ENA Board Meeting
7:00 PM January 14, 2025
Swantown Inn, 1431 11th Ave SE, Olympia
Members Present
Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Karen Clemens (CNA Representative), Nathan Allan, Abigail Twombly, Cheryl Bayle, Therese Vogel
1) Approval of the Minutes
The December 11, 2024 meeting minutes were approved as submitted.
2) Treasurer Report
Checking $1,969.87
Savings $2,943.25
Total $4,913.12
Jim Rioux reported he received and deposited a Neighborhood Grant check for $1,840.40. He also deposited $90 in cash and checks received at our Annual Meeting. We still owe Laurel $1,200 and Sherry $369.32.
He received a bill for the Post Office box that is due at the end of the month; 12 months for $256. The Board agreed to renew for 6 months and Jim said he would look into less expensive alternatives.
3) January 7th Annual Meeting
Everyone agreed the annual meeting was a success. The table arrangement allowed people to socialize and connect with their neighbors. Jim Rioux did a nice job with the introductions. The guest speakers were interesting and engaging. Many thanks to Nathan and Casey for hosting and providing the excellent food.
4) Election of Officers
All current officers have agreed to continue. Karen agreed to fill the vacant Vice President position and continue as the CNA representative.
5) CNA Report
Karen reported there was no council member present.
Tim Smith reported the City currently has about 60 projects in permit review, including West Bay Yards, SPSCC dormitories, Briggs Village and Henderson apartments. Abigail described a new bank building proposed near 4th and Water, on the site formerly occupied by Procession of the Species.
Fire Chief Matt Morris talked about CERT – Community Emergency Response Team training (see link below). He also described OFD’s Community Assistance Referral and Education Services program.
Larry Dzieza continues to try and open an on-going dialog with the Planning Commission. This could include neighborhood association members commenting during meetings and being added to the Commission’s annual work plan.
6) RNA Grant Closeout
7) 2025 Work Plan & Events Calendar
Nathan projected the ENA website on the screen and the Board discussed what information should be prominent on the home page and in menus. It was agreed we need to update the 2025 events calendar regularly.
8) Other
The Board agreed to schedule time to work on the things that routinely fall through the cracks because we don’t have time for them during monthly meetings. Some examples are newsletters, email lists, the events calendar and website. It was decided to meet Sunday morning January 26 from 10:00 to 12 at Swantown.
Jim S. described a recent Strong Towns article about civic engagement; “How a Walk About Nothing Can Change Everything About Public Engagement” Here’s a link: https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2025/1/10/how-a-walk-about-nothing-can- change-everything-about-public- engagement?apcid=0060f5c4aeb5b5bba4851200&utm_campaign=25-1-14- digest&utm_content=25-1-14-digest&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ortto
Following are links to websites describing the CERT training Chief Morris talked about, and other emergency preparedness sites.
“What is CERT Training?”
https://community.fema.gov/PreparednessCommunity/s/cert- trainings?language=en_US
“Community Emergency Response Team”
https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/individuals-communities/preparedness- activities-webinars/community-emergency-response-team
“Disaster Preparedness Training for Communities and Organizations
The next Board meeting will be February 11th.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.
]]>December 11, 2024 7PM
1626 7th Avenue SE
Members Present
Sherry Chilcutt (President, on the phone), Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Karen Clemens (CNA Representative), Abigail Twombly, Cheryl Bayle
1) Approval of the minutes
The November 13th meeting minutes were approved unanimously as submitted.
2) Treasurer Report
Checking $129.87
Savings $2,942.88
Total $3,072.75
Jim R. reported the ENA’s funds will increase when the City reimburses our RNA grant expenditures. We need to continue letting people know how their dues helps leverage grant projects.
3) Tree planting report
Jim R. reiterated that the ENA tree funds have been rolled into our savings account. Sherry mentioned a $300 donation which was earmarked for the tree fund. Tim Smythe used this money to buy a tree to plant at the Armory, but the City is not yet ready, so the tree went to Lions Park. Another tree will be purchased to replace a tree that died. This will exhaust the dedicated tree funds.
