March 2002

Rummage Sale Success!!!

The Clubhouse is transformed into a bazaar

The 41st Annual Rummage Sale is officially over, and although all expenses have not been figured in, the community will benefit from at least another $12,000 that the sale brought in. The success of the weekend is of course, due to many hours of commitment given by many people who actually had a really good time getting to see neighbors and friends during the course of the week. The rummage sale, however, is only as good as the merchandise that has been donated, so our first thank-you goes to all of the people in the community who very diligently and thoughtfully gave of their “treasures” - and what treasures they were! Every year we have people who wait in line for hours (!) to get in knowing that what they find inside is well-worth their wait. And then we have the worker-bees! There is a lot of organizing that takes place previous to rummage week, but once everything is in the clubhouse, it's amazing to see how the process has a life of it's own, and comes together so well and so beautifully, and it is all due to the men and women who offer their time and their expertise to the effort. The scary part for us at this point is that we will inadvertently leave someone out of our thank-you, and if that is the case, please forgive us, and know that we truly appreciate your efforts.

To all of the diligent “collectors” during the course of the year - thank you for eliminating a lot of work for all of us during rummage week by pre-sorting and boxing - Jane Lowell, Kathy Malarky, Jean Johnson, Chris Joy, and Sylvia Moren. (Thanks to Sylvia for getting those collection signs up all the time in inclement weather!)  Thanks next go to all of the wonderful chefs of the neighborhood that provided much-needed food for all the hungry worker bees. It's amazing how good food can inspire good work! Thanks to Rita Vincent, Karen Claus, Cindy Esselman, Susan Lundli, Mary Leonard, Sandy Clocksin, Catherine Slack, Kimber Bang, Chris Joy, Teri LeClair, Sylvia Ellersick, Sandra Borg, Cindy McCormick, Betty lou Redford, Sherri Robbins, Joy Ward, Lisa Allen, Francine Shafer, Robin Sanislo, Jane Blaylock Linda Wilson, Diane Strecker, Teri Jones, Kathryn Smithhart, Anne Britt Muri, Carol O'Dell, Elizabeth Bodal, Jackie Sherris, Ewa Sledziewski, and Judy Browning and her famous sticky rolls! Our Friday luncheon was lovely thanks to the hard work of Janet Peterson, Linda Wilson, Robin Lewis, Kathy Larson and Janis Mercker. Heartfelt thanks go to all of you who then moved everything to the clubhouse, hung and displayed it all, measured and labeled, ironed, polished, fixed, tested, loaded onto trucks, unloaded, sold with a smile, and finally, boxed it all up again for charity and cleaned the clubhouse so it looked like nothing at all had taken place the week before! Kudos to R.L. Smith, Judy and Bob Allen, Jon, Peder, Karen and Carly Sheldahl, Jane, Roger and William Lowell, Jean Johnson, Tracy and Knut Landboe, Kathy and Ian Malarky, Sherri and Skip Robbins, Ellen Morley, Denise Kellet, Maureen and Dan Lyons, Claire and Judge Eadie (!) Sylvia Ellersick, Brenda and Don Mallet, Shelley Watson and Dave Fosmire, Sylvia Moren, April Lind, Miggie Keuler, Barb Bartz and Susan Hoffman, Chris Kocher, Elizabeth Dore, Emilie John, Margaret Atwood, Pat McDermott, Nancy Gordon, Betty and Loys Lamb, Sandy Risse, Pam Smit, Jan Sullivan, Robin Lewis, Marika Romvari, Lael Call, Sue Aker, Betty Wax, Diane Geary, Stephanie Gurnett, Jo Amundson, Chris Joy, Mary Epping, Roberta Mooers, Marion Snyder, Jean Stewart, Elaine Burgwald, Judy Browning, Betty L'Esperance, Vidar, Adrian and Erin Warness, and lastly, Jim, Lauren and James Hart. There were many people who stepped up and supported the effort way beyond expectations, and to those people we are extremely grateful: Kathy Malarky, Brenda Mallet, Claire Eadie, Jane Lowell, April Lind, Elizabeth Dore, and our “angels” Dave and Shelley - thank you for all your efforts!
-Johanna and Kit

Jane Lowell sorts through glassware

Community Survey Update

The Town Meetings held last year produced a community survey and an overwhelming 328 of 539 shareholders (60%) took the time to respond. MR Data Corporation of Bellevue provided data entry services. The results are on our Web site and will soon be published in the Bulletin.

