Friday, January 16, 2015
The Federation is on sabbatical, expects to return soon.
The Federation is on sabbatical, expects to return soon.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Roundtable on impacts of the new system for electing City Councilmembers by district; Also: Mountain bikes for the Cheasty greenbelt?
SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION
Regular Meeting
Central Area Senior
Center, 500 30th Avenue South 98144
Tuesday, April 22, 7:00 p.m.
AGENDA
|
Roundtable
on impacts of the new system for electing City Councilmembers by district;
Also: Mountain bikes for the
Cheasty greenbelt?
In November, Seattle voters passed a charter amendment changing seven of the nine at-large City Council districts to geographic districts (http://www.seattle.gov/leg/clerk/districtmap). How is this new electoral system changing Seattle politics and government? Please engage with a roundtable of speakers (including Toby Thaler, attorney and Fremont resident) who were involved in the successful initiative effort and who are watching voters and potential candidates as well as City agencies. We will also distribute and discuss an April 8 City Auditor report, “Research on How Similar Cities Operate Their District Election Systems.”
Also on the agenda will be a presentation from some Beacon
Hill residents who are concerned about proposals for a mountain bike park in
the Cheasty Natural Area Greenspace on east Beacon Hill between New Rainier
Vista on the east and Cheasty Boulevard on the west.
The April meeting will also include our monthly Round Robin
of issues in your neighborhood. If
you have informational materials you would like distributed at the meeting,
please email electronic copies or links to Jeannie Hale at jeannieh@serv.net.
7:00 Call
to Order and Introductions
Administration
1.
Changes to the agenda
2. President’s
report
7:10 Roundtable
on impacts of the new system for electing City Councilmembers by district
8:00 A
mountain bike park in the Cheasty Natural Area Greenspace?
8:30 Round
Robin
9:00 Adjourn
Friday, February 21, 2014
REVISED AGENDA A Dialogue with Councilmember Kshama Sawant and A Call for Neighborhoods to Unite
SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION
Regular Meeting
Central Area Senior
Center, 500 30th Avenue South 98144
Tuesday, February 25, 2014, 7:00
p.m.
REVISED AGENDA
|
A
Dialogue with Councilmember Kshama Sawant and
A Call for Neighborhoods to Unite
Meet Seattle’s newest Councilmember—Councilmember Kshama Sawant. Councilmember Sawant chairs the Council’s Energy Committee, is vice chair of the Seattle Public Utilities Committee, a member of the Housing Affordability, Human Services and Economic Resiliency Committee and alternate on the Parks, Seattle Center, Libraries and Gender Pay Equity Committee. Learn about her priorities and participate in this important dialogue.
Also, representatives of an
ad hoc citywide group of community activists will be on hand to ask for advice
and support from the Federation and its member organizations for tough growth
controls and developer impact fees and to join at a large planned press event
the week prior to the Mayor's planned neighborhood summit. The goal is to
create a unified, simple position across neighborhoods we can all unify around,
present it at a press conference and then carry the message to the Mayor's
April neighborhood summit. John Fox (SDC), Carl Winter and/or
Patrick Tomkins and/or Jaisri Lingappa from Reasonable Density, and/or Toby
Thaler will be on hand to present their proposal.
The February meeting will also include our monthly Round Robin of issues in your neighborhood. If you have informational materials you would like distributed at the meeting, please email electronic copies or links to Jeannie Hale at jeannieh@serv.net.
The February meeting will also include our monthly Round Robin of issues in your neighborhood. If you have informational materials you would like distributed at the meeting, please email electronic copies or links to Jeannie Hale at jeannieh@serv.net.
7:00 Call
to Order and Introductions
Administration
1. Changes to the agenda
2.
President’s report
7:10 A
Dialogue with Councilmember Kshama Sawant
8:00 A
Call for Neighborhoods to Unite
8:45 Round
Robin
9:00 Adjourn
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
FFEBRUARY AGENDA: A Call for Neighborhoods to Unite
SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION
Regular Meeting
Central Area Senior Center, 500 30th
Avenue South 98144
Avenue South 98144
Tuesday,
February 25, 2014, 7:00 p.m.
February 25, 2014, 7:00 p.m.
