Board of Directors’ Meeting – August 12, 2014 Mar Cheri Community Club
In attendance were Steve Freeborn, Mark Moberg, Nancy Krueger, Mark Bunger, and Margo Rolf.
Minutes from the July 2014 meeting were approved and signed by the president of the board.
Old Business
The subject of the cutting of the trees west of the parking lot and the possible consequences of the cutting were the beginning topics.
Steve reported that he had had communications with the city of Federal Way and that he thought that it does not appear that we will be fined. Chris Freel is now the Federal Way contact person. Steve said that a biologist would be hired to give a replanting program forthe area. Both Nancy and Steve had called the city about resolving the tree matter. Steve had received a reply that afternoon. Leigh Strinsky will be consulted for the name of a biologist. Perhaps three names will be considered. Steve will let board members know when the biologist will come to assess the replanting area so that anyone, wishing to do so and is able, may attend.
In relation to the above topic, Nancy Krueger submitted the following written report:
Mar Cheri Meeting with City and WA Fish and Wildlife
July 16, 2014 2pm Pool parking lot
In attendance:
Kay Gordon, Margo Rolf, Joanne Avaiusini, Nancy Krueger, James Rolf, Chris Freel, FW Code Compliance Officer, Larry Fisher, WA Department Of Fish and Wildlife Area Habitat Biologist, Isaac Conlen, FW Community Development Officer
Larry Fisher began by giving his assessment of the stream. It is a “natural feature” and a “jurisdictional watercourse.” A minor stream requires a 50-foot set back and a major stream requires a 100-foot setback. The Mar Cheri stream is a major stream. The property is considered critical habitat because it lies on a slope and has a natural stream running through it. The recent removal of trees was in violation of city and state code because we had no permit to cut any of the trees.
Mr. Fisher said that all of the land west of the parking area is in violation of State and City laws due to the recent clear cutting without permits. Larry Fisher stated that no further tree cutting or clearing can proceed until the city gives us permission to do so. It is within the city’s authority to approve plans to remedy the violation. He said that when we get the go ahead from the city we do not need a permit to clear the wood, unless we plan to build a bridge to bring in machinery for clearing. If it is cleared using chainsaws and hand carried out, no formal permit is needed.
Larry Fisher suggested hiring a landscape architect to give us a good plan for re-vegetating the area. Larry’s ideas for plants that naturally grow along stream bank include conifers, alders, sword fern, salmonberry and elderberry. He left two brochures about re-vegetation that are published by the State and thought that we should also check the state Fish and Wildlife website to learn more.
Chris Freel will be our contact person with the City.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Krueger
Recreation – Nancy Krueger
Nancy submitted the following written report:
Our swimmers are enjoying the pool this summer. We have busy swim lessons Monday through Thursday, and our afternoon open swim times are hopping. Lea Freeborn and Sabrina Bonaci finish lessons this week for the summer. We have one private party scheduled for August 23 when an associate member hosts his Boy Scout troop for a swim and barbeque.
We are waiting to hear from the City as to the next step in remedying the illegal tree cutting that took place next to the stream and the pool parking area. The Washington State Fish and Wildlife representative said that the tree clearing west of the parking lot is in violation of the “critical lands” regulations. Mar Cheri and Mr. Sorenson, the owner of the property where most of trees were downed, cannot remove slash or wood until we hear from the city. The City and the Washington State Fish and Wildlife representatives have both told us that there could possibly be fines and a plan will be worked out to re-vegetate the stream banks. The area will remain a sad eyesore until we hear from the City.
As Recreation Chairperson, I plan to help work with the City and then help in the replanting that is required. We are working with Isaac Conlen and Chris Freel, Code Enforcementn with the City of Federal Way.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Krueger
Nancy reported to the board that she was looking for two more life-guards for the above mentioned Boy Scout Swim Party in order to comply with our safety rules.
Treasurer – Leigh Strinsky
Current balances
Savings $19,670 – of which $10,000 is earmarked for Pool resurfacing fund
Checking $18,650
We still have 5 homeowners who have not paid their dues and 1 homeowner who has made a partial payment.
July – Early August Transactions
Income
$ 678 Assessments
$ 450 Associate Members
$1,320 Swim Lessons
$ 95 Pool Guest Fees
Expenditures
$1,052 Utilities
$4,525 Lifeguards & Cleaners
$2,200 Tree Service
$1,347 Supplies for pool + drainage issue
Architecture – Kay Gordon
Kay sent an email with regrets that she was unable to attend this meeting. However, she stated that she had been doing some research and had been studying the Federal Way Rev. Code with regards to the grounds and plantings . The Board agreed to wait until she was present for that discussion.
There is a deck under construction/repair that is in need of approval. We are waiting for plans to be submitted by the homeowner.
Maintenance – Mark Bunger
Mark stated that a new crank handle for the pool cover was needed. He also reported that he and James Rolf will help in the clean-up of the cut trees when the city gives approval.
Steve asked Mark about possible improved lighting at the entrance into the community. The present lights are very old. It was agreed to consult with the adjacent neighbors to see if brighter lights would be acceptable. Mark lives next to the entrance, and he said it would be okay with him. He will check with other neighbors for their approval.
Secretary – Margo Rolf
The community directory is ready for press.
Next Board Meeting
The next Board of Directors’ meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 15th at 7:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Margo Rolf, Secretary