This clearly represents a significant contribution by our membership to have their voices heard. Because everyone in the community was invited to participate in creating the questions, we are confident that all interests were covered. Working with marketing consultant Mary McGuire, the drafting committee created the survey from 19 pages of thoughts and questions.

Thanks to all the Town Meeting folks and to so many who replied to the survey. The Board now has a mandate for the future of Innis Arden. Those who don't regularly attend Board Meetings please start putting it on your calendar to follow through with the effort you've just exhibited.
- Marc Weinberg

Blockwatch News

Co-chairs Judy Allen and Pam Smit announce Blockwatch leaders:

Volunteer to lead your neighborhood group!! This is an opportunity to make your block a safer place to live.

JUNIOR TENNIS

We are planning a junior tennis program for this summer similar to the program we have had the last 11 years. There will be lessons twice a week for juniors ages 7-17, which will run for six and a half weeks from June 24 to August 7. In addition we hope to have a strong junior tennis team for intermediate and advanced players, which will play on Wednesday afternoons. Last year approximately 100 kids took lessons and 18 players joined the team. Lessons are filled on a first come, first serve 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.

Correction:
The February Bulletin described a picture of a house being built as belonging to Mrs. June Swanson. It actually belonged to her brother-in-law (Mr. Swanson) who lived next door.

Traffic Safety Update

I am pleased to report that there is progress in our effort to slow traffic down in Innis Arden. On Tuesday, March 12, 2002, Roger Lowell and I met with representatives from the City of Shoreline. The City has come up with a phased plan to help slow down the traffic in our neighborhood.

The first part of the plan involves installing c-curbs and cross walks at the intersection of NW 188th and Springdale CT NW. The c-curbs will make the turns 90 degree turns so that people will be forced to slow down to make turns onto the roadways. The cross walks will act as stop signs if pedestrians are crossing the street.

The next phase is more involved. The City wants to change the street designation of NW 188th. Currently NW 188th, Springdale Court NW, 14th Ave. NW, NW 167th and Innis Arden Way are designated by King County as a collector-arterial route. This designation limits the actions that can be taken to slow traffic down. The City wants to change the designation of NW 188th to that of a neighborhood street. Once the designation is changed, the City would be able to take action to slow traffic down on that street. Similar action would then be taken on the other streets along the route.

If we can change the designation, it would drastically reduce the amount of cut through traffic that we are currently experiencing in our neighborhood. Decreased traffic and slower speeds will make our roads safer for pedestrians as well.

However, before the City asks King County to change the designation of the road way, it wants to make certain that the citizens of our community actually want this change. Accordingly, the City has asked the Innis Arden Board to set up a community meeting to discuss the change in the road way designation. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 18, 2002, at 7 PM in the clubhouse. I am asking everyone who has any concern about our traffic problems to attend this meeting. The people who live along the collector-arterial route are especially urged to attend.

This re-designation will drastically reduce the traffic through our neighborhood. The reduction in traffic will make our streets safer for pedestrians, reduce noise and make our wonderful community even more livable. Please come to the meeting and let the City know that you are in favor of this plan. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Thank you.

-Michael J. Rasch

Map is courtesy of the City of Shoreline

Innis Arden Club, Inc.
Board of Directors Meeting
March 12, 7:00 PM
Summary of Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m.

