South Capitol Neighborhood Association Board Meeting Minutes
Weds, July 10, 2024 6:30 – 8 pm
Lincoln Elementary School library
Introductions and Call Meeting to Order
Members of the South Capitol Neighborhood Association (SCNA) Board in attendance:
John Saunders, President
Gerry Apple, Vice President
Sue Hedrick, Secretary
Gordon White, Valerie Hammett, Nora Hawkins, Treacy Duerfeldt, Tim Davis, Scott Freeman, Lorie Hewitt, At Large members
John called the meeting to order.
Approval of June Meeting Minutes and Today’s Agenda
Treacy made a motion to approve the June 2024 meeting minutes. Scott seconded and the motion was approved.
Treacy made a motion to approve today’s draft agenda, Scott seconded, and the motion was approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Morgan sent a written report to the board members, which is at the end of the minutes.
Scott made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s report, Treacy seconded and the motion was approved.
Wildfire Risk Discussion and Next Steps – Tam Tocher
Tam Tocher, who lives on 19th and Adams St sent an email to the board in June about the risk of wildfires. She wrote, “I am growing increasingly concerned about the potential danger of fire to the Capitol neighborhood. We are surrounded by our lovely wild buffer zone of maples and firs and much undergrowth. These woods connect throughout Olympia. Many of those without housing are living in these woods. There have been several homeless camp fires that got out of hand.
With a long dry spell we could see quickly moving fire that could jump from one house to another, much like what happened in Maui.
I would like to see our Association work with the city, our local fire department and the railroad company to share a plan for addressing this potential disaster.
Perhaps this work has already been done, if so I would like to learn more about how I can help spread the word.”
John invited Tam to the board’s July meeting to discuss this topic.
Tam said she initially reached out to Thurston County Emergency Management staff and was told they participate in a “Wildfire Ready Neighbors” program (https://wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov/). The program is a collaboration between DNR and local wildfire experts to help everyone in the region prepare for wildfires. WRN provides a free Wildfire Ready Plan (http://wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov/) to help residents prioritize wildfire ready actions on their property and connects them with local wildfire experts in their area.
Tam said she was told that 50 percent of homes that burn from wildfires burn from embers rather than direct contact with flames or radiant heat. One way to prevent embers from entering your house is to cover all openings with an 8-inch mesh.
Tam also said she was surprised to find that our neighborhood was not identified as a wildfire risk in Thurston County’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/emergency-management/emergency-plans/comprehensive-emergency-management-plan-cemp), and feels it should be.
Board members and attendees discussed additional ideas such as creating firebreaks between homes and surrounding shrubs, trimming up tree limbs, and removing potentially flammable debris from the property.
Treacy said there is a need to educate homeowners more about resilience, and with respect to homeless encampments – neighborhood residents can report their presence to city staff who can then help people living in encampments find alternative living arrangements and other help.
Scott said there is an abandoned alley and easement with the railroad behind his home on Washington Street that has at times been problematic with fires. Gordon suggested possible coordination with the Union Pacific Railroad and the City of Olympia compliance staff. He said the city has been addressing issues on the easement property below Capitol Boulevard since the railroad seems to have taken a hands-off approach to it.
It was agreed that Tam would reach out again to Thurston County Emergency Management staff and invite them to attend the board’s September meeting to discuss wildfire risk in the South Capitol neighborhood and how best to help neighbors protect themselves and their homes from it.
She will also invite them to have a booth at the neighborhood association’s September 8th BBQ/picnic event at Lincoln School to share information about wildfire risk with participants.
Committee Reports
Traffic – Treacy Duerfeldt
Treacy asked the board members to participate in a group exercise. He asked them to list their top seven solutions to speeding and safety issues on Capitol Way, and rate each solution’s feasibility, affordability, and effectiveness. This is meant to assist Olympia city council members and staff by narrowing down the large list of possible solutions captured at the June 25 listening session.
Treacy said he would then compile this information into a document, along with a cover letter for our board president to send to the city council members and staff.
Neighborhood Barbeque/Potluck Picnic – Gerry Apple
Gerry stressed he needs a commitment from board members in order to have a successful picnic. He listed some of the items still needed – pickup trucks, coolers, tables, chairs, and canopies. Scott volunteered to be the third griller – along with Emily’s dad and Treacy. Gerry said he also needs volunteers to staff the membership table and youth activities, and help with set up and clean up.
There will be another Picnic Committee meeting on Mon, July 15th at 6:30 pm at his house. He hopes many of the board members will attend.
Sue sent out the draft mailer for the Fall picnic to the board members for review and it was approved. It will be mailed out to all 609 residences – houses and apartments – in the neighborhood the first week in August.
Sue suggested the board invite the Olympia City Council members to attend as well.
Parking – Valerie Hammett
Valerie said the next meeting of representatives of the South Capitol Neighborhood Association, City of Olympia and the State on parking issues will be September 20th. She will schedule a pre-meeting in early September with Parking Committee members to prepare for it.
Communications – Emily Tilger
Emily was not able to attend the meeting, so there was no update.
Other Items
With elections coming in November, John said the Capitol Campus security staff offered to meet with the board to discuss campus and neighborhood safety. John suggested they be invited to the September board meeting, and everyone agreed. There will also be a discussion about the possibility of changing the nonprofit status of the neighborhood association to a 501(c)(3).
Motion to adjourn
Treacy moved to adjourn the meeting, Gordon seconded, and the motion was approved. The meeting ended at 7:49 pm.
Next SCNA board meeting – Weds, Aug 14, 2024 6:30 pm, Lincoln Elementary School library
Written Reports
July 2024 Treasurer Report
Business Prime Savings $20
Innovator Checking Ending Balance $1,876.05
Innovator Checking Beginning Balance $1,883.96
Recent Income:
None
Recent Expenses:
Google Suite $7.91
We have anticipated future expenses for the fall picnic social which is occurring on 9/8. The mailer and postage will be approximately $756 based on February’s annual meeting mailer. The band will be $500. We are budgeting 220 beef patties for $100 from Western Meats. These expenses total $1,356. It’s important we log our hours for the picnic so that we can be reimbursed through the Olympia City grant we obtained. This is a matching grant of up to $1,800.
South Capitol Neighborhood Association 