MNAC Meeting Notes

July 17, 2013
from Diana McKinney, Puget Neighborhood Representative on the Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Committee (MNAC)

1. Waterfront /ASB public Walks
2. Downtown Planning
3. University Ridge Development 
4. Infill Toolkit
5. Neighborhood Announcements

Waterfront District proposals - Public Events this week

From City of Bellingham

Next week’s Waterfront Information Fair at City Hall and a City Council overview presentation kick off several weeks of opportunities for people to learn more about proposed plans to redevelop Bellingham’s downtown waterfront.

Fred Meyer parking lot resurface & pollution control

One of the ways in which we can improve our neighborhood is by serving as "eyes and ears" to alert city government officials of items of possible concern.

Fred Meyer plans to resurface the asphalt parking lot in July. This is being done in conjunction with their interior remodeling work.

"Milky" water reported in Padden Creek

From City of Bellingham

A citizen walking through Fairhaven Park reported seeing discolored water in Padden Creek at 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2013. City stormwater and Fire crews responded and spent most of the night attempting to find the source and type of material.

Voluntary watering schedule encouraged

From City of Bellingham

From June 1 to September 15, the City of Bellingham and other Whatcom Water Alliance members request:

• Residents with odd-numbered street addresses to limit outdoor watering to Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. 
• Residents with even-numbered street addresses water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 
• Mondays are non-watering days to allow reservoirs to recharge after the weekend. 

Happy 4th of July -- How to be patriotic in your neighborhood

Democracy inspires & requires us to roll up our sleeves.  While world-wide issues get all the media coverage, very often it is the local issues that make a difference in our daily lives.  We invite you to make a difference & join us in the community work of the Puget Neighborhood Association.

University Ridge public comments received & posted

Many comments (some with photos) have been sent in to the City regarding the proposal.  They are posted on the City website.  See below for more information about the process & how you can provide further input at the public hearing.

From the summer of 1787

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

Bellingham Parks Volunteer Summer Work Parties!‏

From Bellingham Parks & Recreation

Summer is just around the corner and we are excited about our summer work parties! Michelle Baragona, our wonderful AmeriCorps member, will be leading the summer work parties and has selected two special parks to focus on for the summer.

Library survey for DIY'ers

From Bellingham Public Library newsletter

New Library DIY Collection Community Survey

As part of Bellingham Public Library's goal to inspirecommunity discovery and collaboration, we are  working to develop a unique do-it-yourself (DIY) collection at our Central Library, and would greatly appreciate your support.

University Ridge application "complete" -- Comment Period begins

Click here for the link to the city website for the University Ridge application, documents, plans and public comments.

Park, recreation and open space plan update - public workshop

From City of Bellingham Parks & Rec

The public is invited to help shape the update of the Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan (PRO Plan), a six-year plan that analyzes the supply and demand for park and recreation services and facilities within Bellingham city limits and the urban growth area.

The workshop is scheduled for 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 20 at the Bloedel Donovan Park Multi-Purpose Room, 2214 Electric Ave. It is an opportunity to provide input on priorities for parks and recreation in the coming years.

PNA Meeting Added - Water Meters & University Ridge

Tuesday, June 18 - 7:00pm
Community Room at Moles Funeral Home
Pizza & Social - 6:30

Agenda
*Due to the timeliness of these topics, this meeting has been added to the schedule to provide Puget neighbors with more information.

1) Water Meter Installation - Public Works staff will present a brief overview of the water metering program and answer questions.  Meter installation will begin in the Puget neighborhood in mid-July. (Scroll down to next post for more info)

2) University Ridge Updates

Water Meters -- Coming to your residence in July

Water Meters are now being installed for single-family homes in Bellingham (unless you already had one installed during the pilot project several years ago).  Also, businesses & multi-family residences are already metered.

The PNA will hold an additional meeting in June to provide further information for you.  Also, the City will soon be sending you a letter and page of "Frequently Asked Questions and Answers" document in the mail.  Metering crews will be in the Puget neighborhood starting meter assembly box installations in mid-July.

I-5 Bridge Info & Links

From City of Bellingham

Detours are in place around the collapsed Interstate 5 bridge over the Skagit River to help handle the more than 70,000 vehicles who use that stretch of freeway each day.

