NEDC Announcements

November 6, 2003

1. City Budget: The City Council must approve a 2004 City Budget by December 1, 2003. Written and e-mail comments may be submitted throughout the Council's budget deliberations. Written comments will be included in the public record and should be directed to: Councilmember Jan Drago, Attn: Theresa Dunbar, Clerk, 600 Fourth Avenue, Fl 2, P.O. Box 34025, Seattle, WA 98124-4025. Or, fax your comments to 206-684-8587 or email them to budget@seattle.gov. For further information about the budget go to http://www.ci.seattle.wa.us/council/ and/or http://www.cityofseattle.net/financedepartment/default.htm.

2. Staffing for Major Institutions: Now is the time for community groups to comment on funding for Department of Neighborhoods senior staffing of major institutions citizen advisory committees. When funding was cut in the last budget cycle, NEDC, CUCAC, the City Neighborhood Council, the Children’s Hospital advisory committee and other groups wrote letters requesting that the funding be restored. In its letter, NEDC stated in part, “The City’s decision to eliminate this funding signals a lack of commitment to Seattle’s neighborhoods and a process designed to promote compromise, understanding and a good working relationship between the institutions and surrounding communities.” Comments should be sent to: Councilmember Jan Drago, Attn: Theresa Dunbar, Clerk, 600 Fourth Avenue, Fl 2, P.O. Box 34025, Seattle, WA 98124-4025. Or, fax your comments to 206-684-8587 or email them to budget@seattle.gov.

3. Ban Plastic Peanuts! Expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging “peanuts, also known as plastic peanuts are a non-biodegradable nuisance to their recipients and a source of widespread litter, especially during the holiday season. The mayor has proposed a phased in proposal to mandate commercial recycling by January 1, 2006. The phased-in program provides an opportunity for the City to further meet its goals of reducing, recycling and reusing by banning plastic peanuts or the City could develop a separate proposal to address this nuisance to our environment. There are biodegradable alternatives such as cornstarch peanuts. A phased-in ban could provide an opportunity for the city to educate consumers and the business community about environmentally sound alternatives. If your group would like to support a ban on plastic peanuts, send your comments to the mayor, the city council, SPU and the solid waste advisory committee. For further information, contact Charles Bagley at 206-282-1578 or cmnhbagley@earthlink.net or Bonnie Miller at 206-524-8713 or bmiller@serv.net.

4. Council to Consider Changes to Rules and Procedures: The Seattle City Council vote on proposed changes to the council rules and procedures will be on Monday, November 10. Council President Steinbrueck has amendments that would require a public comment period at all council and briefings meetings and at all standing committee meetings. At the October 27th public hearing on the proposed changes, those testifying supported the proposed amendments and other changes, including providing citizens with access to information about proposed legislation and notice of council meetings and agendas. Text of the proposed changes is available on the council’s website at www.cityofseattle.net/council. Comments may be sent to councilmembers and city clerk Judith Pippin at clerk@seattle.gov or Judith.pippin@seattle.gov.

5. Amendments to Sandpoint Overlay District: The Parks Department is proposing amendments to the Sandpoint Overlay district to allow commercial uses such as pet health care and grooming, pet owner education services, snack bars and restaurants. Parks is also proposing amendments to allow larger signage and more kinds of signs, taller buildings and permitting for a Sandpoint Branch Library (with no specification that siting the library would be located on non-park property to comply with Initiative 42. To obtain a copy of the proposed amendments, contact Mary Alderete at mary.alderete@seattle.gov.

6. Neighborhood Planning Comp Plan Workshop: Saturday, November 15 from 9 a.m.-noon in the Bertha Knight Landes Reception Room at City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, 1st Floor. FREE. Join the CNC Neighborhood Planning Committee and others interested in neighborhood issues to explore citywide Comprehensive Plan issues that affect neighborhood plans: neighborhood growth targets, transportation goals for urban centers, and neighborhood plan update process. Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan guides decisions about growth in Seattle and where it should be located. State law requires the City to update the 20-year plan in 2004, to extend its horizon from 2014 to 2024; incorporate new citywide growth targets; and update technical appendices and inventories. The deadline for amendment proposals is January 20, 2004. All necessary amendments must be adopted by December 1, 2004. For further information, contact Cindi Barker at 206-933-6968 or cbarker@qwest.net or Lisa Merki at 206-914-9439 or lmerki@earthlink.net.

