Licton Springs Community Council

LICTON SPRINGS COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Meeting Date/Time: September 15, 6:30 P.M.

These meeting minutes were approved at the October 2021 meeting.

Attendance Notes

• Directors Present: Melanie Davies, Mike Cuadra, Liz Kearns, Bekah Gautrowski, Bob Blade, Lindsey Webb, Kathleen Braden
• General Members Present: Dianne Trani, Mary Katka, Martha Ware, Johnna Reitz, Jamie Waldock, Moses, Allan

Welcome

• Melanie started the meeting and welcomed everyone at 6:35.
• Attendees introduced themselves.

Hearing from Neighbors & Visitors

• Melanie asked for topics of discussion from attendees. Martha said she was interested in hearing more about plans for Halloween in the neighborhood. Moses was interested in learning more about the council.

Approval of Minutes & Treasurer's Report

• The minutes and Treasurer’s Report were approved.

Organization for Afghan Refugee Resettlement

• Kathleen requested this agenda item but by the time of the meeting, World Relief was no longer putting together resettlement kits.

Discussion about Halloween Event

• There was a discussion on how to move forward with a Halloween event this year given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Melanie gave a history of the event, which has been a trick-or-treat event in Licton Springs Park with “stations” where volunteers hand out candy and cider to attendees. There have also been musicians in the past.
• Bob suggested that we make a call on whether to hold the event a week ahead of time. However, Melanie said she would need more time to organize volunteers.
• The group discussed alternative locations or confining it to one half of the park, given that there are people living in the park currently. Kathleen noted the charm of the event has been in its being spread across the whole park. Alternative potential locations were at one of the two schools on 90th, Mineral Springs Park, North Seattle College, or on the new pedestrian bridge. Lindsey will reach out to relevant contacts about the two latter locations. Residents near Mineral Springs Park pointed out the difficulty with parking in that area and historically holding meetings at Cascadia Elementary has been challenging.
• Bekah suggested a house decorating contest and house-to-house trick-or-treating with an associated map that could be distributed to residents. The event could include a prize. Melanie moved to give Bekah the go-ahead to start planning that, regardless of whether there is an in-person event. Bob seconded and the motion passed.

Response to Fire in Licton Springs Park

• Liz relayed information to the group about the fire. It happened on Saturday, September 4th. Residents across the street from the park were awoken at 4:30am, hearing glass breaking. The restroom was fully engulfed in flames. No one was hurt. No one had information about who was responsible for the fire. Seattle Parks has said informally that the structure will need to be taken down and will cost $150k to replace. Liz has not been able to get any official information however. The department has brought in two porta-potties.
• There was a discussion of statements/letters about the fire from LSCC to volunteers and other interested parties. Kathleen suggested that Liz express condolences to volunteers and that LSCC express sadness and concern to the Native American communities who just celebrated the historic status of the park. Kathleen also wanted to reiterate questions to Councilmember Juarez about plans to investigate and rebuild. She said she would reach out to UNEA as well as the landmarks board to find out whether the park’s historic landmark status will impact where it fits in the queue of parks projects to be completed. She noted that whoever burned the restroom facility also violated the city ordinance on destruction of places of historical/cultural significance.
• Kathleen will draft a letter to Councilmember Juarez’ office inquiring about any investigation. Mike suggested that the council should be thinking about going to the Park Oversight Committee and be in contact with the park commissioners (longer-term). Mike said he would talk to his contacts in constructions at the Parks department about who to talk to there.
• Liz asked about tribal involvement in getting the structure rebuilt. Bekah said this should be the City’s responsibility and the City has not given us tools to fix problems in the park. Kathleen took photos and sent them to the Seattle Times, but thus far there hasn’t been media coverage.

Pillings Pond

• Liz contacted the owner of the Pillings Pond property and the adjacent house to find more about what’s going on there currently. They are looking for someone to rent the house. This would be at a reduced rate, but the renters are also responsible for feeding the ducks in the morning and evening. The person next door and a few other people are volunteering while the owner looks for new renters.

By-Laws Committee

• Bekah will send a by-laws related email by the end of the month. Board members should look through the discussion questions. She expects the by-laws review/revision process to be complete by the end of the year.

LSCC History

• Melanie and Mary gave a summary of the history of the Licton Springs Community Council for new attendees. LSCC’s main goals include making neighborhood resident voices heard and trying to connect people to information on issues they care about that are relevant to the neighborhood.

