Introductions and Call Meeting to Order
Members of the South Capitol Neighborhood Association (SCNA) in attendance:
John Saunders, President
Gerry Apple, Vice President
Addie Spencer, Treasurer
Sue Hedrick, Secretary
At-large members: Emily Tilger, Lorie Hewitt and Howard Goldberg
Approval of July Meeting Minutes and Today’s Agenda
Emily made a motion to approve the July minutes and August agenda, Addie seconded, and the motion was approved.
Neighborhood Issues Around Lord Mansion and Coach House Events
Sheri Walkmeyer, manager of the Lord Mansion, came to the meeting to give an update on activities at the mansion and address some concerns raised by neighborhood residents. The historic mansion, built in 1923, served as the State Capitol Museum for many years. In 2018, the state Legislature transferred stewardship of the mansion to The Evergreen State College.
Howard said it’s important that Evergreen owns the building and is managing it. In doing so, he believes it’s more community-oriented. Alcohol and parking are the biggest problems experienced by some of the mansion’s neighbors.
Sheri thanked the board members for inviting her. She stressed that they would like to hear from neighbors if there are any concerns and they will respond quickly. Residents can contact her directly but are also welcome to contact the university president’s office, if they prefer. They will be getting some funding in the near future to fix up the building. They also want to keep rates as low as possible; they aren’t trying to compete with other venues that have much higher prices.
The mansion is a popular venue for weddings, memorials, proms and picnics, but is also used for classes, business conferences and corporate events. They are currently booked all the way up to November.
Sheri said she has set out a comment book in the mansion for visitors to jot down suggestions for mansion activities – they’ve received lots of requests for movies to be shown at the mansion and are considering that possibility, but they have to purchase the rights to be able to show it, so that’s a factor. They will be starting a murder mystery event with a 1920s theme for 4 to 40 people.
Gerry said that some organizations he’s been involved with have shown movies, and some have had a sponsor for them. Sheri noted the idea and thanked Gerry for it.
Sheri said they do have the use of the parking lot at the McCleary Mansion next door after 6 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends, so that frees up some of the on-street parking. She asked that any nearby neighbors contact her directly if they need street parking during mansion or coach house events – her staff can put out parking cones and block spaces for them if they know in advance.
They are doing their best to manage other issues as well. They plan to walk the grounds during and after events; they are also considering posting signs for designated smoking areas or “No alcohol beyond this point.” They currently do not allow glass containers outside of the mansion and are considering additional rules to help prevent issues.
Lorie and Howard offered suggestions about adding wording to rental contracts or requiring a deposit – as hotels often do – so that some of the financial burden is placed on those renting the space. Lorie asked if music was played at events; Sheri said yes, but they usually tell folks to turn it off at 10 pm. The city ordinance is 11 pm.
The board members thanked Sheri for attending and meeting with them. Howard said he was pleased that the mansion and coach house are now being managed by the university with a focus on supporting the Olympia community as well as being a unique learning space for Evergreen faculty and students. Sheri handed out business cards to the board members, and John emailed her contact information to them as well.
Committee Reports
Communications – Emily Tilger
Emily updated the board members on the board’s upcoming summer neighborhood event. It will be held on Sun, August 27th, from 4 – 8 pm, at the Lincoln Elementary School shed. Grilled burgers and hot dogs will be provided, and neighbors are welcome to bring their own side dishes and beverages.
Emily will make up a flier, which she will post on poles throughout the neighborhood. A number of board members also volunteered to walk around the neighborhood and distribute them by hand. Board members also volunteered to be in charge of portions of the event.
Addie will set up a table for residents to pay their dues while they are at the event. Suggested annual dues are $10 per household, but if residents missed a few years or want to help more, the board members welcome their support.
The board members discussed whether to cover the expense of some of the event out of board funds. Gerry made a motion to allot $500 for food and entertainment for the event, John seconded, and the motion was approved.
Treasurer – Addie Spencer
Addie sent out a written report prior to the meeting – see below. At the meeting, she mentioned that dues for two households were paid, one via check and one via Paypal.
Traffic – Gerry Apple
Gerry reported that two cords are now stretched across Capitol Way near 18th Ave and a speed sign has been affixed to a light pole near the cords. Both will be there for at least a week. Gerry said that he and Treacy could use one more volunteer to help them take pictures of speeders and to record their speeds. He added that, if someone is going 10 miles over the speed limit, they can let Rebecca Ziesemer, Olympia community programs officer, know and they will send a letter to the driver, letting them know how much their fee would be if they had been ticketed.
Safety Committee – Howard Goldberg
Howard said that Officer David Frost with the Olympia Fire Department would be happy to attend another meeting to talk about fire safety. Officer Frost presented at the board’s July meeting, but turnout was disappointingly low. Emily suggested that the November or December board meeting might be a better time and, if they promote it better, could ensure a better turnout. Howard suggested a certificate be created and sent to the Olympia Fire Department as a gesture of thanks and appreciation.
Legislative Campus Modernization project – John Saunders
John said there are no updates on the project. Construction continues on the Newhouse Building replacement and several roads are closed around it. A second building is being designed behind the Pritchard Building. The South Capitol Neighborhood Association submitted SEPA comments, but there has been no response to them.
Gerry said that he will be attending the August 14th Council of Neighborhood Associations (CNA) meeting, and will report on it at the next South Capitol Neighborhood board meeting in September.
John updated the board on a previously discussed item – a proposal to remove free downtown parking on Saturdays. He said it was discussed at the last CNA meeting, which he attended. Clark Gilman, City of Olympia mayor pro tem, was at the meeting and said the proposal is still under consideration.
Motion to adjourn
Howard moved to adjourn the meeting, Addie seconded and the motion was approved. The meeting ended at 7:53 pm.
Next meeting – Weds, Sept 12, 2023, 6:30 pm, Lincoln Elementary School
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Written Reports
Treasurer’s Report – Aug 5, 2023
Twin Star Credit Union account balances:
Business Prime Savings $20
Innovator Checking $2,828.52
Recent income:
PayPal $9.22
Checks $10
Cash $0
South Capitol Neighborhood Association 