District Councils: Dealing With Issues or Just Public Relations?

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Ryan

Wednesday is the next meeting of the North District Council (7 PM, Lake City Library). In this series of articles we discuss the Neighborhood District Councils in Seattle.
Part 1: Introduction to the North District Council
Part 2: How Representatives Are Chosen
Part 3: Is the District Council a squeaky wheel or just public relations?
Do the District Councils have any real power or say in city politics, or is it merely a public relations show meant to placate voters while city hall does what it wants? Depends on who you ask. As neighborhoods get more organized with community meetings, neighborhood watches (and blogs!), residents are often on the lookout for changes that will affect them.  Though not always effective, having large numbers of visible supporters does make an impact, especially with politicians.
It’s often said the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and the District Council is one way a squeaky wheel (i.e. neighborhood concern) can be heard by city officials.  Unfortunately, not every neighborhood is going to get every amenity they would desire (parks, libraries, sidewalks, traffic improvements, etc.) because there are not enough resources to go around. Compromise and consensus is necessary, the very definition of democracy. It’s messy and inefficient, but it’s the best system we’ve got.
Also, it’s important to bear in mind there are also cases where what might be best for a neighborhood is not what is best for the city at large and its plans for development and growth. In which case, a lot of District Council meetings will result in…a lot of meetings, and no action.  But if even it were only five percent effective in dealing with the needs of residents, that’s enough to move the needle in positive terms for a forum that connects the grass roots concerns of residents with city hall.
Next: Part 4: Representing Victory Heights

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District Councils: How Representatives Are Chosen

Posted on June 3, 2012 by Ryan

Wednesday is the next meeting of the North District Council (7 PM, Lake City Library). In this series of articles we discuss the Neighborhood District Councils in Seattle.
Part 1: Introduction to the North District Council
Part 2: How Representatives Are Chosen
Neighborhoods do not have specific representatives as such on the District Councils.  It is made up of organizations which are part of each district. The North District Council has had reps from the Thornton Creek Alliance and other community organizations for example.
Each represented group on a District Council must select representatives and alternates to the district council in ways that are in accord with their rules. According to the By-Laws of the North District Council, for an organization to be eligible it must have “an active membership of at least nine individuals and/or businesses within the designated District boundaries. The nine members shall not count toward the nine of any other organization. Shall hold one general membership meeting annual that is open to the public and at which elections are held. Shall commit to regular attendance at Council meetings.” At-Large Council Memberships exist for anyone who can get nine signatures from residents, or as a person residing within the boundaries, you can attend and participate as an individual. As with many volunteer organizations, the “elected” representatives are often those willing to stand up, do the work, and show up.
These neighborhood organizations select representatives and alternates who attend the meetings and act on their behalf. The representatives are typically community members who are activists, organizers, or simply concerned neighbors who are willing to put in the time to participate. Meetings often have guests such as City Council members, City Department directors and others who visit District Councils as the first step in reaching out to the neighborhoods. Everyone who attends is appreciated and can have an impact on what goes on in our city and in our district.
Attendance at community meetings in general varies a lot with the perceived urgency of the issues. Sometimes it takes a lot to get people out for a meeting.
Next: Part 3: Is the District Council a squeaky wheel or just public relations?

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Sound Transit Open House June 4th

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Ryan


Sound Transit is planning on breaking ground on the Link Light Rail extension to Northgate in August. See what’s in store at an Open House at the Olympic View Elementary School, 504 NE 95th St, Monday, June 4th between 6 and 8 PM.
Can’t make the meeting? Check out this briefing (pdf document) from Sound Transit.
 

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Introduction To The North District Council

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Ryan

Next week the North District Council is having its monthly meeting (Wednesday, 7 PM, Lake City Library). Many, if not most of the people in Seattle are unaware of the history or even the existence of the City Neighborhood Council (CNC) and the thirteen Neighborhood District Councils. In this series of articles we’ll describe the history of the District Councils, how they are formed, and how they serve the community of Victory Heights.