Minutes by Lindsey Webb, Secretary

Next meeting: October 20

Licton Springs Community Council Monthly Treasurer Report

09/15/2021 through 10/20/2021

NOTES:

• Ending balance includes $10.00 held in PayPal account.
• We received an email from Fred Meyer on 4/8/2020 of a $0.44 donation but this has not reached our Verity account and will not until it reaches $25.00

Licton Springs Community Council

Meeting Date/Time: July 21, 6:30pm

These meeting minutes were approved at the September 2021 meeting.

Attendance Notes

• Directors Present: Melanie Davies, Mike Cuadra, Liz Kearns, Bekah Gautrowski, Bob Blade, Lindsey Webb
• General Members Present: Dianne Trani, Janice Holkup, Greg Nelson, Kevin Sheets, Shari, Sharon

Welcome & Introductions

• Melanie started the meeting and welcomed everyone at 6:35. Attendees introduced themselves. Melanie let everyone know the meeting would end at about 7pm to allow folks to attend the Aurora Reimagined Coalition’s community workshop. She gave a short description of the group’s work.

Hearing from Neighbors & Visitors

• Melanie asked for topics of discussion from attendees. Wendy Leung introduced herself as a neighborhood resident for the past six years. She is concerned about crime rates and traffic, and would like to see better signage around the neighborhood encouraging drivers to slow down. Melanie told the group about Seattle Greenways, which has a HomeZone project aimed at slowing traffic on non-arterial streets.

Approval of Minutes & Treasurer's Report

• The minutes and Treasurer’s Report were approved.

Upcoming Events

• There were reminders about a couple of upcoming events.
• Dedication of the new rock and signage at Licton Springs Park hosted by Clear Skies (August 3 @ 5pm)
• Music in the Park event hosted by LSCC (August 18 @ 5:30pm)

Minutes by Lindsey Webb, Secretary

Next meeting October 20, 6:30pm

Licton Springs Community Council Monthly Treasurer Report

06/16/2021 through 07/20/2021

NOTES:

Ending balance includes $10.00 held in PayPal account. We received an email from Fred Meyer on 4/8/2020 of a $0.44 donation but this has not reached out Verity account and will not until it reaches $25.00

LICTON SPRINGS COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Meeting Date/Time: June 16, 2021, 6:30 P.M.

These meeting minutes were approved at the July 2021 meeting.

Attendance Notes

• Directors Present: Melanie Davies, Mike Cuadra, Kathleen Braden, Liz Kearns, Bekah Gautrowski, Bob Blade, Lindsey Webb
• General Members Present: Dianne Trani, Janice Holkup, Ellen Beck, Nina Kaseberg, Kevin Sheets

Welcome and House-Keeping

• Melanie started the meeting and welcomed everyone at 6:35. Attendees introduced themselves.

Approval of Minutes & Treasurer's Report

• The minutes and Treasurer’s Report were approved. Bekah asked for clarification on what was meant in the Treasurer’s Report by “Ending Balance reflects $10.00 held in PayPal account.” Liz explained that Kevin Sheets made a $10.00 donation to LSCC via PayPal and that she is working on getting the balance transferred to the LSCC bank account.

Hearing from Neighbors & Visitors

• Melanie asked for topics of discussion from attendees but there were none at that time.

Potential Play Street

• Bekah talked about the possibility of a closed play street sometime this summer, likely on Densmore. She said the permit process through the city is not complicated and the cost is low. There was a discussion about whether to have this as a separate event as the music in the park event Lindsey is working on, the group decided a separate event would be better so as not to take attention away from any musical performance. Bekah will take the lead on planning this for sometime in August and will provide information to the Board of Directors via email or at the next meeting.

Music in the Park Update

• Lindsey has been corresponding with Boundless NW about planning a Music in the Park event at Licton Springs Park in either July or August. Rob with Boundless NW has been in touch with the City of Seattle about permits, and it shouldn’t be a heavy lift in that respect. Rob’s suggestion is to have centralized music with a small stage. Lindsey will keep the group updated.

