March 2001
Next
Board Meeting
Tuesday,April 3rd, 2001
7:30 PM, Clubhouse
Committee considering view-impacting trees on private properties: Discussion of current issues.
Reserves Management
Buildings and Remodels
- Scudder, 17764 15th NW, garage, family room expansions, associated roofline changes
Summary
of the Minutes of the Innis Arden Board Meeting,
March 13, 2001
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mandatory
Dues: Someone is needed to manage the Mandatory Dues petitions. We have
the names of residents organized by IA subdivision, and someone needs
to find out who in each subdivision has signed, who has not, who has moved
since signing. Please call Kate Laskin, 546-8856, if you can help.
Bulletin Editor Needed: David Laskin, editor, and Duane Hoffmann, layout,
are resigning as of June. We need a volunteer (or two) to take their place,
or there will be no Bulletin. Please call Roger Lowell, 546-0128, if you
would like to volunteer.
BOARD
ACTION: Pam Smit is ratified to serve as the Activities Board representative
to the Innis Arden Club Board for one year.
City Access to Boeing Creek Reserve: As authorized, Al Wagar has signed
an agreement allowing city access for the purpose of doing studies in
the Reserve.
The Wall Bordering the Playfield: Dick Campbell gave a fascinating history
of the creation of the wall and the playfield, in which he was a major
participant, and stated that although there is one place where some ties
may have failed, the structure is in excellent condition and does not
need replacing.
In
1970, when Campbell was President of the Board, Innis Arden had no playfield.
What is now the playfield was a swamp. Through a friend, he obtained railroad
ties free for the hauling. The field was bull-dozed, the slash was burned
(it was o.k. to do that in those days). Perforated tile was laid in the
children’s play area, to drain water off to the north end of our property.
It’s over thirty years since the wall was put up, and Campbell says it
looks good except for one place that may need some support. Dick Campbell
said he was happy to see on a recent Saturday that there were six games
of soccer being played on our fields, and other teams waiting to play.
GROUSE RESERVE PLAN SPECIAL BOARD MEETING, APRIL 4
A group of 15 families hired professionals to develop a plan for all of
Grouse Reserve to remove view-impacting trees and replace them with lower-growing
trees and shrubs, remove blackberry plants and plant other ground cover.
The group asked the Board to approve the application for a grading permit.
This was the first time most Board members had heard of the plan, and
there were many questions, especially because the plan does not meet many
of the requirements of our Vegetation Management Plan. After much discussion,
the Board agreed to meet at Grouse Reserve with the developers of the
plan on March 18 at noon to get an on-site view of what the plan entails.
In addition, the Board scheduled a special meeting in the Clubhouse for
Wednesday, April 4, 7:30 p.m - 9:30 p.m. for discussion of the plan, and
urges all interested to attend. The group was asked to notify all residents
within 500 feet of the Reserve of the work they want to do (a city requirement).
TREES AND VIEWS Kate Laskin reported on the meeting she organized and
held in her home on March 10 to discuss view-impacting trees on private
property and in the reserves. Concerns and suggestions included: delay
and costs of pursuing litigation, Board role in enforcing compliance,
placing liens on non-compliant homes, notifying new buyers, sending Board
letters to non-compliant homes, requiring remodels to have landscape plan
that was both environment- and view-preserving. Lack of management of
the reserves was discussed, and the Grouse Reserve plan was seen as a
possible model for future projects. There was general agreement among
those present that we need to simplify procedures, and work with the city
to revise the Supplemental Vegetation Management Plan. Two subgroups were
formed, both to meet on March 18: reserves, at 1:00 at Laskin’s; and private
property, at 3:00, at Ewa Sledziewski’s.
TREASURER June Howard reported dues receipts of
$62,800. Jim Skeel suggested that a reminder be sent to those who have
not paid before we publish their names in the Bulletin. It was agreed
that another notice would be sent in May, and that names of delinquents
would appear in the June Bulletin. The budget was adopted unanimously,
and was later amended to include the $4,000 designated for the Reserves
soil stability study previously agreed to. Lowell raised the question
of contracts with baseball and soccer groups, including insurance. Laskin
agreed to find a suitable generic contract.
