Here’s a brief recap of what took place during the April 8, 2015 meeting of the Emerson-Garfield Neighborhood Council (EGNC).
In addition to the 26 voting members in attendance, five new voting members were confirmed at the start of the April meeting. The sign-in sheet showed around another 25 first-timers or guests.
A representative from Spokane Transit Authority spoke about the details of Prop 1, the sales tax referendum on the upcoming April 28 special ballot. More info about the scope and ramifications of Prop 1 can be found in this digital booklet (print copies of which were issued at the meeting). Basically, it would provide an estimated 25% increase in bus service, which is expected to accommodate a 30% increase in ridership over the next ten years. If the measure is approved, it would increase taxes by 3/10 of 1% — or 3¢ on every $10. The sunset clause would cause this tax to expire in 2025.
Officer elections for 2015-16 were held. Megan Kennedy, who announced that she would be stepping down from the vice chair position, explained her hopes to revive the North Monroe Business Association and her future participation in the West Quadrant Tax Increment Financing (WQ TIF) Committee. Kally Romjue and Steve Anderson were presented as candidates for vice chair. Both the current secretary and chair agreed to continue in their positions for another year with the EGNC’s consent. Two volunteers who were not up for election counted the 25 ballots submitted.
Judith Gilmore, representing the Fulcrum Institute, gave an update on on Ash Street Station, which will become a greenhouse facility and train former inmates with work skills. Its renovation was partly funded by the EGNC, and the Lands Council is encouraging the Emerson-Garfield Farmers’ Market (among other organizations) to make use of its space. On Tuesday, May 19, Dave Dahl, founder of Dave’s Killer Bread, will be speaking at Ash Street Station (1926 N Ash).
Amy Dutton volunteered to head the ad hoc Greening Grants committee to plan future neighborhood plantings.
On a similar topic, Lois Musser discussed the Emerson Community Garden and invited new and existing attendees to the Spring Work Day on Sunday, April 19 at 2pm.
Al Steuart reported in absentia that he has lined up several demonstrations and educational events at this year’s farmers’ market. He is looking for additional volunteers to lead other events such as cooking demos, beekeeping seminars, and tips on garden gadgets. Please contact him at alsteuart@gmail.com if you are interested.
Jackie Caro with the Office of Neighborhood Services announced three upcoming locations for the speed signs as part of the traffic calming program. Her office is currently waiting for bids for planting the shrubbery in the traffic circles on W Montgomery. Later in the year the City Council will decide on the funding for the traffic-calming proposals approved by the EGNC in February.
Laura Schlangen reported for the Corbin Senior Activity Center. Friday, May 22 is their Mad Hatter’s Tea Party; June 5 is their Golf Scramble. An anonymous donor as well as Hoffman Music contributed to the replacement of the stolen sound system. Another anonymous donor replaced the stolen Wii Bowling controls. If you are interested in becoming a CSAC board member, contact Christa Richardson at (509) 327-1584.
Karl Boldt gave a final reminder about the upcoming Spring Cleanup, which will take place from 9am to 12:30pm on Saturday, April 18 at Faith Bible Church. Volunteers are needed to help with the unloading as well as some light-duty tasks — and they’ll be rewarded with a pizza party afterwards. Call Karl at (509) 325-3031 to volunteer or ask questions.
Steve Anderson invited an additional volunteer for the Pedestrian Traffic and Transportation (PeTT) Committee. Contact Steve at slightlyuninteresting@gmail.com to lend a hand or discuss PeTT-related topics such as Safe Routes to School or missing parking signs.
Tim Musser reported that it looks as though Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding will prioritize poorer neighborhoods in 2016. The City hopes that neighborhoods will pool their money to realize larger projects.
Timothy Diko, who is co-organizing the neighborhood’s Concerts in the Park this year with Melissa Parker, attended a Summer Parkways meeting to see if the concert could coincide with the Summer Parkways event like last year. Unfortunately, the Summer Parkways group is not planning an event for Corbin Park this season. He and Melissa will update the neighborhood on progress in choosing a date and booking a band. If you are interested or donating time or money to assist in this, please contact Tim (dikota1@gmail.com) or Melissa (melissap838@gmail.com).
With the votes tallied, the meeting closed shortly after 7pm with the announcement that Steve Anderson had been elected to serve as vice chair of the EGNC.
