Queen Anne Community Council Sep. 7, 2016 Minutes

DRAFT – DRAFT – DRAFT – DRAFT – DRAFT Ellen Monrad called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. Board members attending were Andrew Koved, Beth Bunnell, Charles Costigan, Chris Grekoff, Don Harper, Ellen Monrad, Glenn Avery, Jim Smith, Lynn Hubbard, Mary Cole, Mark Ostrow, Martin Kaplan, Mike Warren, Sharon LeVine and Wayne Winder. The agenda was accepted. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved (Don Harper, Glenn Avery 2nd). Wayne Winder submitted a report from Treasurer Margaret Okamoto: in July, we earned an increase of $0.07, received donations of $7,634.71 via PayPal and $6,850.00 via check. We spent $1,350.00 for Attorney expenses to leave a balance of $13,500.07. In August we earned interest of $1.52 and received check donations of $700.00. We spent $3,851.70 in Attorney’s expenses for an ending balance of $10,349.89.

Open Forum – No issues presented.

Bhy Kracke Park Improvements – Katie Bang (Seattle Parks & Rec.) Ms. Bang described the current state of the effort to renovate the Park. Included is a Retaining Wall Renovation (due to failing slopes) in the lower part of the park. The path will be widened from 5 feet to 7 feet while removing a secondary pathway. She asked the audience for opinions about keeping the Arbor, which is rotting. One in the audience suggested that the design should be inspired by the surrounding neighborhood. The “pipe pile” is at odds in this regard. Another attendee asked if there will be a graffiti problem with the current design. Answer: it will probably be just as in other parks. Another attendee stated that the park as a whole has fallen into disrepair. There has been a lack of maintenance over the last 5-10 years. The rhododendrons are dead. “You need to consider maintenance of the vegetation or the pattern will repeat.” This concern was echoed by the next attendee to comment. Ms. Bang then solicited feedback on the location of the Arbor. Don Harper mentioned that Neighborhood Funding may allow some flexibility to neighbors interested in a “better” look for the Arbor. Subsequent attendees offered several suggestions for location & maintenance. Sharon LeVine recommended a product called TSW as an anti-graffiti coating. Marty Kaplan offered that he likes the Wisteria. He commented that it is important to keep the mature plants. He also stated that such large widening of the pathway will diminish the character; it will promote tagging.

Don Harper closed the discussion by stating that this park is a rare jewel in Seattle. We should leave the Arbor, but repair it. The wall will be the ugliest part of the park. It needs better aesthetics.

Election Committee – Ellen Monrad Chair Monrad announced that Mary Cole, Charles Bookman, Chris Grekoff and Dave Flowers are not running at the completion of their terms. We have 4 empty slots. The election will be September 21.

Committee Reports LURC: Marty Kaplan announced that the next meeting will be on Sept. 19. The first half will be devoted to discussing the QACC SEPA Challenge (an appeal of no EIS required for legislation advancing removing barriers to back yard cottages). The second half will consider the Uptown Urban Design Framework. He gave a “10,000 foot” report on the QA SEPA Challenge. He gave a detailed history from 2006: there was a trial/test of new rules in SW Seattle and then the current rules were enacted city-wide in 2010. City Council Member Mike O’Brien believes removing all barriers will increase affordable housing. The portion of the appeal due to no outreach to neighborhoods was dismissed. (This is the largest rezone ever with no outreach.) There has been no research (in particular, no Environmental Impact Statement) and as such, we don’t know what the facts are. We (QACC) are challenging for the right for everyone to review that there are no impacts. The Hearing Examiner scheduled the 3 rd day (and probably final day) of the hearing for Sep. 30 with a decision within 2 weeks. The Uptown Rezone is undergoing public outreach with several meetings scheduled. The Draft EIS was issued in August. Marty discussed the nuanced approach of EIS to studying several height options. Rick Hooper clarified that the city has not yet made a proposal. They are in the process of formulating one. The EIS may or may not be complete. There are a number of steps to take before there is a proposal. Lynn Hubbard commented that she talked with Jim Holmes, the planner in charge of the project, and claimed he stated that if you don’t comment on the draft, you lose your right to appeal. Ms. Hubbard also claimed that the current zoning will accommodate the growth. Rich Hooper added that we now have an opportunity to address development standards. District Council: Mike Warren reported that there was a loud long meeting on August 8. The Council discussed the Mayor’s termination of City support and the determination of the uselessness of old, white homeowners. The District Council agreed to send a letter to the Neighborhood Committee saying that the Council would like to work to expand community involvement in the Council. The QACC Executive Committee proposed to send a letter to Tim Burgess agreeing. Mike Warren moved that we send the letter (Don H. 2nd). The Council approved the motion with 2 abstentions. Parks Don Harper reported: 1) $1,500 was spent on new plants for Kinnear Park. 2) They are planting new trees in Rogers Park! 3) Don met with the Smith Cove Park Architects. Today they had a walk-around at the site. The budget is $3.6 Million for construction which will include a grass youth soccer field and restrooms, but no lights.

Sharon LeVine added that in the Dog Off-leash Areas Master Plan, there is nothing anywhere for Queen Anne. There is a recommendation for more enforcement. Communication: Wayne Winder mentioned several e-mails received by QACC:  From the Fremont Siphon Project, a reminder that Pokemon Go is not appropriate in a construction zone. (Pokemon No?)  Several inquiries about the QACC. He responded inviting the inquirers to engage and added that elections will be held later this month.  Several inquiries and comments about the SEPA Appeal and the Uptown Rezone Draft EIS. There being no New Business, Ellen Monrad adjourned the meeting at 9:05

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