BIA ADVISORY BOARD MEETING

Thursday, February 16, 2006

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT

Paul Dwoskin (Broadway Video), Greg Serum (Your Man Friday), Michael Wells (Bailey-Coy Books)

ALSO PRESENT

Molly Burk (Farmer’s Market), Chris Martin (CleanScapes), Ken Bauer (Charlie”s), Eliza Johnson (Broadway Market Property), Elizabeth Litalien (SPD), Larry Woods-Palmer (Winderemere - GSBA), Denis Harnly (SNG), Valerie Douglas (City of Seattle Human Services), Shannon Thomas (Seattle LGBT Center), Charlette LeFevre (Seattle Museum of the Mysteries), Philip Lipson (Seattle Museum of the Mysteries), Matt Hyra, D. Scott, G. House (SPD), Beth Coyote (Rainy City Midwifery), David Schraer (CHID), Lindsey Cunningham (Spotlight Fashions), Nancy Yamamoto & Lisa Stewart (OED), (Mary Klein (Staff)

Michael Wells, BIA Chair, called the meeting to order at 8:05 am

1. Bicycle Patrol (East Precinct, SPD)

Matt Hydra, speaking for his supervisor Ann Morton who could not attend the meeting, introduced the patrol.  The patrol is interested in community input and wanted to know if the Broadway businesses had noticed a difference in the streets since they began their patrol a year and a half ago.  The patrol also told the businesses that they should call 684-4300 anytime they see a problem.  They don’t know how things are going unless they have community input.

Michael Wells asked everyone to also email Captain Black to let him know that the community has seen a difference and to encourage keeping the patrol on Broadway.

Michael Wells asked the patrol if they could stop in and introduce themselves to the business owners to make them more aware of police presence.  They stated they would do so.

All the businesses at the meeting gave them kudos for the job they are doing.

2. CleanScapes

Chris Martin asked when the BIA would like the flowers planted in the Pocket Park.  He was told in April.  He also reminded the business owners they could call his business 24/7 to report any cleanup needed.

There are more cigarette butts to clean off the street since the smoking ban was introduced.  As of right now there is no solution to the problem, as ashtrays are prohibited by the curb.

Charletter LeFervre asked if the BIA could create space for posters.  Molly said she knows there are grants for such projects and she will get information to Mary.

3. PRIDE

Shannon Thomas stated she has been talking with restaurant, bar owners and other organizations to plan an event for Saturday of Pride week-end.  She asked for ideas and input from the BIA for the festival.  The Center has applied to the Dept. of Neighborhoods for a grant for next year’s event.  This year’s event will have to be subsidized solely by organizations and business owners on Capitol Hill.  She also stated that another group is coordinating a march.  She has been trying to get them to the table to talk about their plans.  She will try to contact them and have them come to the next BIA meeting. 

4. Denis Harnly

Denise reported that the Weed & Seed money was gone for 2006, but the City had added money for SPD in the budget that should cover the foot and bicycle patrols.

LLAA is partnering with SNG for a grant to for a program called “Drug Free Community”.  It’s a prevention and education program aimed at youth.  There will be social services for the youth on Broadway included in the grant.  Denise asked if the BIA would write a letter of support, Michael Wells approved a letter to be written upon Denise’s request.

Denise advised the businesses that anyone of them could request a private presentation of the program presented at the Meth Breakfast.  Ken Bauer said it was very informative and well worth seeing.

5. Broadway Improvement.

Lisa Stewart, who was recently hired by OED, introduced herself as the liaison for the Broadway BIA.  Lisa has a great deal of experience working with communities.  She will meet and work with business, residence and organizations on Capitol Hill in the next two months to get ideas and input for use of the $500,000 for Broadway improvement.  She plans to present a plan to the Mayor in May.

Discussion followed.

6. CHID

David Schraer handed out a flyer for a meeting on March 16^th.  The meeting is to get more momentum for the CHID, get developers involved so they can get to know the neighborhoods and come up with good plans that are best for business and residents.  David would like 4 or 5 representatives from the BIA to come.  As seating is limited, Michael Wells asked anyone interested to call the BIA office and Mary will forward contact information for those interested to David.

7. Banners

The Board voted to have the various community banners staggered along the streets this year.  Mary will inform those who have permission to hang the banners of this change.

8. BIA Website

Paul Dwoskin and Eliza Johnson will work with the NPower graphic artist for the new website in the coming weeks.  Paul asked that any ideas be emailed to him or the BIA office for consideration.  During discussion several ideas were given for content.

9. Grants

Mary met with Department of Neighborhoods for discussion about the SAS grant and the letter of intent for a large grant sent in January.  Mary will be working with Emma Moreno to make sure all the items requested are properly presented.  The grants will not be decided until September.

10. Other Business

The Board voted to ask Chris Martin of CleanScapes to reduce his bill by $1000 per month.  The Board would like to hire at least a part-time person to help get more businesses involved in Broadway’s revitalization.  Mary is to email Chris to request this reduction in billing.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:50 am