Community Priorities Being Addressed

Last winter, 328 of 538 families responded to a questionnaire developed to assist the Board in deciding where community dues and efforts should be spent. Residents clearly indicated that 1) protective covenants, 2) a view of the Sound and mountains, 3) trail maintenance, erosion control and a lowered canopy for views in the reserves, and 4) traffic control were important issues.

The Board has limited tools to enforce the covenants as they are presently drafted. There are no provisions for assessing fines upon covenant violators, or entering private property to correct violations. The only recourse to enforce compliance is litigation. Although case history demonstrates court support of the covenants, litigation is an extremely expensive, divisive and a slow means to resolve disputes that could drain the Club's resources.

1. Procedure for resolving covenant violations other than tree height

As an alternative to litigation, the Board decided to adopt a procedure that would give residents a way to bring unresolved violations to the community's attention and to get the Board's help in resolving them.  During the October Board meeting, a ‘covenant compliance procedure’ was adopted. To determine if a neighbor is violating the original restrictive mutual easements, read the covenants provided by your title insurance company, or find them on our Web site, under corporate documents. If a neighbor is violating the covenants, complete the ‘covenant compliance request’  form which is enclosed in this Bulletin and available on the Web site or from the Secretary of the Board by calling 542-4978. 

Examples of covenant violations are trash, garbage or other refuse on any tract, hedges and fences over 6 feet, temporary structures, businesses or trades, signs or billboards (except when selling property) and for Innis Arden III, trailers not entirely stored within a garage. Noxious use of property is a violation, which includes outside storage of junk vehicles. Many of Innis Arden’s original covenants can be enforced by Shoreline’s Municipal Code, and the Board will be working with the city in these cases.

2.  Procedures for resolving tree height violations

A petition process for notifying neighbors and the Board of tree height violations remains in effect. The petition forms are  enclosed in this Bulletin and  are also available on our Web site under 'special interests', 'view information' and 'petition' or from the Secretary of the Board by calling 542-4978.  If you are affected by a tree height violation, it is important that you 1) work on a resolution with your neighbor and if that fails, 2) fill out the petition, sending the original to your neighbor and a copy to the Innis Arden Club (address is on petition).

Since many residents have complained that the petition process has not been effective and that residents have either given up or resorted to litigation, the Board voted to retain attorney Richard Hill to reinstitute the Special Master process. If the court approves our application, residents will have a less expensive alternative to suing their neighbors for over-height trees.

Although the survey results may be presented to the court, we are asking residents to help establish that the community needs a Special Master. If you have an unresolved petition from the previous Special Master process, or if you have had to resort to litigation for covenant enforcement, please call or write to the Secretary of the Board. If you have tree issues with your neighbor(s), please pursue the existing petition process referred to above.

3. Reserves Maintenance

Reserves Chair Dave Fosmire is working on trail maintenance and erosion control in Boeing Creek reserve. Grouse Reserve is currently being managed for long-term erosion control and a lowered canopy.

4. Traffic Issues

The Club hired an off duty sheriff last June to provide traffic enforcement. Michael Rasch has been working with the city to a) clear overgrown city right of way for pedestrian safety and line of site b) install C-curbs and c) measure traffic volumes and speed as well as cut-through traffic.

We are confident that these efforts will result in a positive outcome.
Sincerely, The Innis Arden Board

Agenda for the November 12, 2002  7:00 PM
Board Meeting

Blockwatch News

On October 3rd at 12th Ave. NW a truck parked in a lighted driveway was looted. The lock was jammed in, the truck scratched and the contents ransacked with some items stolen.

Please report vandalism to the police (911 or 296-3311 for the non-emergency number) and your Blockwatch captain or Blockwatch Chair Judy Allen (542-3219).

Innis Arden I Blockwatch captains

 Innis Arden II Blockwatch captain

 Innis Arden III Blockwatch captain

 If you don’t know what Innis Arden subdivision you live in, contact Judy Allen who can help you out.

THE FOLLOWING NEIGHBORHOODS NEED A BLOCKWATCH CAPTAIN. 
If interested, please contact Judy Allen @ 542-3219

Do you have any new neighbors? 

