SLUH/SLCC mission is to educate and empower our community family for a sustainable future by demonstrating the resilience of urban homesteading while contributing to the local urban food movement.
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Showing posts with label Soap Lake Urban Homesteads Committee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Soap Lake Urban Homesteads Committee. Show all posts
August Update!!
Just an update at where we are at with the SLUH
projects. Some of you maybe wondering what is going on with the community
garden or if there is going to be a SL Farmer’s market or how to donate to the
Foodpool…
Community Garden ~
We are a rockin and a rollin!! Water is in and
land has been cleared. Our Bed making workday is Saturday August 11th
8 am to 2 pm! We will be working on making 8 beds instead of 12 this year
because we are so late in the season but will be making more beds as they are
needed. Half the community garden will have beds available for rent and the
back half will be our community’s “Giving Garden” that will feed our community
family through our food bank.
Project Coordinator
Tracy
Gardener Contact Info: tracyjayne@live.com
509-460-1040
Farmer’s Market ~
We are still working on our insurance for our
event permit with the city. We are hoping for a Fall Farmer’s Market ;-)
Project Coordinator
Candice Ruffle Contact Info: 509-264-8072
Foodpool ~
We are now taking volunteers and donations for
the Foodpool. If you are someone who would like to volunteer a Tuesday morning
to collect donations or if you have garden goodies to donate (or anything else
for that matter :) Let us know
Project Coordinator
Jennifer Peterson Contact info: SLUH@nctv.com 509-312-9826
Nonprofit status ~
Our Treasurer Brenda Ready has all our nonprofit paper work in YAY!! We will keep you all updated as Brenda teaches us the lingo haha it has been a learning experience indeed and we are so very thankful to have someone as knowledgeable as Brenda jumping the paperwork loops for us.
☼ SLUH Programs Update ☼
Community Garden ~
As of now everything
has been approved and signed by the McKay board, city council, and mayor. The
hold up is us…what a twist LOL. It seems we need our nonprofit status after
all. How it is going to work is that
the City and McKay have the lease agreement and SLUH is going to manage the
project under the city. For this to work we must have at least nonprofit
status. We will be having a fall garden class once the garden is completed and
allowing fall gardening for those who are interested.
Farmer’s Market ~
As with the Garden we
must have nonprofit status & insurance for our event permit with the city.
We are hoping for a Fall Farmer’s Market ;-)
Foodpool ~
We are now taking
volunteers and donations for the foodpool. If you are someone who would like to
volunteer a Tuesday morning to collect donations or if you have garden goodies
to donate (or anything else for that matter :) get a hold of Jennifer Peterson
– SLUH@nctv.com,
www.Facebook.com/soaplakeurbanhomesteads,
or 509-312-9826
Where we’re at ~
So as of now our SLUH
secretary is looking into all the legalities of it all to make sure we have the
right nonprofit status appropriate to operate our programs (we must come up
with the green dough as well ;-). We appreciate everyone’s patience while
remembering we are a group of volunteers wanting to make a difference in our
community and are learning as we go. A garden and farmer’s market is new to
Soap Lake and are beneficial in so many ways…and we’ll get there!!
Chicken Ordinance Reading Tomorrow!!!!
Hey everyone!! Tomorrow night (4/4/2012) will be the reading of a draft of the chicken ordinance. I encourage everyone to attend if you want your voice heard!!
SLUH Field Trip...1 pm Tuesday March 20th
 |
| Ryan Lancaster/Columbia Basin Herald |
Just a reminder of our “field trip” tomorrow :) We will be meeting at the potential community garden lot across from John’s grocery. This is a ‘no touch’ field trip…still waiting for our land usage agreement from SAMIS. We will be met by two city officials…first about 1-ish we will be measuring the lots then about 1:30 we will have someone out to help us plan for water hookup. We also will discuss bed placement…so anyone interested in these plans is welcome to join us ☼
Soap Lake drafting chicken ordinance
Soap Lake drafting chicken ordinance
Posted: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 9:00 am
Public hearing planned
 |
| Ryan Lancaster/Columbia Basin Herald Jennifer Peterson and daughter Brianna stand in the chicken coop being built by Peterson's husband, Frank. Peterson is leading the push for a rule change allowing chickens to be raised in Soap Lake. |
Posted: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 9:00 am
SOAP LAKE - The Soap Lake City Council voted 5-2 to consider an ordinance allowing chicken rearing within city limits.
