Chuckanut Mountains Park District
Advisory
Committee Meeting
686 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham, Washington
December
12, 2006
Trustees Present: Bob Gibb, Pam Went, Joe Yaver, Joanne Peterson, Frank Eventoff, Ann
Eissinger, Ken Wilcox, Kris Berger
Missed Gerry Wilbour, Ann & Jim Caldwell, Cathy McKenzie, Sara
Bishop
Members & Guests: Gloria Hanson, Dave Pros, John Bloun, Bill Hinely, Lesley Rigg, Lorraine
Bonifau, Rudy Schaad
Called to order at 7 PM by Bob Gibb.
Minutes: The minutes from both
November 21, and December 5, 2006 were approved as written.
Financial: Pam provided statements with current
balances in both savings and checking. Discussion again about identifying an organization to accept tax-deductible donations
on our behalf. Ken may have such. Edgemoor has offered to enclose a CMPD flier in their January mailing to all homes in the
neighborhood. Pam will take care of providing it.
Bill brought information on the Land Trust Alliance. Ann elaborated
on what the organization has to offer regarding ways to own land.
Joanne discussed to the need to "put fear"
into our presentations! She circulated an idea for doorknob hangers contrasting the Chuckanuts now and the look of potential
over-development in the future.
Ann contacted David Suzuki asking for a quote on behalf of our efforts and she
read a generic quote she got back in return with permission for us to use it. Discussion of other sources.
Communications
with DNR re Blanchard Mountain: Additional compromises discussed.
Boundaries: According to Bob,
petitions must include the following: Why the proposed CMPD; Where the proposed boundaries are; Who the proposed commissioners
are; and How much of a levy is proposed.
Bob proposed we include Samish Island and emphasized the need to Keep
it Simple!
Extensive discussion on possible boundaries in both Whatcom and Skagit. Suggestion to use the phrase,
"farm land and open space" in our mission in order to appeal to complete precincts in Skagit.
Rudy
proposed we give preliminary approval to the boundaries identified thus far in order that Bob and Frank may begin discussions
with appropriate authorities to get feedback and begin the process.
Frank asked Bob to call Bob Rose in Skagit
and confirm support for CMPD for additional farmland preservation.
Discussion about the number of commissioners
required and how to distribute. The RCW calls for five. For example, one suggestion included four from Whatcom and another
suggested three from Whatcom and two from Skagit would be more appropriate. Some names for possible candidates were suggested.
This and other matters regarding boundaries will continue to be fine-tuned.
Adjourned by consensus at 8:55 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Pam Went
These minutes are subject to additions and corrections before
acceptance at the next meeting.
Please Note:
Possible Special meetings December 19th
and during the first week in January.
Watch for details. Next regularly scheduled meetings January 9th and
23rd, 2007.
===END===
Chuckanut Mountains Park
District
Advisory Committee Meeting
686 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham, Washington
December
5, 2006, 2006
Trustees Present: Bob & Ruth Gibb, Pam Went, Joanne Peterson, Ken Wilcox,
Kris Berger, Ann Eissinger, Frank Eventoff,
Missed: Gerry Wilbour, Cathy McKenzie, Jim & Ann Caldwell,
Sara Bishop.
Members & Guests: Rudy Schaad, Chris Feringer, Bob Dickenson
Meeting called
to order at 7:10 by Bob Gibb who reminded those present that the exclusive focus of this special meeting was to be park boundaries.
Bob reviewed upcoming meeting dates in both Whatcom and Skagit.
Bob read Gerry's draft letter to the DNR.
Discussion and recommendations. It was agreed that the letter with modifications discussed would be sent to the DNR from the
CMPD Advisory Committee.
Ken presented a slide show PowerPoint regarding boundaries. It provided an overview
of a study which clearly demonstrates the unique character of the CMPD target area from a variety of perspectives. A series
of maps and overlays focus the area and show optional ways for defining the district.
Bob followed with a specific
proposed boundary with clear map and precinct descriptions. Bob moved that his proposal be accepted with provisionally with
the discussed modification for Skagit. Ken will produce maps and proposals for a final decision to be made at the next meeting
December 12, 2006. A possible additional meeting is scheduled for December 19th if needed. Next regularly
scheduled meetings are January 9 and 23, 2007.
Respectfully submitted,
Pam Went
These
minutes are subject to additions and corrections before acceptance at the next meeting.
