York Neighborhood Association Board Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

6:58 – 8:55 pm

Garden Street United Methodist Church

Present: Helen Jackson, Anne Mackie, Jessica Bandstra, Barbara Davenport, Judy Bachman and Libby Stark.

Carolyn Mulder indicated she would not be present.

Jeff Bates attended as a guest.

Announcements: The Planning Academy sessions will be broadcast on channel 10. Lisa McShane and Helen Jackson are attending.

Approval of minutes from May, June, July and August board meetings. Anne Mackie made a motion to approve the minutes as written and adjusted by Libby Stark. Jessica Bandstra seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The board thanked Judy Bachman for her hard work and dedication to the YNA for the past two years.

• Franklin Park architect Jonathan Schilk: Input was received from Loving Space preschool children on the playground design. Jonathan said the final deliverables will be known at the end of September so the drawing that was brought to the meeting was still a draft. The plan attempts to avoid a negative impact on the area trees and Jonathan noted there will be paving from end to end (north to south) along the hillside. Playground equipment will be age appropriate and includes two slides, two platforms, a merry-go-round, and firefighter poles. Unfortunately the designers are still over budget so to solve this problem the stand-alone toys may be concentrated / some eliminated and additions made to the play structure. By adding to the play structure more children will be accommodated and less space will be used. The design maintains the swings. The drawings provided by Jonathan will be brought to the YNA picnic on 9/23 at Franklin Park. Depending on the budget a bike turnaround might be an option at one end of the paved path. Jonathan said the wall is starting to slide but does not affect the playground plans.

• NIP grant for Lakeway crosswalk and Franklin Park: The Neighborhood Initiative Program grant is for $150,000 and is due 9/29. The NIP grant is federal money and designed for low-income to moderate income neighborhoods. Projects take 3 – 7 years from start to finish. Helen has been talking with Katie Franks of the COB Community Development Department who encourages York to apply. Jeff Bates made a map of Franklin Park and Helen provided a key to accompany a proposal for area improvements. If York does receive the grant the first year would be working on the master plan, the second year project design and the third year implementation. The grant would not include the crosswalk across Lakeway; the crosswalk would require consultation. A motion was made by Barbara Davenport to apply for the NIP grant for crosswalk and Franklin Park improvements. Anne seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

• Franklin Street island: Helen reports volunteers are still needed. Helen and neighbor Cindy went through the island with Travis Kerry and Katie Franks of COB Community Development. It is suggested the YNA do erosion control this winter and clean up spring 2007. Of concern are the blackberries. The Small and Simple grant has been revised to include a tree specialist to come in and cut down some trees. The next work party is 10/14.

• Rock Hill Park Steward: George Liepart has been doing some work and has donated a bench in memory of his late wife. Anne is going to ask the Garden Club to donate a few plants to put around the bench. The arbor has not been removed by the Parks Department yet.

• Summer general Membership Picnic: Jessica notes announcements are being made for the picnic on 9/23 for neighborhood volunteers. Extra newsletters will be available as will donation slips. Tables and chairs will be provided from GSUMC and hauled by Jessica’s husband Aaron and Jeff. If it is sprinkling out the picnic will move to Judy’s carport. If it is raining the picnic will be cancelled.

• Historical Preservation Committee Chair: Barbara said that to move forward the committee will focus on national and state designation. WWU will be providing two interns, to be supervised by Toni Nagel of the Whatcom Museum. Michael Houser, an architectural historian from the state, will be coming sometime in November to discuss with the Preservation Coalition their concerns about designation. Other WWU interns may be available to assist with the application process.

• Garden Club Chair: The Garden Club held a potluck at Carol Dixon’s house.

• CDAB: Judy reported there are two candidates for Ward 4; including Anne Russel from York.

• Small and Simple grant: Grants are due at the end of February. There was discussion about what York wants to apply for. It was suggested it depends on what happens with the NIP grant. Anne suggested the traffic calming ladybugs (large cement “turtles” painted to look like ladybugs) as a possibility.

• Treasurer: Helen provided a handout indicating we have $822.66 in our checking account and $551.61 in our savings account. See attached. The balance does not include money spent on the picnic or newsletter.

• Newsletter: The fall edition of The Yorker exceeded cost expectations. It was suggested that we look to keep the future newsletters around 4 pages and / or send out an email newsletter. The next edition will come out in November or December to announce the City Council meeting on the rezone and will probably be a front / back issue.

• October general meeting: Libby said three speakers are lined up for 10/3 at 7 pm at GSUMC. Alex Ramel will talk about PSE’s green power challenge, a speaker from Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association will talk about stream steward volunteer opportunities and Marissa of the Healthy Bay initiative will talk about the latest on clean-up of Bellingham Bay. Helen and Lisa will be unavailable to discuss the Area 5 rezone. Perhaps Anne will lead discussion. Childcare will be provided. By-laws will be available for review and then voted on.

• 5-plex apartment at 506 Potter St.: Anne reported we have not heard anything from Hal Arnason. Neighbors should email the architect Todd Fuller their suggestions. Petitions are still being collected. Anne had a meeting with Malcolm Fleming of COB.

• Planning Committee: no formal report was made.

• ABN code meeting: Anne said the ABN meeting will be held 9/27 at Jones Moles Funeral Home and will include a discussion about code enforcement. Anne typed up questions and is requesting feedback by 9/22 before emailing the guest speaker from COB. See attached for code questions.

Topics for next board meeting: Area 5 rezone, general meeting recap

The meeting adjourned at 8:55.

Submitted by Libby Stark