A motion was made to give $200 to Tim Smythe to use to replace a dead tree. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously by voice vote.
Jim R. would like to see some recognition for the ENA at Lions Park.
4) January 7th Annual Meeting
After discussion, the Board agreed to the following:
Location – Swantown Inn
Time – 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Schedule – 6:00 to 7:00 social time; 7:00 to 8:00 program
Menu – Soup and bread
Speakers – 1. Chris Hyde, Souper Sunday 2. Bernice Hartt Plazas, Thurston County Food Bank 3. Possibly another such as Luke Burns, Olympia Community Gardens Program Specialist, or someone from the Thurston County Conservation District’s Healthy Gardens program
Leader – Jim R. will draft and circulate an agenda
Abigail – signs and social media announcements
Karen – will talk to Nathan about food service and logistics
A motion was made to reimburse up to $250 for food and other expenses related to the annual meeting. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously by voice vote.
5) Snowstar event
Nathan reported by email there was some interest in making holiday snowflakes by about ten neighbors. We will need to start earlier next year.
6) CNA Report
Karen reported the CNA discussed the following topics at its December 9th meeting:
- The RNA grant program
- The Habitat for Humanity project, permits, fees, and possible grant funding
- Potential utility fee increases
- Sidewalk survey data
The Climate Action & Resilience Team did a presentation on its work which led to a discussion on the need for community and neighborhood emergency management planning. It was agreed the ENA needs to add this subject to its 2025 work plan.
7) Madison School fundraiser
Nathan provided the following update via email:
The Madison charity auction was a big success. Well attended (but could always have more) and well supported by downtown businesses for item donations. It raised $8900. It saved the PTO’s ability to put on other events this school year.
8) Board Recruitment
Board member nominations will be on the agenda for the annual meeting. We can either vote on officers at the January Board meeting or via email.
We need to fill the vacant vice-president position, so everyone was asked to reach out to potential Board members before the meeting.
9) RNA Grant
The schedule for the 2025 grant program is on the City’s website. The application deadline is 5:00 PM on February 28, 2025. The Board suggested the following ideas for a grant application:
- Support & expand the Fall Festival
- Food for Block parties
- Materials for snowflakes
- Eastside neighborhood walking map
- Newsletter printing & postage
- Traffic calming at 10th & Fir, possibly a painted mandella
It was agreed we need to talk to Brittany Gillia, the new grants program manager, about grant ideas. Jim R. agreed to help Sherry with the final report to close out the 2024 grants. Jim S. and Abigail can provide pictures if needed.
10) Other
Jim S. provided an update on the CNA Sounding Board’s review of the Land Use and Urban Design chapter of the comprehensive plan update, and urged everyone to take a look at the information on the City website.
The City’s holiday light parade will be in the Eastside neighborhood on Thursday December 19th starting at 6:00 PM. Jim R. mentioned the parade is using GPS that can be tracked online.
The next Board meeting will be Tuesday January 14th. The agenda will include election of officers and the 2025 work plan calendar.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.
]]>November 13, 2024 7PM
1626 7th Avenue SE
Members Present
Sherry Chilcutt (President, on Zoom), Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Karen Clemens (CNA Representative), Abigail Twombly, Cheryl Bayle
1) Approval of the minutes
The October 9th meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
2) Treasurer Report
Checking $105.20
Savings $2,924.52
Total $3,029.72
Jim R. reported he moved $300.00 from savings to checking to cover paying for the memorial tree. The check was made out to the City of Olympia. Jim filed our annual report with the Secretary of State. There was one $20 deposit which was assumed to be someone paying dues. Sherry gave him a check for $80 that was donated during the rod & reals event.
