March 2004

Activities Announcements

Hop in for a great time at the
ANNUAL INNIS ARDEN EGG HUNT
Sunday April 4th, 1-2 pm
Ages 10 and under
Innis Arden Playground
Sponsored by the Activities Committee.
For questions contact Patty Austin 546-7766 or Ingrid Gerbino 533-6144

FOR INNIS ARDEN WOMEN WHO JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!
The Activities Committee is sponsoring a 'TGIF Happy Hour' for women only on May 7th at 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Complimentary cocktails (alcohol and non-alcohol) will be offered with light hors d'oeuvres. This will be a relaxing and fun opportunity to meet new women in IA and reconnect with familiar faces. We will not be providing any formal program which means lots of time to chat and visit! Won't it be great to have time with the gals with no interruptions?

We would like to encourage all IA women to come. If you don't know many women, come. If you know lots of women, come. If you just wanna have fun, come. Join us! The AC would appreciate a head count for this event for planning purposes. Please call Pam Smit at 533-0240 to register by May 5th.

RUMMAGE SALE
Another successful year of carrying on the tradition of the MEGA Rummage Sale has occurred. We would like to thank Sherri Robbins for chairing this huge project. Sherri along with many others contributed countless hours toward this fund raising project.
The Activities Committee collected approximately $9200! The AC will be using this money to help support social events and projects in the neighborhood. Thank you to all who supported this huge effort, whether it was your wonderful rummage, your time, elbow grease, and/or moral support.

NOT AN EXTREME MAKEOVER, BUT A MAKEOVER
The AC is proud to announce that they will be leading an effort to beautify the clubhouse immediately. From the money raised through the Rummage Sale, they are purchasing paint to have the interior clubhouse painted and replacing the broken lights fixtures.

Who is doing the painting you ask? IA volunteers! We are looking for folks who would be willing to donate their painting talents during the weeks of April 23 - May 2. We are also looking for paint supplies, such as paint pans, good brushes/rollers… If you are able to help out, please call Pam Smit. We are excited about sprucing up the place!

Looking for Chairpersons
The Activities Committee is looking for volunteers to chair three of our traditional events, the SALMON BBQ, the HOLIDAY PARTY and the RUMMAGE SALE. The SALMON BBQ is scheduled for September 19th (Sunday), the HOLIDAY PARTY is scheduled for December 5th (Sunday) and the RUMMAGE SALE is approximately the first week in March. The Activities Committee has notebooks for each event providing valuable information of how past events were accomplished. If you would like to chair one of these events or possibly co-chair, please call Pam Smit (533-0240). The AC will be glad to support the new chair's efforts!

Next Activities Committee Meeting
Our next activities meeting will be at Shelley Watson's home on Monday, April 5th at 7:00 p.m. We welcome newcomers and familiar faces. This is a great way to meet your neighbors and get involved in your community. Call Shelley 542-4369 for more information.

2004 RUMMAGE Thank You!
A big thank you to all involved in our 43rd annual Innis Arden Rummage Sale. We came in at a little over $9000.00 which will be used for clubhouse improvements and for different events held throughout the year.

Jane Lowell and Johanna Warness deserve a special thanks for collecting throughout the year, sorting and organizing the incoming rummage. Together, they have finely tuned this event making it much easier to move in and set up all the departments. It really helped create a relaxed and smooth working environment for the many workers who showed up to participate.

Thank you to Diane McIntyre for arranging delicious food delivered daily by the following residents: Gina Thorstenson, Betty Lou Redford, Chris Joy, Diana Dillard, Joy Ward, Neale Obedin, Carol O'Dell, Jennifer Dallas, Chris Kocher, Jan Holbrook, Vicki Christensen, Cindy McCormick, Kimber Bang, Connie Santroch, Stacy Pedersen, Inger Svino, Teri LeClair,Teri Jones, Jane Blaylock, Shelly Crotteau, Sandy Clocksin, Lisa Walsh, Lisa MacGeorge.

