creek Financial, the real estate investment company for Bruce McCaw is the owner and is buying up properties around the intersection of 45th and Sand Point Way.
8. Interest in LCC: Kirsten Curry Whitcomb emailed on 7/25 expressing interest in serving on the LCC board. Whitcomb lives(ed) in the Town of Yesler with her husband Shawn who served on the board for a year. Their home has been demolished and will be rebuilt. During the period, they will be living in Bellevue. LCC bylaws require trustees to “reside” in the neighborhood. Hale notified Whitcomb of this and that the board would discuss it at a future meeting. Whitcomb was emailed a copy of the June LCC agenda and invited to attend.
9. UW Student Housing: On 5/30, Newman came into contact with two young people creating a scene yelling at each other and smoking behind the Spiger Building. The two people said that they live in the UW married student housing, but that they are Seattle Community College students. Newman has been in touch with the UW to find out policies regarding rental of the student housing to non-University students.
10. Helipad: Christine Barrett emailed on 6/9 to inquire about the helipad relocation. Hale mailed her the handout from Children’s that is in the packet.
11. Scam artist: Jean Amick and Colleen Tauch emailed on 6/9 to report a scam artist going door-to-door in the vicinity of West and East Laurelhurst Drive. The young may was trying to raise money for homeless kids but had no paperwork and no teeth.
12. Underground wiring: John Behnke emailed 6/13 to report that he had been in touch with City Light about wires running between light poles. The wire rigging did not seem consistent with the underground wiring elsewhere in the neighborhood. Behnke will keep LCC informed.
13. Mirror: John Clark spoke to Robin Chalmers who suggested a mirror be placed at the intersection of NE 42nd St and the Boulevard to increase visibility of traffic coming across the street and up the hill. Trumbauer reported on his agreement to follow up on the cost of mirrors for the intersection of NE 42nd Street and 43rd Avenue NE: The worst problem seems to be coming south on 43 Avenue and looking for cars coming up the hill. He found mirrors (Plexiglas) from Northwest Caster on Aurora at a cost about $50.00 each and would require some hose clamps to attach to the poles which the owner uses in his warehouse and assures me will work fine. The mirror could be clamped to the light pole on the corner so you could see traffic coming up the hill. Trumbauer will coordinate with SDOT.
14. Parking on curb: John Clark heard complaints about cars parking over the curb, blocking the view of traffic. We might make up stickers or flyers warning of possible traffic citations.
ANNOUNCEMENTS (See announcements in the member organization packet.)
1. Thank you! Thanks to Newman, Noonan, and Weissman for delivering this month’s trustee agenda packets and to Don Torrie for coordinating packet distribution.
2. Welcome! Welcome new trustees Lora Poepping and Susan Bennett.
3. Congrats! Congratulations to Tom Maider’s grandfather who celebrated his 100th birthday this weekend. Maider is in New York for a special birthday celebration.
4. School closures: In the May email newsletter, LCC included information from the PTA about school closure issues and how to get involved. Because school board member Brita-Butler Wall is on the Laurelhurst list, LCC received a response. The Northeast District Council’s letter on the subject is included in the correspondence packet. The message to LCC indicated that the proposal to consolidate schools has been withdrawn for 06-07 but that there is still a $20 million budget gap. To that end, the school district will be forming a Community Advisory Committee on Investing for Educational Excellence. The Committee of 12-15 members will work through the remainder of 2005 to assess the district’s current and long-term fiscal condition; identify efficiencies, cost savings, and ways to realign the district’s budget to better support the academic vision; identify options to achieve long-term fiscal stability, increase revenue, and communicate with the public on all these issues. If LCC knows of anyone interested in serving, we should let them know. This information was forwarded to the PTA and others.
5. UW maintenance expense obligation: On 6/07, LCC wrote to UW president Emmert about the UW’s obligations to pay its share of the maintenance expense on the Mary Gates/NE 41st Street Boulevard. Records indicate a commitment on the part of the University to share in these expenses, yet no assistance has been provided since the project was implemented in 1988/1989. The University is listed as a joint applicant on the 1989 Neighborhood Matching Fund grant along with LCC. The 1992 and the 1993 grant applications specifically state that maintenance will be the responsibility of the UW, LCC and adjacent neighbors. Theresa Doherty is checking into the matter. An old 1998 letter from the UW rejected LCC’s request that the UW meet its obligations and pay its fair share. LCC’s recent letter is included in the correspondence packet.
REPORTS/ACTION
Crime Prevention Report: Pat Wright reported on graffiti at the playfield. A neighbor surprised an intruder in their home - no one was injured. Another neighbor reported a theft from a parked car. A suspicious man was reported in the area before dawn. Statistics are up for car prowls, bike thefts, and armed robbery. The Seattle Police Department plans to hire 75-100 new officers, which would include 75 replacements and 25 new positions. "Night-out" is scheduled for the first week of August.
Motion by Clark, seconded by Newman: LCC supports the NPAC position on handling auto reports. Motion passed unanimously.
Community Center Expansion: Schematics distributed at the annual neighbors meeting are included in the packets. The 5/19 minutes of the community center advisory council indicate that a committee has been formed to look into fundraising options to supplement Pro Parks funding for the community center expansion. Biely will chair the committee. Ideas that will be considered include room naming rights, listing on a plaque or plaques, tile sales, brick sales, etc. Private and corporate sources will be explored and LCC will be asked to participate on the committee.
UW Biolab Update: The UW’s siting committee report and public outreach report are included in the correspondence packet. A new letter from UW president Emmert thanking those folks for their work is available on the UW’s bioterror website. At its June 8th meeting, the Montlake Community Club tabled a motion to oppose siting of the bioterror lab on campus. They do not want to alienate the UW as they want support for the so-called “better bridge” SR 520 option. Steven Reisling provided more details about some of the dynamics between board members of the Montlake Community Club.
Talaris Update: LCC will need to schedule a special meeting of the Board of Trustees to review the final version of amendments to the Battelle Settlement Agreement.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:35 PM.