Minutes of Board Meeting
September 20, 2006
NSCC President's Board Room

Directors Present:

Liz Kearns, Jerry Owens, Kay Mesirow, and Ellen Beck.

Board Representatives Present:

Ken Thompson (North Precinct Representative).

Visitors: 

Jean Wirch, John Landahl, Melissa Coiley, and J.B. Hoover.

President Liz Kearns called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Liz explained that Debra Willendorf was excused. It was noted that because of her absence, there would be no Treasurer’s Report..

Minutes:

The July 19, 2006 minutes were approved as presented.

OLD BUSINESS :

September 9th Picnic in the Park. Liz Kearns reported the picnic had been very disappointing. There was very, very low turnout. It had rained early on, and this might have reduced turnout, but it was agreed that the absence of Larry’s representatives cooking the food they donated was most likely a huge reason for the absence of picnic attendees.

Spending $450.00 to pay for promoting the picnic, having the marimba band Chuma provide music, and the Bubbleman provide entertainment for the children, is too much to money to spend for a handful of people. Regretfully, we don’t see how we can continue the picnic at this time.

Halloween. Also, our other yearly event, Halloween in the Park, has become more difficult to put on with the loss of Larry’s. The number of businesses that we approach has increased and it is more difficult to get donations. We do have $200.00 in our budget for Halloween at this time. Perhaps, without funding a picnic in the future, it will be easier for us to put on Halloween in the Park.

Liz requested that the secretary provide copies of the letters written to SAM’s, QFC, and Safeway, showing the 501(c)(3) number. Liz and Betsy will then go back to these stores to request donations.

At present we have received a $25.00 gift card from Fred Meyer, and a $25.00 gift card from Costco. We also have the $25.00 gift card received from Costco last year.

Ellen was also asked to prepare a letter to PCC requesting a donation of organic apple juice. In the past our apple juice was been donated by Larry’s.

A great deal of discussion about Larry’s Market followed.

Pillings Pond Preservation Society. Liz reported that Wanda has sold the stock held by the Federation and the funds have been given to Debra for deposit in the LSCC account.

PPPS is also investigating having an Eagle Scout produce a new sign for them. It was noted that this seemed to be underway since the former sign has been taken away.

Wilson Pacific School. Liz gave a history of the Wilson Pacific School. In light of the announcements of school closures, Liz requested a letter of support be written to the Superintendent, School Board, Mayor, Department of Neighborhoods, and Police Department, advocating using Wilson Pacific as a school.

Wilson Pacific has always been a focus for the Licton Springs Community, as it was for the Aurora-Licton Planning Group. A lot of discussion followed.

Northwest District Council. Liz has attended meetings of the Northwest District Council for Jerry for the last couple of months. The Northwest District is made up of Haller Lake, Green Lake, Greenwood, Licton Springs, Broadview, Phinney Ridge, Carkeek Park, Aurora Avenue Merchants Association, and assorted Chambers of Commerce.

North Precinct Advisory Council. Liz provided copies of the North Precinct Advisory Council Meeting minutes for August. Ken Thompson is our representative at the Advisory Council and provides minutes to us. City Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck was the guest at the August meeting. His theme for this year is “Smart Policing.” He also spoke about the Geo-Policing study now being conducted. Councilmember Steinbrueck is quite supportive of public safety issues, and knows and agrees that we need more officers on the street. Ken pointed out that the City of Seattle has the same number of police officers as they had in 1973! The study talks about “Just adding more officers to the force without knowing how to best deploy them won’t get us the most bang for our buck.”

DON Grants. Liz reported that the DON grants are coming along. The grant for Licton Springs Park will provide a revised vegetation plan for the Licton Springs Park. The new assessment of the status of the wetlands will give focus for future work.

501(c)(3). Ellen reported that she is working on the 501(c)(3) paperwork, but is making slow headway. She asked everyone to think about what should be included in an LSCC history. This should also include plans for the future.

NEW BUSINESS :

North Highline.  Liz provided copies of a September 4, 2006 letter from the Maple Leaf Community Council addressing the pros and cons of Seattle annexing the North Highline area.  This is the area just south of the southern border of Seattle.  Discussion followed.

People for Transit Now.  This group has asked to come and speak at one of our meetings.  They would give a 15 minute presentation about their initiative to increase bus transportation.

November Meeting.  The November meeting is going to be about 100th Street and the conceptual design for sidewalks from College Way to Aurora.  Hopefully a lot of people who live on 100th will be able to attend this meeting.

Pea Patch Garden.  J.B. Hoover spoke about starting a small gardening project by his residence.  He said it was amazing how interested people (strangers) were in what was going on.  He also noted that the gardening project resulted in the disappearance of trash!

J.B. noted that his small gardening possibilities by his house, caused him to begin his search for a possible pea patch garden location in the community.  He said he wanted to make sure that we knew of his efforts and approved of them.  Discussion followed.  Everyone approved of the establishment of a pea patch garden.

He described pea patches around the City.  Possible locations within Licton Springs were discussed.  The most promising site is perhaps where 92nd dead-ends (by Wilson Pacific).  Discussion followed.  DON grants are available to establish vegetable beds and providing water for them.  Suggestions were given to find out if that site was available.

OPEN FORUM:

The meeting was opened to concerns of the community.

Homeless People in the Park.  There was a discussion about the increased number of homeless people in the park and their sometimes belligerent manner.  People need to speak up about this.  Also, if you are reporting a homeless person in the park, the non-emergency number to call is 206.625.5011.

Our next meeting is Wednesday, October 18, 2006.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Ellen M. Beck, Secretary