University Ridge variance request

From the City of Bellingham website: 

"Ambling University Development Group has submitted a variance request from Bellingham Municipal Code 20.38.050 B.4 (a) to increase the 35-foot height requirement for structures located within 200 feet of the proposal's site plan boundary adjacent to residential single zoned land. 

Transportation projects - May 20 hearing

Posted: May 3, 2013 11:00:15 AM PDT from City of Bellingham

Bellingham City Council will hold a public hearing to gather input on the 2014-2019 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) at 7 p.m. May 20 in the City Council Chambers.
(See page 5 for summary of 2013 construction projects and pages 6-7 for 2014 budgeted projects.)

University Ridge Update

Message from Gaythia, PNA President:

I spoke with City of Bellingham planner Kathy Bell by phone yesterday (Thursday, May 2nd) and confirmed that the information turned in by the developers will be available to any interested member of the public by Monday afternoon.

University Ridge - neighbor actions

UPDATE - The PNA Board submitted a letter to the City Planning Department regarding the University Ridge application.  You can find it in the Public Comment section on the City website. It is in the section for June 20-21 correspondence.  Click here to go to the City page.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --- - - -

*At this time the PNA has not taken a position on the University Ridge development. We provide members with information about any activities related to the neighborhood & this development. The following message is from a member.

In conjunction with some residents of the Puget and Samish neighborhoods, I am organizing a group to oppose the development known as University Ridge. This dormitory/apartment complex for students in Bellingham is to be located between Nevada St. and Puget St., wholly within the Puget neighborhood boundaries.

Public Hearing - Project on Verona Street

The City Hearing Examiner has a public hearing scheduled for May 8th regarding several projects -- one in the Puget Neighborhood:

Lakeway Community Garden Meeting May 2

The purpose of this meeting is to continue the discussion that was started at the March 26 public meeting about the future of the City's community garden sites. 

Airport shuttle changes pick-up location

* Beginning May 21st Bellair Shuttle will no longer be picking up and dropping off at the Guesthouse Inn (near Lakeway/King intersection). Their new pickup and drop off location for this area of Bellingham is the McDonalds off of Samish Way.

Donations for Fire Recovery at Lakeway Mobile Estates

The Lakeway Mobile Residents are gathering donations to assist the park & residents in recovery from the recent, tragic fire. After speaking with Julie, the manager on-site, here are their needs:

Neighborhood resiliency grant

Does anyone have an idea for the Puget Neighborhood? Let us know -- let's do it!

From Transition Whatcom
Don't forget to apply for a $350 grant from Transition Whatcom to create a more resilient and self reliant neighborhood! Just fill out the 1 page description of your idea (neighborhood garden, gathering place, event, training, tool swap shed, etc!) to be considered. Time is running out (applications due by the end of April). Just email TWOG@transitionwhatcom.org for the form. This is a great way to connect with your neighborhood- the first step in building local resilience...

Lincoln Creek Mobile Home Fire & Fatality

** UPDATE ** The mobile home neighborhood is collecting donations so that the destroyed mobile home can be removed.  (The homeowners are usually responsible -- unfortunately that is not possible in this situation.)  As soon as I find out contact information for donations, I will post it here so that you can help out our neighbors if you are so inclined. -TK


Early Morning Fire in Bellingham Mobile Home Results in Fatality
Posted: April 17, 2013 2:40:08 AM PDT
From the Bellingham Fire Department
Fire crews from Bellingham Fire Department were called to reports of a fire in a mobile home park located at 1200 Lincoln Street at 12:24 this morning (Wednesday April 17).

City seeks input on bicycle routes, facilities and cycling experiences

From City of Bellingham

City officials are using online tools, meetings and other public involvement techniques to gather people’s experiences and opinions about bicycling in Bellingham, to help shape the City’s Bicycle Master Plan.

University Ridge Update

Mary Chaney, PNA Board Member received the following update on April 16 from Ron Jepson.

The current plan is to submit a full proposal packet toward the end of this month for a Hearing Examiner meeting in May. Public notice will be sent out for that meeting together with exhibits.

www.jepsonengineering.com

"Don't Drip and Drive"

Campaign comes to Bellingham

From City of Bellingham
This news release contains minor updates and an updated list of participating vendors.