The following crew who got us into the clubhouse in record breaking time!: Dennis and Nick Maxwell, Dave McCormick, R.L.Smith, William Lowell, Jane Lowell, Pam Smit, Johanna Warness, Kathy Malarky, Chip and Karou Block, Bunny Renouard, Knut, Tracy, and Arne Landboe thank you!

Our fabulous team of workers who came during the week to set-up departments: Betty Wax, Roberta Moers, Betty Lamb, Marion Snyder, Pat McDermott, Jan Schnall, Ellen Morley, Diane Geary, Devon Geary, Miggie Kueler, Barb Bartz, Claire Eadie, April Lind, Kit Hart, Sylvia Moren, Diane McIntyre, Kathryn Smithhart, Cindy McCormick, Brenda Mallett, Johanna Warness, Maureen Lyons, Jan Sullivan, Lael Call, Sandy Risse, Nancy Gordon, Karen Sheldahl, Carly Sheldahl, Pam Smit, Gail Schwarz, Karou Block,Betty L'Esperance. The outside portion of rummage was led by Shelley Watson and Dave Fosmire. Thank you to Vidar Warness, Roger Lowell, (Chip) KnutLandboe, Loys Lamb, R.L. Smith, and Dan Lyons for lending them a helping hand.

Thank you Linda Wilson, Robin Lewis, Chris Joy, and Kathy Staub for the lovely Friday Luncheon for the workers. It really is a treat at the end of a long work week.

Thank you Joyce Garcia for taking care of publicity and to Kathy Malarky for keeping us revved up with delicious, fresh coffee, each morning! Cashiers Judy Browning, Brenda Mallett, Diane McIntyre, Tracy Landboe, Bev Meln and helpers who had to face the onslought of frenzied shoppers with a smile! Our security William Lowell, Nina Svino, and Joyce Garcia who let no package slip through the doors unnoticed!

And last but not least, the clean-up crew, although short-handed worked tirelessly until we exited the building at 7:00 Sunday evening nearly spotless! The Landboe Family, Johanna Warness, Jane Lowell, Brenda and Don Mallett, Chip and Karou, Block, Pam Smit, Chris Kocher, Jan Holbrook, and Denise Kellett.

I certainly hope I have left no one unmentioned. This was truly a team effort with a lot of hard work, plenty of laughs, and a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends and make new ones! Mark your calendars and don't miss out for next year!! Sherri Robbins.

Agenda for the April 13, 2004
7:00 PM Board Meeting

  • Approve March Meeting minutes
  • Committee Reports
    A. Treasurer
    B. President/Vice President
    C. Secretary
    D. Building and Remodels
    Money--17097 10th Avenue NW: Garden Shed
    Buescher-- 18024 13th NW: Replacing siding and enclosing carport
    E. Activities
    F. Grounds
    G. Clubhouse
    H. Reserves
  • Board Agenda
    -- Discuss covenant amendments—removing racial restriction, the one dog one cat rule, and conditionally allowing sheds in setback
    -- Discuss the outstanding View Preservation petitions that were put on hold until the bylaw vote.
    -- Discuss a petition that has been presented to the Board by some 58 shareholders to amend the bylaws and to remove and replace 4 directors.
    -- Discuss power outages
    -- Discuss a possible Clubhouse remodel
  • Community Comments
  • Adjourn

Garden Club Announcement

The April garden club meeting will be a trip to Bloedel Reserves on Bainbridge Island on Wednesday, April 21, 2004. We will meet at the Clubhouse at 9:30. Please bring a sack lunch as we will be meeting Margaret Atwood, a former Innis Arden resident for a picnic lunch at a nearby state park. Please RSVP to Shelley Watson by April 19th at 542-4369.