7. Neighbor Appreciation Day Art Contest: The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) and Safeco will again sponsor a K-12 art contest for the February 7th Neighbor Appreciation Day. The artwork selected will be featured on free greeting cards distributed to residents, schools and community organizations. Pictures should show caring neighbors or otherwise reflect the theme of Neighbor Appreciation Day. Pictures must be colorful, on 8 X 11-inch paper and submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday, December 15 to DON, 700 3rd Avenue, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98104-1848 or to your local neighborhood service center. For further information, contact Natasha Jones at 206-615-0950 or natasha.jones@seattle.gov.

8. Walking Tour of Cowen and Ravenna Parks: Saturday, November 15 from 10 a.m. to noon. Free, fun and open to everyone. Celebrate the Olmsted Centennial Anniversary by enjoying an Olmsted-designed park. The Seattle Parks Foundation presents a walking tour of Cowen and Ravenna Parks, led by Friends of Olmsted Parks, Seattle Parks and Recreation, Friends of Cowen Park and neighborhood activists. Tour includes Ravenna Park’s wooded ravine, Cowen Park’s grassy play areas, picnic tables, children’s play area, wading pool, ballfields, trails, tennis courts and more. Meet at Cowen Park Shelter House, lower level beside the play area at 15th and Cowen Place NE. For further information, contact Hilary Mohr at the Seattle Parks Foundation at 206-322-9900 or hilary@seattleparksfoundation.org or go to http://www.seattleparksfoundation.org.

9. Pedestrian Crossing Flags Available: Feet First is offering free pedestrian crossing flags—a simple device to assist folks walking the streets in our neighborhoods. The law requires vehicles to stop when a walker shows the intent to cross the street and this flag helps alert drivers to that intent. The bright orange flag is compact when folded and easily fits into a shirt pocket or purse. Feet First is offering these "Pocket Ped Flags" free of charge at Seattle's various Neighborhood Service Centers in the first week of November. The supply is limited, so be an early bird. For further information, contact Feet First at 206-783-3066 or feet1st@scn.org or go to www.scn.org/feetfirst.

10. Caroling in the U-District: The U District Chamber will host a holiday caroling event on Saturday, December 6 from 2-5 p.m. in the U District. Residents are invited to come and sing along. Hot chocolate and cider will be provided for those participating. Barrels will be on hand to contribute food items and cash for the Food Bank. There will be a caroling stations in front of Tower Records in the 4500 block and in front of the University Bookstore in the 4300 block of the Ave. For further information, please contact Marney Ayers at 206-547-4417 or events@udistrictchamber.org.

11. Christmas Ship at Magnuson Park—Volunteer and Contribute $50: Volunteers will start decorating the park at 3:30 on December 18. Join in a Seattle tradition and see the Civic Christmas Ship as it docks offshore from Magnuson Beach and provides holiday music from the Dickens Carolers and festive lights. The Ship will dock from 6:50-7:20 p.m. Come earlier to view the luminaries, warm yourself by the bonfire and enjoy hot chocolate and cider. Those interested in volunteering should contact Lynn Ferguson at 206-523-0391 or lynnferguson@stanfordalumni.org. Volunteers are needed! Community groups are asked to again contribute $50 for the luminaries and refreshments. Checks should be sent to: Sand Point Traditions, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Suite 101-South, Seattle, WA. 98115. For further information, call 206-684-7534 or go to www.argosycruises.com/specialevents/xmasSchedule.cfm.

12. Contribute to the U District Food Bank: The University District Food Bank is a community supported private non-profit providing supplemental food, infant care items and referral information to low-income Northeast Seattle residents. Every week about 800 families receive groceries from the Food Bank, a 15% increase from last year. Many are "working poor": people employed full- or part-time and yet still in need of supplemental food. The Food Bank also serves people between jobs, those on fixed incomes, seniors, students, people with disabilities, the mentally ill, and homeless clients. Approximately 2% are infants, 23% are children, 65% are adults, and 10% are senior citizens. In 2002, the Food Bank provided supplemental groceries to 37,794 household, distributing a total of 565 tons of food.