Council members JoAnne Rushton and John Hillman were the sole opponents of a measure directing city staff to prepare a draft ordinance for council vote following a public hearing sometime in the next few weeks.
The city followed a similar route toward chicken rearing in 2007, drafting an ordinance to allow up to four hens per residence before council voted 5-2 to scrap the issue, citing potential problems with enforcement and attraction of wild animals.
No chickens can be raised within the city limits, although as many as 15 of the birds are allowed on property zoned Residential 4, a transitional zone that includes bordering property being brought into the city through annexation.
Soap Lake resident Jennifer Peterson brought the council a copy of her own draft chicken ordinance last week, a proposal she fashioned from language used by other cities.
Of Washington's 207 cities, Peterson said she found 137 allowing some form of chicken rearing.
"There are a lot of variations out there. We just have to pick one that fits us," she said. "If 137 other cities can do this, I'm quite optimistic that we can as well. We have many, many people here today who want chickens and are willing to jump through the hoops to get them."
Peterson ran down a list of common complaints against urban chickens.
Excessive noise can be averted through a no roosters rule, she said, and strong odors shouldn't be a problem if just one hen is allowed per 1,500 square feet, with no more than six chickens per parcel. She suggested fines or penalties for owners that neglect to keep a hygienic brood.
City Attorney Katherine Kenison highlighted another potential problem - dogs versus birds.
"I am a chicken owner myself but I live in the country," Kenison said. "Even then, my chickens are in a fully enclosed coop because we have too many dogs in our neighborhood. I challenge anybody to show me a dog that given the opportunity, no matter the size or breed, won't chase a chicken that's running across the ground in front of them."
Any dog showing aggression toward another animal is defined as a potentially dangerous dog under both the state and city statutes, Kenison explained. She encouraged the council to look at modifying their dog ordinance and making sure any chicken ordinance requires a fully enclosed coop and run to prevent chickens from escaping.
Peterson agreed the ordinance should include general rules regarding coop structures, but said the issue of dogs killing chickens is already addressed by the current city code.
"I think that we need to put responsibility on the ordinance," Peterson said. "Your dog isn't supposed to be running at large, nor is my chicken supposed to be running at large. If your dog is running after my chicken in my yard, well, your dog is not supposed to be doing that. If my chicken gets out and your dog kills it, well, my chicken wasn't on my property."
Regardless of what ordinances may dictate, Kenison said issues are sure to arise between dog and chicken owners. If chickens are allowed, she suggested an education campaign and initial inspections could result in fewer clashes and enforcement problems.
Councilwoman Crystal Lindgren agreed, suggesting chicken owners should be required to pay a nominal annual permit fee and have their coop inspected once a year.
Kenison noted the city of Bremerton included a one year sunset clause when they adopted a chicken ordinance in 2010. After the trial period they decided to extended the law, and chickens are still allowed in the city, she said.
Hillman urged his fellow council members to exercise caution before changing Soap Lake's law, and questioned how the city would effectively locate and penalize rule violators.
"We can write all the laws and we can make penalties but who's going to enforce it?" he said.
"Lets not forget that we are a small community," Peterson responded. "If two houses down you see that their chickens stink, they have too many, they have a rooster - there's something to be said for going up to the door and knocking on it. And if that doesn't work, you can report it."
Peterson's proposed draft chicken ordinance is available for viewing and comment at www.SoapLakeUrbanHomesteads.com.
Council members JoAnne Rushton and John Hillman were the sole opponents of a measure directing city staff to prepare a draft ordinance for council vote following a public hearing sometime in the next few weeks.