AGENDA
A Call for
Neighborhoods to Unite
Neighborhoods to Unite
Representatives of an ad
hoc citywide group of community activists will be on hand to ask for advice and
support from the Federation and its member organizations for tough growth
controls and developer impact fees and to join at a large planned press event
the week prior to the Mayor's planned neighborhood summit. The groups
involved already include "Livable Ballard" (recently formed coalition
fighting excessive development and displacement there), Seattle Displacement
Coalition, Reasonable Density Seattle (Capitol Hill Neighborhood activists),
Seattle Speaks Up (a newly formed Phinney Ridge effort), and community leaders
from Fremont, West Seattle and Southeast Seattle. The goal is to create a
unified, simple position across neighborhoods we can all unify around, present
it at a press conference and then carry the message to the Mayor's April
neighborhood summit.
John Fox (SDC), Carl Winter and/or Patrick Tomkins and/or Jaisri Lingappa
from Reasonable Density, and/or Toby Thaler will be on hand to present their
proposal. There are brushfires all over the city. Example after
example of neighborhoods fighting runaway development, upzones, gentrification,
small lot development, skinny houses, highrise development, loss of tree
canopy, lack of adequate services/infrastructure etc. With district
elections coming up in 2015 and candidates already announcing for these seats,
it's hoped we can all come together around a common call to rein in growth.
The February meeting will also include our monthly Round Robin
of issues in your neighborhood. If you have informational materials you
would like distributed at the meeting, please email electronic copies or links
to Jeannie Hale at jeannieh@serv.net.
of issues in your neighborhood. If you have informational materials you
would like distributed at the meeting, please email electronic copies or links
to Jeannie Hale at jeannieh@serv.net.
7:00 Call to Order and Introductions
Administration
1. Changes to the agenda
2. President’s report
7:10 A Call for Neighborhoods to Unite
8:30 Round Robin
9:00 Adjourn
The Seattle Community Council
Federation (http://seattlefederation.blogspot.com/) is one of the nation’s oldest and most active coalitions
of community associations. It was founded in 1946 to facilitate
resettlement of Seattle’s Japanese-American residents who had returned from
wartime internment to reclaim their homes and businesses; and to help Black
veterans coming back from the war. Over the decades, SCCF has grown to
cover the entire City. Its monthly meetings are open to the public, and suggestions for agenda items are
always welcome. Yearly dues for member groups are $50, and new groups are
always welcome. Individual donations are also welcome, and go very far,
as SCCF is all volunteer. Please mail your check to SCCF, 2370 Yale
Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98102-3310. For questions, contact treasurer
Chris Leman at 206-322-5463 or cleman@oo.net.
Federation (http://seattlefederation.blogspot.com/) is one of the nation’s oldest and most active coalitions
of community associations. It was founded in 1946 to facilitate
resettlement of Seattle’s Japanese-American residents who had returned from
wartime internment to reclaim their homes and businesses; and to help Black
veterans coming back from the war. Over the decades, SCCF has grown to
cover the entire City. Its monthly meetings are open to the public, and suggestions for agenda items are
always welcome. Yearly dues for member groups are $50, and new groups are
always welcome. Individual donations are also welcome, and go very far,
as SCCF is all volunteer. Please mail your check to SCCF, 2370 Yale
Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98102-3310. For questions, contact treasurer
Chris Leman at 206-322-5463 or cleman@oo.net.
Monday, October 21, 2013
SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION Monthly Meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013, 7 p.m. at the Central Area Senior Center, 500 30th Avenue South
SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION
Monthly Meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013, 7 p.m. at the Central Area Senior Center, 500 30th Avenue South 98144
[This beautiful facility with free parking and a grand view of Lake Washington is just three
blocks east of Martin Luther King, Jr. Way S. and one block south of S. Jackson Street]
All are welcome to explore...
Two topics: (1) Are the Department of Planning and Development and the City Council doing enough to address problems from unregulated micro-housing? (2) What are the public interest issues in a proposed Metropolitan Park District, and what can be done to ensure they are fully and publicly addressed?
First on the agenda will be discussion with City officials and neighborhood leaders the current and proposed policies regarding micro-housing that, unregulated, is changing the character of Seattle’s neighborhoods. The City Council invites comments on the legislation proposed by DPD; to view it, click here or go to http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/
Second discussion topic is a possible Metropolitan Park District (MPD). A committee appointed by the City Council and Mayor is considering one for Seattle’s parks, community centers, nature centers, and other Park Department facilities. An MPD would be a new government controlled by the City Councilmembers under its own state charter, answerable to state laws and regulations but not to Seattle’s Charter, ordinances, and regulations. It would bring additional taxing authority not requiring voter renewal. For background, click on pro (http://
Please join us October 22 for these important topics. Included also is our monthly Round Robin to share news about your neighborhood’s issues and projects. If you have informational materials to distribute at the meeting, please bring them or e-mail electronic copies or links to jeannieh@serv.net.