Free inspections and discounted solutions encourage drivers to “Fix That Leak” in April. Vehicle leaks can cause havoc for drivers and the environment, but a new program called “Don’t Drip and Drive” puts Western Washington residents in the driver’s seat for finding an affordable fix, including drivers right here in Bellingham. During the month of April, drivers can make an appointment with a participating repair shop for a free and easy visual inspection. The free inspection is especially recommended for vehicles that are 2005 models or earlier.

Road restrictions and closures April 22-26, 2013

From City of Bellingham - Posted: April 19, 2013 10:18:15 AM PDT
The Public Works Department wishes to inform the public that the following roads will have traffic limitations during the week of April 22-26, 2013, to accommodate construction and repair.

World Book Night

From the Bellingham Library

World Book Night
Tuesday, April 23

All Ages

Book givers from the Bellingham Public Library will be giving away free books around town and in the library to spread the joy of reading. Please visit the World Book Night website for more information.

Clean Green disposal fee increases May 1

From City of Bellingham

Over 1000 vehicles visited the Clean Green Transfer Facility last weekend signaling spring is here. Bellingham and Whatcom County citizens can bring their residential yard waste to the corner of Lakeway and Woburn Streets on Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:00 pm. The fee for disposal of residential yard waste at the transfer station will increase to $5 May1, 2013. Cash is required and no change is available.

Puget Neighborhood Trail Walk Report

It didn't rain!  On Sunday April 14th we had a comprehensive tour of the neighborhood trails north of Lakeway.

Bellingham residents’ input sought for bicycle routes, facilities and more

From the City of Bellingham
People throughout Bellingham are invited to participate in an upcoming Open House and online survey. Public participation is critical to shaping the City’s plan to improve bicycling and provide more support for “active,” city-wide modes of transportation. The Open House is scheduled Tuesday, April 23 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Whatcom Middle School auditorium, 810 Halleck Street.

City Planning Commission work on waterfront continues

The Bellingham Planning and Development Commission continues its review of the package of draft regulatory documents and plans for The Waterfront District. A series of work sessions is scheduled for Planning Commission members to receive further information and have discussions on details of waterfront plans.

Info sessions cover new boat launching requirements for Lake Whatcom

The City of Bellingham invites boaters to learn more about the Aquatic Invasive Species Program at the next public meeting.

• Wednesday, April 17, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Geneva Elementary School cafeteria, 1401 Geneva St.

Puget Neighborhood Trail Walk

Join us as Helen leads us on an easy walk to explore some of the trails in Puget Neighborhood – including Whatcom Creek.

Sunday, April 14
1pm (Allow 1.5 – 2 hours)

Planning Commission meetings

Materials for the Planning Commission meetings can be found at http://www.cob.org/government/public/boards-commissions/planning-materials.aspx at least one week before the meeting date.

University Ridge Update

The Herald ran an article on March 19th about a public hearing for the height variance. The article was subsequently corrected -- that the hearing had been cancelled.

WWU Student blog & University Ridge article

Puget Neighborhood frequently receives information requests from journalism students at Western Washington University. (Thanks to your previous president, Mary Chaney, for fielding most inquiries.) Recently WWU student Francine attended the PNA meeting and spoke to several Board & Association members.

Here is what she wrote. It includes a detailed summary of the University Ridge presentation from the February PNA meeting.

Blockwatcher newsletter

March newsletter from the Bellingham Police Department

• Child Safety
• Hotel Safety
• Abandoned Vehicles
• Accidental 911 calls

Click on this link: http://www.cob.org/services/safety/police/BlockWatch.aspx

Look on that page for the "current newsletter" link (right side).

Samish Crest Trail Project Update

We are still planning to begin construction April 8 or 9, 2013. I think the first couple of days will be installing erosion control measures, mobilizing, etc. I will be staking the centerline of a section of trail later this week. There will be some colored flagging and stakes set in the ground.

Roving Garden Parties Begin

SB Roving Garden Party – 4/2 – Sehome Hill – 6pm

Join Sustainable Bellingham’s 5th annual Roving Garden Party series, where volunteers help their neighbors create an edible garden. These fun events consist of approximately 90 minutes of gardening, followed by a shared meal. Everyone is welcome!