ACTIVITIES Pam Smit reported that the Rummage
Sale was a huge success, with a net income of around $13,000. There will
be a committee meeting at her home on March 27, at 7:00 p.m. The committee
would like to conduct a survey as to whether or not residents would prefer
to have the Salmon Barbecue moved to September. This will appear in the
Bulletin and on our website, www.innisarden.com.
Lowell
stated that keys to the tennis courts and Boeing Creek Reserve should
be changed yearly, so only dues-paying members get keys. After discussion,
it was agreed that keys would be free, and would go only to dues-paying
members.
The
Annual IA Egg Hunt will occur on April 7. Lowell raised the question of
Ski Bus insurance. Its funds are handled through the Activities Committee
treasury, which might entail liability for the Club. We need indemnity
or must amend our coverage. Wayne Cottingham will ask Marilyn Cottingham
about this.
CLUBHOUSE
Dave Fosmire reported that if we make more specific requirements for the
Clubhouse manager than we do now, that would change the position to an
employee. Others suggested that this was not necessarily so: the contract
might be more specific about the outcome we want, without stating how
it should be achieved. Outside rentals were discussed. The following motion
was approved unanimously:
BOARD ACTION: Do not renew the contract for the Pre-school this month.
Reconsider it next month.
RESERVES Al Wagar submitted a written report. The
soil stability report is expected by May 11. Some trees in several Reserves
pose hazards and should be felled, others need to be evaluated professionally
for potential risks to a trail. Someone has dug into the bank in Grouse
Reserve and used the soil to create a bicycle jump.
GROUNDS Jim Skeel reports that the $8,500 paid for
landscaping seems reasonable, and that Jim Tucker found the person to
be reliable. Skeel will work out contracts with the sports people. Grounds
will handle the repaving of the parking area in front of the Clubhouse
south of the pool fence.
REMODELS
- Claus, 1603 NW 185: kitchen and bedroom expansion. No objections. Approved unanimously.
- Holbrook, 16830 14 NW: family and play rooms. No objections. Approved unanimously.
- Hill, 17104 13 NW: storage shed. No objections. Approved unanimously.
The
Board had received letters from Soferman/Rosenshein and Kinyoun regarding
the chimney height on the Kinyoun new construction, the former contending
that the chimney was higher than the Board approved, and the latter that
it is not. After discussion by the Board and Soferman/Rosenshein (Kinyoun
was not present), the following motion was adopted 5-0, with 4 abstentions.
BOARD ACTION: We authorize Roger Lowell to send a letter to Soferman and
Rosenshein, with a copy to Kinyoun, in the name of the Board, stating
that the Board has reviewed the arguments and the facts and finds at most
a de minimis variation from what was approved for the Kinyoun rebuild,
and no further action will be taken.
The status of the Sundquist property was queried. We will be notified
if he applies for a permit. Phelps expressed concern about the size of
his driveway, which is way out of keeping with others in the neighborhood.
Width of driveways in general will be discussed later.
Elaine Phelps, Secretary
Activities Committee Announcements
Easter Egg Hunt Set for April 7
This year’s Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Activities Committee will take place on the Clubhouse grounds on Saturday, April 7 from 4-5 PM. Innis Arden children and grandchildren 10 and under are welcome. In case of inclement weather it will be held inside the clubhouse. If you would like to help this year, please call Chairman, Ed Stay 542-6894, Chris Kocher 533-1223 or Pam Smit 533-0240. Shorewood students, remember this is a good way to get community service hours.
Possible Date Change for Salmon BBQ
The Activities Committee is considering changing the date of the Salmon BBQ from the 3rd Wed. of July to the first Saturday after Labor Day. Reasons for doing this are: fresh, local salmon is available at a lower cost, several residents have asked about it and just to try something new. What do YOU think?? Call Chris (533-1223) or Pam (533-0240) and let them know your thoughts.