It was suggested we work on getting people to pay their membership dues. Very few deposits have shown up suggesting no one is paying dues. The pay program we’re using charges about $2 for each deposit and may be a barrier. Karen suggested increasing the dues to make up for this.
Sherry will be sending paperwork to Lydia in January or February to close out our RNA grants, at which time we will replace funds used from our accounts.
3) Meeting time
The Board discussed changing our regular meeting time for 2025. It was agreed we will change the Board’s meeting dates to the second Tuesday of the month, starting on January 14.
4) Harvest festival October 12th
Everyone agreed the event was a big success mainly due to teamwork by everyone helping out. The children enjoyed all the activities, including helping with apple pressing, and the band added a nice touch.
Jim S. said he updated the write-up he started with the first fall festival in 2018 to capture ideas in case this turns into an annual event. If we do the event again we will want to reserve the shelter for the entire day.
Abigail submitted receipts for items she purchased including paper table cloths and bungee cords. Cheryl will submit receipts for food stuffs she purchased. Jim S. suggested buying a couple of replacement apple pressing mesh bags ($12.95 ea.). The cost will be covered by funding the Board previously approved.
Cheryl suggested combining the Fall Festival with the annual picnic. This would avoid having the annual picnic and block parties too close together. The consensus was that this is a good idea for next year. We may want to wait until after the Parks Department closes the sprayground for the season.
5) Snowstar event
Several Board members said they plan to attend the event Saturday from 10 to 11:00AM at the Swantown Inn.
6) CNA Report
At their October meeting, the CNA discussed:
- Housing affordability, grants to help pay impact fees, etc.;
- Using the 1% utility tax to reduce fees for low income housing;
- Using leftover neighborhood grant funds for sidewalks;
- If you see someone having a mental health episode you can make a request for services, call the non-emergency number (360 753-8101) or call 911;
- and neighborhood police patrols.
Councilperson Vanderpool updated the CNA on increasing the minimum wage, and Tim Smith reported on new development proposals.
7) Annual Meeting
Sherry suggested a fundraiser for Souper Sundays. People could donate soup ingredients, gift cards or money. Nathan previously said he would contact Chris Hyde once we have a date for the meeting. The Board suggested either Tuesday January 7th, or Thursday January 9th, starting with a social event at 6:00.
Note: Nathan said he prefers January 7th.
Cheryl will call someone from the community garden.
Karen will contact someone from the food bank.
8) Board Recruitment
The annual meeting agenda will include asking for Board member nominations. Later, we can vote on Board officer positions via email.
Please reach out to any potential Board members before the meeting.
9) Next year’s calendar
Last year Cheryl and Abigail drafted the 2024 events calendar which Nathan posted on the ENA website. All agreed this was helpful and that we should do something similar for 2025.
The Board agreed to continue working with partners such as New Bridge, FUMCO, and Madison School. Cheryl mentioned the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum’s annual holiday historic homes tour is coming up December 8th from noon to 4:00.
10) Other
Jim S. suggested we make sure we’re tracking ENA events and accomplishments, such as the murals and apple press, from year to year, particularly when these involve RNA grant funding.
The next Board meeting will be Wednesday December 11th.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.
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Last week the Eastside Neighborhood Association conducted its Annual Meeting to a great turnout thanks to Nathan and Casey Allan of the Swantown Inn, who supplied not only the location, but a soup supper! The program that followed included two guest speakers: Chris Hyde, the Souper Sunday guy, and Berenice Hartt Plazas from the Thurston County Food Bank. Both spoke on the topic of food insecurity.
Chris Hyde has been a great asset to the people of Olympia and has followers from all over the United States, some of which have begun their own free food give aways. He has just successfully become a nonprofit organization, Food Source Foundation, and is hoping to expand to provide more types of free food to more people.
Berenice Hartt Plazas spoke about the Thurston County Food Bank program in existence for over 50 years. It has 20 locations and 18 mobile programs. Besides Thurston County, their programs serve some surrounding counties. She noted that in the last six years there has been a real increase in need for those who work but do not have enough money for food after paying all their bills. The number of seniors needing food has increased by 50%.
