December
2001
...Deck
the Halls.....
WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN We will need help after the first of the year to take down all the decorations. And the more the merrier…call Chris at 533-1223 if you can help.
TIRED OF YOUR OLD HOLIDAY LINENS?? Donate them to the Activities Committee for their events! See your linens get a new lease on life as we are in desperate need of cloth, festive linens for future holiday parties and more. Any size, descent condition will do. Call Chris at 533-1223 or Pam at 533-0240.
The ACTIVITY COMMITTEE will be meeting on Tuesday, January 15th at Chris Kocher’s house at 17201 15th Ave NW at 7 pm. February’s meeting place/time to be announced. We’ll have a wrap-up on the holiday party, talk about the RUMMAGE SALE and other community projects.
As
you may or may not be aware, the positions of Activities Chair, Co-Chair,
and Treasurer are up for "renewal." Yes, it has been a year
for Pam and myself, and although we are ready and willing to assume the
positions again for another year, we need to know if there are any others
interested. If so, a nomination/selection process will occur. Please let
me or Pam ASAP so we can get names to the Board in time for elections
in January.
-Chris
533-1223 or chriskocher@mindspring.com
Summary of the December 4, 2001 Board Meeting Minutes
CLUBHOUSE USE REQUEST Kelsey Ochs, a Shorewood High senior, representing the school organization "Creating a World of Difference", described the work of the group: holding forums, education for tolerance, workshops at Shorewood, Einstein and elementary schools to educate students about tolerance. The group is requesting to use the Clubhouse again this year in January, as they did last year, for an overnight training session for their members. Last year, we waived the rental fee, asking only a deposit refundable on condition that they clean up the premises after the session. They had 50 students at the session last year, with 5 adult supervisors, and fulfilled all the terms asked of them. They now offer to help out with some Innis Arden project, to be decided later. Laskin moved, and Phelps seconded, the following:
MOTION: We authorize "Creating a World of Difference" to use the Clubhouse for an overnight training session under the same provisions as last year.
ACTION: approved unanimously
The specific date will be chosen after consultation with the Clubhouse manager.
CORPORATE STATUS of IA CLUB, INC. Laskin reported on what must be done to change from a corporate for-profit corporation, which IA Club, Inc. is at present, to a Homeowners Association. This would require (1) a shareholders' vote for dissolution of the present for-profit corporation, and filing with the Secretary of State, and (2) shareholders' approval of adoption of new articles of incorporation as a non-profit. Laskin's understanding is that 2/3 of the shareholders present in person or by proxy at a meeting called for this purpose must approve the change. At least 30 days' notice of such a meeting must be given to all shareholders, and a quorum of shareholders (1/3 of total number of shareholders) must be present in person or by proxy.
Various options were discussed to try to determine what would be the best one for IA. After much discussion, it was felt that we needed better fiscal information on which to base this decision. Phelps moved, and Wagar seconded, the following:
MOTION: We table changing corporate status until we have better information concerning our options from a CPA.
ACTION: approved unanimously.
Howard will arrange to have the audit done as soon as it can be scheduled with the auditor.
GROUSE RESERVE Mike Jacobs reported that the Grouse Reserve Neighborhood Association, Inc. had hired a new arborist, Kate Day, to prepare a response to the letter from Paul Cohen, project manager for the City of Shoreline for the Grouse application. Jacobs has copies of the [August 2, 2001] Cohen letter and anyone interested can obtain a copy by calling Jacobs at 542-8060. GRNA, Inc. has resurveyed Grouse Reserve, identified all significant trees, and believes they will do better than retaining 30% of the significant trees. Their response should be finished in January, then will be referred to a geotech and peer review, a stream biologist and peer review. They expect the package to be back to the Board by March or April. The cost of all this is about $25,000, to be paid by the GRNA, Inc. Their budget will exceed what they previously estimated. They hope to make the final permit application in May or June, and put the plan into effect in the fall.
Laskin asked if they had asked the City if it has jurisdiction in our reserves, and Jacobs said that he had not asked but that he believed that they do; they even have jurisdiction on private property. The City is treating this as a critical area.