===END===
Chuckanut Mountains Park District
Advisory Committee
Meeting
686 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham, Washington
November 21, 2006
Trustees Present: Bob & Ruth Gibb, Joanne Peterson, Joe Yaver, Pam Went, Cathy McKenzie, Ann Eissinger,
Kris Berger, Frank Eventoff, Ken Wilcox
Missed: Gerry Wilbour, Jim & Ann Caldwell, Sara Bishop,
Members & Guests: Bill Hinely, Mitch Freedman, Conservation Northwest, Cordy Fergus, Brad Wellman, Burke
Mulvany, Chris Feringer, Rudy Schaad
Called to order at 7:03 PM by Bob Gibb
Minutes: The
minutes from October 24th, were approved as written.
Financial: Pam reported on the balances
on both savings and checking (statements attached).
A request for attendee information was circulated.
Conservation Northwest: Mitch Freedmen gave some history of DNR managed land in the area and especially Blanchard
Mountain and the work of Friends of Blanchard. He reported that there was consensus from very different sectors on stopping
development sprawl. He presented a compromise concept for discussion and feedback. Mitch suggested that the compromise was
a good opportunity. Members of the CMPD Advisory Committee questioned many aspects of the nature of the proposed compromise.
Most guests left following the presentation and discussion.
Ken and Frank will continue to work on the composition
of a letter with a proposal from the CMPD to the DNR.
Bob updated all on petition rules especially regarding the
time frame prior to filing.
Chuckanut Ridge: Bob reported that he wrote to the Army Corps of Engineers
and the EPA on 11/20/06 regarding the testing going on the property. He included photos of the studies in the wetlands. EPA
called to say it was in the ACE's court.
Press: Bob and Frank both got calls from Katie Johannes
from the Bellingham Herald. They each spent and hour talking with her. Bob followed up by emailing her many records and documents
to fill in more details.
Yew Street Meeting: Will take place 11/29 at the KGMI radio offices.
Website: Bob will send Ken contact information for Sandie Koplowitz, and let her know, so that Ken can get the
information necessary to take over posting additions to our website.
Edison Community Meeting: Ann reported
there was a good deal of focus on Samish Island-education-good, interested people interested in volunteering.
Samish
Neighborhood: Bob reported on a good meeting with the Samish Neighborhood as well as with Pete Kremmen and Dewey Desler
from Whatcom County.
Whatcom Community Foundation: Bob and Joe met with representatives from the Foundation.
They require a 3-5% fee and the management of all books. It was decided by consensus that their services would not be useful.
Discussion regarding fundraising. Some contributions are pending.
Adjourned at 9:10 PM
Our
next meetings are scheduled for December 5th and December 12th, 2006
Respectfully submitted,
Pam Went
These minutes are subject to additions and corrections before acceptance at
the next meeting.
===END===
Chuckanut Mountains Park District
Advisory Committee Meeting
686 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham, Washington
October
24, 2006
Trustees Present: Bob & Ruth Gibb, Joanne Peterson, Joe Yaver, Ken Wilcox, Kris
Berger, Gerry Wilbour, Pam Went.
Missed: Ann Eissinger, Frank Eventoff, Jim & Ann Caldwell, Sara
Bishop, Cathy McKenzie, Quentin Batjer
Members & Guests: non
Called to order at 7:05 PM
* Bob reported that he had been contacted by Dean Kahn from the Bellingham Herald about a past forensic case and that,
among other things, they had discussed the proposed Park District for an hour. Kahn was enthusiastic and stated that
he would ask his editor about doing a report about CMPD.
* Bob addressed the question of what happens should
the vote for the district be passed in one county but not in the other. He explained that according to the RCW (copy
circulated and attached), it is a total district, regardless of county lines, and if it passes over all, it has passed for
the entire district. There was discussion about obtaining an authoritative legal opinion on the subject.
* The
question of residence requirement for commissioners was addressed. All five commissioners in the Pierce County MPD list
addresses in Gig Harbor. The town of Gig Harbor is specifically excluded in the PCMPD.
* Bob shared several
recent articles in the press and other recent events that support the park district concept.
* Bob suggested
having a presence at the November 2, ENA annual meeting and it was agreed to do so if welcome. Bob also reported on updates
on various groups.
* Joe reported on a meeting initiated by representatives of Responsible Development and Tim
Stewart, Bellingham's Planning Director. Discussion.
* Arrangements were made for a number of upcoming presentations
to community groups. Discussion about whether it was time to provide a larger well publicized community presentation(s) so
that people can come to us. Ken agreed to do Samish; Bob will confirm the date, either Nov 7 or 14. .
Minutes:
the minutes from the October 10, 2006 were approved as written.
* Gerry gave a very informative presentation,
using his computer (augmented by Ken's computer), to discuss an eastern boundary for the Park District. It is proposed
we use the precinct that includes Yew Street to define our eastern boundary.
