Neighborhood Council/Steering Commttee Minutes  draft
Feb.13, 2013

Neighborhood Council

Meeting called to order by Jan Loux, Chair

Present:Scott Buxton,Carol Bryan,Susan Burns, Raynell Cook, Jessica Davis,Mary Fauharber,Charlie Greenwood, Jan Loux, Barbara Morrissey, Paula Richards. Marc Whitman, Excused Matt Phillipy, Jon Snyder. Guests: Boris Borisov, ONS, Rex Olson, SPD, Mark Reilley, LFCC Seven voting members, Quorum present.

Introductions. Charlie read a Tom Davis poem,"Rozencranz the Red Dog, at Riverwalk" Mark said another memorial service is planned for later at the LFCC(formerly PVCC, still on Cedar)

Guest Speakers

Boris Borisov, ONS and Code Enforcement, spoke about the purpose of the Office of Neighborhood Services and Code Enforcement(ONS) He said the ONS is a liaison body, with the goal to provide citizens with the opportunity to give input and act in an advisory capacity to the city council. " The ONS is to serve you and make sure you have communication with the City." He described several sub committees under the Neighborhood Council Program, including the Community Assembly. With the rearrangement of city Departments, Code Enforcement and ONS are in the same Department. He brought up the Volunteer Code Enforcement program . Boris said no Neighborhood will be penalized if it's NC elects to not participate. However, anyone can still file a complaint about an alleged violation, and can decide to be a volunteer. He emphasized the program is "complaint driven" meaning volunteers will not go out looking for violations. Any citizen has a right to file a complaint. An investigation does not mean a citation. In fact, he said, most complaints are on issues that do not violate any code, such as unpainted houses. The program is set up to help CE deal with an excessive number of complaints for which they lack staff to investigate. He said neighbors are encouraged to help neighbors solve code issues, such as excessive trash. This is one reason ONS sponsors Neighborhood Cleanups.He received negative input about the volunteer Code Enforcement program from those present. Barbara and Jan also cited the number of e mails,mainly negative, they had received. Raynell described an incident several years ago in which a new developer had filed complaints on a number of citizens. She added that when this developer requested approval of a variance, the neighbored refused to give it. Given other agenda items, there was not enough time to address the many issues raised. No vote of support for the program was taken.

Officer Olson reported that only one crime of vehicle prowling had been reported in the past month in PV. He recommended we set up a Block Watch program. Those present said we already watch out for each other. Carole requested that he schedule a regular time to be at the future NC meeting,so that a neighbor who felt unable to stay because Officer Olson was carrying his gun, would be comfortable attending. Officer Olson said he was agreeable to this. In answer to a couple of questions, he clarified that persons traveling east on Clarke had to yield to traffic on their right heading North on Maple, even though Clark is a main arterial. If we wanted a stop sign there we should contact traffic engineering.

Minutes of Jan 9 read and approved with one correction by Raynell. Under "new business,(1) " change "when" the Community center….to "if"

Reports  No City Council report. Susan said she would discuss Community Assembly along with the Traffic Calming project. Since we have no money, no Treasurer's report now and in the future!! 

Old Business

Neighborhood Cleanup: Jan gave the options available. Those present chose curbside pickup, with possibly an appliance pickup if money was left over.Dates will be announced.

Traffic Calming: Susan reported we might still have time to apply for funds for a small project before March. This does not mean our request will be approved. Several ideas were proposed, including repainting the pedestrian cross walks, and stop signs at various locations. Susan agreed to complete an application for a stop sign on Clarke at Maple. 

Announcements

 New website for the Peaceful Valley Neighborhood Council is up and running. Check it out under www. spokaneneighborhoods.org

WSU architecture students presenting proposals for the Community Center Friday Feb 22, 1:00 pm, at the PVCC/LFCC on Cedar. All invited.

Next NC meeting March 13, 6:30 pm, Guest Justice Tracy Staab

NC Meeting adjourned at 8:pm

Barbara Morrissey, Secretary

STEERING COMMITTEE 

Members present as for NC

Sidewalk survey  let Jan know of sidewalks needing repair or replacing.  

Jan relayed a request from Matthew Phillipy that the SC vote on a small amount of non allocated funds. Discussion. Raynell moved to place funds in allocation for playground area under the Bridge between Clarke and Wilson on Maple. Seconded by Barbara. Vote. Yes, all. Nays, none. Recommedation accepted for allocation. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm.

Barbara Morrissey, vice chair and acting secretary.