Victory Gardens for the Food Bank

"Did you know that one in six residents of Bellingham depends upon Bellingham Food Bank every year to have enough food to eat? That’s over 10,200 visits per month, 35% of which are kids and at least 15% of which are seniors. You can't imagine what fresh veggies mean to food bank families. That’s why we’re asking you to help us help food bank clients by growing a bit extra this summer.

Whatcom Plant Sales & Swaps!

Spring Fever!

Events Listing from Transition Whatcom

Plant Sales & Swaps beginning now!

See Grow Northwest magazine http://www.grownorthwest.com/ for best listing of annual sales & plant exchanges. 

For more listings – see sale links in comments section on the Transition Whatcom site

Fire Chief stakeholders reception

Save the date -- April 17th

Dear friends and valued community stakeholders,

Please save the date, April 17 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., in the Museum’s Rotunda Room at Old City Hall – 121 Prospect Street. I will be hosting a stakeholder reception introducing candidates being considered for Fire Chief. 

Bloedel Donovan Park Improvements

Project Update April 2013

A recent master plan update for the Park was approved by the Bellingham City Council in 2012. Future improvements included in the master plan consist of new stormwater facilities to treat existing runoff, removal of a concrete bulkhead, and construction of a new boathouse. The Parks Department is coordinating stormwater improvements with the City of Bellingham Public Works Stormwater Division through a grant funded by the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Here are some activities planned at Bloedel Donovan Park for April 2013:

Clean Green season opens

Saturday, March 3 starts the season for the Clean Green Transfer Facility. Bellingham and Whatcom County citizens can bring their residential yard waste to the corner of Lakeway and Woburn Streets on Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The fee for disposal of residential yard waste at the transfer station is $4 per load.

Bellingham life -- photo competition

Amateur and professional photographers of all ages are invited to participate in the 2013 Essence of Bellingham photo competition, sponsored annually by the City of Bellingham and the Whatcom Museum.

The Markets Drops PNA

The PNA has participated in the Markets "Good Neighbor" receipt donations box since the store opened after remodeling.  Yes, the grocery store is in the Puget Neighborhood.  However, it appears not enough receipts were placed into the PNA box.

University Ridge - City website info

Here is the link on the City website to Puget Neighborhood information.
Scroll to the middle of the page to follow the next link to University Ridge updates.

http://www.cob.org/services/planning/neighborhoods/puget.aspx

University Ridge - Public Notice contact info

If you would like to receive public notices for this project, please submit your name and address to Kathy Bell:

• Planning and Community Development Department (PCDD), City Hall, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 or email: kbell@cob.org. 

PNA Membership

Puget Neighborhood Association

Annual Membership Dues: 

• Household $15
• Renters/low income $5
• Resident Sponsors $35
• Businesses $50-$500  

Send this information with your check addressed to:

     Puget Neighborhood Association

      PO Box 28418

      Bellingham, WA 98228-0418

Name(s) _____________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________

           _______________________________________________________

Phone Number______________   Email ____________________________

---

Questions about PNA?

Send your email to info(at)pugetneighborhood.org

  

---

  

The Puget Neighborhood Association is a non-profit organization – 

·   providing an open forum with government and business to address Neighborhood concerns, and

·   promoting a sense of community within the Puget Neighborhood.

Association Membership is open to all persons living, or owning property or business in the Puget Neighborhood. All Puget Neighbors are welcome to meetings regardless of Association Membership.

The Association provides Neighborhood representatives for the MAYOR’S Neighborhood Advisory Commission.

Board Member Elections Feb. 19

Who will we elect to the Board of the PNA?  Here is a great opportunity to know what’s happening in the neighborhood. Help organize the 4 General PNA meetings.

Think about it.  Let us know! 

Place your name in nomination now – email: info(at)pugetneighborhood.org

As a Board Member you will: 

• Know the inside scoop in the neighborhood
• Learn how City actions affect the neighborhood
• Enjoy tasty potlucks
• Meet all kinds of fun, interesting people           

Reasons for being a Board Member

• Be a part of the action
• Build a network
• Offer your expertise and personal experience

Current Members Running for PNA Board:

• Mary Chaney
• Diana McKinney
• Gaythia Weis
• Greg McKinney
• Marcia Ford 

Place your name in nomination now – email: info(at)pugetneighborhood.org

Neighborhood Blockwatcher newsletter

From the Mayor's office -- Community Outreach

Here is the latest version of the Police Department’s BlockWatcher, including an introduction to Police Chief Cliff Cook.