By-laws Committee Update

• Bekah let everyone know the By-Laws Committee, an ad hoc committee that is working on updating LSCC’s by-laws, will meet on June 29th at 7:00pm via Zoom. Anyone is welcome to join this meeting. Zoom info: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82248174726?pwd=dHZEN1h1TUJnL1RScTV1d3l5Vnd4QT09 Dial-in: 253.215.8782 Meeting ID: 822 4817 4726 Passcode: 335608

Northgate Pedestrian Bridge Update

• Lindsey let the group know the section of the bridge over northbound I-5 has been installed and this coming weekend southbound I-5 will be closed and cars will be rerouted so the other section can be installed. More information at SDOT’s website here.

North Seattle College President's Advisory Board Update

• Lindsey is now the LSCC representative to the NSC President’s Advisory Board update. The meeting in May included introductions of NSC leadership and advisory board members, NSC actions to address COVID-19, and an update on the upcoming Bellwether Housing project.

Greenlake Community Center Update

• Mike gave a status report on the Green Lake Community Center. The center is in the design and feasibility stage and leaders are currently applying for city landmark status. The boiler update is complete. The Green Lake Advisory Council is advocating for $5,000,000 to complete design and permitting.

Guests for Future Meetings

• Melanie asked if we could consider having a guest from Bellwether Housing present at the next meeting. Lindsey added that a guest from the Aurora Reimagined Coalition would be good also. Lindsey will reach out to Bellwether and Melanie will reach out to Aurora Commons for a contact at Aurora Reimagined.

North Precinct Report

• Mike gave an update on a few matters related to the North Precinct. He said crimes are up in the north end, particularly robberies and assault. There was a discussion about theft of catalytic converters on cars, based on stories attendees had heard from other areas. Mike is going to ask for any information on this at the next North Precinct update meeting.
• There was a question of whether prostitution is happening at a higher level right now. Mike pointed out that this is, in many cases, human trafficking. Melanie asked if the issue would be worth reaching out to City Council about to see what the city is doing to address this. Bekah mentioned that with the upcoming hot summer, it would be great for residents to share water and extra masks with sex workers on Aurora if they see a need. Janice Holkup said Aurora Commons provides services to folks in the area but that their long-time Executive Director is leaving.

Licton Springs Park Activity

• Community member Nina asked what the best course of action is if there is suspicious or dangerous activity going on in the park (for example, a resident of the park burning plastic materials). Liz suggested using the Find It Fix It app and also calling the fire department, as they are familiar with the person who is doing this. Nina asked if background checks are ever conducted for folks living in the park given proximity to kids. Kathleen talked about her positive experience with SPD’s community service officer - this is different from typical police activity.

New Licton Springs Park Signage

• Matt Remle is planning a celebration to dedicate new Licton Springs park signage later this summer and the council will likely be invited to attend (but not have a speaking role). There will be a rock etching installed leading to the spring head. Liz will talk to Matt about particulars and get back to us. There was a discussion about gift giving at the event, as this is important in many indigenous cultures. Community member attendee Nina has a friend who may be able to provide insight on appropriate gifts. Lindsey will connect with Nina separately on this.

Halloween Event

• Kathleen asked about whether the council would like to start planning a Halloween event. Other board members agreed that waiting until September to take the temperature on the pandemic situation, etc. would be fine.

Meeting Format

• Lindsey inquired as to whether the council would be open to discussing in-person meetings again. Other members agreed it would be fine to table until the September meeting, but one option is to have quarterly meetings in person and others would be virtual, as it’s easier for many people to attend this way.

Halloween Celebration

There was a discussion about a potential Halloween event but the topic was informally tabled as it’s several months away and the COVID-19 situation could be different then.

Housing in Licton Springs

• There was a discussion about rising housing prices and how they will affect Licton Springs residents. Melanie mentioned the Community Land Trust, which is an organization that buys property in various ways for the purpose of providing housing to people like teachers, police, firefighters, and other essential workers who may not be able to purchase or rent a home at market rate in the area. She encouraged attendees to refer people with affordability concerns to the Community Land Trust. Janice Holkup mentioned there will be another tiny house village going up in north Seattle soon.

Minutes by Lindsey Webb, Secretary

Next meeting July 21

Licton Springs Community Council Monthly Treasurer Report

05/20/2021 through 06/16/2021

NOTES:

Ending Balance reflects $10.00 held in PayPal Account

We received an email from Fred Meyer on 4/28/2020 of .44 donation, but this has not reached our Verity account and will not until it reaches $25.00.