Programs provided by the Food Bank include: Backpack food for Kids, Holiday meals, hygiene supplies, Birthday bags and Newborn bags. Funding comes from City, State, Federal and donor programs. They have 32 employees and all the rest are volunteers.
For more information on these programs go to:
foodsourcefoundation.com or tcfb.org
To learn more and or become involved with the Eastside Neighborhood Association contact:
]]>October 9, 2024 7PM
Swantown Inn 1431 11th Ave SE, Olympia
Members Present
Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Karen Clemens (CNA Representative), Nathan Allan, Abigail Twombly
1) Approval of the minutes
Following the September 11th Board meeting it was pointed out the Board had not approved any fund expenditures to support the upcoming Fall Festival event. Therefore, six Board members agreed via email to expend up to $100 on incidentals for the event.
The September 11th meeting minutes were approved with the above addition.
Following the October 9th Board meeting, Tim Smythe requested $300 the Board had previously approved to fund a memorial tree to be planted at the Armory. Sherry emailed the Board making a motion to fund the $300 tree project at the Armory. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
2) Treasurer Report
Checking $306.16
Savings $3,242.12
Total $3,548.28
3) How are funds requested for events, setting budgets, and getting approval?
The Board needs to set maximum limits on funding for events by category, and include this in grant requests. The ENA’s annual calendars will help us keep track of spending. Nathan explained the calendar on the ENA website is a “page” and not a “post” so it’s not included in the weekly emails. He will be looking into creating curated quarterly e-newsletters which would allow us to control what’s included.
4) Harvest Festival Oct. 12th 1-4 PM
The Board discussed last minute preparations and the volunteers who are expected to help.
Abigail said the acoustic band will perform from 2:00 to 3:00.
Jim talked to Tim Smythe and the Parks maintenance people. He will also contact someone from the food bank.
5) Freedom Farmers event
Nathan reported on this organization which provides food for Olympia schools. They were very appreciative for being able to use the ENA cider press.
6) CNA Report
The next CNA meeting will be on Monday October 14th. The agenda includes a discussion of Olympia’s homelessness progress and challenges, with Housing Response Coordinator Kim Kondrat.
7) January Annual Meeting
The Board continued to discuss topics for the annual meeting. There was general agreement we should focus on food security as the primary topic. Potential guest speakers include Chris Hyde, someone from the Food Bank, and someone representing the Olympia Community Garden on 13th Avenue. One idea is to work with Souper Sunday to provide hot soup for the meeting. We will make final decisions at the November meeting. The meeting will be at the Swantown Inn, starting with a social event at 6:00 PM.
8) Tim Smythe conversation about armory tree planting
Sherry will be discussing tree planting at the Armory and other topics with Tim. Jim mentioned that Tim plans to be at the Fall Festival on Saturday.
9) Mark Foutch forwarded an article about the South Capitol neighborhood using its RNA grant to have a huge barbeque, paying for the mailing, 350 burgers, etc.
We might want to do one big event with financial support.
10) Other
Nathan met with Lisa at New Bridge about making giant snowflakes. He agreed to work with the artist and others to make similar holiday decorations to be displayed around the neighborhood, starting with Central Street. Details concerning funds for materials and a possible grant request will be determined later.
Abigail said she would like to do another Meetup event at BeerWorks.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.
]]>September 11, 2024, 7:00 PM
1613 Union Avenue SE
Members Present
Sherry Chilcutt (President), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Karen Clemens (CNA Representative), Nathan Allan, Abigail Twombly, Cheryl Bale
1) Approval of the minutes
The August 7th meeting minutes were approved.
2) Mural Celebration Report
The celebration was described as “fantastic.” About 30 people attended including the artist and many children. The homeowners were pleased and the Olympia Beekeepers presence was appreciated.
