FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
BOARD MEETING
NOVEMBER 14, 2006

The meeting was called to order by Vice-President Kim Petram at 7:00pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy. In attendance were Vicki Schmitz-Block, Judy Pickens, Martha Callard, Gary Dawson and Phil Sweetland. Secretary Kim Petram recorded minutes.

The meetings from the October 2006 meeting taken by Kathleen Dellplain were approved.

Fall Festival Kim Petram debriefed the board members on the outcome of the 2006 Fauntleroy Fall Festival. Overall, the event was a success with few minor problems which will be addressed prior to next year’s event. Endolyne Joe’s graciously offered to host a fund-raising event for the festival which is tentatively planned for April 2007. More information will be forth coming.

Stench Report Guest Judy Pickens updated the board on current progress regarding addressing the stench issues along the Fauntleroy shoreline. Multiple people have been in touch with Judy regarding the impact of this summer’s stench issue including citizens expressing concern regarding the same hydrogen sulfide issues from as far away as Federal Way and Cathy Taylor, liaison with the Puget Sound water quality action team. Also in contact with Judy is Sam Thompson, aide to Eric Poulson who chairs the committee on Water, Energy and Environment who has received the FCA’s position paper and has indicated interest in this issue. It has been requested that this issue be placed on the appropriate committee agenda for the next legislative session and that money is identified for a haul out in 2007 in Faunleroy Cove. As well, Lynn Schneider from the Dept of Ecology has indicated that there are multiple sites along Puget Sound with similar issues including Yukon Harbor, Picnic Point and the areas in Federal Way. She allows that it would be someone with beach ecology expertise that would have to compile and document the technical data and position. David Anderson who has coordinated the previous cove haul-outs is estimating that the price for future haul-outs will grow tremendously and the costs will be beyond $100,000 to serve 3-4 locations at best. The FCA board will be in a position to help respond to the issues, draft legislation and testify, as this issue hopefully will move forward and into the legislative arena.

Fauntleroy School Judy Pickens addressed the current issue facing Fauntleroy regarding the possible sale of the Old Fauntleroy School building to developers. The Seattle School Board is actively looking at its holdings of property in the city that could be sold for profit. The Fauntleroy building is at risk for sale. Judy reports that Irene Stewart (see previous minutes 7/06,9/06) has been in contact with the Fauntleroy Church UCC board members in tentative outreach regarding possible options for saving the building in conjunction with the planned future renovation and growth of the church. The FCA board feels strongly that the Fauntleroy School building is a tremendous community asset and is the foundation of the community core. A motion was made by Vicki Schmitz-Block and seconded by board members that the FCA board explore all options available in saving the building and tenants. Judy Pickens offered to draft a letter directed to all major parties involved with this issues in the community asking for a joint meeting to brainstorm ideas for addressing the concern, an articulation of goals and establishing an agenda for action.

Planning for Community Informational Meeting It was agreed by the board that the best dates for a community informational meeting would be March 1 or February 22. These dates are available on Mayor Greg Nickels schedule and Bruce Butterfield will be asked to secure one of these dates with the mayor’s office. A discussion was held regarding an agenda for the community meeting. It was agreed that a two-fold agenda would be best in that the topics chosen will appeal to a broad range of community members and a two hour time frame would be an adequate period to allow generous discussion of both topics. The board voiced strong agreement that the threat to the Fauntleroy School building should be topic number one. This will bring needed information to the community and bring to the community’s attention the possible dire consequences that any such sale would produce. The second topic shall be the issues of the impending viaduct closure in conjunction with the possible increased Southworth/Vashon ferry traffic through Fauntleroy and West Seattle and how this will greatly impact not only the Fauntleroy community but also all of Southwest Seattle. This topic needs to be refined and drawn down into a few core points to allow for a concise and persuasive agenda that can address the needs of many different viewpoints.

Despite the fact that the FCA does not usually hold a Business meeting in December, it was agreed that the board would need to meet in order to have adequate preparation time for such a vigorous and bold agenda. Vicki Schmitz-Block generously offered her home as the meeting site on December 12th. Martha Callard suggested, which was agreed to by the board, that an email be sent to the entire board membership asking for their participation and contribution to this agenda.

Phil Sweetland will contact David Haggerty to assess if The Hall at Fauntleroy will be available on the dates identified for the community meeting.

Update on Membership Phil Sweetland announced that he and Jordan Petram would be altering how the membership data and work flow is managed. Phil will continue to collect, deposit and record incoming dues and contributions. Jordan will monitor and manage the membership data.

Neighbors Newsletter Martha Callard indicated that the next newsletter should be out sometime early January which will give enough lead to promote the informational meeting. Other ideas for the newsletter were solicited which include updates on the stench issue, salmon run, membership data, the fall festival and an update on the completion of the new crosswalk light.

Treasurer Report Phil Sweetland distributed by email the November accounting of the FCA financial status.

Southwest District Council Gary Dawson reported on a presentation given to the council by the new department Seattle Energy Management which is replacing S-DART. The presentation regarding training for emergency preparedness will eventually be disseminated out to communities and the FCA will be involved with this process.

Ferry Update Gary Dawson reported on his presentation to the SW District Council regarding the long-range plan by WSF to divert Southworth traffic to the Coleman dock downtown directly, bypassing the Fauntleroy dock. The director of S-DOT and Mayor Nickels have indicated resistance to this plan. This proposal by WSF is a one-time opportunity and if the city resists the plan it will negatively impact Fauntleroy tremendously. Information regarding this threat needs to be disseminated to the community quickly. The impact to the neighborhood would be significant and vehicle traffic would, at a minimum, double from what there is now. Gary requested endorsement from the SW council to support this long-range plan, which was agreed to, by the council. Gary will be approaching MOCA and the Delridge District Council as well regarding this proposal and seeking their support.

The business meeting was closed at 9pm by Kim Petram.