Submitted By Candy Wawro
FICRA Building Trust Board Meeting Minutes Thursday, 13 March 2025, 7:00PM Nichols Community Center, Fox Island, Washington
Attendees: Weston King (President) excused, Arlyn Lawrence (Vice President), Hal Goodell (Treasurer), Candy Wawro (Secretary), Jacob Paukert (Director), Craig McLaughlin (Director), Peggy Wright (Director), Jim Braden (Director Buildings and Grounds), Joan Broughton.
Call to order at 7:05 pm
Public Comments: None
Special Agenda Item: The FICRA Board honors Fire Chief Dennis Doan, Craig McLaughlin, and Jim Braden for their outstanding endeavors on behalf of Fox Island residents in lowering their homeownership fire ratings from a “9” to a “4 or 5”. The Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau (WSRB), which appraises fire protection for insurance companies, downgraded the south part of the island last year from 4 or 5 to 9, or nearly nonexistent. Some of the downgrades were the result of construction on the firehouse which did not allow it to be staffed. Some of the down grade had to do with water flow rates that were unconfirmed by the Fox Island Water Company. Insurance costs subsequently rose accordingly. Homes on the north end weren’t affected because they were within five miles of Artondale Station 59. With staffing now bolstered and construction near completion and water flow rates re-evaluated. Fire Chief Dennis Doan asked WSRB for a re-rating. It reverted the protection level back to a 4 or 5, effective March 1st allowing residents to get their insurance ratings upgraded accordingly. Residents should not call Chief Doan but must contact their insurance agency for the actual upgrade and re-rating. The FICRA Board awarded Chief Doan, Jim Braden, and Craig McLaughlin with framed award certificates for their service to the Fox Island community.
Consent Agenda
- Approval of the previous month’s Meeting Minutes (February)
- Stage curtain budget for $500
Arlyn made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Jacob seconded the motion. The vote was unanimously approved.
Standing Committee Reports:
Treasurer’s Report (Hal)
Trust Checking
Beginning Balance $ 22,375.98
Checks and Payments 11,451.83
Deposits and Credits 73,869.43
Ending Balance $ 84,793.58
Trust Savings
Beginning Balance $ 732.21
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits .03 (Interest)
Ending Balance $ 732.24
Building Trust PayPal Ending 2/28
Beginning Balance $ 753.60
Checks and Payments 7,098.04
Deposits and Credits 7,851.64
Ending Balance $ 0.00
Trust Capital Checking
Beginning Balance $ 6,606.39
Checks and Payments 6,224.09
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
Beginning Balance $108,921.40
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 0.00
Trust Money Market (General, Capital, Reserve, EP and NW)
Beginning Balance $236,913.45
Checks and Payments 478.58
Deposits and Credits 842.06
Ending Balance $237,276.93
Trust General Money Market
Beginning Balance $136,740.06
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 363.48 (Feb Interest)
Ending Balance $137,103.54
Trust Capital Money Market
Beginning Balance $ 22,229.69
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 0.00
Ending Balance $ 22,229.69
Trust Reserve Money Market
Beginning Balance $ 40,802.47
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 0.00
Ending Balance $ 40,802.47
Trust Emergency Prep Restricted Money Market
Beginning Balance $ 22,508.91
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 0.00
Ending Balance $ 22,508.91
Trust Neighborhood Watch Restricted Money Market
Beginning Balance $ 14,632.32
Checks and Payments 0.00
Deposits and Credits 0.00
Ending Balance $ 14,632.32
Trust Money Market Other
Beginning Balance $ 0.00
Checks and Payments 363.48 (Feb Interest Xfer to Gen MM))
Deposits and Credits 363.48 (Feb Interest deposited to MM)
Ending Balance $ 0.00
Sum of QB Sub Money Market $237,276.93
Audit Committee: Kelly Carmichael presented the Board with a written audit committee report for 2021, 2022, and 2023. The year 2024 is ongoing. Kelly complimented Hal on his excellent record keeping for FICRA. A written summary was given to Wes King on all three years with recommendations for improvement. A response was requested by the Audit Committee (Kelly, Joan Broughton, Candy) on how errors were to be addressed in the future.