3) Harvest Festival Oct. 12th 1-4 PM
Tim Smyth has offered to bring apples.
It was suggested we ask each person to bring about a 5-gallon bucket of apples.
If too many people show up at the same time we may need to assign them a time so they don’t have to wait.
Jim will contact Parks staff about a water source for cleaning apples and cleanup.
Karen has a list of people who have indicated they are willing to help.
Jim and Karen will work with Abigail to promote the event.
Following the September 11th Board meeting it was pointed out the Board had not approved expending funds to support the upcoming Fall Festival event. Therefore, six Board members agreed via email to expend up to $100 on incidentals for the event.
4) Armory Naming
Jim described voting for a new name for the Olympia Armory on the City’s Engage Olympia page. Voting is open until September 27.
5) CNA Report
The CNA met on September 9. Discussion topics included:
Missing Middle – now referred to “Middle Housing” after the 2023-24 Legislative session.
Budget – the 2025 preliminary budget process has been underway for roughly five months and is nearing the beginning of the Council stage of the process.
Sidewalks survey – the contract is about 25% completed. The CNA’s app is still important as local information may identify higher priority projects.
Olympia Airport – there has been considerable discussion on noise, pollution and other impacts of increasing air traffic.
Community connections – the importance of community connections in countering loneliness is being recognized, particularly since the pandemic.
6) Annual Meeting
Food security was mentioned as a possible topic with Chris Hyde, the Souper Sunday guy, as a potential speaker. We discussed inviting comedian Sam Miller and decided to look into the possibility of paying him to perform next year. Other ideas were to invite someone from the City such as Mayor Payne, Councilmember Clark, or Kim Kondrat to talk about housing. The item was continued until the October meeting at which time we will decide on who we want to invite. The time for the annual meeting is tentatively set for 6:30 PM Wednesday November 6 at the Swantown Inn, with time to socialize at 6:00.
7) Plum Street Village Report
Nathan and Sherry toured new buildings at Plum Street Village and met the new managers.
8) Utility Commission report
Sherry described on-going discussions by the Utility Commission about the City’s utility tax.
9) Other
Nathan mentioned a Madison school PTO auction on Dec. 7. The Board agreed to partner with the PTO to promote the event. He also proposed having the Inn sponsor ENA events.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.
]]>August 7, 2024, 7:00 PM
Swantown Inn
Members Present
Sherry Chilcutt (President), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Jim Rioux (Treasurer) Karen Clemens (CNA Representative), Nathan Allan, Abigail Twombly, Cheryl Bale
1) Approval of the minutes
The June 12th meeting minutes were approved as amended.
There wasn’t a quorum for the July meeting.
2) Treasurer Report
Jim R. noted our miscellaneous savings accounts have been combined into one general savings account as discussed at the June 12th meeting.
Checking $618.35
Savings $3,241.32
Total $3,859.67
3) Annual Picnic
Board members discussed food and table service for the potluck, and who will provide which items. Several people said they will bring games.
4) Harvest Festival Oct. 12th 1-4 PM
Abigail has arranged for live music.
Games such as cornhole will be available.
Sherry will not be there but Hank will be available to transport the apple press. Jim S. said he can help load and set up the press.
Sherry suggested some people come early for setup, and others stay late for cleanup.
We may want to talk to the Parks people about hosing off the tables and floor in the shelter.
Jim S. will work with Abigail to write up an announcement and make posters. We will also want to post “rules” for apple pressing, such as suggesting people bring only one 5-gallon bucket of apples along with re-usable glass containers.
5) How do we make Fir and 10th safer?
Someone near this intersection asked if the ENA could help facilitate safety improvements. The problem is people are driving too fast on Fir Street plus limited sight distance. One suggestion is to ask the City to close the street for a day and paint a mandala in the intersection.
Sherry will reply to the neighbor and suggest they contact the City.
6) CNA Report
Jim R. attended the July CNA meeting. There was a discussion about the South Capital RNA and their efforts to reduce speeding on Capital Way.