Chief Cook will be attending the March 20th Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Commission (MNAC) meeting.

Click here  to find The BlockWatcher online.

Alabama Corridor Study Open House

From City of Bellingham, Public Works

You are invited to view several Alabama Street transportation safety alternatives from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 in the Roosevelt Elementary School cafeteria, 2900 Yew Street. This will be an opportunity for the public and business owners to see the major safety alternatives that will be examined in depth as part of the Alabama Corridor Study. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and provide information prior to the City committing each alternative to in-depth analysis.

PNA Survey Completed

Thank you to all of you Puget Neighbors for taking the time to provide your input.  We've had a great response.  The survey is now closed. There will be a summary report at our next PNA General Meeting on Tuesday February 19th.  Stay tuned for more info.

Sign Volunteers

Thanks to Laurel, Gaythia, Marcia, Cindy & Greg for getting 25 signs into frozen & rocky ground on the first weekend. And, then moving those signs to 25 new locations on the 2nd weekend (in the pouring rain). A big thanks to Diana & Greg for assembling & printing on all 50 sides of our new PNA lawn signs.

Professional Donation

We have boundless gratitude to Pamela Jull of Applied Research Northwest -- who generously provided expert input and guidance in the development of this survey.  

Boulevard Park playground improvements open house

From Bellingham Parks & Recreation Department

Community members are invited to an open house on Feb. 13 to review and comment on plans for proposed playground improvements at Boulevard Park.

7-8:30 p.m. 
Wednesday, Feb. 13 
Maritime Heritage Park Pavilion
downtown at 514 West Holly Street in Bellingham

Blockwatch Newsletter

From the Bellingham Police Department

Click here to go to January’s "BlockWatcher" Newsletter

Contents include:

• Citizen Police Academy
• Jail Reports
• Pharmaceuticals “Take Back”
• Stolen Vehicles

Crime Statistics for 2012

From the Bellingham Police Department

I just wanted to provide you with an email form of the rough statistical analysis of crime reports by neighborhood for 2012.

This information was compiled by our Crime Analyst S. Ortiz, who categorized certain statistics from incident reports authored by police personnel. Thus, if an incident report was not created by an officer then the statistic would not show up.

The offense codes are somewhat self-explanatory but things like "drugs" can mean drug possession, drug sales, a drug house investigation, etc.

Please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Don Almer
Sergeant
Bellingham Police Department
(360) 778-8641 office (360) 815-1735 cell

dalmer@cob.org

PUGET NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME REPORTS - 2012

	HOMICIDE		ROBBERY	DRUGS	BURGLARY	VEHICLE PROWL	THEFT	AUTO THEFT	AUTO RECOVERY	ASSAULT Felony	RAPE	MALICIOUS MISCHIEF	Total
	0	3		30	35	45	107	8	0	6	4	35	273

Continue reading for the city-wide report with all neighborhoods.

Community Outreach Sergeants

From Community Outreach office, City of Bellingham

Each neighborhood has 2 assigned sergeants that can help you work with longer-term, multi-faceted neighborhood issues and concerns. The sergeants can help proactively work on issues, propose solutions, and help link neighbors to resources they may not be aware of.

Winter Work Parties - Bellingham Parks

From Bellingham Parks & Recreation, Park Operations

It is a new year and a great time to get outside and volunteer in Bellingham Parks!  More details on this and all our winter work parties can be found on the website!

Trail Parties In or Near Puget Neighborhood

Euclid Park 
February 9th ~ 10am-noon 

Work with park steward Tracy to remove English ivy and plant native trees. From Lakeway Drive, turn north onto Euclid Ave and watch for the parking lot on the right. 

Parking is very limited so please walk, carpool, or bike! 

Whatcom Creek Trail 

February 16th ~ 10am-noon &

March 30th ~ 10am-noon 

Join City Lights Condo Association in revitalizing this stretch of trail. Help remove invasive plants, spread mulch and plant, plant, PLANT! Site is just west of St. Clair park. Parking is limited at St. Clair park, so consider riding the bus, walking or biking. Follow the signs from the park.