7:00 Introductions / Minutes / Treasurer’s Report / President’s Report
7:10 What are the Department of Planning and Development and the City Council doing to address the problems posed by unregulated micro-housing, and is more action needed?
8:00 What are the governance issues in a proposed Metropolitan Park District, and what can be done to ensure they are fully and publicly addressed?
8:30 Round Robin of issues and projects in your neighborhood
9:00 Adjourn
The Seattle Community Council Federation (http://seattlefederation.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Three topics: (1) Can bus riders and neighborhood parking survive SDOT’s proposed “cycle tracks”? (2) What is a Metropolitan Park District, and how would parks, public finance, and accountability be affected by one? and (3) Will controls and incentives really protect the Sandpoint Historic District?
Monthly Meeting, Tuesday, June 25, 2013, 7
p.m.
Central Area Senior Center, 500 30th
Avenue South 98144
[This beautiful facility with free parking
and a grand view of Lake Washington is just three blocks east of Martin Luther
King, Jr. Way S. and one block south of S. Jackson Street]
AGENDA
|
Three topics: (1) Can bus riders and neighborhood
parking survive SDOT’s proposed “cycle tracks”? (2) What is a Metropolitan Park District, and how would
parks, public finance, and accountability be affected by one? and (3) Will
controls and incentives really protect the Sandpoint Historic District?
Seattle’s
draft Bicycle Master Plan is up for public comment (deadline is
July 26). Among its proposals are
50 miles of “cycle tracks,” converting an arterial traffic lane on one side of
the street into a physically separated two-way bicycle path--eliminating parking
on one or both sides now used by retail business customers and by residents,
some lacking driveways or alley access.
Because buses can’t cross a cycle track to reach the curb, many bus
stops could be eliminated, increasing riders’ walk distance; or buses may stop
in the roadway, blocking traffic and requiring riders to cross in front of
fast-moving cyclists. We’ve
invited SDOT to join us in exploring these and other issues occasioned by the
Bicycle Master Plan.
A
committee appointed by the City Council and Mayor is considering a Metropolitan
Park District (MPD) for Seattle’s parks, community centers, nature centers, and
other Park Department facilities.
An MPD would be a new government entity controlled by the City
Councilmembers under a separate state charter and answerable to state laws and
regulations but operating outside Seattle’s Charter, ordinances, and
regulations. It would bring
additional taxing authority not requiring voter renewal so long as the MPD
remained in existence. For
background, click on pro
(http://seattleparksfoundation.org/metropolitan-park-district) and con
(http://metropolitanparkdistrict.wordpress.com).
Please
join us June 25 for discussions on these two important topics. Included also is our monthly Round
Robin to share news about your neighborhood’s issues and projects. If you have informational materials to
distribute at the meeting, please bring them or e-mail electronic copies or
links to jeannieh@serv.net.
7:00 Introductions/Minutes
/Treasurer’s Report / President’s Report
7:10 SDOT’s proposed
Bicycle Master Plan
8:00 What would a Metropolitan Park District mean for Seattle?
8:30 Sandpoint Historic
District Issues
8:45 Round
Robin of issues and projects in your neighborhood
9:00 Adjourn
The Seattle
Community Council Federation (http://seattlefederation.blogspot.com/)
is one of the nation’s oldest and most active coalitions of community
associations. It was founded in
1946 to facilitate resettlement of Seattle’s Japanese-American residents who
had returned from wartime internment to reclaim their homes and businesses; and
to help Black veterans coming back from the war. Over the decades, SCCF has grown to cover the entire
City. Its monthly meetings are
open to the public, and suggestions for agenda items are always welcome. Yearly
dues for member groups are $50, and new groups are always welcome. Individual donations are also welcome,
and go very far, as SCCF is all volunteer. Please mail your check to SCCF, 2370 Yale Avenue East,
Seattle, WA 98102-3310. For
questions, contact Treasurer Chris Leman at 206-322-5463 or cleman@oo.net.