Tim Smith reported on the many pending permit applications.
The CNA discussed the City’s budget, the Council retreat, and the proposed quarterly forum.
7) City Sidewalk inventory
There has not been a lot of input into the sidewalk app recently.
The City is doing a separate inventory with a focus on downtown sidewalks.
8) Mural Update
The Eastside Street mural is progressing nicely.
9) Hold off on electing a VP until our annual meeting?
The Board agreed to hold off electing a new vice president until the annual meeting.
We agreed to include a discussion about the annual meeting date, guest speakers and so forth at our September meeting.
10) New Courthouse location
A County subcommittee has been meeting to discuss their building and space needs. This would be a good topic to bring up at the annual meeting. For contact information see the website: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/board-county-commissioners/courthouse-and-regional-administrative-buildings-project
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.
]]>June 12, 2024, 7:00 PM
1613 Union Avenue SE
Members Present
Sherry Chilcutt (President), Roger Horn (Vice President), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Karen Clemens (CNA Representative), Cheryl Bayle, Abigail Twombly, Jim Rioux (Treasurer)
Guests
Jonnita Thompson and Terese Vogel
1) Approval of the minutes
The May 8th minutes were approved as submitted.
2) Treasurer Report
Checking $636.25
Savings 965.52
Neighborhood Signs 1,309.78
Legion Way Trees 554.21
Community Beautification 411.21
Total $3,876.97
Sherry explained a $388 insurance policy which was triggered by the Rod N Reel event. The policy is effective for one year and covers other events, including painting the mural.
We received $17 in donations at the Rod N Reel event.
A $100 gift certificate was presented to the artist for repainting the mural on Central Street after it was vandalized.
Jim R. proposed consolidating the ENA’s three different savings accounts into one general savings account. It was so moved, seconded and approved unanimously.
3) Rod N Reel event
It was generally agreed the event was a success. There was a good crowd at the Park, the kids had a fun time and we served 100 hot dogs. The Timberline Library booth was a nice addition.
The new banners looked great and the Board thanked Abigail for making that happen.
We will decide later if the ENA wants to sponsor this event next year.
The Board voted unanimously to reimburse Sherry for buying the food.
4) Beerwerks event
This event also brought out a good crowd. All agreed it was a great way to meet people from the neighborhood. There was considerable discussion about having more regular get-togethers. Jonnita talked about events for people who don’t like going to meetings. We discussed having a place or places for regular events. The Swantown Inn was recommended for indoor events, ideally when coffee service is available, and Lions Park for outdoor events. Later we may be able to use meeting space at the Armory. Several people mentioned having speakers such as those at annual meetings. Jim R. & Jonnita agreed to work on speakers and regular meeting places.
5) Block Parties
Two parties are scheduled so far — Lybarger Street & Lions Park. Sherry has a Street Closure Permit for Lybarger.
Karen said she thinks block parties fill a local need which is not met otherwise. She intends to get together with Dan and others to plan a party on McCormick Street next year.
Roger said Adrian is planning a party next year on 5th Avenue.
6) CNA Report
Karen described Tim Smith’s report on new development proposals. Two West Bay Drive projects are particularly controversial. Also, a 300-unit affordable housing project is planned on the westside, north of SR 101.
Fiber optics cables are being installed underground by Ziply Fiber.
Councilmember Vanderpool attended the Congress for New Urbanism in Cincinnati in May. One topic he mentioned is breaking up large projects into smaller increments.
Larry Dzieza is working to put together a “Sounding Board” on neighborhood issues for the CNA.
Jim R. explained the list of funded sidewalk projects was developed previously based on input from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. The list is available on the City’s website:
https://www.olympiawa.gov/services/transportation/sidewalk_repair_project.php
Abigail mentioned the Design Review Board recently reviewed a 5-story mixed use building with 87 residential units to be built at 411 Legion Way (Legion and Jefferson).
