Hawthorne Hills Community Council

Annual Meeting, Sand Point Community Church

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

 

Welcome & Introduction:

President Bonnie Miller called the meeting to order at 7:30PM, Sand Point Community Church.  President Miller welcomed the trustees, guests and Boy Scout Troup 186.

 

Flag Presentation:  Boy Scout Troup 186

 

Election of Officers for 2006:  Slate was presented and approved with majority of vote

            Bonnie Miller, President

            Dorothy Neville, Vice President

            Shelley Hartnett, Secretary

            Carolyn Chapman, Treasurer

Trustees:  Saundra Aker, Nancy Bittner, Gail Chiarello, Arden Forrey, Joan Oates, Kent Isgrig, George Holzapfel, Mary Savage, Greg Schell, Andrea Gates Sanford, Vance Thompson, Margaret Thouless, Ryan Rockwell 

 

Presidents Report:  Bonnie Miller reviewed the following:

·         NE 55th and 43rd NE Crosswalk request and letter.  Letter sent to SOT and Metro requesting safer marking street crossing.  City to move the bus stop and mark curb with “no parking” signs to free up pedestrian visibility by traffic.

·         Library Site meeting, March 23, Wedgewood Presbyterian Church. 1.47ml funded for NE district branch site.  Other NE Community Councils supporting the library.

·         April 8th, Princeton Circle Park, 1st Work Party

·         Parks Department now developing Phase II of the Magnuson Sports field.  Application in process to amend work; petition needs 50 signatures.

 

Treasurers Report:  Carolyn Chapman presented the treasurers report.

            March 1, 06 Balance:  $7011.73

            Total 2005 Income  $4855.95

            Total 2005 Expenses:  5596.24

            Ending Balance Feb 28, 2006:  $6271.47 

            1600 newsletters are mailed quarterly.

 

Overview of the Neighborhood Preparedness Program - JoAnn Jordan, Public Education Coordinator, Seattle Emergency Management:  Joanne Jordan presented an overview of the streamlining underway of the ESDART Program.  The new program will be neighborhood driven to empower families and neighborhoods.  The ESDART handbook is under revision to include 12 Steps that can be undertaken over a 12 month period.  Joann described the program, materials, neighborhood organization and communication systems, team development, and neighborhood mapping.  She described how to meld the blockwatch and neighborhood preparedness programs (average size is 50 houses). 

 

Seattle Municipal Code & Our Neighborhood - Diane Sugimura, Public Relations Advisor, Seattle Department of Planning & Development:  Diane Sugimura reviewed the long-range plans, permits, inspections, and enforcement of community complaints.  She provided brochures, contact information, and websites (code changes, free cutting, zoning, maps, complaints, permits, etc).  She described the Green Building Team and remodeling process (provided brochures).  Regarding the long-term planning and viability, she reviewed briefly the plans for the NE 55th St Fire Station.  Other issues discussed were building design and replacement including need to meet high standards and codes, although the current code was last revised more than 30 years ago.  Local townhouses are zoned low rise and fee simple; small projects <4 units do not require city design review, but must meet drainage control regulations.  Contact Mike Podowski @ Seattle.gov to address codes variances.  The Zoning Code is limited in terms of design specifications.  In areas of single family home zoning, emphasis is on preserving single family residences particularly where located at edges of commercial areas.  The Zone Map is on the Web.  Variances allowed include minimum lot size of 5000 sq ft and property related hardships; the code states a minimum sq ft for subdividing a single family lot, not size & shape of the lot.  

Issue of speeding trucks and parking variance on Princeton: sent letter to Transportation Committee asking for mirror installation, review of >15MPH speed limit, and Parks Department truck driver violations.          

 

Next HHCC Board Meeting:  June 21, 7:30PM, 1st Floor Conference Room, Bldg 30, Magnuson Park.  Community members are welcome to attend.