Howard asked about view restoration, and Jacobs replied that some will be partially restored, some will not.
Marc Weinberg asked about the 30% of significant trees that would remain: could they be pruned, or are they not allowed to be touched? Jacobs said their intent is to leave the 30% untouched; this includes some western red cedars marked by Al Wagar and Larry Bliss.
BYLAW AMENDMENTS Lowell presented proposed changes to the bylaws Phelps asked the Board to vote on only the changes necessitated by our recent addition of mandatory dues to the covenants but that, following tradition, send on the remainder of the proposed changes to the annual meeting this coming January for its decision. Following discussion it was decided to vote on them all tonight. Laskin moved and Phelps seconded the following:
MOTION: We approve the following typographical corrections as discussed:
Article IV, Section 3, paragraph d: change "Treasure" to "Treasurer"
Article IV, Section 3, paragraph f: change "no more than 50" to "no less than 50"
Article VI, Section 1, next to last line: change "after" to "alter"
Article VI, Section 1, last line, change "qualifications1" to "qualifications,"
ACTION: approved unanimously
Laskin moved and Wagar seconded the following:
MOTION: In Article IV, Section 4, paragraph b, change "may" to "shall" in the following: "Compliance with the view preservation amendment may be considered as part of the application for building and remodeling requests" so that it reads "Compliance with the view preservation amendment shall be considered as part of the application for building and remodeling requests".
ACTION: Approved 8-1. All voted yes except Phelps, who voted no.
MOTION: Adopt the bylaw amendments with the changes just approved.
ACTION: Approved 8-1. All voted yes except Phelps, who voted no.
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE Marc Weinberg reported that nineteen pages have now been reduced to 6 pages, and that a subcommittee will meet with Mary McGuire tomorrow to further refine the questions. They hope to have a final product for the Board by the end of the month.
ANNUAL MEETING Phelps reported that there will be four positions on the ballot for the Board of Directors: the terms of Bob Allen, Jim Skeel, and Al Wagar, are ending, and Elaine Phelps is resigning at the end of this evening's meeting. Phelps explained that she would be missing at least six of the meetings in the coming year and felt that it would be better to elect someone who could be present on a more regular basis. Three of the positions would be for terms of three years each, and the fourth would be for two years. Three candidates have submitted their names: Loys Lamb, Jim Skeel, and Ewa Sledziewski. Nominations from the floor can be made at the Annual Meeting.
Phelps asked for people to volunteer to work on the sign-in and tally committee at the Annual Meeting on January 9, and Linda Gigstad, Fran Lilleness, and Bob & Judy Allen volunteered. We need about 8 people to make this work smoothly, so please call Phelps at 546-5495 if you can help.
Laskin moved and was seconded for the following:
MOTION: This Board and previous Boards thank Elaine Phelps for thirteen years of dedicated, knowledgeable service to this community.
ACTION: Approved 8-0; Phelps abstained.
TREASURER Howard presented the budget. After discussion, Howard moved and Wagar seconded the following:
MOTION: We adopt the budget as amended: add $2,000 to Landscaping, subtract $2,000 from Reserve Fund.
ACTION: Approved unanimously.
CLUBHOUSE Fosmire said he had received a bid of $2400 per door, which is a lot higher than the previous bid of $3600 for all three doors. He will proceed with a new $3600 bid which includes wood frames and solid fiber-glass doors, painting, putting in hardware, new panic bars, and new thresholds.
GROUNDS Skeel reported that a resident at 15th & 191st called to report that a large sump was draining water onto her property, and asked us to do something about it. We will have to wait until the summer. The swimming pool also has drainage problems.
MOTION: We authorize Jim Skeel to hire someone, for up to $200, to find or fix the problem.
ACTION: approved unanimously
RESERVES Wagar reported that he and Lowell were to meet on Thursday with Tim Stewart and Gabe Snedeker regarding revising our Vegetation Management Plan. Further proposed revisions to the plan are being delayed until after the meeting. Laskin expressed concern that some of the issues we have with the city, e.g. surface water runoff, will not be addressed. Phelps stated that the Innis Arden community should know what transpires with the city. It was agreed that our community should be kept informed.