7) Annual Picnic Change of Date — Saturday August 10th, 4-7 PM
Cheryl asked about music. Sherry suggested a person from the Hat Museum. Jonnita knows a couple of bands, including an Old-timey music band. Karen said other RNAs sometimes pay $500 for entertainment.
8) Mural update
Sherry sent the final design to Lydia and Hank has agreed to power wash the wall.
9) Other items
Tim Smythe is in talks with the Parks Department about planting a tree at the Armory. He may be able to use the ENA funds set aside for trees last year. It’s early for this discussion as the Armory’s exterior design is still fluid.
Sherry mentioned the Utility Advisory Committee would like more transparency on utility bill surcharges and what they’re being used for.
Jim R. reported the City recently purchased a parcel of land near the Indian Creek wetland as suggested in The Eastside Subarea Plan.
Whitney has an ENA sign which we need to recover.
Sherry reported the Mail Chimp system is not functioning well at present.
10) Armory Historical Sign
Jim S. provided an update on the sign program the Military Department agreed to do. The Department agreed to hold three stakeholder meetings. Two of these were held but the third is on-hold pending consultations with the Tribes.
The meeting adjourned at 8:34 PM.
]]>May 8, 2024, 7:00 PM
1613 Union Avenue SE
Members Present
Sherry Chilcutt (President), Roger Horn (Vice President), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Karen Clemens (CNA Representative), Cheryl Bayle, Abigail Twombly
1) Approval of the minutes
The April 10th minutes were approved as submitted.
2) Treasurer Report
CHECKING – $636.25
SAVINGS – $965.39
NEIGHBORHOOD SIGNS – $1,309.61
LEGION WAY TREES – $554.14
COMMUNITY BEAUTIFICATION – $411.14
TOTAL – $3,876.53
3) Rod N Reel Extravaganza! – Saturday June 8th noon to 4PM
Sherry wrote advertising copy for publishing on the ENA website and distribution.
4) Beerwerks Meet-up – Friday May 10th 3-6PM
We will post a sandwich board sign in front of Beerwerks prior to the event. The Board agreed to promote “Oly Camp Kitties” by distributing flyers at the event.
5) Roosevelt Elementary School Plant Sale – Sunday May 19th
The school is asking for donations.
6) CNA Report
Karen reported on recent issues including neighborhood police and the ongoing Neighborhood Centers study.
Jim added an update on the April 25th LUEC meeting. Councilpersons mentioned the Swantown Inn coffee shop during discussions. The Planning Commission will be holding a digital open house on May 16.
7) Mural
Laurel Henn may be interested andSherry will attend her reception on May 17th to discuss painting the mural.
8) ENA Banners
Abigail presented several design concepts. The Board discussed how to design a banner which will be welcoming to all, and whether to order more than one. We can use savings if the grant money doesn’t cover the entire cost. The estimate for two banners is about $250.
9) Block Parties – Saturday July 13th
Sherry will soon begin an outreach to potential hosts.
10) Sidewalk app
The Board discussed the usefulness of the Survey 123 phone app and the survey data in general. It was suggested we attempt to grid the entire neighborhood and enter as much information on the condition of our sidewalks as possible. Jim said he will work up a map showing blocks that haven’t yet been surveyed.
11) Event Speaker
It was suggested we invite Chris Hyde (the ‘Soup Man’ from the northeast neighborhood) to speak at an ENA event such as the fall festival. You can reach him in the following ways:
Or message directly on FB:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/814268350188077
12) Comprehensive Plan Utilities Chapter
Sherry reported on the Utility chapter update. Next steps will include referral to the Equity and Justice Committee and talking to LOTT.
13) Strong Towns
Jim talked about the recent Strong Towns event at Well 80, and an upcoming ‘Congress for the New Urbanism’ conference in Cincinnati that Councilperson Vanderpool will be attending.
Jim also connected with the statewide local conversation Strong WA.