JUNIOR TENNIS

We are planning a junior tennis program for this summer. There will be lessons twice a week for juniors ages 6 -17, which will run for six weeks from late June to early August. In addition, we will have a junior tennis team for competition level players (12 years and older) which will play on Wednesday afternoons. We are pleased to announce that Sean Kelly will be the head coach for our tennis program this summer. Sean is a certified USTA tennis pro with experience conducting lessons for players of all ages. He is currently coaching the Bush tennis team and has coached at other local high schools.

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 any questions, please call Kimber Bang (533-9275) or Heidi Nelson (542-3682).

Condolences

Condolences are extended to the family of James D. McInnes of 17241 12th Avenue NW, who passed away on Wednesday March 10th after a long illness.  The family has been residing here since 1972.

Thanks to Gary and Greg Barckert

For the last twenty years, Gary and Greg have been managing the care of the Innis Arden Club lawn and sprinkler system. They have charged only $100 each time they mowed the 2 acre playground. It will be difficult to replace them. The community extends its gratitude for their service!

Shareholders Present Petitions to Board

Discussion regarding a petition that has been presented to the Board by shareholders to remove four people from the Innis Arden Club, Inc. Board of Directors and to amend the bylaws will be on the agenda for the April 13th, 2004 Board Meeting.

Fifty-eight shareholders are seeking to remove and replace 4 directors: Carol Solle, Maggie Taber, Michael Jacobs and Michael Rasch. The fifty-eight shareholders have nominated Josh West, Bill Crotteau, Tom Welsh and Steve Dunn to replace the directors.

The Board of Directors is meeting with the corporation's legal counsel to discuss the legality of the proposed bylaws amendment. The proposed bylaw amendments could infringe on a shareholder's covenant and property rights and may be illegal. An update will be provided at the next Board meeting.

At the April 13, 2004, Board of Directors meeting, a date will be set for the shareholders' meeting to remove directors and possibly for a vote on the proposed bylaw amendments. The date that is set will be in compliance with applicable law and our governing documents. The petition is available for review on the web site or by contacting a Board member.

Community Input Sought Regarding Covenant Amendments

The Board and community members feel that some of our covenants are outdated and should either be removed or altered. Input is welcomed from the community. This is an agenda item for the April 2004 Board Meeting.

1) Removing the Racial Restriction
Not only is this restriction offensive, but it was used by Viking Properties to nullify all of the covenants of the community across the street (see February 2004 Bulletin for more details). Unlike this community, our covenants state that "Invalidation of any provisions, sentence or paragraph contained in these Restrictive Mutual Easements ... by judgment or court order shall in no wise affect or invalidate any of the other provisions, sentences or paragraphs of said mutual easements, but the same shall be and remain in full force and effect."

Although it has been invalidated by Federal Law, Club Counsel has for some time been advising that this be removed via a covenant amendment.

2) Removing the One Cat/ One Dog Rule
Currently the covenants state "Not more than one dog and cat may be kept for each building site." It has been suggested that it be removed and that the community default to Shoreline's Municipal Code, which states "Other small animals, including adult cats and dogs, shall be limited to three per household on lots of less than 20,000 square-feet, five per household on lots of 20,000 to 35,000 square feet, with an additional two per acre of site area over 35,000 square feet up to a maximum of 20…" It is worth noting that some lots in Innis Arden are over an acre (43,560 square feet) and under City code, would be allowed a maximum of seven small animals. However, most lots in Innis Arden are 20,000-30,000 square feet which would allow 5 animals.

3) Excluding garden sheds from setback requirements.
Currently the covenants require that garden sheds are at least 25 feet from the rear and 10 feet from the side property lines. It makes sense to tuck a shed into the corner rather than in the middle of the yard. Wording to be added to Paragraph 3 Building limits would be 'exclusive of garden sheds which are not to be inhabited and which shall be subject to approval by the Grantor (Board)". Again, Innis Arden could default to Shoreline Code, which allows a 120 square foot, 10 foot tall structure to be located within the setback requirements.