The Food Bank is located in the basement of the University Christian Church, 1413 NE 50th (on NE 50th Street down from the corner of 15th Avenue NE). Drop off donations at this location in the alley behind the church or at donation barrels at: QFC University Village, QFC Lake City, QFC Roosevelt, QFC Wedgwood or Safeway Wedgwood. For further information, contact the Food Bank at 206-523-7060 or udfb@udistrictfoodbank.org.

13. Marijuana Policy Review Panel Members Sought: Council President Peter Steinbrueck is soliciting nominations for an 11-member Marijuana Policy Review Panel as mandated in the voter-approved Initiative 75 that calls upon the City of Seattle to regard adult personal use of marijuana as its lowest law enforcement priority. The Panel is required "to assess and report on the effects of this ordinance." Specifically, the law says the panel will establish reporting criteria for the Seattle Police Department and City Attorney's Office to report marijuana arrests and prosecutions, and will submit to the Council by January 2006 a comprehensive report with recommendations that will include information concerning the public safety, public administration, public health and fiscal impacts of the law. Under the law, the panel must consist of two councilmembers, two citizen members, two criminal defense attorneys, one drug abuse prevention counselor, one harm reduction advocate, one representative of the SPD, one representative of the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and one representative of the Seattle City Attorney's Office. Nominations for the panel, including a cover letter and resume, can be forwarded to Neil Powers at neil.powers@seattle.gov or by fax at 206 684-8587. Nominations can be mailed to Neil Powers, c/o City Council President Peter Steinbrueck, City Hall, Floor 2, 600 Fourth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104-1860.

14. New Commissioners Sought for Seattle Planning Commission: The mayor is looking for candidates to serve in three positions on the Seattle Planning Commission, beginning in January, 2004. Planning Commission members are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council to serve renewable, three-year terms. Commissioners must reside in Seattle and serve without compensation. Women, persons with disabilities, sexual minorities, and persons of color are encouraged to apply. For more information, contact Barbara Wilson, Commission Analyst, at 206-684-8694 or barbaraewilson@seattle.gov. Or, contact Marty Curry, Executive Director, at 206-684-0431 or marty.curry@seattle.gov.

15. Promontory Point Habitat Enhancement Work Parties: Work parties for invasive removal, mulching and cleanup at Magnuson Park’s Promontory Point on November 9 and 20 and December 14 and 18 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Meet at the Education Pavilion. Enter at NE 65th Street and drive east to the boat launch parking lot. Look for the yellow “VOLUNTEER” banner. For further information or to volunteer, contact Bonnie Miller, the volunteer site manager at 206-524-8713 or bmiller@serv.net.

16. Library Fines and Fees: The Seattle Public Library will implement a new fines and fees schedule beginning Monday, Dec. 1, 2003. The Seattle Public Library's operating budget has been cut more than $7 million in the last few years because of continued economic decline. The Library has balanced its budget by reducing open hours and the book budget and by shutting down the Library system for two weeks a year. It is anticipated that the new fines and fees schedule will generate approximately $50,000 more in revenue for the Library.

The daily fine for overdue materials was last increased in 1992, when it was raised to 10 cents from 5 cents a day. Prior to that, the daily overdue charge had not been changed since 1961, when it went up to 5 cents from 2 cents a day. The new fines and fees schedule is as follows:

· Adult materials overdue: 15 cents a day per item (was 10 cents)

· Maximum overdue fine: $6 per item (was $4)

· Large print materials: will accrue fines (had been fine-free)

· Library Card balance $15 (was $20). Library users with a balance of $15 or more will lose borrowing privileges.

· Library Card replacement charge for adults and young adults age 13 and older: $1 (no charge before). Initial card is free.

· Visitor card $15 for three-month card (was $10).

· Non-resident card $55 for 12-month card (was $50).

The Library will not charge for overdue children's materials, as is currently the policy. Overdue adult materials checked out on a child's card, however, will accrue fines beginning Dec. 1, 2003. Children who lose their Library Cards will not be charged replacement fees. For further information, contact: Andra Addison at 206-386-4103 or andra.addison@spl.org.