14) Armory
Jim described the April 30th City Council meeting during which they introduced the Armory Creative Partner organizations.
15) B&B Apartments rebuild
The City reviewed a plan to rebuild the apartments at 2104 State Avenue. The ENA previously indicated it would like to be involved in the review process when it goes to the Design Review Board.
The meeting adjourned at 8PM.
]]>April 10, 2024, 7:00 PM
1613 Union Avenue SE
Members Present
Sherry Chilcutt (President), Roger Horn (Vice President), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Karen Clemens (CNA Representative), Cheryl Bayle
Guests
Larry Dzieza, Mike Ruth
1) Sidewalk Survey app
Larry and Mike described why Olympia is hiring a consultant for a $100K sidewalk study. The City is paying large sums every year to settle sidewalk injury claims. The Planning Commission looked at the ways neighboring Cities deal with sidewalks. The new direction recommended by the CNA is to budget $3 million for sidewalks annually, compared to $13,000 last year.
Mike walked us through loading the app (version 1.02) on our phones and we spent some time outdoors learning how to use it. With a little practice, we were able to easily photograph, categorize and document sidewalk problems. The surveys will provide the data necessary to inform the consultants and Public Works engineers about the walking routes which are most important and where the problems are. Survey information will be used to create interactive GIS maps showing the problem areas on “heat maps,” and local knowledge will help identify the highest priority projects in each neighborhood.
2) Approval of the minutes
Approved as submitted.
3) Treasurer Report
CHECKING – $636.25
SAVINGS – $965.26
NEIGHBORHOOD SIGNS – $1,309.45
LEGION WAY TREES – $554.07
COMMUNITY BEAUTIFICATION – $411.07
TOTAL – $3,876.10
4) Long term calendar
Annual Picnic and Kid’s Day – The date has been changed to SaturdayAugust 10th, from 4 to 7 PM.
Beerwerks event – Abigail emailed that the event could take place either on Thursday April 18th or Wednesday the 24th. The Board’s consensus was that either date would be acceptable.
Garden Tour Event – The Board agreed that May is probably too early for a garden tour and agreed to revisit this idea in the future.
Lions Club Rods and Reels Event – June 8th noon to 4 PM. Sherry reported on a meeting with Lions Club people planning this event. The ENA will grill hot dogs. We need people to bring extra tables.
5) CNA Report
Karen reported on the following topics from the April 8th meeting.
RNAs are allowed to use the City’s copier, but you will need to bring your own paper.
South Capital sent a mailer to all neighborhood residents and was successful in reaching many renters.
The Council approved the Planning Commission’s 2024 Work Plan on April 9th. The Work Plan includes a Neighborhood Centers Strategy.
The Council accepted the Urban Farms Feasibility Study and decided an urban farm is not feasible at this time. The associated survey indicated people are interested in neighborhood-oriented community gardens.
The next major housing project will be to accommodate people relocated from the Jungle. Later, multi-family low income housing will be constructed on the Frnaz Anderson Road site.
The Planning Commission will be briefed on the Comp Plan Natural Environment chapter, which includes Urban Forestry, on June 17th.
The Council approved additional amendments to the rental housing ordinances.
6) Mural Update and Art Crossing Project
Sherry received an email from Laurel and will be working on the details with Hank and Abigail. Olympia’s Poet Laureate will be offering a stanza for the mural.
The Martin Way/Pacific Avenue Art Crossing dedication is scheduled for May 1st.
7) School Closures
Based on the Court decision OSD cannot move to close schools at this time.
8) Other
Sherry would like to do a fruit tree pruning seminar next winter.
Madison Scenic Park is having a Volunteer Work Party on Saturday April 13 from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Abigail is looking for an update on the events banner. Sherry said Nathan has used VistaPrint for banners in the past. The dimensions of the Lions Park shelter are 15 feet and 26 feet, so the banners should be no more than those lengths.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM.
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