ACTIVITIES Smit reminded us that the annual Holiday Party will be held this Sunday (December 9). The next meeting of the Committee will be held at the home of Chris Kocher on January 15th. They are still seeking items for the rummage sale.
REMODELS
Fowler, 17143 13 NW. Expand footprint to east to add office & laundry room; roof changes, garage expansion, and deck change. Bob Allen recused himself from participating in this remodel, and Laskin reported in his stead. Five Board members visited the site. The garage presents an issue, because it protrudes about five feet into the prescribed 30-foot set-back. Fourteen neighbors have approved, but Gigstad and Allen are opposed. Gigstad's main objection is to the intrusion into the setback. She also queried what the current tree-height limit is for this property, and whether the remodel would change that. Judy and Bob Allen spoke against the remodel, and also objected to the cupola that had been added in a previous remodel. Phelps urged against allowing any violation of the setback requirement because there is no special circumstance, such as lot shape or usable area, that might warrant it. Wagar stated that the architect should stay within the guidelines. Lowell agreed, and also said that the Board cannot lay restrictions on tree height other than what is in the covenants. Smit stated that variances are for something unusual, and this is not. Skeel and Howard inquired about the possibility of removing or lowering the cupola. Laskin suggested that before we offer trading the correction of an old error for allowing a new one, we should consult with our lawyer, who has consistently advised us against granting variances. Laskin moved, Wagar seconded the following:
MOTION: We deny the Fowler application without prejudice.
ACTION: Motion failed by a vote of 4 yes, 4 no, and 1 abstention (Allen). [Secretary's Note: it requires a majority of the Board (5) to pass a motion.]
Phelps moved, Fosmire seconded the following:
MOTION: We deny the Fowler application because it requires a variance that is not justified.
ACTION: Approved by a vote of 8 yes, 1 abstention (Allen)
Skeel moved, Laskin seconded the following:
MOTION: We should ask our attorney if the Board can compromise on the setback if we get the cupola removed.
ACTION: Approved by a vote of 6 yes, 2 no, 1 abstention.
Smit
commented that this means we always have to ask our lawyer each time we
want to grant a variance. Laskin pointed out that if there is a net improvement
in views, it might be a slippery slope. We need to get our lawyer's opinion.
Lowell said that the attorney said no to the Lilleness shed variance.
Phelps said that the covenants do not have provisions for variances in
setbacks, but they do leave other building matters to the Board's discretion.
Fowler said she would like to know our lawyer's opinion before they go
forward with changes, and Laskin responded that there is a high probability
that the Board will not approve the intrusion into the setback.
-Elaine
Phelps, Secretary
Agenda for the January 8th Board Meeting
A. Community Comments
B. Board Agenda (to be posted on Web site 3 days before
meeting)
C. Building and Remodels:
- Compton, 18136 14th Ave. NW, teardown and rebuild.
- Rosenberg, 1574 NW 190th, proposed addition of 1 bedroom, and partially detached 2 story structure for a home office and recreation room in driveway adjacent to existing home.
- Fowler, 17143 13th Ave. NW, office and laundry room additions, garage expansion, roof changes.
D. Closing
The Shoreline Breakfast Rotary Club and the Shorewood High School Football Team will be collecting natural Christmas trees on Saturday, January 5, 2002. Volunteers will be at the curbside in various neighborhoods by 8:00 a.m. They will gladly take it off your hands and dispose of the trees in an environmentally responsible manner.
Due to time constraints there are limits to those areas that can be served on January 5. Neighborhoods west of Aurora Avenue North in the City of Shoreline are eligible for the program. Some of these areas include Richmond Beach, Shorewood Hills, Innis Arden, Highland Terrace, Kings Garden, Einstein and St. Luke’s.
Donations are encouraged and graciously accepted. Proceeds will support various Rotary community service projects and Shorewood Football academic enhancement programs.
Shorewood football team members will distribute donation envelopes to the neighborhoods in mid December. Or mail donations to Shoreline Breakfast Rotary, c/o “Tree Sweep”, PO Box 7312, Shoreline, WA 98133. For more information, please call Mick Richards, 425-415-6366 (daytime).
