Edgemoor Association Meeting

January 31, 2005

Fairhaven Public Library

The meeting was called to order at 7 PM by Board member, Sandie Koplowitz. Christine Koplowitz graciously consented to take minutes.

Gretchen White moved we approve the minutes of the last EA meeting on June 17, 2004.

2004 Treasurer’s report was discussed. A major expense for 2004 was $1600 to attorney, Jeffrey Bode’ to address issues regarding membership, bylaws, boundaries, CC&R’s, name change, etc. The document from Jeff Bode’ is attached. There were 57 EA member who paid dues in 2004. Mary Hickman was repaid in full for a past bill she paid personally. At this time there are 16 EA members who have paid dues. Sandie Koplowitz paid $110 to Edgemoor Association for annual hosting fees and domain name for www.edgemoorneighborhood.com. She will continue to manage the website for Edgemoor Neighborhood personally.

The current bank account balance is $548.30.

Announcements:

Sandie asked EA members to join the newly formed Edgemoor Neighborhood Association. There was discussion about the confusion this has caused in the neighborhood. Edgemoor residents are still unclear about the purpose of the ENA and the boundaries of Edgemoor Neighborhood.

The Edgemoor Neighborhood website was developed in May 2004 to connect Edgemoor neighborhood and provide news and information about the local community to Edgemoor residents. Sandie is webmaster and she asked for help on the website to moderate the forum, proof read, write articles, take photographs, research history of Edgemoor, etc. Gretchen mentioned she would like to see the History page put back on the website.

Attorney, Jeff Bode’, gave us information about two state laws which reduce our liability. RCW 4.24.200 –210 Limitation on liability of owners in possession of land and water areas for injuries to recreational users. (See attached)

RCW 23B.08.320 – 600 – Limitation on liability of directors of a corporation. (See attached). Sandie suggested we consider amending our Articles of Incorporation to include wording from this RCW.

There is a Small and Simple Grant available from the City of Bellingham (maximum $2,500). If anyone is interested in forming a Lagoon Property committee and putting together a plan to improve the trail, we could apply for this grant. Must be submitted by Feb 25, 2005.

Meeting Business:

BNSF Railroad has paid $60 per year since 1971 for an electrical line right-of-way across the Edgemoor Lagoon property. After discussion, Jim Koplowitz moved we increase it to $500 per year and negotiate down from there. Gretchen White told us about the garbage that has been accumulating on the property. There was discussion of the homeless camps in the area.

Due to confusion between the names of Edgemoor Association and Edgemoor Neighborhood Association, Mary Hickman moved we use the name “Old Edgemoor Property Owners Association” (OEPOA). Sandie will secure the legal rights to this name, but we will retain the name Edgemoor Association for legal purposes.

Election of the Board of Directors: Gretchen White, Bob Bingham, Kathy Kaiser, Sandie Koplowitz and Maritza Clough were elected to the Board of OEPOA.

Other Business:

Gretchen White offered to post a no trespassing sign on the lagoon property. Sandie said we must allow access to the property to receive liability protection under RCW 4.24.200 –210. However, we can place signs that say “Use at your own risk” to further reduce liability concerns. Linda Leum mentioned the trail is being used by undesirables and usage is changing. There was discussion about homeless camps along the RR tracks. Mary Hickman suggested we contact Baywatch unit to ask for help monitoring homeless camps. Gretchen Pfueller said she contacted someone at the Fairhaven railway station and complained about a large group of people loitering on the tracks and they later disappeared. It was suggested we try this method again. It was also suggested we ask Sherry Gustafson, Edgemoor Rep to the Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Council, to ask at the next meeting for any assistance with this matter.

Sandie announced upcoming meeting on Feb. 2, 7 PM at Fairhaven Village Inn regarding 9,000 sq. ft. home to be built at 334 Bayside Road. There was discussion of pros and cons of mega homes being built in the area.

There will be an Edgemoor Neighborhood Association (ENA) meeting on Thursday Jan. 3, 7 PM, Fairhaven Park Pavilion. The Bellingham City Planners will be presenting information on what and who effects land use decisions. They will also address Chuckanut Ridge and the current land use plan in Fairhaven.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.

Thank you, Christine, for taking such great minutes!

Submitted by Sandie Koplowitz, Treasurer, Edgemoor Association on Feb. 1, 2005