Friday, May 31, 2013
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SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION
May
30, 2013
Council President Sally Clark
and
Members of the Seattle City
Council
601 Fifth Avenue, Second floor
601 Fifth Avenue, Second floor
P. O. Box 34025
Seattle, Washington 98124-4025
Seattle, Washington 98124-4025
Dear President Clark and
Members of the Council:
At
its May 28th meeting, the Seattle Community Council Federation voted
unanimously to urge you to postpone your June 3rd vote on Council
Bill 117781. Federation members
studied and discussed the proposed ordinance keeping in mind the provisions of
Initiative 502 legalizing the recreational use of marijuana. We believe it is premature to vote on
the CB 117781 because of the many issues in the initiative that have not been
addressed in the proposed ordinance, the apparent lack of coordination with the
Washington State Liquor Control Board and the inadequate public involvement in
the local process.
For
one thing, the proposed ordinance does not distinguish between the state law
governing medical marijuana and the provisions within I-502 governing the
recreational use of marijuana. CB
117781 addresses the siting, distribution, production, selling and delivery of
marijuana with no regard to the provisions of I-502 and the proposed state
rules governing licensing for producers, processors and retailers and tax
issues. It is clear from I-502
that home grown marijuana for recreation use and sale is illegal—that the drug
for recreational use must be purchased from a state-licensed retailer—but the proposed city ordinance does not
address this discrepancy.
The
proposed ordinance seems to allow the growing of less than 45 marijuana plants
in single family neighborhoods with no regard to proximity to schools,
playgrounds, community centers, parks, libraries—contrary to the provisions of
Initiative 502.
These
are just a few issues we have identified with Council Bill 117781. The Federation strongly urges you to
postpone a vote on this measure and to allow a broader public process and
coordination with the Liquor Control Board. Thank you for considering our comments.
Sincerely,
Jeannie
Hale, President
3425
West Laurelhurst Drive NE
Seattle,
Washington 98105
206-525-5135
/ fax 206-525-9631
cc: Washington State Liquor Control Board
Monthly Meeting, Tuesday, May 28, 2013, 7 p.m.
Central Area Senior Center, 500 30th Avenue South
98144
[This beautiful facility with free parking and a grand view
of Lake Washington is just three blocks east of Martin Luther King, Jr. Way S.
and one block south of S. Jackson Street]
AGENDA
|
TV cable and telephone choices? What can be done about it?
A roundtable of invited speakers, with
audience participation
AND
Designation of the 18-acre
Battelle/Talaris property as historic
Internet, cable TV, and telephone access in Seattle and throughout the United States is more expensive, with less data capacity and less consumer choice than in many other countries--and the gap is widening. Just a few companies control the glass fiber lines needed for better telecommunications, and they are minimizing improvements and maximizing profits while lobbying to keep their monopolies. What solutions can Seattle seek in Washington, D.C. and Olympia? What can Seattle do itself to promote more competition and investment? Join in this roundtable, which will include the latest on Seattle’s agreement with Gigabit2 to install ultra-high broadband in 14 demonstration neighborhoods.
Friends of
Battelle/Talaris will brief the group about their nomination to the Seattle
Landmarks Board for historic protections of the 18-acre open space site complex
between NE 41st and 44th streets, just south of where NE 45th turns in to Sand
Point Way in Laurelhurst. Learn
about the process and share your views.
The May 28 meeting
will include our monthly Round Robin with the opportunity to share news about
your neighborhood’s issues and projects.
If you have informational materials to distribute at the meeting, please
bring them or e-mail electronic copies or links to jeannieh@serv.net.
7:00 Introductions/Minutes
/Treasurer’s Report / President’s Report
7:10 Why does Seattle
(and the U.S.) lack low-cost, high bandwidth internet, TV cable, and telephone
choices, and what can be done about it?
8:05 Possible
Landmark designation for Battelle/Talaris property
8:40 Round
Robin of issues and projects in your neighborhood
9:00 Adjourn
The Seattle
Community Council Federation (http://seattlefederation.blogspot.com/)
is one of the nation’s oldest and most active coalitions of community
associations. It was founded in
1946 to facilitate resettlement of Seattle’s Japanese-American residents who
had returned from wartime internment to reclaim their homes and businesses; and
to help Black veterans coming back from the war. Over the decades, SCCF has grown to cover the entire
City. Its monthly meetings are open
to the public, and suggestions for agenda items are always welcome. Yearly dues
for member groups are $50, and new groups are always welcome. Individual donations are also welcome,
and go very far, as SCCF is all volunteer. Please mail your check to SCCF, 2370 Yale Avenue East,
Seattle, WA 98102-3310. For
questions, contact Treasurer Chris Leman at 206-322-5463 or cleman@oo.net.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Monthly
Meeting, Tuesday, April 23, 2013, 7 p.m.