Innis Arden Club, Inc.
Special Board of Directors Meeting
February 12, 2004 7:00 PM
Summary of Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
Board members present: Michael Rasch (President), Mike Jacobs (Vice President), R.L. Smith (Treasurer), Carol Solle (Secretary), Loys Lamb (Buildings and Remodels), Maggie Taber (Reserves), Al Wagar (Clubhouse), Ewa Sledziewski (Grounds), and Shelley Watson (Activities). Community members attending: about 15

It had come to the Board's attention that there was a communication failure. Although the Bulletin stated that February's meeting was scheduled for February 10th and all regularly scheduled Board meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month, the web site incorrectly stated that it was going to be February 11th. Neighbors adjacent to the Ward remodel were planning to participate in the discussion of the remodel February 11th. The Board had to stay the February 10th approval of the remodel and schedule a meeting to allow for neighbors' input.

  • Jeff Ward presented the proposed remodel. The ground will be excavated 3.2 feet so that the new roof ridge will not exceed the existing roof ridge. The new house will extend 8 more feet to the west than the original.
  • The Kinyouns, two houses north, objected to the privacy issue presented by the proposed windows on the north side of the house, and wanted them to be smaller, higher and/or opaque. In addition they wanted the deck to be staked.
  • Soferman to the west could not evaluate the impact of the new chimney because it was obscured by an out of compliance tree. Because of the westward expansion, some water view was being impacted. She wanted lower ceilings.
  • The current house has 7 foot ceilings on the lower level and 8 foot ceilings on the main floor. The proposed house would have 8 foot ceilings on the lower level and 9 and 10 foot ceilings on the main floor. The land is being excavated 3.2 feet so that the new roof height would not exceed the existing roof height.
  • Berkey objected to the westward expansion of the proposed house because of the affect it had on her view.
  • Geary suggested that reducing the garage to a 2 car capacity might allow for less westward expansion.
  • Rasch noted that the Berkey's bedroom is adjacent to the Kinyouns patio and presents a much greater privacy issue than the Ward's proposed house. He also noted that the removal of a large chimney on the Ward house and of a view blocking tree would appear to mitigate the Soferman's view loss.
  • Ward is considering venting to the side for the gas fireplace rather than a new chimney. The deck has not been staked, but because it will be below where the ground level is now, a yellow ribbon was placed around the area of the proposed deck.

Action: A motion to stay approval to allow the Wards to consider the neighbors' concerns and other comments passed 8 yes 1 abstention.

It was explained that the Board would reconsider the proposed remodel at another special meeting which would be held at the Wards' request when they are ready to submit their plans for a vote, whether they are modified or not.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM.

Innis Arden Club, Inc.
Special Board of Directors Meeting
February 19, 2004 7:00 PM
Summary of Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
Board members present: Michael Rasch (President), Mike Jacobs (Vice President), R.L. Smith (Treasurer), Carol Solle (Secretary), Loys Lamb (Buildings and Remodels), Al Wagar (Clubhouse), and Ewa Sledziewski (Grounds). Shelley Watson (Activities) and Maggie Taber (Reserves) were not present but submitted their vote in absentia to the Board President. Community members attending: about 13.

Community members including Jeff Ward and neighbors in opposition were given the opportunity to voice their concerns. The proposed chimney was to be eliminated and a stack would be utilized.

Action: The Ward remodel was approved contingent upon removal of view blocking tree and replacing proposed chimney with a 12" covered vent 5-4.

Action: A motion to require that a survey of record from an established benchmark of a known height and calculation of the precise height of the existing roof (and perhaps again with the new roof) passed 7-0.

Innis Arden Club, Inc.
Special Board of Directors Meeting
February 24, 2004 7:00 PM
Summary of Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m.
Board members present: Michael Rasch (President), Mike Jacobs (Vice President), R.L. Smith (Treasurer), Carol Solle (Secretary), Al Wagar (Clubhouse), Ewa Sledziewski (Grounds), Shelley Watson (Activities) and Maggie Taber (Reserves). Community members attending: about 20.