If so, please contact the Hospitality Committee so they can deliver a welcome packet. The hospitality committee is:

Innis Arden Welcomes New Neighbors:

Eric and Stacey Gillett NW 167th Harry and Neale Obedin 12th NW

Wine and Cheese Party for Newcomers:
Please come and welcome our new arrivals to Innis Arden. We have 26 new families that have moved into  Innis Arden this year.

Open Board Positions

In January 2003, four Board positions will be open with President Lowell, Vice President O'Neill, and Activities Chair Smit vacating their positions. The Board encourages residents to consider running for the Board.

Free Clubhouse Rental!!!

The clubhouse is being offered free of charge to residents who want to host holiday parties exclusively with Innis Arden neighbors. Please contact clubhouse manager at 542-5558 to make reservations.

October ’02 Activities Announcements

Rummage Sale Alert
It’s that time of year again, Rummage Collection! The activities' committee sponsors the infamous Rummage Sale held in the Spring every year.  The 2003 Sale will be on March 8th and 9th.  The net proceeds earned from the Sale finance committee events and projects.

Just to let you know, monies raised this past Rummage Sale helped to defray a significant portion of the costs associated with removing and replacing existing playground structures to meet current safety standards.   Phase II was just completed and we look forward to embarking (with still plenty of bark dust!) on the next phase to make the playground a better place to play!  This is an investment worth investing your time and effort for your kids, so please give us your input at our next meeting. 

Drop off is in the pool building. Here are the collection dates and times so mark your calendars.

1st Saturday of the month from 10 am to 12 noon

On Mondays from 10 am to 12 noon

So start collecting your "collectibles" and remember… one person’s rummage is another’s treasure!

Holiday Party:  Sunday, December 8th from 4-6 pm—Save the Date!!! HO HO HO…We have a holiday chairperson!  Chris Kocher agreed to take it on again this year BUT she won’t do it alone and needs your help— decorating, baking, activities (i.e.crafts) during the party, Santa’s helpers…Let’s make this the best year yet and have a “presence.”  Folks who show up for the decorating the Friday before are treated with select beverages and are guaranteed to have loads of fun.  Ask our lighting experts, Alan Smit and Tom Welsh!

COMING YOUR WAY 2003!!!
EXCITING NEW EVENTS
3-Part Series for the Ladies and Gents!

Blockwatch
We have had two neighborhood meetings with Officer Leona Obstler who is with the Shoreline Police.  Officer Obstler disseminated written information regarding identity theft, ideas for marking your property and tips that discourage burglars.  If you were unable to make it to the meeting and would like that information, please call Shoreline's neighborhood police station or contact a Blockwatch captain.

If you have not been asked to participate in the neighborhood Blockwatch program, please contact Judy Allen or Pam Smit.  We still need volunteer Blockwatch captains for specific stretches in Innis Arden. The captains are asked to contact a few of their neighbors to set up a phone tree and keep the tree updated.    There is not a lot of time required of the captains.  Please consider volunteering.

Calling All Gardeners.....Help!
The Activities' Committee would like assistance in sprucing up the area in front of the clubhouse (where the circle is).  We need someone with gardening experience to develop a landscape plan that volunteers can execute.  The plan needs to include drought resistant plants.  If you can help with planning or planting call Pam Smit or Kathy Malarky.

 Activities Committee…
WHO, WHAT WHEN, WHERE, AND WHY…

WHO: We are a group of self-selecting community volunteers who organize and execute a variety of activities open to the neighborhood. We also recruit, cajole, encourage (and sometimes beg or plead) others to join in and help make these events happen.

WHAT: The Activities Committee provides fun and social opportunities while serving the neighborhood. We sponsor an Egg Hunt, Salmon Barbecue and Holiday Party. Our annual Rummage Sale finances our projects and events. Come and join us!

WHEN: You may join us at anytime!! Meeting dates are always posted in the bulletin and you may call Chris at 533-1223 or Pam at 533-0240 to find out more. It’s a great way for newcomers in the neighborhood to meet people and get involved. Some members are active all year-round and some help at certain times--it’s up to you! We appreciate anyone who gives of their time, talent, expertise, etc.

WHERE: We meet at members’ homes, and usually in the evening. Sometimes we meet during the daytime.

WHY: Don’t ask what your community can do for you, but what you can do for your community!!

