South Capitol Neighborhood Association Annual Meeting Minutes
Weds, June 11, 2025 7 – 8 pm
Lincoln Elementary School cafeteria
Note: On June 12, 2025, Gerry Apple made a motion to approve the June 11, 2025 annual meeting minutes via email vote. Valerie Hammett seconded. Eight board members voted in favor, and the motion passed.
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
Morgan Montes, Treasurer
Gordon White, Kelley Dolan, Valerie Hammett, Nora Hawkins, Lorie Hewitt, At Large members
John called the meeting to order.
Reading of the minutes of the last preceding meeting
Sue Hedrick read a summary of the minutes of the May 14, 2025 SCNA Board meeting as required by the bylaws.
President’s Report – John Saunders
John presented a report on the board’s activities in 2024-2025.
Highlights of 2024 – 2025
- The South Capitol Neighborhood Association Board of Directors had its largest number of participants in recent years – 16 members.
- Hosted a successful annual barbeque and picnic with live entertainment in early September. Approximately 150 residents attended.
- Increased neighborhood association membership by 38 members to a total of 156 members.
- Obtained safety improvements for Capitol Way/Boulevard and commitments from the City of Olympia for future improvements.
- Received the maximum amount available from the City of Olympia Neighborhood Grant program ($5,000). These funds support mailings to all SCNA residents for the annual meeting in June and the Fall BBQ/Social.
- Advocated with the City of Olympia and the Olympia School Board on:
- Middle housing zoning regulations
- Comprehensive planning as it relates to residential and commercial zoning
- Improved parking enforcement
- Keeping Lincoln Elementary School open
Treasurer’s Report – Morgan Montes
Morgan reported on the South Capitol Neighborhood Association’s funds – see below.
Election of Board Members
Nora Hawkins read off the list of candidates for board positions for 2025-2026. They were:
- John Saunders running for re-election as president
- Sue Hedrick running for re-election as secretary
- Valerie Hammett and Lorie Hewitt running for re-election to at-large positions
- Blake Melancon, Eric Seder and Tyler Graber running for at-large positions
John asked the meeting attendees if anyone else would like to be considered to serve on the board. No new candidates stepped forward. John then moved to allow the neighborhood association members attending the meeting to vote on all seven candidates at once. The motion was approved unanimously.
Thurston County Food Project
Andy Meyer, representing Jennifer Meyer, South Capitol coordinator for the Thurston County Food Project, asked meeting attendees to consider signing up for and participating in the Thurston County Food Project.
Participants purchase and fill one or more green bags with groceries every other month, which are then collected by volunteers and taken to the Thurston County Food Bank for distribution.
The South Capitol Neighborhood has traditionally been very supportive of the program, but the number of participants in recent years has dropped off. Andy said he would be happy to stick around and sign up folks after the meeting if they were interested.
Fall BBQ/Social
Gerry announced that the board plans to hold another barbeque/potluck social in early Fall. He encouraged meeting attendees to volunteer, if possible, and invited everyone to a planning committee meeting at his house on Mon, June 16th at 6:30 pm.
Gerry said he would send around a sign-up sheet and email directions to his house and additional information to anyone who signed up. More information about the event will be posted on the SCNA website and sent out to the neighborhood distribution list in the coming months. Gerry encouraged all attendees and their family, friends and neighbors to attend the event.
$100 Gift Card Drawing
Anne Suagee-Payne was the lucky winner of the drawing for a $100 gift card to Vic’s Pizzeria. The board plans to hold another drawing at the barbeque/potluck social in early Fall (must be present to win).
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:38 pm.
Next Board Meeting – Weds, July 9, 2025 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Lincoln Elementary School library
Written Reports
June 2025 Treasurer Report
Period: 05/01/2025 – 5/31/2025
Business Prime Savings $25.00
Innovator Checking Ending Balance $1,023.77
Innovator Checking Beginning Balance $1,684.19
Difference $660.42
Recent Income:
Membership Dues $0.00
Recent Expenses:
Google Suite $7.91
Annual Meeting Flyer $468.78
Postage for Mailing $183.73
Total $660.42
Initiated a transfer of $61.66 in membership dues on 6/4/25 from the PayPal account.
South Capitol Neighborhood Association 