President’s Update December 2004

Edgemoor Neighborhood Association

December, for many of us, is the time of the year when procrastination is no longer an option. I think it’s fair to say that this is the case with City Council as well. Major decisions were made and difficult issues were addressed which will effect Bellingham and, in turn, our neighborhood far into the future.

First, Council approved the Grimes Report which was the product of the Growth Forums. They basically signed on to pursuing an aggressive infill strategy for the city based on the concept of urban villages.

Second, Council also formally agreed to partner with the Port of Bellingham to develop the GP waterfront property. The Port has proposed accepting responsibility for the site clean up and any future liability in exchange for the title on the property. The City will be financially responsible for providing the infrastructure and services as the area is redeveloped.

Third, Council approved a 2005 budget, which includes a slight tax increase and some reallocation of funds thus delaying major cuts until 2006. Council person Barbara Ryan proposed and the council passed the formation of a citizens advisory committee to bring public scrutiny and rigor to the budgeting process in 2005. Citizens recommended that this committee be under Council control.

Major budget shortfalls are likely for the foreseeable future due to state wide limits on the taxing ability of local municipalities. The increased demand for infrastructure and services resulting from aggressive growth strategies and future waterfront development on the GP site will undoubtedly contribute to these shortfalls as well.

Fortunately funding is secure for the Fairhaven Library for 2005. However, there is no guarantee that it won’t be in jeopardy again. Thanks to all who made phone calls, wrote letters and spoke in support. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a commitment from city officials to fund the Fairhaven Library long term?

At our December ENA meeting Sarah Slevin of the Whatcom County Dispute Resolution Center presented an overview of the neighborhood peer mediation program. The membership voted to fund training for 2 neighborhood volunteers who would then be available to mediate disputes between neighbors on a variety of issues. If you are interested in becoming a peer mediator contact Paul Stephenson at diplomat@weirdpeople.com

Looking ahead to 2005, I see budget and land use issues as a major area of focus for our group. Changes to the Comprehensive Plan, the rapid build out of Fairhaven, traffic and parking concerns and the Chuckanut Ridge development are just a few of the items that will keep our Growth and Land Use Committee busy. Consider joining the committee to work on these issues. Contact Brad Rose at brad AT affoinfo DOT com If you would like to be on an email alert list to be notified at critical times contact me. (see below)

The January meeting will be held on Thursday the 6^th from 7 to 9 pm at our usual meeting place, the Fairhaven Pavilion in Fairhaven Park. (I have attached the agenda.) The major item on the agenda will be a presentation by the Bylaws Committee of the first draft of the permanent bylaws for the association. Michael Menard and the Committee have made a considerable effort to craft bylaws to reflect the ENA’s unique member driven structure. Michael, the chair of the committee, will review the document and answer questions that relate to this draft. Remember, the monthly meeting is not a working meeting so if you have significant changes or suggestions to recommend, please send them to Michael Menard, or attend the next bylaws committee meeting to offer your input. A copy of this draft is included as an attachment. Please print your own copy and bring it to the meeting. There will not be copies available at the meeting.

Also at this meeting Lois Miles, our Treasurer. will present a draft budget for 2005 and the Growth and Land Use Committee has a proposal for a presentation by city officials on land use issues for the February 3^rd meeting. Under old business we will revisit the proposal for advertising on the website.

Finally, a very important reminder. On Monday, January 10 at 7 pm, upstairs in the ballroom at the Fairhaven Library, a presentation will be given on the Neighborhood Watch Program. The presenting officer will provide an overview of the program. The Safety Committee is sponsoring this meeting and has invited all interested people from any of the Southside neighborhoods. Hopefully this meeting will not only be informative but offer us a chance to meet and network with other neighborhoods.

In closing, to those of you whose new year’s resolutions include making a civic contribution in the coming year, I’d like to offer you the opportunity to take immediate action. Become active in our organization. If you have a good idea that is important to you and will benefit our neighborhood or for that matter the city, the county, or the state and you are looking for like minded people to work with you, call me. I will happily help you to set up a committee and support you in your endeavor. If the work of one of our existing committees is of interest don’t hesitate to get involved, we always welcome new participants and new ideas.

I hope to see you at one or more of our meetings. As always you can call or email me if you have and questions or comments.

Sue Tercek

Interim President