York Neighborhood Association Board Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

7:05 – 8:45 pm

Nelson’s Market

Present: Anne Mackie, Jessica Bandstra, Elliott Smith, David Wainright, Judy Bachman, Barbara Davenport, Helen Jackson, Robert Hand, Carolyn Mulder, Libby Stark

Introductions and welcome of new members

Review of last General Meeting

City Planning Director reception at Squalicum Boathouse, Thursday, March 9 from 5 – 6:30 Judy (and hopefully others) will be attending.

Reports from:

• Historical Preservation Committee Coordinator: Barbara reported meetings are held the 2^nd Wednesday of every month and currently there are 17 people on the list of those who are interested. At the last meeting Katie Franks from the City’s Planning Department came and Elliott provided an information booklet on the neighborhood he had compiled. At the next meeting (March 8) the Committee will decide what designation (local v. national) they would like to pursue. On April 22^nd there will be an all-day workshop at the Whatcom Museum on researching old homes. Elliott will publicize with the History Department at WWU as well as look at possibilities for internship credit for WWU students via the Center for Service Learning. The Board also discussed the “danger zone” along Ellis Street that is close to the Central Business District and mentioned the idea of a work session with the YNA Board, Historical Committee and the Planning Committee to determine what actions will be taken to preserve these historic homes.
• Franklin Park Restoration Coordinator, including garage sale and grant proposal: Judy reported there was a Security Committee meeting consisting of Board members and no neighbors. Neighbors concerned about the safety of Franklin Park attached lights to the roof of their house to illuminate the Park at night. There will be an Earth Day Work Party on April 22^nd from 10 – 12 as well as Work Parties on the 1^st Saturday of every month. At the next Work Party on March 4^th from 9 – 12 they will pull up ivy and mulch. The garage sale is being coordinated by a neighbor of Franklin Park. The sale will be held at the end of May at Franklin Park. Tables would be rented out to interested neighbors (with the YNA having their own table). The Board is to begin holding onto items. A bake sale will also be happening at the garage sale. The grant proposal is for a Small and Simple Grant with the City and is for $2500. The money would be used to clean up the island on Franklin Street. The total cost for this project is $6000 with the rest of the cost to be offset by volunteer labor.
• Planning Committee, including City design proposal: Helen reported that the letter that was written regarding the Neighborhood Plan still not been acknowledged; we did receive receipt of acknowledgment of the Area 5 rezone request. The Committee is considering working with Council members to show them the neighborhood and the many single family homes. On March 2^nd at 7 at City Hall there will be a “Hearing on City Center Design Guidelines.” The York Neighborhood is included as part of the “City Center” under consideration.

Discussion of Franklin Park architect Jonathan Schilk’s ideas for the playground: Loving Space Preschool is surveying their children regarding playground ideas.

Next general meeting and newsletter: Anne suggested not having a general meeting to discuss Greenways as there are a significant number of meetings neighbors can attend throughout the community. In our next newsletter we will encourage neighbors to attend the Whatcom Museum’s all day workshop on researching historic homes on April 22^nd or work in Franklin / Rock Hill Park to celebrate Earth Day.

MOTION: Anne made a motion to authorize Elliott Smith to check into the use of the upper section of Rock Hill Park as a designated off-leash area for dogs. Carolyn seconded. The MOTION passed.

By-laws and job duties and descriptions of board positions: The Board reviewed and made corrections to the By-laws.

Fundraising: Anne will be mailing letters to neighborhood businesses asking for $100 donation along with free ad space in the newsletter. $90 has been donated thus far in membership dues and donations from the winter newsletter.

Topics for next board meeting: Mission statement and board member job descriptions.

The meeting adjourned at 8:45.

Submitted by Libby Stark