Finance Committee: Nothing to Report
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. Project test forms have been sent to the Board for both. Board members are asked to look at the list and opine on the priorities there. The NCC building is showing some signs of peeling paint. We will investigate the general state of the building paint. The upgrading of our outdoor video security system will be one of the next actions (newer/better cameras, more cameras, and coverage of the NCC garage internally. Appropriate warning signs will be included with that (keeping with our overall sign design and logo).
Nature Center: (Ed Burrough) The recent windstorm brought down several trees of which the cleanup is underway. We have placed several new wood rounds as steps in muddy areas. We will be planting new native plants this Saturday (March 15th).
Emergency Preparedness (EP): We are doing a major review of EP. Block coordination has always been a challenge. Family and neighborhood preparation are the primary focus for 2025. We are looking into a new means of having FM radio messaging for Fox Island residents to make them readily aware of, and able to monitor, conditions during a major disaster. Further, FIARC continues to investigate better and more reliable ways for FI residents to get messages to out-of-area families in major emergencies. The use of STARLINNK is being investigated as well as becoming the main access to the internet for the NCC. The Pierce County Department of Emergency Management is installing a new lead person, Arel Solie. We hope that she will bring a much-needed level of consistency to that department. Jim has requested a meeting with her as soon as she is able to accommodate him.
The FIARC (radio club) is planning a communication drill on March 29th and an island-wide Block Coordinator meeting on April 12th.
Previous/Ongoing Business
Party With a Purpose: (Candy) The goal was to pay for the installed air-conditioning of $40K. That was accomplished plus a little more. The total intake of monies was approximately $72K. Lessons were learned along the way. Doing our own catering saved considerable funding. However, with the Pierce County regulations, you cannot utilize steno to keep dishes warm. Hence, hot foods needed to go from the oven directly to patrons. Having one oven slowed down the kitchen considerably. Also, we had only about an hour and a half to serve food before the auctions began. Next time, it is suggested we begin the party at 5:00 instead of 5:45 to cover the extra time needed. The oysters from Fox Island were a huge hit. They shucked 740 oysters with only about 60 not consumed. We also did have a complaint that the seating was crowded (which it was). A suggestion was made that we have a September party with an indoor/outdoor venue (perhaps with tents) to make for more space. Other than that, the patrons were very complimentary.
FICRA Signage Update (Craig and Jacob): No update currently.
Talent Show Response (Craig): No update
Egg Hunts (Candy): Adult egg hunt is set for April 12th, 7:00pm-9:00pm. We do have a band scheduled ($250) for the evening and eggs with glow sticks have been purchased. We have plenty of wine from the Party and will need to purchase beer. Candy is acquiring raffle items. The Young Men’s Service League will stuff the FICRA children’s eggs on Sunday, March 23rd. FICRA has agreed to purchase pizza to thank the boys and their moms. A budget was set for $200.
Young Men’s Service League (Candy): Their last official meeting is scheduled for late April. Last year we agreed to give them $200 in gift cards to hand out to the boys as the leadership group sees as appropriate. Candy asked that this item be tabled until the April FICRA meeting.
New Business
FICRA Retreat: Arlyn asked Craig if he would host again this year. Craig needed to confirm dates with Danni before landing on a date. It was suggested early May.
Special Event Discussion Recognizing Candy and Steve Wawro (Craig): Craig recommended that the FICRA Board award Candy and Steve with $250 in restaurant compensation. Craig made a motion with Jacob seconded to purchase a $250 gift card to the Green House Restaurant. A vote was taken. The majority voted with a yes with one descension (Candy). Motion carried. Hal will pick up a gift cards and deliver.
Nominating Committee for open Board Positions: Both Arlyn and Wes have two-year terms which will end 2026. Hal and Candy expressed interest in remaining on the Board. Directors Craig, Peggy, and Jacob are on one-year terms and expressed interest in remaining on the Board.
French Toast (Candy): French Toast has asked about a three-week rental in July for summer camps. She was quoted a $35/hr. rental fee for the auditorium and one classroom during this time. That should work appropriately for our community groups. She will bring one check and the damage deposit upon rental with a certificate of insurance set ahead. A contract was written and signed with a copy on Monday.com.
Other Business (Reconsiderations/Tabled Topics): None
A motion was made by Wes and seconded by Craig to adjourn. The vote was unanimous. Motion carried. Adjournment 8:43pm.