LICTON SPRINGS COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Meeting Date/Time: May 19 2021 6:30-8:00 P.M.

These meeting minutes were approved at the June 2021 meeting.

Attendance Notes

• Online meeting by Zoom due to Coronavirus restrictions
• Directors present: Melanie Davies, Mike Cuadra, Kathleen Braden, Liz Kearns, Bekah Gautrowski, Bob Blade, Lindsey Webb
• Attendees: Dianne Trani, Janice Holkup, Ellen Beck, Danielle Rosenow

Introductions, House-Keeping, and Reports from Visitors

• Melanie started the meeting and welcomed everyone at 6:35.
• The minutes were approved.
• Melanie asked for topics of discussion from attendees.
• Janice Holkup shared information from Rep. Javier Valdez’ email newsletter outlining funding for the 46th district in the final state budget. This included $500,000 for the Aurora Commons acquisition, $150,000 to fund art by BIPOC artists at the Kraken training center, $30,519,000 for the North Seattle College library building renovation, $1,880,000 for library improvement grants, and $2,000,000 for the UW Medical Center NW behavioral health renovation.
• Bob Blade talked about Aurora Reimagined, a new coalition that seeks to provide input in the city’s planning efforts around Highway 99. Melanie added that the city is at the conceptual level in planning right now and that it’s time to throw out broad, big ideas.
• The treasurer’s report was approved.

Updates to ongoing committee and council work

• LSCC BANK ISSUE: Liz talked about the issue of removing Jan Brucker as a signer for LSCC’s bank account at Verity since she is no longer part of the council. As treasurer, Liz said her priority is to have new signers who are easy to get in touch with. She noted the bank would need a copy of the minutes indicating who LSCC directors voted in as new signers, and then she could help initiate paperwork. The directors voted unanimously to approve a motion to remove Jan Brucker as a signer on the LSCC Verity checking account. There was some discussion about the appropriate number of new signers. The directors voted to approve a motion to allow four signers, the voted to add Lindsey Webb and Melanie Davies as signers on LSCC’s Verity checking account.
• AURORA REIMAGINED COALITION: Melanie talked further about the Aurora Reimagined Coalition (website: www.got99problems.org) A large part of the city’s work on Aurora will be design guidelines related to pedestrian access, turn lanes, crossings, etc. The group meets once per month and will be holding revisioning workshops in July and August. Neighborhood residents can sign up on the website for updates. ALUV will likely be involved.
• NORTHGATE LIGHT RAIL UPDATE: Melanie told the group that the pedestrian bridge between North Seattle College and the Northgate Link Light Rail station will be in place by the end of June. (Project link: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/projects-and-programs/programs/bridges-stairs-and-other-structures/bridges/northgate-pedestrian-and-bicycle-bridge)
• NORTH POLICE PRECINCT UPDATE: Melanie talked about a series of dialogues the Seattle Police Department North Precinct will be hosting. These will be an opportunity to talk more deeply about the police department and the community. Three dialogues will take place in each of the five precincts, including some in Licton Springs. Interested residents can sign up here: https://seattleux.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9BSU8pPfHcc0tRY
• PRECINCT REPORT: Mike gave a precinct report. At the last meeting, hosts went over each new state law related to policing. Governor Inslee has signed all but two. One new law establishes a duty for officers to intervene and report. The hosts of the meeting talked about the encampment at the part being cleaned up. On the first Wednesday of the month, social workers went to the site to let people know they would need to leave. There had been some incidents that led to the decision to clear the park. Car theft and homicides are up recently in general, but crime is down locally.
• BELLWEATHER HOUSING: Lindsey will be sending out a link to a survey Bellwether housing is conducting related to their future housing project and long house at North Seattle College. They are looking for community input on the project.
• LISTSERV DISCUSSION: There was a discussion about outreach and information sharing via the listserv on the Licton Springs hotmail account. Attendees agreed that less is more when it comes to using the hotmail account for sharing information. However, there was some discussion about increasing outreach via social media like Facebook and Instagram. The directors voted to create a Licton Springs Instagram account. Lindsey volunteered to manage the account. She will also add Bekah as an admin on the Licton Springs Neighborhood account and remove Janice Lichtenwaldt.

