South Capitol Neighborhood Association Board
Meeting Minutes
Weds, May 10, 2023 6:30-8:30 pm
- Introductions and Call Meeting to Order
Members of the South Capitol Neighborhood Association (SCNA), members of St. John’s Episcopal Church and interested neighbors introduced themselves.
In attendance:
John Saunders, President
Gerald Apple, Vice President
Sue Hedrick, Secretary
SCNA members: David Maltman, Howard Goldberg, Emily Tilger, Valerie Hammett, Marcia David, Collum Liska
Members of St. John’s Church and interested neighbors: Lou MacMillan, Bob LeRoy, Fr. R.C. Laird, Evan Clifthorne, Tom & Penny Devine, Dana & Rob Costello, Treacy Duerfeldt, Kristine Best, Angela Macejunas
- St. John’s Episcopal Church Update
Gerald Apple read a letter on behalf of the South Capitol Neighborhood Association Board to the members of St. John’s Episcopal Church, expressing the association’s appreciation for the numerous ways the church has contributed positively to the community over the years, including concerts, the annual Christmas Faire, providing a welcoming place for homeless individuals, and opening the church to trick-or-treaters and their families at Halloween, to name a few. Gerry said he would send the letter to the members of the church’s Vestry to share with the congregation.
Lou MacMillan distributed a one-page history of St. John’s and its involvement with the community, and a summary of the congregation’s attempts to rectify the building’s serious deficiencies over the years.
He and Bob LeRoy also presented additional information and answered questions from the meeting attendees.
The vestry has determined that restoration of the building is not feasible. They have commissioned Ron Thomas of Thomas Architecture Studios as a consultant to study options for the church to remain in the South Capitol neighborhood through multi-use redevelopment of the church’s property to create new church space and community assets that align with their core values, identity and mission. A final report is expected sometime this summer.
A discussion ensued about who decides what happens with the property. Fr. Laird said the building is held in trust by the congregation. So, the parish would decide, but if that couldn’t happen, the Diocese would step in. Any parish that is going to incur debt must get approval by the Diocese. They previously asked for a loan to do some repairs, but it was denied. So, they are looking at redevelopment rather than restoration. The Diocese committed to pay for half of the study.
Treacy Duerfeldt asked about the money that was raised in the capital campaign and the assessed value of the property. $100,000 went to current repair projects, $200,00 was invested for future use, and some pledges were rescinded with the possibility of being re-pledged once there is a plan for the property.
Treacy suggested that a developer with expertise might be able to provide some answers as to what might be possible to do with the property.
Lou said that he recently attended a meeting about neighborhood centers such as the Frog Pond in the South Capitol Neighborhood. He and the other members of the vestry are considering this possibility as well as housing and other ideas. Future use of the property could be dependent upon zoning of the area.
Collum Liska asked about the risk of holding services in the church if the building is not sound. Father Laird said the building was inspected in 2016 and was determined not to be a risk for holding services three hours a week.
Dana Costello asked how interested neighbors could stay informed about the study and the decisions that are made. Lou said they are revamping their website to be able to provide more information. John Saunders also mentioned that the neighborhood association has a Google group of 250 people, so information can be shared by sending a note to this listserv. Also, Lorie Hewitt is the SCNA board’s representative regarding the church’s project.
- Minutes of the April 12, 2023 meeting
Emily moved to approve the minutes, Gerry seconded the motion, and the board approved.
- Committee Reports
- Traffic – Gerald Apple
Gerry said that he and Treacy will collect data on Capitol Way speeders by participating in the City of Olympia’s Neighborhood Speed Watch Program. They will use radar to record speeders, then the Olympia Police Department will send registered owners of all matched vehicles a letter, advising them of the observed violation and encouraging them to drive at or below the speed limit when traveling on neighborhood streets
Also, based on the evaluation of the data they collect, the city will pass along the information to the police department so that they can consider the location for enforcement. City staff may also consider the location for a Speed Watch Trailer.
- Safety – Howard Goldberg
Howard said he spoke with the community relations staff for the Olympia Fire Department about having a representative attend a future meeting. They are willing to do so. Howard will follow up with them to confirm the date.
- Motion to Adjourn
- John moved to adjourn the meeting, Emily seconded the motion, and the board approved. The meeting ended at 8:40 pm.
Next meeting – Weds, June 14, 2023, 6:30 pm, Lincoln School cafeteria
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Written Reports
Treasurer’s Report – May 6, 2023
Twin Star Credit Union account balances:
Business Prime Savings $20
Innovator Checking $2,829.79
Recent income:
PayPal $47.57
Checks $0
Cash $0
Recent expenses:
Google Gsuite $6.79 each month
South Capitol Neighborhood Association 
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