The purpose of the meeting was 1) to fill the Building and Remodel Chair vacancy and 2) to discuss the 2004 budget.

Neighbors who were willing to serve gave brief presentations regarding their background and interest in the position. The Board convened in closed session to discuss the candidates.

Action: A motion to nominate Wendy Higgins passed 6-2.

Action: A motion to appoint Wendy Higgins as the Building and Remodel chair passed 8-0.

Rasch suggested keeping the 2003 budget so that another shareholders' meeting would not need to be conducted. A question was raised as to the legitimacy of raising dues from $200 to $220 yet keeping the 2003 budget. The mandatory dues amendment states 'Dues proposed by the Board for the next fiscal year that are less than or equal to one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the dues for the current fiscal year are ratified unless disapproved at the annual meeting by Owners…" Watson suggested that by passing the mandatory dues amendment, shareholders agreed to allow the Board to raise dues by 110%.

Action: The Board's interpretation of the mandatory dues amendment is that it allows for raising dues from $200 to $220. The Board agreed to this interpretation 8-0.

Action: A motion to operate under the 2003 budget for 2004 was passed 8-0.

Harley O'Neil took issue with the appearance of hazardous reserve trees that were cut into snags near 15th NW and NW 190th. (Editor's note: The arborist who evaluated these trees recommended that they be cut into snags for wildlife. The reserves chair is going to be discussing these highly visible snags with the arborist and determine if they can be cut to the ground. If so, the request will be taken to the city prior to further cutting).

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30.

Innis Arden Club, Inc.
Board of Directors Meeting
March 9, 2004 7:00 PM
Summary of Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
Board members present: Mike Jacobs (Vice President), R.L. Smith (Treasurer), Carol Solle (Secretary), Wendy Higgins (Buildings and Remodels), Maggie Taber (Reserves), Al Wagar (Clubhouse), Ewa Sledziewski (Grounds), and Shelley Watson (Activities), excused: Michael Rasch (President). Community members attending: about 40.

Action: A motion to amend and approve the February 2004 meeting minutes, removing 'Since none of the votes at this meeting had a quorum' from the Building and Remodel report and adding 'Al Wagar reported the following' under the Clubhouse report was passed unanimously.

Committee Reports
Treasurer: Smith reported that $86,961 is in savings and $12,960 has been collected so far for 2004 Dues.

President/Vice President: Jacobs has drafted three covenant amendments for community consideration:
1) Removal of the racial restriction (this restriction was used as one of the reasons for voiding the covenants in the community across the street).
Action: A motion to seek approval from the community to remove the racial restriction from our covenants passed 8-0.
2) Removal of the 'one cat, one dog' rule and default to Shoreline Municipal Code. Follow-up is required to determine what city code allows.
Action: A motion to seek approval from the community to remove the 'one dog, one cat' rule from our covenants passed 5-3.
3) Add ''and exclusive of garden sheds which are not to be inhabited and which shall be subject to approval by the Grantor (Board)" to paragraph 3, BUILDING LIMITS. This will allow sheds to exist in the setback. Currently sheds must be at least 25 feet from the rear and 10 feet from the side property lines.
Action: A motion to seek approval from the community to add to paragraph 3 of our covenants ''and exclusive of garden sheds which are not to be inhabited and which shall be subject to approval by the Grantor (Board)" passed 7-1.

Secretary: no report

Building and Remodels:
Fisher: 17770 15th NW-- Second floor addition for bathroom on north end of house, new roof and deck extension on West side of house. The addition will be 1' 6" higher than the existing roof. There was discussion as to how the addition would impact the view from the Lunde residence. The Lunde's view is expansive and the addition would block a very small piece of water view. It was suggested that the addition be located on the south rather than north side. It was explained that 1) There would be view issues if the addition were moved to the south side and 2) there is no plumbing (sewer, etc) on the south side and so it would add significant cost to the project.
Action: A motion to approve the Fisher remodel conditioned upon trimming out of compliance vegetation and subject to written verification from remaining 3 neighbors passed 7-1.

