ACM September 14, 2022

Topics: Communication, fire policy

All Community Meeting

Wednesday, September 14, 2022, 7:00- p.m.

Note Taker: Kay

Attendees: Laraine, Vicky, Yara (#26), Lynda, Eliza (#17), Linda, Kay, Ben, Emilie, Mary, Kerry, Scott, Alex, Jorge, Coleen, Renae, Myste, Robin, Joe, Lila, Sid 7:35, Vinnie 7:50-?.

Communications

Handout (also emailed) on communication tools.

There's a lot of incivility in the world currently, sometimes seem to be intensifying.  Wasatch Commons isn't immune, but we want to be better.

Linda, Laraine, and Laura are reactivating the Conflict Resolution Committee.  They want to support people when there is conflict, help practice compassionate or nonviolent communication, and provide resources to communicate, do trainings.  Alex and Eliza would like to join. 

Anyone living in the community is involved with everyone else, so it isn't possible for residents to do neutral mediation. On the other hand, a number of residents have training in conflict skills, which they can share with others to work on conflicts.

Conflict is inevitable.  Contention is optional.  Conflict is not bad of itself.  It builds things. 

Certain behaviors should not be acceptable:  yelling, throwing things, insults.

Fire Policy (Draft proposal)

Want to acknowledge that the people enjoying the fires do have guidelines for safety.  We don't have to make rules about everything that makes us upset. Some things can be managed with common sense.  Can't we just talk to each other?

As a new person, protocols on how to use things are helpful.

It is important to ensure others' safety and security.

What feels like common sense to me may not feel like common sense to someone else. 

When you go camping, camp sites have posted guidelines on how to have a fire safely.  Another person: don't like signs.

Proposal draft is way too long.  (Most of the length is rationale.)

When the fire pit was built, it wasn't close to anything, but the tree has grown over.  The tree is on the list to be trimmed.

Moving the ring will be too much work.  Don't want the garden encroached on. Rather not see it closer to the alley.  

Kay would like two points discussed.  How do people feel about changing the fire pit?  How do we deal with the issue of smoke being sucked into people's houses?

Like the idea of defining the fire area with pebbles or sand. 

Concerned about the dry grass on the spiral and the firewood that's very close.

City guidelines say a fire can be three feet wide and two feet high.

Would like to see a temperature guideline to avoid the smoke issue.

Are we ready to lift the moratorium?  It doesn't sound like it.  The half-burned logs need to be dealt with and the pit cleaned out.

Discussion to be continued.

Committee Reports

Solar panels.  Meeting tomorrow evening at 6:00 p.m.

Trees.  Having a meeting next week.

Parents.  Starting plans for Halloween parade.

Celebrations. 

Welcoming.  If you are getting a room-mate, let Welcoming know so they can do an orientation for the person.

The grace period to report hours is the fifth of the month.  If a room-mate moves in or out, let Coleen and Beth know.

Trying to make sure we have keys for every unit in the lockbox.  A unit key is required, mailbox key and storage closet key are strongly recommended, vehicle keys are suggested if you are willing.

North field.  Work party this weekend.  Will be cutting basil. Sunday 8-10 a.m.

Announcements

There will be an SUV parked on the path when Renae's midwife comes to deliver the baby, to have any supplies she needs close by.

Congratulations to Joe and Lila for their 54th wedding anniversary.

Everyone please bring your own plates, utensils, and glasses to potlucks, or use paper plates, until the kitchen repair work is done.  Two more weeks, hopefully.  Ben will follow up with the insurance company.  Upstairs toilet fixed maybe next week.

The SL Fire Department wild space property assessment crew will be visiting to assess our community for fire safety.

"Choir Choir" will be coming Saturday the 24th, 1:00 p.m.  Outside sing-along, they will provide lyrics, no charge, tips to musicians appreciated.