The city followed a similar route toward chicken rearing in 2007, drafting an ordinance to allow up to four hens per residence before council voted 5-2 to scrap the issue, citing potential problems with enforcement and attraction of wild animals.
No chickens can be raised within the city limits, although as many as 15 of the birds are allowed on property zoned Residential 4, a transitional zone that includes bordering property being brought into the city through annexation.
Soap Lake resident Jennifer Peterson brought the council a copy of her own draft chicken ordinance last week, a proposal she fashioned from language used by other cities.
Of Washington's 207 cities, Peterson said she found 137 allowing some form of chicken rearing.
"There are a lot of variations out there. We just have to pick one that fits us," she said. "If 137 other cities can do this, I'm quite optimistic that we can as well. We have many, many people here today who want chickens and are willing to jump through the hoops to get them."
Peterson ran down a list of common complaints against urban chickens.
Excessive noise can be averted through a no roosters rule, she said, and strong odors shouldn't be a problem if just one hen is allowed per 1,500 square feet, with no more than six chickens per parcel. She suggested fines or penalties for owners that neglect to keep a hygienic brood.
City Attorney Katherine Kenison highlighted another potential problem - dogs versus birds.
"I am a chicken owner myself but I live in the country," Kenison said. "Even then, my chickens are in a fully enclosed coop because we have too many dogs in our neighborhood. I challenge anybody to show me a dog that given the opportunity, no matter the size or breed, won't chase a chicken that's running across the ground in front of them."
Any dog showing aggression toward another animal is defined as a potentially dangerous dog under both the state and city statutes, Kenison explained. She encouraged the council to look at modifying their dog ordinance and making sure any chicken ordinance requires a fully enclosed coop and run to prevent chickens from escaping.
Peterson agreed the ordinance should include general rules regarding coop structures, but said the issue of dogs killing chickens is already addressed by the current city code.
"I think that we need to put responsibility on the ordinance," Peterson said. "Your dog isn't supposed to be running at large, nor is my chicken supposed to be running at large. If your dog is running after my chicken in my yard, well, your dog is not supposed to be doing that. If my chicken gets out and your dog kills it, well, my chicken wasn't on my property."
Regardless of what ordinances may dictate, Kenison said issues are sure to arise between dog and chicken owners. If chickens are allowed, she suggested an education campaign and initial inspections could result in fewer clashes and enforcement problems.
Councilwoman Crystal Lindgren agreed, suggesting chicken owners should be required to pay a nominal annual permit fee and have their coop inspected once a year.
Kenison noted the city of Bremerton included a one year sunset clause when they adopted a chicken ordinance in 2010. After the trial period they decided to extended the law, and chickens are still allowed in the city, she said.
Hillman urged his fellow council members to exercise caution before changing Soap Lake's law, and questioned how the city would effectively locate and penalize rule violators.
"We can write all the laws and we can make penalties but who's going to enforce it?" he said.
"Lets not forget that we are a small community," Peterson responded. "If two houses down you see that their chickens stink, they have too many, they have a rooster - there's something to be said for going up to the door and knocking on it. And if that doesn't work, you can report it."
Peterson's proposed draft chicken ordinance is available for viewing and comment at www.SoapLakeUrbanHomesteads.com.
Posted in News on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 9:00 am.
Soap Lake supports community garden plan
Soap Lake supports community garden plan
Slated for lot near Daisy Street
 |
| Ryan Lancaster/Columbia Basin Herald |
 |
| Ryan Lancaster/Columbia Basin Herald Jennifer Peterson addresses the Soap Lake City Council Wednesday regarding a community garden and the possibility of raising chickens within the city limits. |
Posted: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 9:00 am
SOAP LAKE - The Soap Lake City Council approved the installation of a community garden on a lot near Daisy Street.
Soap Lake resident Jennifer Peterson spoke in favor of the concept in front of a crowded council chambers at the last meeting.
"This (lot) is visible from downtown and from the highway - it's an attraction both ways," she said. "The garden is meant to be a part of the community that everyone can interact with, residents and non-residents alike."