We have committees with different ranges of interest.  If you would like to participate in one/all of the committees please call us. They include:

Next Activities' Committee Meeting: Tuesday, November 5th at Tracy Landboe’s house

We welcome anyone who would like to come and join us.  Meetings are scheduled for the first Tuesday of every month at 7 pm.  Perhaps you can host one?  Call Chris at 533-1223 or Pam at 533-0240

Wanted:  Candidates to fill next year's positions for Activities' Committee

Pam Smit and Chris Kocher have been co-chairpersons for the activities' committee for the past two years.  They are looking for their replacements.  Both are willing to give lots of support to the new chairperson/s.  We are also looking for a new secretary for the committee.  Please join in and help support your neighborhood.  Call if you have any questions or if you want to nominate your neighbor!

Also Wanted: Chair for Rummage Sale!

Locking Mailboxes

With the recent incidents of mail and identity theft, neighbors might want to consider what one group in Innis Arden has done: Install a group of mailboxes that can be locked, with a slot for outgoing mail. In addition to increased security, they are attractive as well. These boxes are referred to as ‘CBUs’, or ‘Cluster Box Units’.  For more information:

Call Trent McNeal (from the Bitterlake Post Office) at 364-0663 or Wayne Cottingham (Innis Arden neighbor) at 542-2211

Check www.americanlocker.com/cbuarticle.htm or
www.auth-florence.com

Covenant (non tree-height) Compliance Request Procedure

Procedures for Petitioning for Relief
under View Preservation Covenants

Innis Arden Club, Inc.
Board of Directors Meeting
October 8, 7:00 PM
Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m.

Board members present: Roger Lowell (President), June Howard (Treasurer), Carol Solle (Secretary), Ewa Sledziewski, (Clubhouse), Loys Lamb (Buildings and Remodels), Dave Fosmire (Reserves), Pam Smit (Activities). Absent: Kate Laskin (Vice President)

Community members attending: About 30

The July, August and September 2002 minutes were approved unanimously.

Community Announcements and Concerns

Elaine Phelps protested that she wasn’t allowed to speak during the last meeting prior to adopting the public comment policy. She is also disturbed that this Board has private unannounced meetings.

Board Agenda

Motion passed during October 1st special meeting of the Board:
Action: The Board authorizes seeking advice from the club's attorney concerning issues raised by a shareholder who owns property adjacent to Grouse Reserve. The shareholder is concerned about slope stability of their hillside. The motion passed 8-0 with 1 abstention.

This motion is prompted by letters we have received from a shareholder expressing concern that work being done in Grouse Reserve may cause their property to suffer slide damage. The club has notified the shareholder of debris, including concrete, yard waste, and two old boilers dumped in the reserve below their property, drainage pipes from the shareholder's property and a retaining wall which is leaning may all contribute to potential slope instability.

Fitness trails in the reserves and a jogging path around the playfield by Carol Solle:
What about erecting 'fitness stations' along the trails in Boeing Creek, Running Water, Grouse (after the 'remodel') and/or Bear Reserves? They are pretty cheap, and in my opinion would increase the enjoyment of our reserves. There could be balance beams, chin-up bars, stretching stations, hurdles, etc. This could be a possible project for a Scout Troup.
Also, what about a jogging path around the playfield? 

Update on complaint regarding non-compliance filed by Fran Lilliness:
In March of this year Fran Lilliness wrote a letter to the Board regarding a neighbor's covenant violations: 1) trees over roof height 2) noxious use of property (blue tarps, old trucks and cars and a boat). This appears to be a car repair business.  Sledziewski attempted to contact Lilliness for an update, but she was out of town. We will discuss this during next month’s meeting.

Traffic Update by Michael Rasch:
The city has completed a traffic study measuring the speed and volume of traffic on 10th NW, NW 167th, 15th NW, Springdale Court, 188th and Ridgefield Road. We will need volunteers to record license plate numbers next week to determine cut-through traffic.

Shoreline Minigrant Update:
On June 27, 2002 Dave Fosmire applied for a minigrant with the city of Shoreline. The project would enhance the shoulders of the street right of way for pedestrian traffic by removing overgrown vegetation. We would also remove and replace vegetation and trees that are dangerous or view blocking to vehicular traffic. The replacement vegetation would provide slope stabilization and runoff control. Fosmire reported that he is frustrated with the lack of response from the city and will be meeting with the neighborhood coordinator tomorrow to discuss the issues.