Event Planning - MUSIC IN THE PARK: There was a discussion about a music in the park event. Lindsey has been in email conversation with Boundless NW about an event over the summer. Dianne Trani asked about the cost of such an event. Lindsey said the council paid musicians ~$150 each for last year’s event. - HALLOWEEN EVENTS: There was a discussion about a potential Halloween event but the topic was informally tabled as it’s several months away and the COVID-19 situation could be different then. Bob will get in touch with Casey at Epic Life Church for an update on what they’re doing.

Minutes by Lindsey Webb, Secretary

Next meeting: June 16

Licton Springs Community Council Monthly Treasurer Report

4/21/2021 through 5/19/2021

NOTES:

I completed our annual Certification with Benevity on 04/20/2021.

We received an email from Fred Meyer on 4/28/2020 of .44 donation, but this has not reached our Verity account and will not until it reaches $25.00.

LICTON SPRINGS COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Meeting Date/Time: April 21 2021 6:30-8:30 P.M.

These meeting minutes were approved at the May 2021 meeting.

Attendance Notes

• Online meeting by Zoom due to Coronavirus restrictions
• Directors present: Janice Lichtenwaldt, Ellen Beck, Lindsey Webb, Melanie Davies, Liz Kearns, Bekah Gautrowski, Michael Cuadra, and Kathleen Braden
• Business Representatives present: Bob Blade (Salt Blade)
• Attendees: Dianne Trani, Matt Gautrowski, Janice Holkup, Kevin Sheets, Kevin Bergsrud, Sam Williamson, Robin Amadon (LIHI) and Jenny Frankl (Clean Streets)

Introductions, House-Keeping, and Reports from Visitors

• Janice started the meeting at 6:35 and welcomed everyone. She announced that she will be stepping down from the Board and M/S/A to commend Janice Lichtenwaldt for her service to Licton Springs Community Council, including her leadership as President.
• Minutes of March 17, 2021 were approved as distributed Treasurer’s Report sent by Ellen (attached below) was approved.
• Robin of Low Income Housing Institute updated group on plans for 104 unit, 7 story building to open 2023 on Aurora/Nesbit 8700 with studios and up to 3 bedrooms. Final portion of funding still pending. DESC will have project nearby and Robin will provide information about any potential transportation disruption during construction. The building will have space for community gatherings.
• Kevin Bergsrud of Parks Dept updated re: Licton Springs Park new interpretive sign to be placed on boulder 4 X 6ft. with engraving near north spring next to path that starts at 97th St. Design was undertaken under supervision of Salish people involved in historic status of park (Matt Remly) and a ceremony will take place in May or June.
• Jenny Frankl updated group on Adopt-A-Street program for litter pickup. She followed up with details.

Vote on Nominations for the Board of Directors

• Elected through voice vote (As voted allowable at the March 2021 meeting, due to the virtual setting):
• For two year terms to 2023: Kathleen Braden, Mike Cuadra, Bekah Gautrowski, Lindsey Webb.
• For one year term to 2022: Liz Kearns, Melanie Davies.
• The Board has three vacancies and, per by-laws, voted Bob Blade for seat on the Board through 2023 (in addition to his representation as business in community).
• Election of officers:
• Melanie Davies, President
• Mike Cuadra, Vice-President
• Lindsey Webb, Secretary
• Liz Kearns, Treasurer
• Ellen Beck will be moving to another neighborhood and will be leaving Board but LSCC is appreciative of her service as secretary and treasurer and her long affiliation with the LSCC.

Updates to ongoing committee and council work

• Led by Lindsey Webb, group discussed possibilities for musical event in Licton Springs neighborhood or park summer 2021. Several Board members offered to help and asked Bob Blade to contact Boundless Collective people. Lindsey will spearhead planning.
• Melanie updated on AARP grant for Meridian (resolution passed April 14, 2021 with five yes, three abstain). Liz asked to see completed grant proposal. See attachment.
• Bekah updated on by-laws ad hoc committee, which had its first meeting and noted the goals are cleaning up and putting order to by-laws, making them more inclusive, and incorporating concerns of community members.
• Matt noted he now has control of LSCC website and is posting minutes.

Minutes by Kathleen Braden, Secretary

Next meeting: May 19

Licton Springs Community Council Monthly Treasurer Report

3/15/2021 through 4/20/2021

NOTES:

I completed our annual Certification with Benevity on 04/20/2021.

We received an email from Fred Meyer on 4/28/2020 of .44 donation, but this has not reached our Verity account and will not until it reaches $25.00.