York Neighborhood Association Board Meeting Minutes

Sunday, July 15, 2007

7:07 – 8:50 pm

Nelson’s Market

Present: Anne Mackie, Jeff Bates, Carol Dixon, Tom Scott, Carolyn Mulder, Leslie Hill, Helen Jackson, and Libby Stark. George Liepart, Seth Cool, Lisa McShane, Barbara Davenport indicated they would not be present.

Guests: Lesley Keenholts, Laura and Rick Witt

Announcements: Anne Mackie noted she will be hosting a neighborhood party for Dan McShane (candidate for mayor) on 7/28 from 6-10 at her home. The League of Women Voters are hosting a mayoral candidate forum this Wednesday at 7 at the Muni Court building. Board members are encouraged to attend.

Approval of minutes: Anne made a motion to approve the minutes from the June board meeting. Helen Jackson seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

I. Questions regarding committee reports:

• Planning Committee: See attached provided by Anne. It was decided the next general meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 10 at 7 with break-out groups to discuss the neighborhood plan update. This will be the third of four required general meetings by the city.

• Traffic Safety Committee: See attached provided by Elliott Smith.

• Disaster Preparedness: See attached provided by Carol Dixon. Nelson’s Market will be one site for the Night Out Against Crime in August where this committee will host a table.

• Historic Preservation Committee: See attached provided by Barbara Davenport.

• Rock Hill Park Steward: No written report, however park goers are encouraged to call 911 to report illegal activity (i.e. drinking).

• Franklin Park Committee: See attached provided by Helen.

• Garden Club: See attached provided by Carol.

• Treasurer: See attached provided by Helen.

II. Current issues with an upcoming deadline:

· Safe pedestrian crossing across Lakeway: Helen reported that we will need to go through Public Works for the crosswalk. The Planning Department notes that Public Works will want an overhead crosswalk as they (apparently) won’t want to stop traffic on Lakeway. The Parks Department will not include the pedestrian crossing in their master plan for Franklin Park. Alan Matsumoto, Sehome NA President, has spoken with the city regarding a pedestrian crossing across Samish Way and reports that the city wants the neighborhood to measure how much foot traffic occurs across Samish (and Lakeway for Yorkers). Helen will form a crosswalk committee to begin to explore this survey.

· 4-plex at 506 Potter: The hearing with the hearing examiner will be Wednesday, July 25 at 6 pm. Yorkers can bring written comments (x 2, one for examiner and one for records) and are welcome to speak at the hearing. Anne made a motion to have Tom send an email out to the whole YN list on behalf of the board notifying them of the hearing. Libby seconded and the motion passed unanimously. There are still concerns that even with the re-design the new structure will be too large for the site. There are worries over the stewardship of the property. City code, the accurate square footage of the property, setbacks, parking and the footprint were discussed. Setting precedent for teardowns in other neighborhoods was mentioned. This teardown of an historic house would affect the ratio for historic designation.

· Franklin Park Alley: committee members will discuss with neighbors and report back to board when appropriate.

· WWU late night shuttle: Elliott was not in attendance, but Anne reported there is talk at WWU of a shuttle taking students from downtown back to WWU. It is not known whether the shuttle will stop on arterials or drive through the neighborhood. Jeff Bates will investigate with the Campus Community Coalition.

· Neighborhood zoning: Tom will send an email notifying Yorkers of a new committee being formed on zoning. Jeff will draft a letter to the city in support of a vibrant downtown with music and nightlife. The goal is to encourage an energetic urban center to reduce neighborhood noise, parties, litter, etc.

III. Current issues:

• YNA website: Tom and Jeremy N. will be working together on re-doing the YNA website. The Planning Committee’s survey for the neighborhood plan update will be linked here.

• Discussion of board roles, responsibilities: Tom made a motion to approve the proposed guidelines developed by Anne and Helen and presented at the 6/19 board meeting. Libby seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

• YNA sign damage and repair: There is nothing new to report.

• School reunion and picnic: Jeff and Anne will work on the flyer. Carolyn and Libby offered to help plan the picnic portion of the day. Anne says she has $1300 in grant money from the Small and Simple grant to be used for publicity, food, generator for music, chair / table rentals, decorations and activities.

• County Council possible staffing proposal: Tom brought up concern over staff turnover in the Planning Department.

Topics for next board meeting: discussion of new agenda format, Franklin School reunion and picnic

The meeting adjourned at 8:50.

Submitted by Libby Stark