Central
Area Senior Center, 500 30th Avenue South 98144
[This
beautiful facility with free parking and a grand view of Lake Washington is
just three blocks east of Martin Luther King, Jr. Way S. and one block south of
S. Jackson Street]
AGENDA
|
A roundtable of invited speakers, with audience
participation
An important part of growing up is the experience of working. Teen employment teaches work skills, provides valuable mentorship, and introduces youth to possible careers. Yet openings for teens, including in the summer when they are most needed, are scarce. Why are teen jobs and rewarding volunteer positions harder to find than in previous generations? What government and business programs exist to provide teens employment and volunteer opportunities? What can youth and their parents and schools do to find them a rewarding position? Please join us as a roundtable of experts (aided by your own questions, experiences, and suggestions) discusses the crisis in teen employment and its solutions.
The April 23
meeting will also include our monthly Round Robin with the opportunity to share
news about your neighborhood’s issues and projects. If you have informational materials to distribute at the
meeting, please bring them or e-mail electronic copies or links to jeannieh@serv.net.
7:00 Introductions/Minutes
/Treasurer’s Report / President’s Report
7:10 The
teen employment crisis: What is
working and what more can be done?
8:30 Round
Robin of issues and projects in your neighborhood
9:00 Adjourn
The Seattle Community Council
Federation (http://seattlefederation.blogspot.com/)
is one of the nation’s oldest and most active coalitions of community
associations. It was founded in
1946 to facilitate resettlement of Seattle’s Japanese-American residents who
had returned from wartime internment to reclaim their homes and businesses; and
to help Black veterans coming back from the war. Over the decades, SCCF has grown to cover the entire
City. Its monthly meetings are
open to the public, and suggestions for agenda items are always welcome. Yearly
dues for member groups are $50, and new groups are always welcome. Individual donations are also welcome, and
go very far, as SCCF is all volunteer.
Please mail your check to SCCF, 2370 Yale Avenue East, Seattle, WA
98102-3310. For questions, contact
treasurer Chris Leman at 206-322-5463 or cleman@oo.net.
SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION
Monthly Meeting, February 26, 2013, 7 p.m.
Central Area Senior Center, 500 30th Avenue South 98144
[This beautiful facility with free parking and a grand view of Lake Washington is just three blocks east of Martin Luther King, Jr. Way S. and one block south of S. Jackson Street]
AGENDA |
Comprehensive Plan “transit communities” proposal and other amendments: what are the neighborhood implications?
featuring Irene Wall, chair of the City Neighborhood Council’s Neighborhood Planning Committee AND Tom Hauger, DPD Manager of Comprehensive & Regional Planning
Each year, the City Council considers amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. This year’s amendments (Council Bill 117697) are particularly significant, especially the “transit communities” proposal which could disempower neighborhood plans, promote upzones by definition in areas deemed to have “frequent” transit service, and disadvantage other areas in getting transportation and park funds.
Irene Wall, member of the Phinney Ridge Community Council, has been leading the critique of these Comp Plan amendments as chair of the City Neighborhood Council’s Neighborhood Planning Committee. In this timely and important meeting, she will walk us through the amendments and lead a discussion on their implications and what we can do to ensure a good result. Tom Hauger, DPD’s expert on the issues, will be on hand to answer questions and help guide the discussion.
Also at the February meeting is our monthly Round Robin with the opportunity to share news about your neighborhood’s issues and projects. If you have informational materials to distribute at the meeting, please bring them or e-mail electronic copies or links to jeannieh@serv.net.
7:00 Introductions/Minutes /Treasurer’s Report / President’s Report
7:10 Comp Plan amendments: Implications for neighborhoods--and what can be done
8:30 Round Robin of issues and projects in your neighborhood
8:45 Other business
9:00 Adjourn
SCCF (http://seattlefederation.blogspot.com/) is one of the nation’s oldest and most active coalitions of community associations. It was founded in 1946 to facilitate resettlement of Seattle’s Japanese-American residents who had returned from wartime internment to reclaim their homes and businesses; and to help Black veterans coming back from the war. Over the decades, SCCF has grown to cover the entire City. Its monthly meetings are open to the public, and suggestions for agenda items are always welcome. Yearly dues for member groups are $50, and new groups are always welcome. Individual donations are also welcome, and go very far, as SCCF is all volunteer. Please mail your check to SCCF, 2370 Yale Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98102-3310. For questions, contact treasurer Chris Leman at 206-322-5463 or cleman@oo.net.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
January 2013 Minutes
FED.01.2013.Minutes
SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL
FEDERATION
October 27, 2012
Minutes
Meeting called to order at 7:05pm; introductions. Minutes
from October were held for completion of motion; to be approved at January
meeting.