Peterson recently founded a group called Soap Lake Urban Homesteads in an effort to educate her neighbors on the benefits of a more self-sustainable lifestyle.
She asked the council to consider the garden as a park project and provide water to the site, saying she has rounded up community donations for other costs associated with the garden, which will contain about 10 to 12 plots.
While Peterson didn't have estimates for what it would cost the city to bring water to the site, Moses Lake Park Superintendent Roland Gonzales said that city spends about $1,300 a year on water for a community garden with about 70 plots. He added the cost is offset by a modest per-season charge to gardeners of $5-$25, depending on plot size.
Councilman John Glassco said he'd support the Soap Lake garden as long as the city puts a water meter at the site, which he estimated would cost about $300.
Councilwoman Crystal Lindgren was meanwhile concerned with how the garden would be protected from vandals, to which Peterson said the plan is to keep it open for now and look at installing a fence when funds become available.
"Moses Lake went for years without fencing. It was just this last year they started having problems with gleaning," said Mayor Raymond Gravelle.
Gravelle said he's spoken with a representative of the Samis Foundation, the group that owns the land, and received tentative approval for at least a portion of the lot to be used for the garden.
The space will be more than just a collection of rented plots, according to Peterson, who said it could be used as a gathering place for classes on topics like gardening or healthy eating, and it would house a regular farmer's market.
A certain portion of the land would be dedicated to growing produce for the Soap Lake Food Bank, she added.
Peterson was joined at Wednesday's meeting by Grant County Health District Administrator Jeff Ketchel, who said he was thrilled to learn about Peterson's efforts from Soap Lake Mayor Raymond Gravelle.
"I said, 'Wow, that sounds really exciting. That's something the health district really wants to be a part of,'" he recalled. "One of the aspects of a healthy community is healthy eating, and while healthy eating is often a personal choice, it is also a community choice."
Ketchel introduced Wendy Brzezny, a nurse with the health district who will act as a "healthy community consultant" to help organize projects such as the community gardens in Soap Lake and Ephrata.
Community gardens have proven to build healthier communities, Brzezny said, pointing to studies showing they increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, encourage activity and help provide food security and access to citizens.
"About 65 percent of adults in Grant County are either overweight or obese," she said. "We're trying to initiate things to help increase activity and healthy eating. (Community gardens) are ideal places where neighbors can gather to cultivate vegetables, fruits and friends."
In order to be sustainable, Brzezny said community gardens must have the backing of local governments.
Gravelle asked how many people in the audience, of about 40, were in support of the idea. Nearly everyone raised a hand.
"That's a pretty strong show of hands there," he said.
The council passed the measure unanimously with an amendment to have the Samis Foundation give their final OK before any ground breaking is planned.
Soap Lake resident Jennifer Peterson spoke in favor of the concept in front of a crowded council chambers at the last meeting.
"This (lot) is visible from downtown and from the highway - it's an attraction both ways," she said. "The garden is meant to be a part of the community that everyone can interact with, residents and non-residents alike."
Peterson recently founded a group called Soap Lake Urban Homesteads in an effort to educate her neighbors on the benefits of a more self-sustainable lifestyle.
She asked the council to consider the garden as a park project and provide water to the site, saying she has rounded up community donations for other costs associated with the garden, which will contain about 10 to 12 plots.
While Peterson didn't have estimates for what it would cost the city to bring water to the site, Moses Lake Park Superintendent Roland Gonzales said that city spends about $1,300 a year on water for a community garden with about 70 plots. He added the cost is offset by a modest per-season charge to gardeners of $5-$25, depending on plot size.
Councilman John Glassco said he'd support the Soap Lake garden as long as the city puts a water meter at the site, which he estimated would cost about $300.
Councilwoman Crystal Lindgren was meanwhile concerned with how the garden would be protected from vandals, to which Peterson said the plan is to keep it open for now and look at installing a fence when funds become available.
"Moses Lake went for years without fencing. It was just this last year they started having problems with gleaning," said Mayor Raymond Gravelle.
