FICRA Building Trust Board Meeting Minutes Thursday, 13 September 2025, 7:00PM Nichols Community Center, Fox Island, Washington
Attendees: Weston King (President) excused, Arlyn Lawrence (Vice President), Hal Goodell (Treasurer), Candy Wawro (Secretary) excused, Jacob Paukert (Director), Craig McLaughlin (Director), Scott Johnson (Director), Jim Braden (Director Buildings and Grounds)
Call to order at 7:05 pm
Public Comments: Neighbor, William Denrick, commented that he had read about the possibility that FICRA might be installing pickleball courts at the Nichols Community Center and wanted to register his concern. He recommended consulting neighbors for feedback because of the potential noise. Arlyn advised him that it was only in preliminary discussion, but if the conversation proceeded, the Board would certainly do that.
Standing Committee Reports:
Treasurer’s Report (Hal Goodell): With the August meeting canceled, both the July and August reports are as follows:
Aug Bank and Register Balance
Trust Checking
Beginning Balance $ 13,620.48
Checks and Payments 12,302.82
Deposits and Credits 25,100.47
Ending Balance $ 26,418.11
Trust Savings
Beginning Balance $ 732.36
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 0.03 Interest
Ending Balance $ 732.39
Building Trust Paypal
Beginning Balance $ 1,109.27
Total Income 4,223.32
Total Withdrawn Incl Fees 4,801.65
Ending Balance $ 530.94
Trust Capital Checking
Beginning Balance $ 382.30
Checks and Payments
Deposits and Credits 0.00
Ending Balance $ 382.30
Trust Reserve Checking
Beginning Balance $ 153.20
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 0.00
Ending Balance 153.20
30-Month Flex Certificate 0.00 Matured 6/9/25 Closed Out
36-Month Jumbo Certificate
Beginning Balance $ 100,172.99
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 244.18
Ending Balance $ 100,417.17
Trust MM (General, Capital, Reserve, EP, NW)
Beginning Balance $ 284,492.84
Checks and Payments 462.32
Deposits and Credits 945.57
Ending Balance $ 284,976.09
Trust General MM
Beginning Balance $ 180,855.47
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 483.25 July Int
Ending Balance $ 181,338.72
Trust Capital MM
Beginning Balance $ 25,693.67
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 0.00
Ending Balance $ 25,693.67
Trust Reserve MM
Beginning Balance $ 40,802.47
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 0.00
Ending Balance $ 40,802.47
Trust Emergency Prep MM
Beginning Balance $ 22,508.91
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 0.00
Ending Balance $ 22,508.91
Trust Neighborhood Watch
Beginning Balance $ 14,632.32
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 0.00
Ending Balance $ 14,632.32
Trust MM – Other
Beginning Balance $ 0.00
Checks and Payments 483.25
Deposits and Credits 483.25
Ending Balance $ 0.00
Sum of QB Sub Money Markets $ 284,128.02
Sept Bank and Register Balance
Trust Checking
Beginning Balance $ 26,418.11
Checks and Payments 12,391.51
Deposits and Credits 20,357.49
Ending Balance $ 34,384.09
Trust Savings
Beginning Balance $ 732.39
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 0.03
Ending Balance $ 732.42
Building Trust Paypal
Beginning Balance $ 530.94
Total Income 5,794.69
Total Withdrawn Incl Fees 6,116.56
Ending Balance $ 209.07
Trust Capital Checking
Beginning Balance $ 382.30
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 1,331.70 (Xfer from Capital MM to CKG for NCC Signs)
Ending Balance $ 1,714.00
Trust Reserve Checking
Beginning Balance $ 153.20
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 0.00
Ending Balance 153.20
30-Month Flex Certificate 0.00 Matured 6/9/25 Closed Out
36-Month Jumbo Certificate
Beginning Balance $ 100,417.17
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 244.77
Ending Balance $ 100,661.94
Trust MM (General, Capital, Reserve, EP, NW)
Beginning Balance $ 284,976,09
Checks and Payments 2,664.95
Deposits and Credits 1,816.88
Ending Balance $ 284,128.02
Trust General MM
Beginning Balance $ 180,488.72
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 483.63 Aug Interest
Ending Balance $ 180,972.35
Trust Capital MM
Beginning Balance $ 25,693.67
Checks and Payments 1,331.70 (Xfer to Capital Ckg for NCC signs)
Deposits and Credits 850.00 (add’l Xfer to Capital Ckg for NCC signs)
Ending Balance $ 25,211.97
Trust Reserve MM
Beginning Balance $ 40,802.47
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 0.00
Ending Balance $ 40,802.47
Trust Emergency Prep MM
Beginning Balance $ 22,508.91
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 0.00
Ending Balance $ 22,508.91
Trust Neighborhood Watch
Beginning Balance $ 14,632.32
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 0.00
Ending Balance $ 14,632.32
Trust MM – Other
Beginning Balance $ 0.00
Checks and Payments 483.63 (Aug Int. Xfer to Gen MM)
Deposits and Credits 483.63 (Aug Int)
Ending Balance $ 0.00
Sum of QB Sub Money Markets $ 284,128.02
Project Manager Report (Jim Braden)
Buildings and Grounds: Pursuit of Emergency Prep AM broadcasting and STARLINK have been added to the Capital Expenditures projects list. The AM equipment supplier is due to visit us this month to help get the FCC paperwork submitted. Board members are asked to look at the Capital Expenditures list and opine the priorities there.