The
Town Meetings have been completed, thanks to the hard work of over 50
Innis Arden residents. More than 19 pages of notes constituting this group's
suggestions for the content of a community wide survey have been compiled
into a comprehensive set of questions which will be presented to Roger
Lowell for distribution to the Board before the end of December. This
text was developed by 6 members from the Town Meetings. It was reviewed
by Mary McGuire, Ph.D., J.D. (a professional in the field of surveys and
research). It will then be up to the Board to approve the questionnaire
for mailing to all residents. The answers the community provides will
give the Board the guidance they need to better serve us all. A big "Thank
You" to all who participated and a request from all of us to the
entire community of Innis Arden, "Please complete and return the
Survey when you receive it. It's a major opportunity to influence our
future!"
Sincerely,
Marc Weinberg
Innis Arden Club, Inc., Annual
Shareholders' Meeting
Wednesday, January 9, 2002 7:00 PM
Innis Arden Clubhouse
Pre-Meeting Dessert
All
are invited to coffee and dessert sponsored by the Activities Committee,
starting at 7 PM, in the Clubhouse.
Voting Procedures
Those
who attend in person will not turn in their ballots when they sign in
but will hold them until after nominations from the floor have been completed
and the vote is then taken by ballot. Sign-in and tallying procedures
will proceed as they did last year.
Ballot Instructions
All
ballots, whether submitted by mail or in person or by proxy, must be submitted
in a sealed envelope, with the shareholder's Innis Arden address clearly
and legibly printed on the front of the envelope.
Those who do not attend the meeting may submit their sealed ballots (included in this Bulletin) to Bob Allen, and only Bob Allen in advance of the meeting. Such ballots must be in a sealed envelope inside another envelope that has the name and address and signature of the voter on this outer envelope. Those not attending will of course not have the opportunity to vote for nominees not already listed on the printed ballot or on other issues that may arise during the meeting.
No more than one ballot is to be submitted for each lot owned in Innis Arden. If you own two or more lots, identify them and request additional ballots from Bob Allen. If you have any questions, please contact Bob Allen.
Methods of Voting
- BY MAIL. Mail ballots to Bob Allen, (856 NW Innis Arden Drive) in time to be received by the meeting date.
- N PERSON. Submit ballot after nominations are taken from the floor.
- BY PERSON OTHER THAN SHAREHOLDER. Person designated by Shareholder brings ballot to Annual Meeting.
- BY PROXY. A blank form for obtaining a proxy is included in this Bulletin. Bring a completed and signed proxy form to the Annual Meeting to receive voting materials for the proxy.
TELLERS NEEDED If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting on January 9, 2002, would you consider volunteering to be a teller? This is not demanding work, but the more who participate, the faster the ballots can be counted. To volunteer, please call Elaine Phelps, 546-5495, before January 4.
Board Candidates and Their Statements
The
four positions open are 3 three-year terms and 1 two-year term. The announced
candidates are Jim Skeel (incumbent), Ewa Sledziewski and Loys Lamb. In
addition, the President of the Activities Committee is to be ratified
for the one-year term reserved for the person holding that position.
Loys Lamb
I
am seeking your vote for membership on the Innis Arden Board. My family
and I have lived in Innis Arden since 1965 and have been active in the
rummage sales, the Innis Arden pool, and other activities. I am an engineering
graduate of the UW and am retired from the construction business.
Recently, I assisted with the Mandatory Dues Amendment and had the opportunity to meet many of you and to discuss your concerns for the Innis Arden community. I would welcome a chance to work with the Board to solve some of the many problems facing the community. Due to the dedication of the Board and the spirit shown by the shareholders, I believe that this community has a chance to finally achieve its potential.
Eva Sledziewski
I
know it looks like a very hard name to pronounce but try “Sle-jes-ky”
- isn’t that easy?
I have lived in Shoreline since 1985 and in Innis Arden since 1994. I did not know many neighbors until last February when I became a volunteer to collect signatures for the Mandatory Dues Amendment. This activity gave me the opportunity to meet many of you and I am very glad I did. I realized by talking to you and attending Board meetings how much could and should be done in our community.
