Edgemoor
Neighborhood Association
Monthly Board Meeting
April 7, 2011
Minutes
The
ENA monthly meeting was called to order at approximately 7:07 pm on Thursday, April
7th by President Brad Rose. Lauri Grove
recorded the minutes. A quorum was
present.
The minutes
from February and March meetings were approved as submitted.
Guest:
Jennifer Karchmer, editor of the Whatcom
Watch grassroots environmental newspaper in Bellingham, informed us that the
all-volunteer paper was celebrating its 20th year. They have approximately 167 subscribers to
date. Most of the contributing
volunteers work from home to put out monthly copies distributed
community-wide. Local citizens write the
articles. In April, a community roundtable was held at the ReStore for all to
meet the editor and suggest articles or points of interest. Another portal to Whatcom Watch can be found
on their Facebook page. Also mentioned in response to an article in the Whatcom
Watch, the City Club had planned an informative discussion and WWU a debate on
the topic of coal trains.
President's Report:
(Brad Rose)
Brad informed about ‘the big hole’ quarry
on Lummi Island proposal to double from 27
acres to 50 acres in size. This proposal is in the process of being docketed.
Brad briefed us with some ‘FYI’ history about the company. Apparently they
extended beyond the claim area and were supposed to but did not retain money in
escrow for landscaping.
Joel Douglas kindly offered the Lairmont
Manor for our annual meeting to be held May 5th. He asked that we mention the Fairhaven Diner
Club on our website and distribute information at the meeting. The diner club charge is just $1.00 and
something we agreed that we should try to support.
Run
with the Fuzz 5k run was held in April. 100% of the proceeds ($20 fee) went
to the Behind the Badge Foundation.
Last but not least, Brad reminded all to
be mindful about scams, impostors, and identity theft.
MNAC Report: (John
Erickson)
John was not able to attend the
meeting. We could use a volunteer
alternate MNAC representative. If interested contact John or Brad for
information.
Treasurer's Report:
(Diane MacLean)
Diane reported that we received a $15
donation from a new neighbor.
CSN: (Brad)
The Coalition of
Southside Neighbors met to discuss the proposed rezone for Padden Creek Trails.
Although this property is in the Samish neighborhood the project will have an
effect on the entire south side. The developers are just looking for increased
density right now without a concrete plan.
As the plan unfolds and gets more vested it will be harder for public
concerns to be considered. There was a consensus at the meeting to draft a
letter addressing some transportation and safety issues to the City Council and
the Planning Commission. The Board
agreed to the intent of the letter to address concerns but asked to view the
final draft before approval.
RDNow: (Joe Yaver)
Washington
Federal Bank started foreclosure proceedings on Fairhaven Highlands however Edelstein
filed a counter claim and it looks as if it as yet to be determined. Bob Gibb wrote to Dave Rennig(?) reiterating
all the past and existing issues just to make him aware of the history of
problems with the site. Joel Douglas
wrote to city officials to suggest it as a site for assisted living or a
retirement home development. Discussion
led to the fact that it is not exactly convenient to the hospital or emergency
services. We did originally tax ourselves
to start Greenways in an attempt to purchase this property. Many feel that the property left as is would
better the quality of life for the future of our community.
Guest:
Brook Anderson, a
representative for Bag it Bellingham
was on hand to explain the program. This is an inclusive community effort to
stop the use of thin plastic single-use bags at takeout, pharmacy and grocery
checkout counters to encourage reusable bags. In addition there will be a $.05 charge
for paper bags to reduce recycling and help with costs to supply reusable bags.
Brook led a Q and A in an attempt to aid in understanding the program. The thin plastic bags intended for single use
transportation of food are harmful to animals and environment. This does not
include the heavier plastic bags most retail stores use. To view information and discussion go to www.facebook.com/bagitbellingham
or to the blog www.bagitbellingham.blogspot.com
Neighborhood Plan Update: (Martin Nickerson)
Martin, Sandie and Lylene worked
on revising the neighborhood plan and presented a draft for board approval.
There was a discussion about a few points and modifications were suggested. Thank
you all your time and a job well done.
A Motion
was made to accept
the final draft of the Updated Neighborhood Plan with the specified
modifications.
Motion was passed by the board.
A mailer
would be sent out to inform neighbors about the upcoming May 5th Annual
Meeting at Lairmont Manor and also about the Draft Neighborhood Plan on the
website for review, suggestions and approval through June 2nd. The June 2nd meeting At Fairhaven
Park Pavilion will be open for Edgemoor neighbor’s additional comments and
final approval of plan to be submitted to the city.
Business, Issues and
Concerns:
The annual meeting will be at the Lairmont
Manor. Brad will set up a representative
to talk about the coal trains - preferably both sides of the controversy. Elections will be held for President and
Secretary. Brad will be stepping down as
President. He has done a great job
for several years and is due for a break.
We also need a volunteer as an alternate for MNAC. If you would like to meet neighbors and are
interested in your community please consider joining the board.
Closing
The meeting was adjourned at 9:04 pm.
The next Edgemoor Neighborhood Meeting will
be our Annual Meeting held on Thursday, May 5th
from 7-9pm at the Lairmont Manor. Refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Respectfully
Submitted,
Lauri
Grove
Minutes
are subject to approval