President’s report: Jeannie Hale asked attendees to forward
any suggestions for future meetings. She directed attention to a website:
onehouseperlot.com
Speaker: Bill Mills, Senior Land Use Planner for DPD for 22
years. Bill said there were no regulations to speak of prior to the 50's. At
that time, 5000 square foot lots were considered single-family home lots. There
were some platted lots smaller than 5000 ft.; these exceptions were
grandfathered in. In the early 80's, the current code was adopted and other
exceptions were added. The City Council's policy at that time was to allow
in-fill housing. More restrictions were added in 1988: cannot demolish a house
and build two in its place.
There was an increase in researching these platted tax lots
to legalize smaller lots. There was not much guidance under the regulations to
determine what was a segregated tax lot. A standard front yard was 20 ft and a
standard backyard should be 20 ft.
(See attachments of Land Use Code and Summary of
exceptions to the land use code.)
Jeannie Hale asked why not have a registry for lots that
could be developed? Right now, it is not transparent. She said that Hearing
Examiners assume validity on the part of DPD.
Bill answered that there is no presumption of validity in a
variance case and mentioned the criteria for variance, including steep slopes,
neighborhood and character.
Chris Leman said that meeting family neighborhood needs
should involve infill that doesn't clash. Seattle has been known for successful
single-family neighborhoods and now developers are working against that. Twice
in the last 25 years, there have been attempts to wipe out zoning regulations.
Concerns expressed about height, bulk and scale of new
developments in single-family home neighborhoods.
Another concern brought up was that the Parks Opportunity
Fund ratings were released with the highest rating for the Aquarium; this fund
is supposed to be for neighborhoods.
No motion was made regarding the development concerns as
Jeannie asked that we each take the issue back to our community councils and defer
any action to January.
Monday, January 21, 2013
SEATTLE
COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION
Monthly Meeting –Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013, 7
p.m.
Central Area Senior Center, 500 30th Avenue
South 98144
[This beautiful facility with free parking and
a grand view of Lake Washington is just three blocks east of Martin Luther
King, Jr. Way S. and one block south of S. Jackson Street]
AGENDA
|
featuring Beth Flynn, Executive Director of Washington CeaseFire
Recent mass killings are only a fraction of gun
deaths. In Washington state
alone, nearly 6,000 people have been killed by guns in the past decade--more than
died in traffic accidents. On Jan.
16, President Obama unveiled legislative proposals to reduce gun violence, and
took many administrative actions toward that end.
Washington CeaseFire (http://washingtonceasefire.org)
is proposing measures to reduce gun violence at the state and local level. Other states have closed the gun-show
loophole, banned the sale of military-style assault weapons, limited handgun
sales to one per month, carefully regulated concealed weapon permits, and
banned open carrying of guns. None
of those policies apply in Washington state, which ranks among the most loosely
regulated states in terms of guns, and has state laws that prevent local
governments from addressing gun violence.
Join us at the Jan. 22 meeting in welcoming Beth
Flynn, Executive Director of Washington CeaseFire, as we discuss what
government and citizens can do to reduce gun violence. Also included is our monthly Round
Robin with the opportunity to share news about your neighborhood’s issues and
projects. If you have
informational materials to distribute at the meeting, please bring them or
e-mail electronic copies or links to jeannieh@serv.net.
7:00 Introductions/Minutes
/Treasurer’s Report / President’s Report
7:10 Gun violence: What should government and citizens do
to reduce it?