17. Rain Barrels Available! Water your plants the natural way! Reduce runoff! Help support the Seattle Audubon’s Birdwatch Program! Seattle Audubon's Rain Barrels are made from recycled, food-grade barrels. They feature a faucet with hose-connecter, an overflow spout (that can be used to attach multiple barrels in a series), and a mosquito-proof intake. Barrels available at the Nature Shop. $44.99 + tax for Seattle Audubon members, $59.99 + tax for non-members. Quantities limited. Call 206- 523-4483 or stop by the Nature Shop to order. The Seattle Audubon Nature Shop is on 35th Avenue NE at 82nd Street in the Wedgwood neighborhood.

18. Seasonal Soups from Kaspar: Saturday, November 8 at 10 a.m. in the Douglas Classroom at the Center for Urban Horticulture in Laurelhurst. $40 registration fee. Celebrate the autumn season’s bounty with one of the top chefs in the Northwest—Kaspar Donier, who runs with his wife Kaspar’s, a Queen Anne restaurant recognized since 1989 for using fresh, local ingredients. The Doniers’ are gardeners and often cook with organic herbs, fruits and vegetables harvested from their own garden. At this cooking demonstration, Kaspar will show attendees how to create soups from root crops that are typically harvested in the autumn. You may register by phone using Visa or Mastercard by calling 206-685-8033.

19. Garden-Inspired Holiday Décor: Tuesday, November 11 from 7-9 p.m. in the Douglas Classroom at the Center for Urban Horticulture in Laurelhurst. Spruce up your home for the holidays—Fremont Gardens style! Winner of Best of Show at the 2003 NW Flower and Garden Show, Lorene Forkner will help you celebrate the winter holidays with fragrant greens, delicate seed heads and fragil blooms and berries just waiting to be gathered from the garden. She will demonstrate how to combine the bounty of your garden with seasonal bulbs to create a uniquely Northwest holiday setting. $25 general public. $22 Arboretum Foundation members. Preregistration required. To register, call 206-685-8033.

20. SPACE Fall Rummage Sale: November 14-16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Magnuson Park. Bring out your junk! Sand Point Arts and Cultural Exchange is seeking donations of art supplies, and more, for its annual Fall Rummage Sale. Preview Party Fundraiser, Friday, November 14 from 7-11 p.m. $7 Rummage Sale Donors and $10 General Public. Admission gets you a first crack at the goods, includes snacks and a doorprize. Super fancy items will be raffled throughout the night. Bring out your junk and get a discount at the door! All proceeds benefit SPACE's efforts to convert Building 18, the former firehouse, into a public arts facility. For further information, contact Sand Point Arts and Cultural Exchange (SPACE) at 206-522-9529 or space@sandpointarts.org or go to http://www.sandpointarts.org.

21. Streatfield Lecture: “The Olmsted Brothers and their NW Peers: 1909-1941” – lecture by David Streatfield, Tuesday November 19 at 7 p.m. at the Center for Urban Horticulture in Laurelhurst. Streatfield is a landscape historian and landscape architecture professor. The lecture is part of a continuing series of events in honor of the Olmsted Brothers’ design of the Seattle parks system. Fee: $12. Register in advance to guarantee a seat by calling 206-685-8033.

22. Best of the Northwest Fall Show: November 21-23 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Magnuson Park. Come see more than 250 artists who present a broad selection of sculpture, jewelry and wearable art, pottery, photography, mixed media, fiber arts, and basketry. Artists, entertainment and food come together in a funky former aircraft hangar. Cost: Admission $7 for adults, free for children. For further information, contact the Northwest Crafts Alliance at 360-221-6191 or info@bestnwcrafts.com or go to http://www.bestnwcrafts.com/.

23. The Sand Point Market: December 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Magnuson Park Come find antiques, vintage textiles, architectural pieces for the garden, wooden carvings, handmade baskets, fresh produce and beautiful flowers. Cost: Admission: $10 for early buying, $6 general opening. For further information, contact the Northwest Antique Market Company at 1-800-809-4063 or info@nwantiquemarket.com or go to http://www.nwantiquemarket.com/.