Buchmayr: 18770 Ridgefield Rd-Shed. The shed placement is to be at least 25 feet from the rear and 10 feet from the side property lines.
Action: A motion to approve the Buchmayr shed passed 8-0.

Activities: The Rummage sale brought in $9200 which is less than in the past. There weren't as many donations and there were fewer shoppers. The Wine Tasting party is scheduled for March 20th. Activities will be sponsoring a 'Ladies night out' soon.

Grounds: Sledziewski has obtained bids for removing the poplar, one for $900 (which isn't in writing) and another for $1150. Gary Barckert who has been mowing the playfield for 20 years is retiring. He mowed the 2 acre field for $100 and we are looking for a replacement that will be as reasonable. We are working on reducing our water bills. Marc Weinberg has volunteered to be in charge of the sprinkler system. Sledziewski will be meeting with the head of Shoreline Parks, to discuss playfield care. We may schedule a raking party to remove rocks from the field, as they present great hazards when mowing.

Clubhouse: Al Wagar reported the following: Rental income for the month was $120 and expenses were $147, not counting payment to clubhouse manager. (Over several months, deposits, deposit returns, and cleaning costs should be a wash.)

Steve Kellett, contractor and long-time Innis Arden resident, has agreed to walk through Clubhouse and give us the benefit of his experience concerning some of the issues raised in the inspection report done last April.

Reserves: Taber reported that the City has responded to the concerns regarding the sinkhole at 16th NW and 17th Pl. NW. The letter was from the city to the Akers. The city was going to have their surface water management staff follow-up, and that Jesus Sanchez, Operations Manager and Rika Cecil, Interim Surface Water Manager would be contacting them.

Taber also commented that the snags have been left in the reserves for habitat and to stabilize the soil. The City may allow us to cut down some snags (particularly the visible ones on NW 190th). Downed wood can be removed, but please contact Taber before doing so.

Stacey Petersen suggested having a work party on Earth Day (April 22nd) to remove litter from our reserves. Solle suggested that she put an announcement in March's Bulletin.

Board Agenda
Discuss the outstanding View Preservation petitions that were put on hold until the bylaw vote.
Jacobs commented that according sections 1 and 11 of the covenants, the Board has the authority to rule on these petitions. There will be a meeting with counsel to address the Board's obligation to enforce the covenants.
Action: A motion to table this discussion until April's meeting passed 8-0.

Discuss office space in Clubhouse. Solle said that access to the Club's file cabinets is thwarted by the janitor's equipment, and that a separate space is needed for the cabinets if we are to continue to access and file Club records.
Action: A motion to seek design assistance from community members to create office space passed 8-0.

Community Comments
Gene Maddox requested and received information regarding the Club's D&O insurance policy.

Action: A motion to adjourn at 9:20 was passed unanimously.

Bulletin Board

Earth Day
In honor of Earth Day, April 22, 2004 we would like to organize a workgroup to pick up litter in our Reserves. Everyone is welcome! We will meet in the Innis Arden parking lot on April 22, 2004 at 3:30. We will supply everyone with bags, gloves and sticks. This is a great time to teach our kids about the Earth. Please contact Stacey Pedersen 533-6374 if you would like to participate.

Wanted: Housecleaning help
About 4 hrs./wk. If you can recommend someone please call, or have them call, Jim O'Hanlon at 206-727-2712.

Wanted: Home to rent
We are looking for a 3-4 bedroom home to rent, and we would like to stay in Innis Arden. Please call the Wards @ 206-546-1986.

Design Assistance Wanted:
Office space is needed for Club file cabinets. Currently they are housed in the janitor's closet and are not easily accessible. We would like to make space in the Clubhouse and welcome design assistance.

Volunteers Needed:
Innis Arden Bulletin editor and layout person beginning June 2004. Call Carol Solle at 542-4978.