February BHC Meeting
February 3, 2026
On Zoom
Community Members Present: 21, including Nikola from the Leschi Community Council
Board Members Present: Maria Batayola, Kalia Carter Amy Kaminishi, Joseph Ruiz, Simon Knaphus, Whit Bouton, Adam Vance, Gerry Chambers
6:30 Introductions were made.
Follow-up from meeting with CM Eddie Lin
Review of 2026 Goals and Adoption
Anti-displacement/low income housing
Address Air and Noise Pollution from aviation, roads and indoor oil/gas heating
Improve Beacon Hill neighborhood Climate Resiliency
Address Neighborhood Safety concerns
Uplift Neighborhood Accessibility by engaging with transportation & infrastructure projects, e.g. sidewalks, Jefferson Community Center ADA, 15th Street improvement project, community parking needs
Continue building community through partnerships & tabling at Beacon Arts Street Fair, Holiday Party, Latinx Pride, etc
Continue improving internal BH processes to allow us to build capacity & cohesion.
Community input:
Request to add 36 bus transportation infrastructure improvements: including shelters and garbage cans
Community members expressed desire to decrease narcotic and public space alcohol use in the neighborhood to address safety, public health, and high county wide overdose rates
Goals were supported by community.
Committee Structure Function
Safety, Trees - Environmental Justice, Infrastructure.
Safety - discussion of SPD, ICE, etc.
Review community request for recommended action to full Board
Position/policy recommendations to the full Board
By-laws amendment to add Communications Officer
2026 Meeting Dates
Jan 10 - Saturday, in person with CM Lin 9:30 set up, 10-11:45 public meeting (El Centro de la Raza)
Feb 3 - Tues, Zoom@ 6:30-7:30 public, 7:30-8:30 BHC
March 3 - Tues, Zoom@ 6:30-7:30 public, 7:30-8:30 BHC
April 7 - Tues, Zoom@ 6:30-7:30 public, 7:30-8:30 BHC
May 2 - Saturday, in person 9:30 set up, 10-11 public meeting, 11-12 directors meeting (location tbd)
June 2 - Tues, Zoom@ 6:30-7:30 public, 7:30-8:30 BHC
July 7 - Tues, Zoom@ 6:30-7:30 public, 7:30-8:30 BHC
August - No meeting
September 1 - Tues, Zoom@ 6:30-7:30 public, 7:30-8:30 BHC
October 6 - Tues, Zoom@ 6:30-7:30 public, 7:30-8:30 BCH
November 14 - Holiday party - Saturday, likely set up 1 PM, party 2 to 4, location TBD
Comments: better to have the holiday party in the afternoon
Community concerns:
Betty Jean Williamson, representing Beacon Arts, requests BHC support to secure a space. They haven’t had a physical space since 2018. Two spaces are possible: 17th and Walker, recently purchased by Seattle Parks and Recreation, has a house on the premises, which is currently scheduled to be demolished. The Welcome Table Christian Church, 1322 S Bayview St. has some space as well as 3 supportive apartments run by Plymouth Housing.
Kathy Colombo is working with a UW intern who would like to post a survey on the BHC website about the use of Cheasty Greenspace.
Genevieve Courtney, Forest Steward at Jose Rizal Park - They had wanted to have a big meeting/party to try to re-energize Jose Rizal Park. However, with the change in administration at the Mayor’s office, this seems to have fallen through the cracks. They have been in touch with the Filipino Community Center and Filipino Historical Society. They would like BHC support. There are plans to put $1 million into a renovated playground and bathroom at the park.
Brittany - has been in conversation with the crime prevention coordinator about the situation behind the 76 station. There is alcohol and drug use, public urination and defecation and significant amounts of litter and broken glass. She has been here for 5 years and it has gotten worse. Kimara also reports that she has called the police non emergency line and they were not responsive. Has been a real problem since the pandemic. She also has been assaulted there and the police responded an hour after her call. There is a sense that the problem with drugs and public urination seems to be getting larger and the people around there are becoming more aggressive. Kevin followed up to BHC via email to mention street tree density as a contributing factor.
Public meeting adjourned 7:35
Board Meeting began at 7:36
Present: Maria, Amy, Kalia, Adam, Joseph, Simon, Whit, Gerry
Approved January meeting minutes with the addition of the link with the updated accomplishments and goals.
Proposed 2026 goals, with the addition of improving infrastructure and decreasing drug and alcohol use.
Moved by Simon, Second by Gerry, 8 aye, Scott absent
Current balance: $4,206.08
Amy identified budget for next year - Estimated 2026 costs:
Squarespace: ~$500
Zoom: ~$200
Room Rentals: ~$250 per meeting
This can be over $1,000 for this year with more in-person meetings.
Gerry moved to adopt the budget as identified by Amy, second by Kalia, approved unanimously.
Whit moved to look for free spaces for in person meetings and align the 2027 meeting calendar with availability.
Maria moved to amend the bylaw to establish a Communication Officer, seconded by Simon.
Discussion:
Kalia - social media (communications, announcements, meetings, ways for people to get involved) vs. outreach coordinator (recruitment, increased attendance, engaging with people online)
Whit - Do we want a Social media/communications chair and have a communication sub committee or working group/support team
Maria - Social Media Coordinator
No decision was made
Transportation can stay under Infrastructure
Whit - discussed Process: please use the google drive, try to respond within 5 to 7 days
Discussion around process & procedure
Affirm Committees and leads
Create list of internal work and prioritize - consider use of an accountability board to track assignments and progress.
Schedule extra meetings for internal work
Meeting adjourned 8:35