Introductions: Polly Gilbert, Carol Lavoie, Liz Jennings, Patrick McKee, Monica Trott, Tony Kesslau, Dane Conklin, Rochelle and Jonathon Senti, Jeff Kenman, Erin Macri, Hugh Conroy, David Donohue, Patti Basart, Mark Barrett, Sandy Barrett, Doug Couvelier, Mickey McDiarmid

New Business: Theresa announced that SNA values input from neighbors is most important and always valued so please speak up and let your voices be heard however, anything that needs to be voted on is done so by the board members obviously with all consideration to what the neighborhood wants and needs.

Approved Minutes from 3/20/07 Meeting (Board vote) E. Macri moved to approve and P. Gilbert 2nd

Traffic Committee – Hugh Conroy-Traffic committee convened with the task of top 3 candidates for traffic calming devices.

1. King Street-Ohio to Alabama-too much volume, cut through traffic

2. Virginia-James to Cornwall

3. Carolina was third with Grant a strong 4th. There is a high volume of traffic at Virginia and Grant. Hugh said that each neighborhood can suggest three intersections and then the city follows up with data analysis. The city ranks the intersections with points for each criterion. David Donohue suggested that we ask the city to enforce codes and that would eliminate many traffic problems. Hugh said that the city traffic department takes into account the effect that a calming device would have on nearby arterials. After a lot of discussion and input from Carol Lavoi about the need to determine exactly where the traffic is coming from the following motion was approved. Motion Approved-P. Gilbert moved, Carol Lavoie 2nd. SNA recommend King, Virginia and Grant streets for our traffic calming intersections.

? Neighborhood Planning Committee Update – Elizabeth Jennings. The Sunnyland Planning Workgroup meets on 2nd and 4th Mondays.

Liz distributed zoning maps and the Sunnyland Neighborhood Plans. The Planning Committee is reviewing each area of the neighborhood plans to see if they are outdated and look for challenges and opportunities. The committee is looking for action items or areas that need to be updated in the Sunnyland Neighborhood Plan. July and August the Workgroup will have neighborhood meetings for feedback to the proposed changes and build consensus. In October, the SNA would finalize the plan and then vote on the plan in November so the process is completed by the city’s December deadline.

The SN Workgroup invited the owners of the DOT site to attend a SN Workgroup meeting. They have not heard back from the owners. Patrick McKee said the group proposed a single-family development because it does not involve major changes in the zoning and neighborhood plan. If the developers would like to build right away, Sunnyland Neighborhood Workgroup suggests a planned development contract with 24 single homes with 7200 square feet or else 36 affordable single family homes on smaller lots. Hugh pointed out that if we have a planned development contract then the city and neighborhood have input on the plan. Jeff asked if it had to be single homes as he would appreciate small businesses like a chiropractor or walk up to store-no drive ins.

MNAC Report

Motion approved-Hugh Conroy moved, Polly Gilbert 2nd, that Patrick McGee be the SNA representative on the MNAC Board. Patrick reported on the city’s plans for a disaster pamphlet. How to turn off the natural gas? How to turn off your water? Where do the elderly live?

Dane Conklin-WWU student-Urban Village Zone Project

Treasures Report –Hugh Conroy - Sent out a letter to all business in the Sunnyland Neighborhood. He heard from about 23 businesses and received $226.00. Dues can be paid to SNA, P.O. 2515, 98225.

Old Business: ? SNA Annual Picnic – May 20, 2007 – Erin Macri-SNA picnic will be on May 20 and Erin will have a planning meeting on Thursday, April 19, 2007 at Erin’s house-2715 Grant St.

Benches and tables are available at Whatcom Falls Park but you have to pick up and return with a truck.

Motion approved: Mary Anne Stuckart moved, Polly 2nd, to approve expenditures of $200 for the SNA Annual Picnic (port a potty, etc).

Newsletter-Theresa reported the newsletter will be completed by this coming weekend. The newsletter will invite neighbors to the picnic. She asked for volunteers to distribute the newsletter by May 5, 2006.

David Donohue-Website-David wants to update the website with the neighborhood plan and links. Theresa said we would appreciate his work on the website.

Announcements:

2007 SNA Yearly Dues are now Due – SNA. P.O. Box 2525, 98225

Shred-a-Thon April 28, 2007 10 – 2pm at Office Max…limit 3 bags per person

Graffiti…If you have graffiti in you or around your part of the neighborhood please report this to the police. They will take pictures and make a report then please cover it ASAP. It was implied by the city/police that this is not gang related…though I would disagree as I have seen two tags in this city that Theresa has also seen in Vancouver, BC and Seattle.

Green Power Neighborhood Grant – Winning neighborhoods will be announced April 21, Earth Day at the Market 12:00 noon by the mayor.

New outreach group to assist with making neighborhoods “Elder Friendly”…more to come.

A “Let’s Talk Forum” sponsored by the WWU Student Coaliton, Living Together in Bellingham: Student Parties, Enforcement Practices, and Neighborly Relations…Wednesday, May 2nd, 5:30pm Sehome High School Cafeteria, 2700 McDonald Pkwy. Come Listen, learn, and share how we might better live together in Bellingham.

WWU annual Earth Day work project will be at Memorial Park. Neighbors are welome to join.

Unveiling of the Lummi Memorial Pole and Benches, at Whatcom Creek and Racine Street, Sunday, April 22, 2007, 10 – 2:00pm. I believe this is a joint effort with the COB and the Lummi Tribe.

Polly Gilbert announced that Parks Department will put flags up by Whatcom Creek where the trail will be from Meter to Racine.

Carol Lavoie announced that Home and Urban Garden Surplus –HUGS- will take extra garden surplus and donate to food banks, nutrition programs, and low-income families.

Hugh reported that he saw gang activity on a Sunday afternoon in Memorial Park.

Liz Jennings reported that Mayflower Bridge is much better with less drug activity.

David Donohue wondered about the chemical smell. Liz suggested calling NW Clean Air Agency- 1-800-622-4627 any time your are aware of odor.