Attending: Theresa Tripp, Polly Gilbert, Carol Lavoie, Margaret Lyons, Mary Anne Stuckart, Patrick McKee, Ken and Amy Mann, Liz Jennings, Kathryn Hanowell, Seth Fleetwood, Mickey McDiarmid, Wendy Steffenson, Greg Waters, Hugh Conroy, Ellen Greibeck, Doug Couvelier, Jackie Lynch, Roxanne, Tom McNutt

1. Introductions; new attendees comments. Ellen asked about results of the variance on Illinois property; Mickey said she attended the City meeting and reported that no decision was made yet. Hearing Examiner can put people on mailing list if they request to be informed.

2. Margaret moved to approve 1/23/07 minutes; Mary Anne seconded.

3. Theresa reminded everyone to pay dues ($5 individual, $10 household/business). Dues pay for simple things like newsletter printing and mailing, Port-A-Potty at annual picnic, rental of PO box, etc.

4. Margaret updated about Whatcom Volunteer Center/Human Race: Dan Hammill, Volunteer Coordinator at WVC, feels that SNA is well-positioned to be partner agency as it promotes civic involvement. SNA would be first neighborhood to participate in Human Race. However, partner agencies need to be a 501(c)(3) so SNA would need to be under umbrella of ABN. Margaret agreed to be point person; will write blurb for newsletter and for website, and will contact Dan Hammill to organize this. Carol reminded us that membership dues to ABN are due; SNA has never been member?

5. Ken, who’s on Whatcom County Planning Committee, talked about Macomber v B’ham. Macomber et al sued City of B’ham that City did not do land survey correctly, that estimate of land needed for development was too high. County Council now has decision, with negotiations with City. Ken opines that city will lower estimated need.

6. Hugh reported, and Kathryn Hanowell confirmed, that SNA can purchase CuteFTP with city support grant funds. Mary Anne moved to purchase software. Hugh seconded. Margaret will meet with David Donohue to get this going.

7. Hugh reported on Traffic Subcommittee meeting. City Public Works, at previous MNAC, had asked neighborhoods to come up with top 10 traffic plans by March 1st for its 6-yr plan, “TIP”. The first 3 years’ plans are funded, the second 3 year are not yet funded. SNA identified Alabama Street crossing at Ellis St., AKA “trail crossing”, as priority for Sunnyland. Liz showed map of trails/roads. Kathryn filled us in how this TIP works. Hugh: Neighborhood Traffic Safety program for residential streets will meet to solicit input about problem areas; solutions could include speed bumps, roundabouts, etc. Next meeting scheduled for ????????????????????

8. Annual Picnic: Sunday, May 20. Theresa asked for someone to be point person. Liz suggested Board come up with list of things to do for that person.

9. Small and Simple Grant: Patrick said deadline for this matching grant of $2,500 (money or labor @ $10/hr) is March 15. Value needs to be for whole city. Mary Anne suggested picnic tables for Memorial Park. Patrick suggested $2500 for materials, cutting into kits, having large labor party to assemble. Concerns were expressed about legality of them on city property. Patrick will look into this. Kathryn will connect Patrick with Parks Dep’t about picnic tables and about street trees. Tom suggested we instead ask for donations/sponsorships/fundraiser for trees. Board authorized Patrick to pursue 1) picnic tables and 2) street trees and to act in SNA’s best interests. Hugh made this motion, Theresa seconded.

10. Liz: DOT March 12th meeting: Liz summarized history of site (see previous minutes). City Planners suggested that developers work with neighborhoods. Next, it goes to City Council for docketing; even if it is docketed, it doesn’t mean zone change is accepted. Patrick asked Planning Dep’t if March 12 is Public Meeting – it’s not, but public comment period is beforehand. Our comments and suggestions, such as that the DOT site should be part of Sunnyland planning, should go to Council ASAP. Hugh reminded us to think only in terms of zoning, not of projects. Project is a separate, future issue. Liz distributed Memo to Board members with mission and goals of Planning Subcommittee for formation of said Subcommittee. Patrick would like to bring this up next month to give time to think about it. Margaret suggested we approve it as is with changes and fine tuning as we go. Theresa reminded us that we’re beginning to work on it already. Tom noted that DRAFT is prominent. Carol, Polly, Mary Anne would also like to get going on this soon. Mary Anne moved to accept, Margaret seconded. Liz passed around signup sheet for all interested, especially for at least one Board member; Theresa encouraged people to get involved, making less work for all. Kathryn: informed us that Feb. 28th is Planning Academy review meeting by County. April 3rd is hands-on workshop by City for neighborhood planning; City is working on resource book. City is trying to get interns to help on with planning. Five hours of staff time will be given to each neighborhood, plus workshops and possibly interns; this will reduce or eliminate the need to hire professional planners.

11. Hugh, standing in for Andrew Connor: MNAC report: April 30th is deadline for top traffic issues review. SNA’s March 20th meeting could be discussion about traffic issues and will advertise this important agenda item. Traffic Subcommittee will then put this together for April 17th SNA mtg to confirm our top 3 issues. Public Library wants our newsletter for public archives. Mayor’s update included that there’s new manager for waterfront planning, Lynne Johnson. City Council updated its year-long plans and goals; Terry Borneman wants help on legislation on Landlord Accountability. Hugh will follow up and report to SNA Board.

12. Board needs to select someone for MNAC; Andrew is on the road for most of the rest of the year and would like someone else to step in as rep. Tom will contact him for more information. Kathryn said we can send a temporary (and/or alternate) until we can elect a permanent rep.

13. Hugh: Treasurer’s report: from $20 to $120 with dues-paying members tonight. Hugh will email people to remind them to pay if they can. Plea for dues will also be in newsletter. Also, Hugh will finalize business letter; Board authorized him to send to approx. 430 businesses. Liz asked if there was plan to follow-up; Hugh said no plan in place but it’s a good idea. If anyone has day hours to follow up with businesses, that will be great. Tom wants to see list and will go directly to some of those businesses. Carol gave him the list. He suggested that each of us approach the places we regularly do businesses with. Ellen suggested adding into letter “sponsorship, in-kind, suggestions for Planning” etc. Mary Anne moved to spend up to $300 for business letter, Margaret seconded.

14. Polly: heard from Parks Dep’t, to confirm that we support funding for trail on Ellis/Kansas/Meador. Polly said yes we do.

15. Patrick: Greenways Advisory Committee: he suggested they buy the DOT site for soccer fields, community gardens, etc. Default zoning could make it affordable at its low density. So, we’re on their list for consideration.

16. Hugh: insurance update is on hold.

Adjourned at 8:20.