Special Master for View Preservation:
Fosmire has received a letter from attorney Rich Hill. He has conducted additional legal research to determine the viability of reinstitution of the Special Master process to resolve the new crop of view preservation disputes. There are some technical challenges in recertifying the class in the existing lawsuit, but they may be able to be overcome.  A new lawsuit could certainly be filed, and a motion to certify the class made in the new action. The cost is going to be $10-$15K. Residents are encouraged to participate in the petition process to help the court establish the need for reinstituting the special master process. Survey results will be used to show the court that this process is necessary.

Action: A motion to forward a $5,000 retainer fee to Rich Hill to reinstitute the Special Master Process was passed unanimously.

Non-tree Covenant Compliance Procedure:
During a special Board meeting in April, a proposal was made for a covenant compliance procedure. It was published in the Bulletin for community input, and scheduled for a vote during the September meeting. The Board agreed upon the principle. Earlier this month, the Board met to refine the procedure. After discussion a motion was made to adopt the following procedure:

Action: A motion was passed to adopt this Covenant Compliance Procedure unanimously.

Committee Reports

Treasurer’s Report: Howard presented the financial statements for September 30, 2002. An application has been made for a Costco card. We need to start working on the budget for 2003. Howard invited input. Next month, it needs to be adopted by the Board. Howard will email last year’s budget format for Board members to follow.

Activities: Blockwatch has had 2 meetings, with 2 more scheduled. At the meetings, Officer Obstler has gone over issues such as identity theft and local vandalism. She has encouraged residents to report all vandalism to the police. The holiday party is scheduled for December 8th and will be chaired by Chris Kocher. Rummage collection has commenced and the schedule will be in the Bulletin.  The Activities group is planning a couple of fun Friday night events starting in the winter/spring with the first scheduled in February:

The committee is going to be sprucing up the entrance area of the clubhouse and would like input from people interested in landscaping. The Activities group has several committees including playground, rummage, landscape and hospitality.

Lowell reminded everyone that August 5th of 2003 will be a big day for the Innis Arden Swim Club which will be hosting a huge all-city swim meet with 16 teams participating. This will involve parking shortages, installation of bleachers around the pool, and other challenges. This will have a big impact on the community.

Clubhouse:  Two more people have offered to be on the steering committee to improve the clubhouse. There will be a meeting in November, the date to be announced on the IA Web site message board. Sledziewski is offering residents the clubhouse free of charge to hold holiday parties with Innis Arden neighbors. The only stipulation is that tables and chairs be put away, decorations removed, and the clubhouse cleaned up.

Reserves:
Do Reserves fall under the View Preservation Covenant?
There has been much discussion as to whether the Reserves fall under the View Preservation Covenant. In 1991 the Board received an opinion letter from attorney Gary Huff.

He recognized that the language of the covenant supports the conclusion that the view covenants do not apply to the Reserves because it appears that the Reserves were not intended to be treated as residential lots. Also, the drafter of the covenant based the height restriction for landscaping on the height of structures on the lots. Reserves do not contain structures.

Conversely, the general provisions of the Restrictive Mutual Easements indicate that the original grantor intended their application to apply equally to the Reserves and residential lots. General provisions provide that all tracts in Innis Arden shall be designated as "Residence Tracts", except the 'Business Area" in Innis Arden I. Further, the “Building Restriction” provisions of each document treat the terms “tracts” and “lots” interchangeably. This means that Reserves are designated as Residence Tracts.

Huff stated that "we believe it more likely than not that a court would conclude consistent with the statement in the General Provisions that 'all tracts... shall be designated "Residence Tracts"' that the view covenants apply to the Reserve tracts. The Board must then determine the amount of trimming, if any, to be allowed in the Reserves, and what governmental approvals, if any, must be first obtained."

