Deirdre Johnson opened the
meeting at 7:00 pm
Attendance: 38
Announcements:
Officer
McMillian, Crime Prevention
Officer
Janelle McMillian described the spate of burglaries that have occurred during
2002. Rose Hill/Bridle Trails area is actually quite safe. She spent several
minutes describing the home security salespersons (for ATD), several of whom
have misrepresented themselves. She
gave a list of hints (in a handout- attached) that are good advice for dealing
with solicitors.
Questions:
Ellen
McMahon/Don Samdahl, Traffic Calming
Ellen McMahon from the city described the traffic
calming plan that was not approved by South Rose Hill neighbors (67/33); needed
70% in favor. She described the various components of the plan and the criteria
for consideration (e.g. range of 200-3,000 vehicles per day; not an arterial
route; speeds greater than 5 mph over the limit at the 85th
percentile).
She showed slides of the traffic calming process and
examples of the various devices. She
mentioned that many of the negative votes and comments related to speed humps
included in the plan. The city’s experience with speed cushions as an
alternative has been positive. She also mentioned permanent radar cameras in use
in Bellevue. These are expensive, but seem to be effective.
Don Samdahl said that the board would consider a
proposal to reexamine the traffic calming plan and would make a recommendation
in January. He asked for a straw-poll of those persons that would support taking
another look at the plan. The
majority of persons raised their hand.
Doug Love asked if we could see a show of hands of
those opposed. About 6 people raised
their hands. He made a plea to not
reconsider the plan so soon after the previous plan had failed. He also
indicated that an earlier plan had also been defeated by local residents.
Some people responded to these comments, both pro and con.
Scott Foote supported Mr. Love and indicated that a small revision of the
current plan would not be satisfactory. He
asked how many times would such a plan be submitted to votes until it passed?
Others supported a plan similar to the one that was defeated.
The discussion continued for 15 minutes past the allotted time, with the
understanding that more discussion would take place in January.
Deirdre
Johnson/Don Samdahl, Expanding the Director positions from 3 to 6.
Don Samdahl
announced the decision of the board to expand the number of director positions
from 3 to 6. He also noted the
change in term from 3 to 2 years. One
person asked why the board decision was not subject to a neighborhood vote?
Don responded that the bylaws allow the Board to make these decisions He
announced the appointment of Steve Tindall to replace Dan Pitzler, with the
position shortened to one more year. Deirdre
announced the nominees for the three positions available for 2 year commitment.
The 3 current candidates: Jim
McElwee, Laura Seitz and Imeria Schuler.
She asked for other nominees- none were offered.
She asked for a motion to approve the three nominees. A second was
received, no discussion ensued, and a unanimous vote was taken to approve the
nominees.
Ray
and Pat Schlienz- Houghton Transfer Station Update
Ray and Pat handed out the letter sent to the county council by Bruce
Feuling and the letter sent by the Kirkland City Council. Both were in favor of
reexamining the role of the transfer center in the current master planning
process. They described recent meetings with city staff, council, and Jane
Hague, which led to the city letter in support of our position.
There is another meeting being set up with Rep Luke Esser, who has ties to
county council member Rob McKenna. The NA will continue to oppose the current
‘safety’ improvements and ask that the master plan be updated first.
A neighborhood member, who is a reporter for the Kirkland Courier, asked
that this new information be brought to the attention of Doug Schwartz, who is
not aware that there is anything new with this topic.
Ray suggested that we keep a constructive position with the city and
vigorously oppose the safety project.
Reports:
a.
NE
85th St. Corridor- Carter Dann made a brief report
b.
Bridle
Trails State Park Update- Lorraine Trosper described
the lack of progress with the Governor’s task force. She announced that the
Bridle Trails Park Foundation has sought donations and had obtained several so
far. Their application to the IRS for 501C3 is under review.
Dan McDonald and Luke Esser have offered their support.
c.
KAN
City Budget Update for 2003- Brian White discussed the
city’s financial problems ($2.8
Million shortfall) and the possibility for increased taxes.
–
d.
Tree
Cutting Update- Ellie Moon announced that an
interim city ordinance on public and private tree cutting would be discussed on
November 19 at the city council. A public hearing will be held.
e.
Flashing
Crosswalks- Brian White announced that the
132nd Ave crosswalk (approved as part of our neighborhood grant) was
more costly than estimated but is part of the program for early 2003.
Meeting was adjourned at
9:05 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Don Samdahl
Secretary