Gravelle said he's spoken with a representative of the Samis Foundation, the group that owns the land, and received tentative approval for at least a portion of the lot to be used for the garden.
The space will be more than just a collection of rented plots, according to Peterson, who said it could be used as a gathering place for classes on topics like gardening or healthy eating, and it would house a regular farmer's market.
A certain portion of the land would be dedicated to growing produce for the Soap Lake Food Bank, she added.
Peterson was joined at Wednesday's meeting by Grant County Health District Administrator Jeff Ketchel, who said he was thrilled to learn about Peterson's efforts from Soap Lake Mayor Raymond Gravelle.
"I said, 'Wow, that sounds really exciting. That's something the health district really wants to be a part of,'" he recalled. "One of the aspects of a healthy community is healthy eating, and while healthy eating is often a personal choice, it is also a community choice."
Ketchel introduced Wendy Brzezny, a nurse with the health district who will act as a "healthy community consultant" to help organize projects such as the community gardens in Soap Lake and Ephrata.
Community gardens have proven to build healthier communities, Brzezny said, pointing to studies showing they increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, encourage activity and help provide food security and access to citizens.
"About 65 percent of adults in Grant County are either overweight or obese," she said. "We're trying to initiate things to help increase activity and healthy eating. (Community gardens) are ideal places where neighbors can gather to cultivate vegetables, fruits and friends."
In order to be sustainable, Brzezny said community gardens must have the backing of local governments.
Gravelle asked how many people in the audience, of about 40, were in support of the idea. Nearly everyone raised a hand.
"That's a pretty strong show of hands there," he said.
The council passed the measure unanimously with an amendment to have the Samis Foundation give their final OK before any ground breaking is planned.
- Posted in News on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 9:00 am.
Regarding 3/14/2012 (WED) Meeting!
Want everyone to remember the meeting tomorrow (WED) at the library @ 1pm...pass it around :) Some homework!! I want everyone to think on some things that have been mentioned since the March 7th meeting ---
water-system/distribution/run off/ hose damage/
This is a message I recieved the other day and I want us to come up with a solution to every thing on this! So think on it and bring your thoughts tomorrow!!
water-system/distribution/run off/ hose damage/
This is a message I recieved the other day and I want us to come up with a solution to every thing on this! So think on it and bring your thoughts tomorrow!!
MARCH 7H SOAP LAKE CITY COUNCIL MEETING UPDATE!!!
BOTH PASSED!!!!!!!!!! it was as packed as when the mayor was sworn in! it was amazing!!! We still have to work out the water issue for the garden but it is just details. All memebers voted yes for the garden and farmer's market. For the new ordinance change it was 5/2!! pretty good. So an ordinance will be drawn up and presented for a public hearing I think for the 21st council meeting. i will check with the mayor to make sure I have that right. This is only the begining...it is time to get a rockin and rollin...We need to get a strong SLUH committee going i would like to have it actually on the list of city councils...what do you think? I am so excited!
Soap Lake Community Garden and Farmer’s Market Proposal
Soap Lake Community Garden and Farmer’s Market will be located behind the food bank across from John’s grocery. Visible from the highway and downtown Soap Lake this is attraction for both tourist and locals alike. Creating a gathering place for healthy fun activity, gardening, growing and buying fresh food, and learning gardening and healthy eating tips through volunteer classes.
We are asking the council to vote on the use of the plot to home a community garden and farmer’s market. The plot is already leased by the city and we are told, takes little adjusting to fit the requirements to home both the garden and market. It is understood some “paperwork hoops” must be jumped to meet city and insurance guidelines.
The Moses Lake Community Garden and Ephrata Community garden’s water usage is paid by the city and we are asking The city of Soap lake to also pay water usage for the our community.
Community Garden
Jim Baird of CloudView EcoFarms has generously offered to help sponsored this project with the help of materials for the ten 4 X 12 beds. We already have volunteers for building the beds and five beds already requested. The Soap Lake Urban Homesteads Committee will be holding continues fundraisers to help with the garden’s growing needs. $10 seasonal deposits will be required per bed. As funds become available so will more resources such as a future garden shed and tools.