* Ken and Joanne will work with
Frank to incorporate into the brochure Ken's photo, which looks north over the proposed district clearly illustrating
the vision of "where the Cascades meets the sea".
Financial: Pam provided an update on the
balances in the accounts (attached).
Whatcom Community Foundation: Bob and Joe will meet with the Executive
Director of the Foundation on October 30th.
Presentations: Bob reviewed the presentations
given since the last two meetings.
Proposed: Discussion about Bob's suggestions for future
meetings and presentations. Again, thoughts about moving from smaller meetings to larger communitywide ones were briefly discussed.
A brief discussion re the acquisition of a business printer and the printing costs projected for the campaign
were discussed.
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Pam Went
These
minutes are subject to additions and corrections before acceptance at the next meeting.
==END==
Chuckanut Mountains Park District
Advisory Committee Meeting
686 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham,
Washington
October 10, 2006
Trustees Present: Bob &
Ruth Gibb, Joanne Peterson, Joe Yaver, Ann Eissinger. Frank Eventoff, Ken Wilcox, Kris Berger, Pam Went, Cathy McKenzie
Missed: Gerry Wilbour, Jim & Ann Caldwell, Sarah Bishop
Members & Guests: Rudy
Schaad, Andy Wickstrand, Quenton Batjer
Called to order at 7:05 PM by Bob Gibb.
Minutes:
The minutes from September 12, 2006 were accepted as written.
Financial: Pam reported on the history
of our finances and the balances of our accounts to date. Statements are attached to these minutes for the record.
Neighborhood Precincts and Associations Updates
Blanchard: A CMPD informational meeting is scheduled for
October 12th. The Argus article will run the 11th.
A decision was made for Bob
and Joe to pursue association with Whatcom Foundation to accept donations on behalf of the CMPD.
Discussion about
fundraising methods and procedures: Andy offered numerous suggestions including board members making donations, a calling
campaign to those who share values, and a further calling campaign to potentially interested others. He suggested a coordinator
for the petition campaign. Andy suggested it would take 20K-30K to organize a campaign, such as he understood we intended
to undertake. Bob explained that many of the steps that someone new leading the campaign might suggest to the group had already
been undertaken. Ken volunteered to investigate grants that would support the campaign.
Bob expressed concern
that other agenda items were being slighted; he gave a summary of requests for presentations and upcoming dates to be staffed.
Joe
reported on the status of Chuckanut Ridge. He and other RD representatives will meet with Tim Stewart, Bellingham Planning
Director and CR Project Manager, to learn its current status.
Discussion about best way to get smaller batches
of the continually revised brochure for immediate use in presentations. Reminder that Dean Evenson offered his equipment for
this purpose.
Ann went through the power point slide show being developed and members present offered ideas for
it.
Meeting adjourned at 9:07.
Respectfully submitted,
Pam Went
These
minutes are subject to additions and corrections before acceptance at the next meeting.
===END===
Chuckanut Mountains Park District
Advisory Committee
Meeting
686 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham, Washington
September 12, 2006
Present: Bob & Ruth Gibb, Jim & Ann Caldwell, Joanne Peterson, Frank Eventoff,
Ken Wilcox, Kris Berger, Cathy McKenzie, Pam Went, Gail Knops, Lisa Henniger, Anne and Mike Botwin brought their neighbor
and stayed for information only.
Missed: Gerry Wilbour
Called to order at 7:05 PM by Bob Gibb.
Minutes:
The minutes from August 22, 2006 were accepted as written.
Financial: Bob reported there is no change since
the last meeting
Outreach Meetings: Skagit will meet Sunday with Samish Island. It was noted that the video
on Blanchard may be received differently in Skagit, as Blanchard Mountain has become such a contentious issue. In Whatcom,
a team met with the property owners association of Lake Samish. Many of those present did not appear receptive to the subject.
There is another Lake Samish group with whom we could meet.
Upcoming meetings: September 18: South Hill; September
24: Colony Mountain Water Association; September 26: Sehome Neighborhood; September 28: October 12: Blanchard Community Club;
October 18: Coalition of Southside Neighborhoods and in doing so, The Bellingham Herald.
We noted the conflict with
the next meeting of our group and the potential need for cancellation of the latter.
There was discussion about a large
school levy on the ballot this month in the Edison-Bow area and the implications there of.
Petition Campaign:
Bob purchased a CD with information about approximately 15,000 registered voters in our identified precincts. Joanne supplied
the information from both the RD and Greenways Legacy petitions. There was a discussion about seeking help from folks who
have expertise in organizing and conducting petition campaigns. The petition gathering is scheduled for November '06 through
February '07.