We have identified three trees that need to come down due to being dead, or well on the way. We have two bids, and the low bid will be used for this job. The cost will be $1,200 plus enough additional dollars to have the trunk of the big tree sectioned and discarded into the woods for natural decomposition. (We will not be giving the public access to the downed trunk for firewood harvesting.) If a volunteer FIOCRA member crew wants to take on generating more firewood for the fire pit, the Board will be advised to consider. Personal liability is a concern.
The NCC building is showing some signs of peeling paint. We are inviting painting companies to investigate the general state of the building paint.
Cameras and some of the associated equipment are here for the upgrading of our outdoor video security system (newer/better cameras, more cameras, and coverage of the NCC garage internally as well as the south parking lot. Scaffolding is to be acquired for installation this month.
Nature Center: (Ed Burrough) The full length of the trail was trimmed to facilitate comfortable passage by visitors. The work crew applied skid-proof materials to raised areas and widened the south entry area. They applied deer-spray to young plantings and cleaned off plant growth from the donor bricks and other areas in the entry area.
Emergency Preparedness (EP): Family and neighborhood preparation are the primary focus for 2025. We made it through the summer without wildfires on Fox Island. The Emergency Prep website, FI-ready.org, stresses getting re-familiarized with your residence utilities shutoffs for August and emergency go bags for September.
FIARC: The Fox Island Amateur Radio Club is conducting ham radio field practice sessions at the NCC as they continue to explore better ways to conduct communication during a major event.
Other Projects:
- We received the final check for the Washington State Grant and have closed out that grant.
- Working with an Eagle Scout candidate to install an irrigation system immediately around the NCC for the plants and close in grass.
- Special recognition in executive session.
Old Business
NCC Sprinklers Update: Jim is working with an Eagle Scout candidate for sprinklers around the garden beds and gazebo. Hal requested there also be sprinklers installed along the back of the building. Jim will get an estimate for having these installed versus hand-watering.
FICRA Fair General Update: The fair was successful and even brought in a bit of a profit. There was a good spirit and many residents reported how much they appreciated and enjoyed it. It was well attended. Hal reported that part of the reason there was more of a profit was that less dollars was spent on less music. The new signs for the various FICRA committee booths turned out well and contributed to the excellent appearance and organization of the fairgrounds overall.
Signage Update: Craig made a motion to increase the signage cost by $600 ($100 to cover a previous discrepancy and $500 to cover the needed “L” posts. Jacob seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous, motion carried.
Island Blvd Signage: To grant the required permit, the County is requiring a site plan. Wes and Craig went to the property and measured. A sign permit agent is waiting to receive and approve the application. The only thing missing is the site plan. All other paperwork has been submitted, and property owner’s permission has been secured. Craig will cover the fee.
Community Display Case next to Zogs: Craig made a motion to approve FICRA’s participation with the Fox Island History Museum and the Chapel on Echo Bay to update the display case with new paint, roof, etc. subject to budget approval and the development of a plan with clear leadership. Arlyn seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous, motion carried.
Outdoor Movies Update: Jacob reported that the three movie nights were a success. The first two were best attended and the third was not well attended due to weather. The takeaway was to advertise better in the future and especially to mention that the movie would be moved indoors in case of inclement weather. Jacob asked if we could talk with Penlight and have them give us the ability to turn off the large pole light as it took away from the movie. Jim will investigate this with Penlight. Jacob also requested a new sound cord for the projector to be purchased.
FICRA Garage Sale (All Island Garage Sale, Saturday, September 13th from 10-3pm): Dani McLaiughlin provided a report on all the items donated and organized in the two front classrooms of the NCC. Items that do not sell will be taken to the Museum at the end of the day where Goodwill will collect them. For items that Goodwill will not take, Jacob volunteered to use his trailer to take them to Value Village and/or the dump. Dani and volunteers manning the NCC during the sale will accept cash and Hal will be onsite with the square to accept credit card payments.
New Business
Bridge Discussion: Craig has received dozens of emails requesting invitations to a meeting. The question remains, can the NCC accommodate everyone? Wes and Jim have previewed Craig’s PowerPoint presentation and have offered suggestions and feedback for refining and clarification. It was agreed that a meeting should be held to alert the community to Craig’s findings. Jim will contact Heart Church about possibly hosting the public meeting, led by Craig.
Airplane Noise: There has been an uptick in low-flying air traffic over Fox Island, from the Tacoma Narrows Airport, some as low as 300-400 feet. This has created an increase in noise disturbance and residents are complaining. Craig had the opportunity to be present during a Zoom discussion of the airport advisory commission. The suggestion was made that when planes take off if even just half of them turned “right” (out over the water) instead of “left” (directly over Fox Island) after takeoff, that would cut the noise in half. This was met with some resistance. Apparently, once the plane has lifted off the ground, even so much as an inch, the jurisdiction moves to the FAA instead of the airport. Craig ands another Fox Island resident plan to contact the FAA to see wat can be done. They want island residents to be aware of the problem (something has changed, apparently, to create an increase in the traffic and noise) and that conversations are taking place to help alleviate it.
Family Halloween Event: In lieu of the traditional Trunk and Treat event (that was cancelled for two years due to weather and non-participation of trunks) it was proposed that FICRA hold a Family Pumpkins & Movie night on Saturday, October 24th. There will be an indoor movie and a carved pumpkin judging cost with prizes. Popcorn, beverages, and candy will be served. Ideas for the name of the event might be “Popcorn and Pumpkins”, “Pumpkin Palooza Movie Night”, or something catchy. Jacob and Laura Paukert will coordinate the event. Advertising should begin asap for best response.
Agenda items of “Party with a Purpose for 2026” and “Health Awareness Event” were tabled to October in lieu of time restrictions.
Arlyn made a motion to adjourn. Hal seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous, motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:46pm.