SOUTH ROSE HILL/BRIDLE TRAILS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

General Meeting - Tuesday, January 10, 2006

 President Jeanette Simecek called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.  Jeanette introduced the SRHBTNA Officers in attendance.  She also introduced members of the Kirkland City Council in attendance:  New Mayor Jim Lauinger, Mary-Alyce Burleigh, Bob Sternoff, Jim Lauinger, Jessica Greenway, and Dave Asher.

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

 The speaker from Verizon was unable to make it and will be back at the March general membership meeting.

 Neighborhood Signs – Jeanette reported that the South Rose Hill sign at 70/116^th will be moved to the railing on the fence.  The Bridle Trails sign has been relocated at the exit of the park & ride lot with a planter box around it.  We hope to have plantings in the spring with our Neighborhood Connections money.

 Tree Committee – A volunteer from the neighborhood was solicited to work with Elizabeth Walker

 Congratulations to Andy Held, SRHBTNA Director, on his appointment to the Kirkland Planning Commission.

 KAN - Meeting Tomorrow

 REPORTS

Lake Washington School District Levy/Bond - Barbara Posthumus

Coordinate of Business Services – School District

Barbara discussed the 2/7 Levy and Bond measure with a presentation entitled “School Funding 101”.  The State provides funds but limits how much we can raise.  19% of the LWSD budget is supported by Levy funds.

There will be three measures on ballot:  The Educational Programs and Operations levy fills gap between State and what it takes to run our program; the Capital Projects Levy, and the General Obligation Bonds/Phase two of modernization.  The EP&O pays for teachers’ salaries (competitive), extra-curriculum activities, and current level of services.

Replacement levies (like renewing magazine subscriptions) are limited due to a State cap.  (Our District ranks 268^th out of 2996 in the state in operating expenditures, according to a Standard & Poor’s ranking.)  The Capital Project replacement levy is smaller in scope (i.e., roofing repairs) and deals with safety, energy, technology, replacement of classroom computers, networking upgrades, teacher tech training, support technology, probeware in science, and other new science equipment, etc.

The General Obligation Bonds will be used to upgrade buildings, replace or modernize (new in lieu), and would replace/upgrade LWHS/Northstar Jr., Rose Hill Junior High/Stella Schola, Ben Rush, and Stella.  Also included is a new elementary on plateau to relieve overcrowding.

The Legislative cap, around since 1970s, provides that other districts have higher percentages because they are grandfathered in at a higher rate.

 Acheson Five Acre Parcel - Ranger Mary, Bridle Trails State Park

The land was donated to BTSP by Louis Atcheson, the former owner of Blackball Express.  She was a pioneer business woman who owned property and owned horses.  She rode everyday at the property across from the Park on the east side of 132^nd street.  It is five wooded acres with a small caretaker’s house on it but it has become a huge liability because it is in a dreadful state of disrepair.  The State is accepting the gift but it is going to be up to the community to do anything with it.  Her will stipulates it be used for horsy activity and open to the public.  It could take any number of forms.  The Community should ask - what would we like – if any plans step forward.  It might take a band-Aid it to keep it from falling down.  It could be operated on concession – but with public access.  State Parks will be running the public meetings which will provide a good chance for input

 BREAK

 124^th Avenue Park Site - Andy Held

With acreage of approximately six acres, The City is looking for a timeline this year, with 2006 Park staff and Park Board planning workshops.  Construction is scheduled to begin in 2007.  Andy, Bruce, and Deirdre volunteered to serve on a park subcommittee.  Parks staff has asked NA to make a list of brainstorming ideas:

Parking

Covered pavilion for picnicking

Bathroom

Nice landscaped flowers

Amphitheatre

Nice flowers

Rose garden

Volleyball

Water feature

Sound masking

Creek access

Ice skating

Pond

Skate park

Toddler playground & benches

Swings

Sports court

Bicycle area for kids

Walking trail

Poop posts/mutt mitts

Benches

House for meeting place facility

Meadow

Frisbee golf posts

Picnic tables

BBQ grill near shelter

Fire pit

Low path lighting

Sculptures / art

Kids’ art - commissioned

On site parking (limited)

Bike rack

Enviro Ed - Creek/watershed