Articles of Incorporation: Bob circulated the draft Articles of Incorporation document explaining
the changes recommended by Buri, asking that trustees check their addresses for accuracy. Phil Buri has agreed to be our Registered
Agent in the State of Washington at no charge. Some final wording changes were made and Bob will ensure that the word ‘trustees',
rather than ‘directors', is consistent throughout. The final draft was approved for submission.
Outreach
Resources: After discussion of making a sizable number of copies of the pages available on the website for distribution,
after a thorough editing by Cathy, it was decided to use instead the simpler three-fold brochure that Frank developed for
us, using some of the color photos from the website rather than logos or other for the time being. This will ensure that the
cost of duplicating is reasonable. Cathy might still want to edit all documents carefully before further distribution.
Pam
reported that Brad Rose has indicated he will not be able to care for the website over the long term. Pam approached Sandie
Koplowitz who indicated she was doing a good deal of nonprofit work and wasn't sure she would take on any more. Bob may
follow up with Sandie; Ken offered to do basic work on the site for us for the time being.
Distribution of Minutes:
Many interested parties have asked to be included in our email communications. Given the inclusive nature of the effort, it
was decided to circulate the minutes of our meetings to all who have expressed such interest. Pam will add a note indicating
that should they not want to receive the minutes all they need to do is let us know.
Adjourned by consensus at 9 PM.
The
next meeting is scheduled for September 26, 2006, same time, same place. However, there is a community presentation being
made that evening and that may necessitate rescheduling or canceling. Please watch for further notice!
Respectfully
submitted,
Pam Went
===END===
Chuckanut Mountains Park District
Advisory Committee Meeting
686 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham, Washington
August 22, 2006
Present: Bob & Ruth Gibb, Jim & Ann Caldwell, Joanne Peterson,
Frank Eventoff, Ken Wilcox, Kris Berger, Dean Evenson, Cathy McKenzie, Pam Went, and Phil ???.
Missed:
Ann Eissinger, Gerry Wilbour, Joe Yaver.
Called to order at 7 PM by Bob Gibb.
Minutes: The
minutes from August 8, 2006 were approved.
Financial: Bob reported there is no change since the last
meeting
Articles of Incorporation: Discussion and decisions regarding the following:
- We will
incorporate as "The Chuckanut Mountains Park District Advisory Committee"
- We will refer to a "Board
of Trustees"
- The initial board shall be comprised of 15 persons.
- The "registered agent" shall
be either our attorney, Phil Buri, or Bob Gibb. Bob will discuss this with Phil.
Petition Campaign:
Discussion regarding timing of establishing boundaries and commencing petition campaign.
Registered Voters:
We will purchase materials from the auditor's offices in Skagit and Whatcom Counties with information on registered voters
in order to fine tune petition gathering.
Outreach: The Outreach Committee met and has begun work
on the DVD presentation. There was agreement to pursue developing a concise, attractive and simple informational brochure
for general circulation.
Bylaws: Bob went through our proposed bylaws. There was discussion and recommended
revisions that we will address in near future. The term "Directors" needs to be changed to "Trustees".
Completion of the bylaws is not necessary in order to proceed with the Articles of Incorporation, which Bob will expedite.
Blanchard Update: Frank reported on the all day walk-through which included several local dignitaries.
In addition, Skagit's weekly Argus will be doing a special edition on the CMPD in the near future.
Adjourned
by consensus at 9 PM.
The next meeting is scheduled for September 12, 2006, same time, same place.
Respectfully
submitted,
Pam Went
These minutes are subject to additions and corrections before acceptance
at the next meeting.
===END===
Chuckanut Mountains Parks District
Advisory Committee Meeting
686 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham, Washington
August 8, 2006
Present: Pam Went, Bob & Ruth Gibb, Jim & Ann Caldwell, Joanne
Peterson, Gerry Wilbour, Frank Eventoff
Guests: Bill Wallace, NW Regional Manager DNR; Scott Chalfant,
Manager Larrabee and Bayview State Parks.
Meeting called to order by Bob Gibb at 7:05 PM
Minutes:
The minutes of July 25, 2006 were approved as amended.
Financial: Bob reported that he opened an account
on behalf of CMPD at Whatcom Educational Credit Union, Fairhaven Branch. Cosigners are Pam Went and Jim Caldwell. A business
license has been obtained. After depositing our $1100 anonymous donation, paying the attorney's and business license fees
we have $93.75 in checking and $795 in savings.