These organizations were created by a resolution of Seattle City Council in 1987 that, at the same time, created the “Office of Neighborhoods” that has since become the Department of Neighborhoods.
The City Neighborhood Council (CNC) is a citizen-led advisory group, comprised of elected members from each of the City’s 13 Districts. The CNC’s purpose is to provide city-wide coordination for the Neighborhood Matching Fund, Neighborhood Budget Prioritization, and Neighborhood Planning programs. The CNC also provides a forum for a discussion of common neighborhood issues and is available for advice on policies necessary for the effective and equitable implementation of the Neighborhood Planning and Assistance Program. Its monthly meetings are open to the public.
So what are these district councils? The district councils consist of  “representatives of all community councils and neighborhood business organizations within the district who wish to participate. Other representatives may be added at the discretion of the District Council. The District Council shall seek to reflect the geographic, racial, cultural and economic characteristics of the district” [quoting from resolution 28115].
In the northeast corner of the city, we have the “North District Council” which comprise the neighborhoods of Cedar Park, Meadowbrook, Lake City, Olympic Hills, Pinehurst, Victory Heights, Northgate and Maple Leaf. The District Coordinator is Thomas Whittemore. Public meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month starting at 7 PM at the Lake City library, 12501 28th Ave NE. The next one is scheduled for June 6th.
Next : Part 2: How the Councils are formed and who serves on them.

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Door-to-Door Solicitor Back In Area

Posted on June 1, 2012 by Ryan

Friday afternoon, a middle-aged African American man was seen in lower Victory Heights going door-to-door.  Even when there was no answer he was seen to linger outside the doors for several minutes. A resident called 911 to report him and was told a police car would come out and investigate.  The man was last seen on NE 100th Street around 21st Ave NE.
The Seattle Police Department remind residents not to open the door to unfamiliar people and to report suspicious activity to 911.
Read the SPD document about door-to-door solicitors.

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Reminder: Thornton Creek Cleanup Party This Sunday

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Ryan

Rick reminds us,

We are meeting this Sunday at 10AM. Join us as we do some climbing up and clearing around invasive trees. This is the last work party before the Washington Conservation Corps comes in for herbicide treatment in mid June. You can help do some of the prep work so we can get rid of inappropriate trees, and make room for long lived native conifer.

Sign up at the Green City Partnerships site.

What to Bring

Hand tools, gloves, eye protection, water, dress for the weather, sturdy boots and long sleeves. Extra gloves and tools may be provided. **We currently do not have a need for power tools**

Where to Meet

Meet at the creek where it intersects with the 17th Ave NE trail

Where to Park

Street parking near trail head located at intersection of 17th Ave. NE & 104th St.
**17th Ave is only accessible from the North and East**

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Mini Crime Wave Over Weekend

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Ryan

EveryBlock has two police reports from Victory Heights over the weekend, the first, a bike theft that happened sometime during the night of Friday, May 25th in the 1700 block of NE 106th Street; the second, a forced-entry burglary in a home in the 11000 block of 20th Ave NE that was discovered on May 27th but could have occurred as early as the 24th.
In addition, over in Pinehurst on 11th Ave NE on May 27th a home invasion at a marijuana growing operation resulted in the intruder shooting the home owner. The Seattle Police Department blotter has more details.

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Let It Snow

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Ryan


Not really, of course. But it might appear that way as you drive down Lake City Way or see the accumulations alongside NE 100th Street. The annual cottonwood colonization is in full swing right now.
Temperatures are predicted to hit 75 on this Memorial Day holiday weekend with plenty of sunshine.
Visit our Facebook page and “Like” the Victory Heights Blog. Thanks!

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New Gas Line For 23rd Ave NE

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Ryan


Wednesday, contractors for Puget Sound Energy installed a new underground gas line to provide service to 10208 23rd Avenue NE. Three small trenches were cut along 23rd Avenue to tap into the existing gas main running along NE 102nd Street to run the new line up 23rd Ave and into the house for new service.
 

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Rotted Utility Pole Replaced

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Ryan

A rotted-out utility pole sits on a trailer after being replaced.


Monday, contractors for the city replaced a rotted utility pole running along the 20th Avenue NE right-of-way across Thornton Creek (aka the Knickerbocker Site). The bottom third of the existing pole was left in place and braced to the new section.

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