Board members present: Roger Lowell (President); June Howard (Treasurer); Carol Solle (Secretary); Pam Smit (Activities); Ewa Sledziewski, (Clubhouse), Loys Lamb (Buildings and Remodels); Jim Skeel (Grounds); Dave Fosmire (Reserves). Missing: Kate O'Neill (Vice President).

Community members attending: 15

February 2002 minutes were approved unanimously 8-0.

Discussion

Bylaws:  Currently, the bylaws can be amended in one of three ways: 1) by an affirmative vote of a majority of the shareholders at an Annual Meeting 2) by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shareholders at a special meeting 3) by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors at any meeting provided that notice of such meeting shall include the proposed revision or a summary. During February's meeting, Nancy Rust proposed a change to the bylaws, that #3 be removed. Lowell explained that the last changes to the bylaws were discussed during several meetings and there was plenty of opportunity for community input. The changes were necessary to incorporate administration of Mandatory Dues.

Action: A motion to leave the bylaws as is was adopted unanimously 8-0.

Trespassing in Reserves: Residents and the School have complained to Police about a homeless man living in the Reserves. For Police assistance, the Innis Arden Board must provide the Police Department with information about all of our Reserves (map, legal description, etc) and post “no trespassing” signs. Fosmire, Reserves Chair, will purchase and post the signs at Reserve entrances and will get together with Roger to complete the information required by the Police Department. Dr. Castner added that there is a youth who drives his 4x4 in the Reserve trails about 3 to 4 times a year and suggested that the signs also indicate 'no motor vehicles'.

Community Survey: Solle reported that IA residents completed 328 surveys. MR Data Corporation keyed all information, including comments into an Excel Spreadsheet. Some answers were invalidated. For example, one question asked that the scores total 100 points. If the sum wasn't 100, the answer was invalidated. Other questions instructed people who answered 'no' to skip the next question. Those who answered 'no' but answered the next question were invalidated. Solle will post the unedited spreadsheet on the Web site (it is large, almost 400K), as well as a summary she created. The Board is going to meet later in April to discuss the survey.

Neighborhood Traffic: Michael Rasch and Roger Lowell met with the City of Shoreline on 3-12. Rasch reported that the City was taking our concerns seriously and trying to change traffic patterns through Innis Arden. Some changes can be implemented immediately, such as putting in a 'C Curb' at 188th and Springdale. This will prevent people from cutting the corner, resulting in slower speeds. Other changes will require the re-designation of the street. Currently, 188th is a collector arterial. Changing the designation to residential, the City can take actions to slow traffic such as installing speed bumps and chicanes. This would discourage cut-through traffic. There are implications to the re-designation; for example, 188th would not have priority for snow removal. The City wants to make sure the community is behind this. There will be a special meeting April 18th, 7:00 PM at the Clubhouse for discussion between residents and the City.

Committee Reports

Treasurer Report:
376 dues have been paid, with 175 to go. Another notice will be mailed April 1st. A new bank account was opened with Wells Fargo, earning 2.75%. We also have a money market account with Washington Mutual. Cash reserves approximate $132,000.

The Treasurer reported that she had prepared a draft of a contract with Cole Property Management for the Board's approval (for details see February's Bulletin).

Action: A motion to enter into a contract with Cole Property Management was adopted unanimously 8-0.

Activities:
Smit reported that there were lots of volunteers to assist in the Rummage Sale last week. Proceeds are approximately $13,000. She is seeking volunteers to chair and co-chair next year's Rummage Sale.

Clubhouse:
Byron Vadset will be inspecting the Clubhouse next week. There is a leak on the wall by the fireplace, dripping onto the floor. There are problems with the restrooms. The toilets were designed for residential use and are not adequate. Sledziewski will look into replacing them with pressure assist toilets. She would like to develop a 5-10 year plan for the Clubhouse. She also observed that the reason we lose money renting out the Clubhouse is that our rates are too low.