Grouse Reserve Neighborhood Association Membership:
With respect to Elaine Phelps’ demand with respect to the Grouse Neighborhood Association (GNA) that the Board publish a list of residents’ names and their financial resources, the Board declines because such a publication is both unnecessary and inappropriate. That is so because the Board, not the GNA, is the permit applicant for Grouse Reserve. The Board made a decision to implement the vegetation management in Grouse, after extensive public disclosure, written notice to affected neighbors, community discussion, environmental reviews, negotiation and refinement with the City. The City provided a substantial comment period, notified the community of its intent to issue the permit, and provided an appeal period after that notice. Both the comment and appeal periods have expired. The permit has been issued as a public document.

Grouse Reserve Update:
Jacobs said the Grouse Reserve pruning began September 18th by Seattle Tree Preservation. The pruning and trimming phase has been completed. At this point it is not very pretty. What you see is fallen trees. The next step will be to chip the debris which will occur within the next couple of weeks. Following the chipping, 355 trees, 830 shrubs and 1868 groundcovers will be planted. This will be completed by the spring of 2003. Before criticizing the effort that is taking place, keep in mind that this is being monitored by the city, and this is a work in progress. Jacobs believes this will be a successful project.

Salmon report: The first returning silver salmon of the season have been sited in the tunnel under the railroad tracks. They are most visible after it rains.

Boeing Creek: Rocks that are damming the creek will need machinery to move them. (Some teenagers had rolled them there maliciously.) Gene Lewis is contacting a contractor to make reparations to the Boeing Creek trail so that it will support this heavy equipment. Fosmire will meet with the city regarding its requirements because this is in a critical area. We can’t allow the stream to be blocked or we will be liable for damage to the Burlington Northern track bed.

Grounds:  Jacobs is preparing contracts for the use of the playfield by Richmond Little League and Hillwood soccer leagues, charging $750 each plus a $500 damage deposit. New Plexiglas is needed for the wooden sign at the entrance. It has broken and is weathered. Gardeners are going to be doing some hedge trimming around the playfield. Watering system has been repaired. The front entrance has dying cherry trees and is becoming overgrown. Jacobs will talk to the gardeners about pruning this area.  Judy Allen requested that changes to the entrance be coordinated with her because she is planning for new signage at the entrance. Smit mentioned that according to some landscape people she spoke with, the trees in front of clubhouse have been pruned too severely. There is evidence that the homeless man is living near the entrance of Innis Arden. People are reminded to call the police when this man is seen on our grounds or reserves.

Buildings and Remodels:
None this month

Public Comment

Stephanie Gurnett expressed concern that although the survey results did not indicate a high interest in making major improvements to the clubhouse, remodel efforts are underway. Sledziewski responded by saying that the Clubhouse is not up to code and is very costly to heat. Volunteers will be studying the possibilities and costs will be estimated. Lowell stated that Board consideration and approval would be required prior to spending community dues on a clubhouse remodel.

Action: At approximately 9:20, a motion to adjourn was unanimously approved.
-Carol Solle, Secretary

Salmon Barbecue 2002

We were blessed with excellent weather for the salmon barbecue. We also made a profit, which is unusual for this event. This was my third year chairing this event and I feel grateful to have worked with such a talented and fun group.If I have missed anyone who had donated the flowers for this event,and anyone who helped, please forgive me. Thanks for all your hard work.

—Mary Cleaveland

Bulletin Board

First Annual Girls & Pearls
Clothing, Crafts and Collectible Treasures
November 8th from 10:00 am to 6pm,
Innis Arden Clubhouse.

Join Big Enough Reps Chris Kocher and Paige Blomso and see what's in store for the holiday line of these fun, stylish and unique children's clothes, also see stamping sensations from IA resident and Close to Your Heart Consultant Wendy Morales, and check out the wearable jewelry art and design by Jill McKinley of Pearls of Wisdom. Resident Kathy Malarky will also be there with her homemade specialty towels and baby treasures. The vendor line-up is still taking shape so you won't want to miss this event--one stop shopping for your holiday needs and much, much more!

Come and support local moms in their creative endeavors! Admission is FREE and open to the public.

Fitness Trails in the Reserves?
(aka ‘Parcours’)

How about a place to stretch, a balance beam, a chin-up bar, hurdles and things to jump over along trails in the reserves? Could this be a scout project? If interested in pursuing this, please call reserves Chair Dave Fosmire at 542-4369.

See these sites for more info:
Purdue University
Equipment Ideas