8:15 Round Robin of
issues and projects in your neighborhood
8:45 Other business
9:00 Adjourn
SCCF (http://seattlefederation.blogspot.com/)
is one of the nation’s oldest and most active coalitions of community
associations. It was founded in
1946 to facilitate resettlement of Seattle’s Japanese-American residents who
had returned from wartime internment to reclaim their homes and businesses; and
to help Black veterans coming back from the war. Over the decades, SCCF has grown to cover the entire
City. Its monthly meetings are
open to the public, and suggestions for agenda items are always welcome. Yearly
dues for member groups are $50, and new groups are always welcome. Individual donations are also welcome,
and go very far, as SCCF is all-volunteer. Please mail your check to SCCF, 2370 Yale Avenue East,
Seattle, WA 98102-3310. For questions,
contact treasurer Chris Leman at 206-322-5463 or cleman@oo.net.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
September through November 2012 Minutes
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SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL
FEDERATION
October 23, 2012
Minutes
Meeting called to order at 7:11pm; introductions. Minutes
from September meeting approved.
SCCF bank balance: #3,414.82.
Topic: Budget
Mayor presents the proposed budget in late September; City
Council acts on it and approves by mid-November. The City Budget is a statement
of the city's priorities. It is a two-year budget. In the general fund, the
largest amount is budgeted on public safety.
Bill Bradburd asked if we know how much other cities pay for
public safety.
Chris Leman: Good question.
Jeff Floor: Similarly sized Boston has more police.
Chris Leman: Other cities are cutting public safety and
closing fire stations. The Mayor feels there is enough revenue this year to add
officers, more staff.
Jeannie Hale asked about Crime Prevention, public education,
block watches.
Chris Leman: There have been steady cuts to the Crime
Prevention program; the Neighborhood Councils prevented the elimination of the
program altogether. The program tries to focus on prevention and identifying
hot spots.
Kathryn Keller mentioned East PAC meetings.
Chris Leman said that East PAC is open but West PAC is
dominated by downtown; police chief selects members. Chris said there is a
proposal to have a portion of the parking fees goes into a fund to improve the
business districts (where there are parking fees.)
Jeannie Hale: Is there any indication that we need to keep
the current police chief?
Chris Leman said that the police chief serves at the
pleasure of the Mayor. The City Council reviews every five years. Fed emergency
funds decreasing. Utilities accounts for more than half the budget but there is
no communication from the dept.
Kathryn Keller said there is good communication in Madison
Valley.
Chris Leman said that under state law, must have newspaper
of record, The Daily Journal of Commerce is not appropriate for notices.
SDOT:
Bill Bradburd said there is $2 billion in deferred
maintenance. Some arterials in bad condition. The underfunding doesn't keep up
with the backlog. Preventive maintenance is zero.
PARKS:
Chris Leman introduced John Barber to help us review the
Parks budget.
Lionel Job asked about Dept. of Neighborhoods.
Chris Leman said it is the smallest department. There have
been cuts in the number of district coordinators and the Landmarks Board. They
have an education in schools program.
John Barber said it is difficult to respond in a short time
but he said the Parks Foundation conducted a study, which shows that Parks is
$20 million a year short of funds, and has been losing ground since 1991. There
have been significant reductions in force. Although the funds are going up,
Parks is still losing 6 staff positions (FTEs.) This means more cutbacks in
maintenance. Seasonal workers cut. Painting crew very low in staff; they are
supposed to paint comfort stations in the parks and paint out graffiti.
Carol Fisher is on the COLA (Community off-leash areas)
Board. The lawn in these areas is only cut 2x per year.
Skip Knox asked about the lower figure for judgment of
claims. Why the lower projection?
Do they anticipate fewer claims?
Do they anticipate fewer claims?
John Barber thinks it is a reflection of a large settlement
paid in previous year.
Carol Fisher pointed out that the Parks Foundation has a
focus on parks and not recreation.
Kathryn Keller asked about the Green Seattle Partnership.
Chris Leman said the previous Mayor had a 25-year plan to
help maintain parks. There is rigorous reporting from Green Seattle.
GREENWAYS:
Chris Leman said the Bicycle Master Plan has no greenways in
it. Sally Bagshaw has been promoting greenways but there is no legislation to
get the greenways into the master plan. The Budget process seems to be ahead of
the planning process. Greenways are supposed to connect major parts of the
city. Money should be set aside for pedestrian/bicycle projects and have the
neighborhoods compete for the funds. We want more funding set aside for Parks
than the Parks Board is asking for.
Jeannie Hale said the Community Center hours should be
evened up.
Carol Fisher: some CCs are getting extra hours.
Chris Leman made the motion that the Federation write a
letter urging improved funding for the Parks, equitable hours for community
center operations and additional funding for crime prevention. Rick Barrett
offered the second. Motion approved unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 9:17pm.
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