Attendance: Keegan O’Connor Alan Ross Danielle McClure
Kathie Weibel Anne Nolan Brett Boyton Joan Krueger Gerd Prewett
Agenda Topics:
- Assessment of online membership meeting on Feb. 10 and presentations by Ryan Calkins of the Port of Seattle and Michael Gordon (shootings near Safeway).
- both speakers were very good
- there was a great deal of helpful information
- 2 speakers worked well. Speakers were aware that there was a time limit.
- We have 2 speakers scheduled for March
- According to the bylaws, the Finance Committee (Kathie as chair, Gerd as Treasurer, and another Executive Board Member) shall propose a budget to the Board, and then at the Member Meeting for approval. Also, form 990 filing.
- budget projection should reflect “worse cast scenario”
- Kathie suggested we wait for formal budget when we can start to generate income
- $5,798 lost this year. Gerd included this info in last month’s
- Finance committee will present high level overview will be presented to members
Tax Filing Update:
- Gerd has meeting with accountant who does not for profit taxes in Renton to do taxes
- Gerd will provide information for the IRS. We do not pay taxes
- Gerd reports that there are 2 potential VFW projects this year:
- Kathie reports that the first filing deadline for Neighborhood Grants is in April.
Project ideas:
- The gutter on the Pilgrim side needs replacing/fixing. This has been an issue for several years. Richard said that VWF might be able to provide a match if needed.
- There are two steps going down to the basement from the Pilgrim side. If these steps could be replaced by a ramp the downstairs would be wheel chair accessible. The downstairs bathroom is accessible and the doors from the outside and to the bathroom are wide enough.
- Su knows someone who would be able to provide estimates for projects.
- RBCC would match with labor. VFW might be able to provide funds.
- Anne will add this to general meeting agenda to get input from membership. The board won’t meet again before the grant deadline.
- Kathie suggested that we identify a project that would appeal to a larger section of the neighborhood
- Future speakers for April and beyond
- March Anne will confirm that Gary Olson is available and inform him that we will ask him to plan to plan for 30 minute presentation including Q&A
- April Liz Covey available for April general presentation related to mental health during pandemic. She will present short powerpoint presentation and allow for questions
- May Cathy and Larry WIlmore May FAST (fathers and sons together). They have used VFW hall to supply
Ideas for future speakers:
- Great “Washington Shake Out” for the September or October
- HUB
- Host of Rainier Radio (Danielle)
- Tilth (Keegan will talk to Tom)
Other items for discussion:
- USPS mailing to 2 zip codes and include info about community meetings and events
- When it’s safe plan a large community event and follow up with postcard
- Agenda items for March member meeting besides the March 20 Vernal Equinox Wine event.
March Guest Speakers:
- March – Gary Olson of Seattle Watershed Alliance (SWA). SWA is working to bring folks from the various watersheds together to learn about, protect and improve the many watersheds in Seattle. Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) has improvement plans for the Taylor Creek watershed in the near future. As this is a good time for us to learn about and have a voice in this effort, it is also an opportune time to learn about the SWA, who’s involved, its mission and how it is organized. Gary will review the SPU project on Taylor Creek and Dead Horse Canyon.
- March – Ellen Phillips Angeles (or someone else from Kubota Garden Foundation) will provide a 10-15 minute update on the Mapes Creek project.