December 12, 2024 Meeting Minutes

03/26/2025 11:14

SWONA Quarterly Meeting - December 12, 2024

Attendance: 15 Neighbors Present

 

Guest Speaker: Kane Osstifin, City of Olympia

Stormwater System Overview
Kane Osstifin provided an overview of Olympia’s stormwater system and how residents can contribute to its maintenance and efficiency. Key takeaways included:

  • Stormwater Management & Impact: How stormwater runoff affects water quality and infrastructure.
  • Resident Involvement: Steps neighbors can take to help, including keeping drains clear, reducing runoff, and avoiding pollutants.
  • Q&A Session: Neighbors raised concerns about localized flooding and discussed potential solutions, such as rain gardens and storm drain maintenance.

 

Neighborhood Updates

Vice President, Stuart Olshevki, Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (CNA) Updates

  • Summary of recent CNA meetings and topics relevant to SWONA.
  • Discussions on city planning, neighborhood initiatives, and how SWONA can collaborate with other associations.
  • Encouragement for more neighborhood involvement in city-wide discussions.

 

Gleaning Project Proposal

Treasurer, Grace Fletcher presented a proposal for launching a Gleaning Project, inspired by Food is Free Tacoma, with the goal of reducing food waste and improving food security in the neighborhood.

  • How it works: Collect surplus produce from neighbors and redistribute it.
  • Next Steps:
    • Identifying participants willing to donate produce.
    • Organizing collection and distribution logistics.
    • Recruiting volunteers to manage coordination.
    • Exploring potential partnerships with local food security organizations.
  • Community Input: Neighbors expressed support and discussed strategies for integrating the initiative with the Community Garden Project.
  • Gleaning Project Sign-up: Grace sent out an email with more information and a link to a sign-up form. If you’d like to get involved in the Gleaning Project as a volunteer picker or by donating your yard’s edible plants (e.g., fruit trees, bushes, or vegetables), please fill out this survey: Gleaning Project Participation Form

 

Summer Neighborhood Garage Sale & Community Event

Discussion on planning a neighborhood-wide garage sale, similar to the City of Fircrest’s annual event.

  • Date: June 21-22, 2025.
  • Potential to combine with a community event: Food trucks, live music, and a neighborhood gathering.
  • Next Steps:
    • Confirming participation and logistics.
    • Organizing marketing efforts to promote the event.

 

Election of an Outreach Coordinator

SWONA is seeking an Outreach Coordinator to strengthen engagement, promote initiatives, and improve neighborhood communication.

  • Key Responsibilities:
    • Increasing participation in SWONA.
    • Promoting events and initiatives.
    • Enhancing community engagement and outreach.
  • No nominations were finalized during the meeting. Neighbors were encouraged to reach out if interested.

 

Closing & Next Steps

  • Attendees shared final thoughts and upcoming community concerns.
  • Thank you to all who attended—we look forward to continuing to build a strong, connected SWONA community!

 

 

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