Licton Springs Neighborhood

LICTON SPRINGS COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes of Board Meeting:
June 15, 2005
NSCC President's Board Room

Directors Present: Liz Kearns, Jerry Owens, and Ellen Beck.

Board Representatives Present: Ken Thompson (North Precinct Representative).

Visitors: Jean Wirch and Staci Baldwin.

President Liz Kearns called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Introductions were dispensed with since all present knew one another.

Liz reported that Shannon Snider was out of town and Debra Willendorf was preparing to go on a trip. They were excused.

Concerns for neighborhoods in the City were discussed. It was suggested that we again contact the Aurora Merchants regarding Aurora Avenue North. All designated urban hubs will be expected to take on increased density.

Minutes: The May 18, 2005 minutes were approved pending e-mail approval by Debra Willendorf and/or Wanda Fullner.

Treasurer’s Report:

There was no Treasurer's Report.

OLD BUSINESS:

Picnic in the Park. Liz reported that Betsy Wiell has a friend with a marimba band. Liz said she has contacted the person, but not spoken with them as yet.

Larry’s Market will again provide and cook the food. Liz said that the new manager was the assistant manager last year, and he even was cooking at the picnic! The Bubbleman will entertain.

Liz suggested that if we didn’t have new articles for the next Newsletter, we could perhaps mail a flyer advertising the picnic and Halloween-in-the-Park. We can address this topic again at our July 20th meeting.

Northgate. Information and materials from the last meeting were discussed. The plans for Northgate were discussed.

Pilling’s Pond. Copies of the Semi-Annual Report from the Pilling’s Pond Preservation Society was passed out. Mike Bonn, president, wrote that the next steps of that organization is “to provide support to the pond through volunteer work, and to help out in providing educational opportunities to the college and other nature groups. And of course, we will take every opportunity to enjoy the little ones born on Pilling’s Pond.”

Mineral Springs Park. A Mineral Springs Park Update was read by Liz. “Bob Baines (Seattle Parks Department Lead Gardener) and his crew did an amazing job this spring weeding most of the new beds along 105th and along the artwalk. Community help is needed to finish the job and for the long haul maintaining the park. If you can help, contact Edie Whitsett at 206-522-1726.”

Edie provided additional neighborhood news about the Northgate Arts Council. The group meets at the Haller Lake Community Club at 7:00 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month.

Halloween in the Park. Ellen Beck reported on sending letters to SAM’s Club and Costco requesting donations to support our annual event. She asked which Safeway, Bartell’s and Fred Meyer she should contact. Liz said that Betsy Wiell would know and Liz would e-mail Ellen Betsy’s phone number (she does not have e-mail).

Staci Baldwin suggested that we contact Target since they are in the neighborhood and have a “mission” to support neighborhood good works.

Licton Springs Park. Liz reported that a group of 35 people from Windermere Realty-Oak Tree would be working in the Park on Friday. They will be weeding and removing blackberry, holly, and laurel, and putting down woodchips. There will be a barbecue after the work is completed.

Zoo Corps, an environmental, educational group, will continue to work in the Park. Beginning July 6th and continuing for every Wednesday in July and August, they will work in the north end of the Park.

The Friends of Licton Springs Park work in the Park the second Saturday of each month.

UWREN, graduate students from the University of Washington, have worked in the north end, also. Liz said there probably will not be another group of UWREN students next year because of a lack of enrollment.

We do not have a grant for Licton Springs Park at present, so it’s hard to keep up with the maintenance at the Park. Liz said that developing a grant was a goal.

North Precinct. Ken Thompson said that the North Precinct would be getting new officers from the Academy. But, Ken said, these officers would not be “up to speed” immediately, so we still have the problem of not enough officers. At present, there are two-thirds as many officers as ten years ago. Plus, there is attrition due to Iraq, and retirement. The City does not have the money to hire more officers.