MINUTES OF THE

MARCH 12, 2009

NEIGHBORHOOD SOCIAL GATHERING

The EBDNA social gathering was called to order in the East Bay Harbor Condo recreation room at 7:10 PM by President Richard Wolf.  Richard welcomed the neighborhood attendees and guests including Patty Belmonte, Executive Director of the Hands on Children’s Museum; Judy Henderson, Rotary representative; Bill McGregor, Port President and Ed Galligan, Port Executive Director.

EBDNA presented a $1,000 donation to the Hands on Children’s Museum and a $1,000 donation to Rotary Point Park   Richard reported that EBDNA has now contributed $5,000 to neighborhood and community fundraisers including Friends of the Farmers Market, Olympia Area Rowing, Bigelow House, Hands on Children’s Museum and Rotary Point Park.  This money has all been raised by the neighbors of EBDNA at our annual August fundraisers. The BOD’s goal has been to donate to fundraisers that improve our EBDNA neighborhood and better serve the entire community.  Both Judy and Patty provided a brief update on the progress of their respective projects.

Bill McGregor and Ed Galligan presented an update on Port activities and answered questions from our neighbors.  Issues included:

·        Gas Dock  - Bruce Marshall, Port Harbormaster, is conducting a feasibility study with several possible alternatives.  Fifty thousand dollars has already been designated for the study.  A large group of folks in Olympia have requested a gas facility on Port property.  There will be a chance for public input once the studies are completed and Ed Galligan has promised to hold a personal meeting with EBDNA neighbors to discuss possible alternatives and get our feedback.

·        East Bay development RFQ/RFP – five highly qualified developers have been selected and are now developing responses to the RFP that is due at the end of April.  There will be a public hearing on the proposals received in May with a tentative date for decision in June.  Soil testing has not revealed any unusual or extraordinary contaminants.  The Port had requested from the city a height rezone for the area but was denied and has been limited to 35 feet.  The city council seems to be pushing for a large residential housing plan for the area.  Infrastructure improvements, including streets, curbs and utilities, will begin this summer.

·        Weyerhaeuser – Another ship is due in on March 19, 2009.  The pilot dredge has been completed and more barge activity is expected as the economy improves.  The Weyerhaeuser activities in Tacoma will be closed by the end of March.  Truck traffic has been around 80 trucks per day and the Port has received no complaints from the community.  The Port does not anticipate any 24/7 operations although there may be some night activity when a ship is in port.  Ed said he would look into the de-barker noise issue and report back.  The back-up alarm noise is being addressed and a test is ongoing on a truck using a different highly directed sound rather than a ringing noise.  If successful, all equipment will be converted to the new alarm system.  Train noise was related to dredging activity that is now complete and there should be only routine train noise going forward.  Mission Creek mitigation project has been on the back burner for the Port and is expected to cost at least $200,000 and require a lengthy permitting process.  EBDNA expressed our interest in getting this project completed and Bill McGegor said he would take the lead on this project.  Ed will schedule a meeting with interested EBDNA neighbors and other interested parties to get this project moving.  CLAMP is expected to make a recommendation in June.  Port’s position is that not enough economic study and research has been done regarding costs of dredging impact on the whole Port area.

Minutes from the October 9, 2008, neighborhood meeting were approved as written.

The treasurer reported that the association treasury contains $2,944.96 as of the end of February 2009.

President’s Report:

·        New EBDNA web site is located at www.ebhca.com and then clicking on EBDNA.  Requests for adding material to the web site should be sent to Richard Wolf.

·        Our 2008 sustainability grant from the city has been extended through 2009 and has a balance remaining of $3,262.

·        Richard reported that Tryna Norberg has resigned from the BOD.

·        The 2009 membership list stands at 66.  Please remember to send in your $15 dues for 2009 if you have not already done so.

·        The Department of Ecology is holding a public hearing regarding a SEPA approval on the Port infrastructure project on April 1, 2009 at Washington Middle School from 6:30-8:30 PM.

Committee Reports:

·        Environment – Beach restoration planting on the 400 feet area north of the view platform is complete.  Final mulching is scheduled for this Spring.  Our big effort will be maintenance and watering especially in this first Summer.  Richard, George and Kelly will coordinate the watering effort.  The Spring work parties are scheduled for April 18 and June 27, 2009.  Be sure to mark your calendars.

·        Mission Creek – Some design work has already been completed and the Port has indicated that they will begin working this issue with interested parties including EBDNA and PPS.

·        George is considering several possible environmental outings including a Pier Peer, Mission Creek walkabout, Priest Point walk through and Rotary Point Park onsite presentation.  Please contact George if you have other suggestions.

·        Kelly will coordinate the oyster seeding project to be held August 22 this year. A bag of 300 seed shells will cost $20 each.  If interested in participating, please contact Kelly Hamilton.

·        Traffic – Russ reported on urban cycling classes available through Olympia Parks.  If interested give Russ a call for class information.  Russ will obtain and post traffic safety signs related to bikers and walkers in our neighborhood.  Don spoke about replacing burned out city street lamps along EBD.  Russ will contact the city to have them replaced.

·        Legal – No report.

·        Emergency Preparedness – Brian Martin provided copies of EP brochures and discussed several alternatives that we could consider as individuals and as a neighborhood and is looking for feedback on the type of EP support the association would like.  Let Brian know if you have any specific ideas.  Don spoke regarding the Crisis Clinic that is under the umbrella of BHR.  They are facing a huge financial problem and may not be able to continue operations without community support.  Don and Carol will hold a fundraiser at their home on April 20, 2009.

·        Social Committee – Jill reported that the social committee has met informally and come up with some ideas for this year’s fundraiser party. More information will be forthcoming.  Jill announced the FOFM fundraiser annual dinner and asked that you contact her if you are interested in attending and sitting with other EBDNA neighbors.

·        CNA – Don reported on our efforts to be included on the CNA steering committee.  Don is now on that committee and has worked with them to modify their bylaws in a way that will allow all neighborhood associations to participate in CNA activities.

·        Special Projects – No report.

Other Business – Richard indicated that the paver we bought with our $1,000 donation to Rotary Park can be engraved with up to 90 characters and asked that anyone with a suggestion on wording should contact him.  The BOD will decide the final wording at its next meeting so here is your chance to have input.

Meeting adjourned at 9:17 PM

Minutes taken by Jill Wolf and transcribed by Richard Wolf 3-15-09.