Farmer’s Market
The farmer’s market will be open from the first Saturday of June until the last Saturday of October 8 am to 12 pm. Fees:
v Membership annual fee……………………………………$20.00
v Daily stall fee” Fresh produce, Bakers, etc………………..$10.00
v Crafters…………………………………………………….$5.00
v Educational booth…………………………………………No Fee
v Youth (under 18)………………………………………….No Fee
“Vendors” will be required to sign a responsibility agreement.
Proposal of change of Soap Lake ordinance...Keeping Hens
Keeping of Hens
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SOAP LAKE, GRANT COUNTY,
WASHINGTON, AMENDING PORTIONS OF CHAPTER 6.05
RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF CHICKENS
6.05.110 Exception to Livestock code - Keeping Hens in the city
1) Hens permitted on single-family and duplex residential properties under the following conditions:
a. Roosters prohibited;
2) Hens must be kept on the same premises where the owner of the hens resides
3) One hen allowed for every one thousand five hundred square feet of lot area up to six hens;
a. Up to twelve hens allowed on lots of one-half acre or more;
b. Shelters and fenced yard areas housing six hens or more must be a minimum of forty feet from any habitable residential building on an adjacent property.
4) To prevent dogs, coyotes, cats, raccoons, rats, and other predators and pests from accessing the hens a fully enclosed fence, pen or coop, which is constructed for hens to reside in at all times.
a. Hen enclosures and fenced open yard areas should be kept in a good sanitary and working condition, not causing odor or noise nuisances, or deemed to be unsightly from any public right-of-way.
b. Coops and hen enclosures cannot be located in the front yard or side yard, which abuts a public street.
c. Two or more people may cooperatively own and care for hens by means of a portable coop that may be moved from one property to another, provided that all requirements of this code are met on each of the properties to which the coop is moved.
5) Violations
a. Within ten days of notice of violation owner must correct the cause of violation. If violation has not been corrected within the ten-day time, the city, with cause, may seek legal entry to the property and remove the hens. Property owner will be responsible for any costs related to removal.
Letters for Soap Lake...Bring Our Chickens Back!!!
Letters for Soap Lake
We are asking the Soap Lake community to write letters of a few sentences to support Backyard Chickens. Both have received tremendous support and we thank you. Letters of support will be submitted March 5th prior to our March 7th presentation to the City Council. Look over the brochure then just write a few lines of support…that’s it. Drop off with any Soap Lake Urban Homesteads Committee member or call 509-312-9826 for a pick-up. Downtown local businesses not need worry for a SLUH Committee member will be by to pick letters up Friday March 2nd. Again we thank you for your letters of support.
Jennifer Peterson
SLUH Coordinator
www.SoapLakeUrbanHomesteads.com
www.Facebook.com/SoapLakeUrbanHomesteads
509-312-9826
Join the Urban Food Revolution
☼GIVE US A SHOUT!!!☼ WE WANT CHICKENS!!
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Hey Soap Lake locals! I was hoping I could get you to voice your support for Backyard chickens via this thread (comment below)!!Let us know you want chickens!! We will print this thread and submit it with our presentation to the city council (minus the names - unless you want your name posted) ~ ☼GIVE US A SHOUT!!!☼
COMMENT BELOW↓ COMMENT BELOW↓
COMMENT BELOW↓
Soap Lake Urban Homesteads Committee
Soap Lake Urban Homesteads Committee
We are asking for volunteers to join our urban homestead committee. If you have a passion for living local, growing your own food, and pursuing a more local sustainable life this is for you. Our current projects include the Soap Lake Community Garden, Soap Lake Farmer’s Market, and Soap Lake Urban Homesteads Support. Please contact Jennifer if you are interested or have any questions @ urbantopiahomestead@nctv.com or visit our Facebook page @ www.Facebook.com/soaplakeurbanhomesteads
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