Department of Natural Resources: Bill Wallace described
DNR's role that includes primarily managing forestlands for various beneficiaries. Their job "isn't to cut trees,
it's to generate revenue for the beneficiaries." They also manage for "multiple use". The Blanchard Mountain
Forrest benefits Skagit County. They have paused on timber harvesting presently as they are working with a Blanchard strategies
group to explore possibilities for the future. The group's recommendations will be made public and DNR will decide how
to proceed. Bill pointed out that roughly 20% of the area is protected already for other reasons. As they are "looking
for a stable funding source to manage for recreational use" Bob suggested a parks district would be invaluable to Blanchard
Mountain DNR to address their concerns for the future.
Larrabee State Park: Scott outlined his job as
manager of Larrabee, Bayview and a sewage treatment plant, as well as a law enforcement officer. He has a very small staff
and relies on the public a great deal. Close to a million people a year visit the parks. Financial support is a big issue
and they are looking for sources. Bob discussed ways a park district could support a state park. Both Bill and Scott
suggested additional contacts and asked to be included in our mailings and to attend future relevant meetings.
Neighborhoods:
Bob reported.
- Website: Sandie Klopowitz will fill in for Brad Rose as webmaster while Brad is unavailable.
- Edgemoor:
Bob spoke with Lois Miles, ENA Treasurer, and obtained helpful documents for reference in creating articles of incorporation
etc.
- Fairhaven Neighbors: Sue Kaun is on mailing list; still looking for a rep.
- South: Gerry is rep, needs
back up.
- Happy Valley: neighbors very supportive, good article in newsletter.
- Sehome: Joann is rep, scheduled
to meet with them on 9/26.
- Samish: President Tim Wynn is supportive, will be scheduled in October.
- Lake Samish:
Gerry will present 8/23.
- Chuckanut FD: Gerry will get info to Liz Wright for newsletter.
Press:
Arguss
will publish article
Whatcom Watch will publish press release in September
Articles of Incorporation
& Bylaws:
Bob proposed a draft; consensus that a final draft should be run by our attorney. Also suggest asking
Buri to clarify liability issues for board members.
Discussion:
A "member" of our group
shall be defined as "anyone interested in preserving the Chuckanut Mountain Range."
Preliminary candidates
for board membership were considered, including establishing a 50% quorum for board work.
Consensus to reimburse Gerry
for a color printer cartridge.
Adjourned by consensus at 9:05 PM.
Next scheduled meeting August 22, 2006.
Respectfully submitted,
Pam Went
===END===
Chuckanut Mountains
Park District
Advisory Committee Meeting
July25, 2006
Called to order at 7:15 PM.
In attendance Gerry Wilbour, Bobbi Vollendorf, Ken Wilcox, Kris Berger, Dean Evenson, Bob Gibb, Pam Went, Joanne Peterson,
Frank Eventoff, and Dave Franklin Chuckanut Fire District Commissioner.
Dave welcomed and briefed the group on
utilization of the Firehall meeting room and on access and closure of the facility. He was welcomed to the meeting.
Bob presented a summary of scheduled meetings and summarized events associated with the presentation at the Responsible
Development meeting, including the anonymous donation of $1100. A discussion about using 501©3 organizations to
funnel donations followed. Several were suggested and were to be explored.
Discussion of the establishment
of a money market checking account was discussed. The Finance Committee of Pam Went, Jim Caldwell and Bob Gibb were
charged with establishing this by unanimous vote.
Discussion of including the Geneva District in the Park
boundaries was led by Gerry and Ken.
The contracting of Phil Buri as legal council at a $100 per hour rate to
develop a petition and compatible ordinance was noted.
The following meetings are scheduled:
ENA Monthly follow up reports 1st Thursday each month CMPD committee established
FNA Follow up to get CMPD committee established.
SNA Follow up to get CMPD committee established.
HVNA Scheduled presentation to general meeting Sat. 8/5/06 preceding
annual picnic at
11:00 AM
SHNA Scheduled presentation to Board on 9/18/06 5:30 PM at Donna Auer's home at
935 17th
LSNA Scheduled presentation to General Meeting 8/23/06 at 7:00 PM probably at
Lutherwood.
Sehome NA Scheduled presentation to General Meeting 9/26/06 ?location
Samish NA Tim Wynn working on having presentation at October Board meeting.
Chuckanut Community Firefighter's Assoc.
Sept or Oct Board and Jan/07 General
Meetings tentative.
Bob reported on his meeting with Laurie Evans,
Horizon Bank.
Meeting adjourned 8:45 PM.
===END===