I decided to run for the Board position because I believe I have energy, common sense and dedication to solve problems and to explore new ideas in our community. I strongly believe in people’s goodness, open communication and community spirit – solving difficult issues through understanding each other’s views. I promised many of you that I would become more involved in our community, now I ask for your vote to let me keep my promise.
If you have any questions for me, please send an email to azs13@attbi.com. Have a happy holiday and I hope to see you at the annual meeting on January 9th. If you will not be attending the meeting, please be sure you know how to vote by ‘proxy’. Your vote counts in our community!
Jim Skeel
As
a board member for the past year I have been responsible for the grounds.
I am committed to maintaining the quality of life and property values
in Innis Arden. I support the view covenants and believe the Board can
play a positive role in helping the community enforce these covenants
so that views can be restored and maintained.
I am an administrative law judge and supervise an office of ten judges in downtown Seattle. My wife, Barb Smit is an eye surgeon. Some years ago, Barb was an associate professor at the University of Washington School of Forestry. We have lived in Innis Arden for 2 1/2 years. Our son Aaron is a senior at Lakeside.
AUTHORIZATION TO VOTE BY PROXY
(Download a printable
copy of the ballot )
The undersigned shareholder(s) of that building site in Innis Arden known as
LOT_____, BLOCK______, INNIS ARDEN No.______, whose address is
___________________________________________________________
do hereby give my (our) proxy to
____________________________________________ to cast in his or her sole discretion and judgment for the election of Directors and to all other matters to come before the shareholders at the Annual Meeting of the Innis Arden Club, Inc., to be held on Wednesday, January 9, 2002. This proxy shall terminate upon the adjournment of the Annual Meeting or any adjourned meeting at which business of the Innis Arden Club, Inc. is transacted held in conformity with Article 1, Section 6 of the By-Laws.
SIGNED_____________________________________________________
DATE_______________________________________________________
SIGNED_____________________________________________________
DATE_______________________________________________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------
INNIS ARDEN CLUB, INC.,
OFFICIAL BALLOT
For Election of Board of Directors
Wednesday, January 9, 2002
There are 3 three-year positions and 1 two-year position open. Nominations
can be made from the floor at the annual meeting.
(i) denotes incumbent
____Jim Skeel (i)
____Ewa Sledziewski
____Loys Lamb
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Ratify the election of the President of the Activities Committee to the Board of the Innis Arden Club, Inc. for a one-year term.
Yes___ No____
New Service! Singin' In The Kitchen Personal Chef Service is based in Innis Arden and offers customized, delicious, healthy meals freshly prepared in your home. Please call Chef Tracy Marcuse at 206-412-0717 for more information or a free consultation.
House Sitting Job: Paul Villanueva, age 24, will be student teaching in math at Shorewood High School, February-June, 2002. Presently working on M.A. at Seattle University. Please call (206) 669-3202 or call Laurie and Gery Nunnelee, Innis Arden residents at 542-0400.
INNIS ARDEN ENTRANCE SIGNS
Creative
neighbors please call or email Roger Lowell to participate in a group
developing sign designs for the entrances to Innis Arden. The board
has authorized a group to present options to the board for sign design/materials.
I'd like to get the project started in January with a meeting at my home
Thursday evening January 3rd 8 PM to 10. Thanks. -Roger Lowell 206-546-0128
or r.lowell@verizon.net
MAKE ROOM FOR CHRISTMAS
Bring
those decorations you no longer use, the toys and clothes the kids have
outgrown, and the white elephants you got last year to the Poolhouse,
and we'll gladly take them off your hands for the rummage sale. If you're
not sure we can use it, give Kit Hart (546-0871) or Johanna Warness (542-6984)
a call and they'll have an answer for you.
Collection
times are 10 AM-Noon
January
7 January 19
February
2 February 11
Do you have any new neighbors?
If so, please contact the Hospitality Committee so they can deliver a welcome packet. The hospitality committee is:
Kathleen
Malarky 546-2341,
Sylvia
Moren 546-4221 and
Bunny
Renouard 542-3803