Message from the new Activities Co-Chairs
“Please help us help your community and get involved. We can’t do it alone!!”
Rummage
Success
Congratulations to Kit Hart and Johanna Warness, and all volunteers for
all their hard work on Rummage Sale 2001. Together they helped make this
event a success. A grand total of $13,000 was collected over both days.
Next
Activities Meeting
The
next meeting for the Activities Committee will be on Tuesday, March 27th
at Pam Smit’s house at 7:00 pm. Results of Rummage sale 2001 will be discussed.
Residents Work to Restore Views
On March 10, 28 residents met at Kate O’Neill Laskin’s home to discuss ways of managing the reserves to restore views and to facilitate and improve compliance with the view covenants by residents. On March 18, about half of the group met again at Kate’s house to discuss the reserves, and a spirited discussion took place about what standards the Board should use to manage the reserves. The other part of the group met the same day at Ewa Sladiewski’s home to discuss mechanisms for ensuring compliance with the view covenant on private lots. That second group will be meeting again on April 1. Both groups have agenda items for the April 3 Board meeting.
Subsequent meeting times and places will be posted on the Innis Arden website. People seeking more information and those interested in joining committees to work on these issues may contact Kate at 546-8856, or kateon@aa.net. This is an exciting opportunity to achieve an efficient and civil resolution to recurring conflict over views.
We are planning a junior tennis program for this summer similar to the program we have had the last 10 years. There will be lessons twice a week for juniors ages 7-17, which will run over the course of six to seven weeks from late June through early August. In addition we hope to have a strong junior tennis team for intermediate and advanced players which will play on Wednesday afternoons. Last year over 100 kids took lessons and 18 players joined the team. Lessons are filled on a first come, first served basis with Innis Arden residents having first priority. More details will be in the next bulletin. If you have questions please call Joyce Michelson, 546-2722.
Join your friends and neighbors on Saturday, May 5th, to celebrate National Scrapbook Day - 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM! It’s the perfect time to start preserving precious memories in archival memory books. Bring your photos and learn safe, easy and beautiful ways to organize and display family history. An excellent selection of popular scrap booking products, at discounted prices, will be provided by Paper Locket. Don’t miss out on the fun!
Interested in this event or future ones? Contact Wendy Morales 546-4935 or wendy@paperlocket.com.
Great Live Music Concert on April 7 in Innis Arden
Come hear a fabulous concert of Americana and World Music at the house of Innis Arden resident Janis Mercker. Internationally renowned East Coast musicians Stacy Phillips on the fiddle and slide guitar (Dobro) and songwriter, vocalist and guitarist
Paul Howard will perform one time only in our area. Concert is at April 7, 8:00 PM at 18009 13th NW. Minimum donation of $12 per person; $25 for family. For reservations, call 542-5407. Call early – space is limited!
Right now is the best time to prune, crown, or even remove the trees on our property which do not comply with the Innis Arden view covenants and which obstruct the views of our neighbors. Let’s make VIEW RESTORATION a project for all of us living here. The covenant is available on our web site, www.innisarden.com, under ‘Corporate Documents’, ‘Tree Height Amendment’, and subdivision. In the event that height-appropriate replacement plantings are sought, check out the web site on the home page, and click on the “List of View Friendly Trees” link. This list of trees includes ornamental species suitable for Western Washington. After 25-40 years, all remain under 25-30 feet in height.
- From the Committee considering view-impacting trees on private properties
Two residents in the 177th block on 15th NW had their unlocked vehicles rifled through sometime between Sunday March 4 at 5 PM and Monday March 5 at 7 AM. Taken from one vehicle was parking meter change and hunting knife. Reminder: don’t blame your wife for everything and keep your outside cars locked. Submitted by Al and Charlie Blunt (one of the two residents whose cars were involved).
