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 2nd 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 22nd
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 22nd from 10 – 12 as well as Work
Parties on the 1st Saturday of every month. At the next Work Party on March 4th
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 2nd 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 22nd 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