Reserves:
Dr. Kluge requested that some trees be pruned in Running Water Reserve to restore his view. He explained that several years ago, with the help of then Reserves Chair Al Wagar, he obtained a work permit to remove and replace some trees in that Reserve. Now his narrow view corridor has closed. He approached the City who told him that 1) an arborist must certify that the pruning will not harm the trees and 2) Innis Arden needs to sign off on the request. Fosmire had visited the site and recommended that the pruning be approved, and Lowell signed off the request.

The soil study that was commissioned some time ago has now been received and has been posted on the Web site.

Grounds:
Skeel reported on the problem of tree roots growing up into about 150 yards of the path around the playground. Al Wagar suggested a way to keep the roots away from the path; saw through the roots, dig a 4-6 inch wide, 18-inch deep trench, and install a nylon fabric that allows the roots to grow through but remain small. This would all be very costly, $800 for the fabric and rough estimate of $10,000 for paving.  Skeel will get some bids.

Buildings and Remodels:
A special meeting of the Board of Directors was held February 26th and the following was approved:

These changes are available on the Web site (click on Board Positions, Building and Remodels). For people who do not have Web access, copies will be provided by Loys Lamb (542-8049).

Community Concerns

Traffic and Vandalism: The discussion about hiring King County off duty police officers was resurrected (see the October 2001 Bulletin).

Action: A motion to have Skeel look into the cost of hiring police to patrol Innis Arden for traffic violations and vandalism in the Reserves was passed unanimously 8-0.

Covenant Enforcement: Dr. Castner asked about any help the Board can offer with regard to covenant enforcement. Lowell replied that the survey results will direct the Board's actions. Fran Lilliness said that the Board should enforce all covenants.

Mandatory Dues Amendment: Gene Maddox submitted a letter to the Board signed by 13 residents, protesting Mandatory Dues. He also asked the Board to provide 1) proof that all residents who signed in favor of the amendment were alive and property owners in Innis Arden as of the filing date, publishing their names in the Bulletin 2) establish a committee to check the affidavits on file for accuracy against these names and 3) send a copy of the filed amendment with filing number to each resident. Lowell requested that Mr. Maddox submit these requests in writing and he will respond. Lowell explained that all of the notarized documents are of public record filed with King County.

Action: at 8:55, a motion to adjourn was unanimously approved.
-Carol Solle, Secretary

 Dues Status

Approximately 392 of our shareholders have paid their Innis Arden Club, Inc. dues and we thank you for your timeliness. However, just under 150 have not yet paid theirs. Have you forgotten? If so, please send your check promptly to Innis Arden Club, Inc., PO Box 7222, Shoreline, WA 98133. Remember if the payment is sent after April 1, it will start accruing interest and penalties.

Agenda for the April 2nd, 7:00 PM Board Meeting

A. Community Comments
B. Board Agenda (to be posted on Web site 3 days before meeting)
C. Building and Remodels:

• Dillard, 1463 NW 186th Street, addition of a second floor above the living room/kitchen area. Existing footprint of the house unchanged.
• Nelson, 17128 13th Ave. NW, remodel of bedroom and addition of covered porch. Project does not exceed existing roof height.

Courtesy of the Richmond Highlands Neighborhood Association

Bulletin Board

House Need Painting? Two lucky home owners will have their homes painted this summer by Roger Day, Innis Arden Handyman / I. A . Resident since 1962. To schedule, call 542-0900 before April 24th.

For Sale: Twin Electric Bed by "Adjust-A-Sleep." Latex mattress, remote control, massage and all options. Lightly used, in excellent condition. New $2,000. Asking $995.00  Excellent bedding negotiable. Call Marc 546-8952

Activities Committee Seeks Volunteers to chair and co-chair next year's Rummage Sale, as well as this summer's Salmon BBQ. Please call Chris Kocher at  533-1223

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.