Rummage: Big Thanks to All Who Made It Happen
Mere words cannot express the thanks that are due to the amazing people of our community who put forth such astounding effort this past week to make the 40th Innis Arden Rummage Sale the financial success that it was. Final figures have not been confirmed yet (we don’t know what the dump fee will be!) but all the goods donated and sold probably will net the community over $13,000. All of this money will be put right back into the community, so again, thank you to all those who donated, who collected, who washed and mended, who moved everything over to the clubhouse, who set everything up, who sold with a smile, who fed the workers, and finally, to the cleanup crew. The very scary part of writing a thank-you is knowing that someone’s name may accidentally be left out - for this we apologize profusely, because everyone needs to be acknowledged for their hard work.
Many heartfelt thanks to the following : Kathy and Ian Malarky, Diane Geary, Joyce and Beth Garcia, Claire and Dick Eadie, Lisa MacGeorge, Janet Peterson, Linda Wilson, Robin Lewis, Betty Lou Redford, Kathy Zufall-Larson, Pat McDermott, Mary and Tim Cleaveland, Jan Schnall, Maureen and Dan Lyons, Jan Sullivan, Betty and Loys Lamb, Marion Snyder, Roberta Mooers, Karen, Jon, Carly and Peder Sheldahl, Sylvia Ellersick, Jean Stewart, Lael Call, Marika Romvita, Bev Meln, Brenda and Don Mallett, April Lind, Emily John, Bonnie and Chuck Jardine, Bev Tabor, Alain Rhone, Jean Johnson, R.L. Smith, Bunny Renouard, William, Jane, and Roger Lowell, Jim and James Hart, Vidar Warness, Betty Wax, Denise Kellett, Pam Smit, Gail Lerch, Barb Bartz, Elizabeth Dore, Miggie Keuler, Charlie and Al Blunt, Judy Allen, Elisabeth Bodal, Sherri Robbins, Shelley Watson and Dave Fosmire, Susan Hoffman, Mary Epping, Stephanie Gurnett, Jack Towne, Judy Browning, Kathryn Smithhart, Nancy Maxwell, Jan Holbrook, Jeri Jacobsen, Kathryn DeMeritt, Chris, Mike and Nick Joy, Pat McAdams and Chris Kocher.
Our very special thanks to this year’s “angels” for going above and beyond the week’s work and ultimately making everyone else’s job easier - Ritva Manchester, Sylvia Moren, Jane Lowell and Kathy Malarky . The week was a blast for Johanna and myself, and the work performed was truly inspiring!
--Kit and Johanna
And More Rummage Thank Yous
Many thanks to the following people for contributing delicious edibles to the rummage sale workers: Catherine Slack, Karen Claus, Jodi Brown, Susan Lundli, Mary Leonard, Cindy Esselman, Emilie John, Teri LeClair, Kimber Bang, Jeanette Westlund, Diane McIntyre, Chris Joy, Diane Strecker, Sandra Borg, Sandy Clocksin, Betty Lou Redford, Julie Hull, Robin Sanislo, Anne Britt, Teri Jones, Susan Leonardi, Cindy McCormick, Sherri Robbins, Jackie Sherris, Kathryn and Rick Smithhart, Elizabeth Bodal, Judy Browning, Mary Kahle, Karen McKinley, Jan Hastings, Nora Shriner and Wendy Morales.
A few unmarked serving trays were left at the clubhouse. Please call Lisa MacGeorge if you think one of these might belong to you.
House Rental Needed
Innis Arden family of three and one adult dog looking to rent or housesit a home with a two car garage during our remodel from May to approximately February. Call Sheri or Jed Miller at 533-9695.
House Rental Needed
Innis Arden family of four (with no pets) looking to rent or housesit during our remodel from June or July 2001 to about February 2002.Call John and Karen Claus 542-7123.
Reward for Lost Cat
Lost tabby female cat “Lassie” after earthquake. Fluffy brown, black and orange with white chest and paws. Please call Linda at 542-4712 with any info. Reward.
Kit Hart (546-0871) and Johanna Warness (542-6984) are Rummage co-chairs. Call them if you have any questions about donating rummage or getting involved. Thanks!