Sunday afternoon, July 19 3-6 pm - Join the fun on the LIC ballfield in a croquet tournament to benefit The Mustard Seed Project. Form a team, sponsor a wicket or just show up and spectate. Click here for all the details
The planning groups for Community, Events, Building and Marina have developed impressive, achievable and appropriate goals and tactics. Their preliminary findings will be discussed and refined in one more meeting (instead of four) to be held the last Wednesday of March. Please join us on March 31 at 7pm (sharp) for two hours of lively and engaging conversation. The club will benefit from everyone's viewpoint and you will earn volunteer hours for your two-hour participation. Specifically, we'll discuss the situation, the possibilities, the immediate and long-term goals for each area of interest -- sharing our insights and helping develop big new directions for the LIC. Please come prepared to think, laugh and discuss. You'll leave with enthusiasm and a new respect for our 89-year old institution.
In a meeting earlier this week with Terry Lee, Pierce County Councilman and Council Vice Chair, members of the LIC Board were encouraged by the Councilman's clear statement of support for the LIC in its efforts to repair or replace the aging structure that provides the public and LIC members with accessa to the LIC Marina.
Funds for the project would need to come from the County's Road Fund, which has been hard hit by the recent economic slowdown. Although Terry Lee could not promise that the funds would be forthcoming soon, he promised to begin immediately to see what could be done from the County's side. He also agreed to discuss the issue of temporary access to the LIC Marina across the existing structure for longer than the May 8, 2010 deadline set in the recent letter to the LIC from the County Engineer.
-Geoffrey L. Baillie
Members of the Longbranch Improvement Club (LIC) met Friday, February 19 with staff from the Pierce County Engineer's office to discuss options available for repairing and/or replacing the County's wharf structure, which provides landside access to the LIC Marina.
The LIC was responding to the County Engineer's letter of February 8, which gave the LIC 90 days notice of the County's intent to rescind the grant of easement that allows LIC members and the public to use the wharf to access the marina. During the meeting, both the County and the LIC expressed optimism that the LIC and the public would be able to obtain permission from the County for interim use of the aging facility until a permanent solution could be implemented.
Next steps include the County's further look into options and rough costs and the LIC's pursuit of funding and community and political support for replacement of the structure. The LIC will meet with Pierce County Commissioner and Vice Chair Terry Lee on March 2.
In the meantime, the LIC will work with the County's Attorney on mutual understandings that would pave the way for an agreement between the parties for interim use and, ultimately, replacement of the existing structure. The LIC Marina has been in existence for over 50 years, during which time the public has used the marina and the wharf.
Pierce County has notified the LIC that our easement to use their pier/bridge to access our floating marina will be cancelled. Their survey shows the structure has deteriorated to an unsafe condition. The loss of use creates immediate practical and financial problems.
The Board of Trustees proposed immediate action with a realistic goal: let's find out who and where everyone is on this issue and what the options are. LIC Board representatives met with the County officials on Feb. 19 to review the County's decision and notification. Because the Marina is the Club's most-used asset, it is important to keep the community informed. For the latest news, check back here on our news page.
If you would like to participate, support or advise in this important effort, please contact Dock Chair Dave Wickland or Board Secretary Geoff Baillie.
Below are the recient letters from the Pierce County with more information and details:
Kids n' Christmas was a greater success than ever before. Almost 250 kids and parental figures enjoyed Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Scout giftmaking elves, cookies, cocoa and gifts—from mittens to battery-powered trucks. LIC members who helped produce this holiday extravaganza think it is "one of the best things we do," "unequalled" and "an event that I will always be available for." Thanks to all who made Christmas a little brighter for our neighbors and their families.
With input from all, under a tireless committee, the club's operating instructions (bylaws) have been reviewed, refined, revised, revisited and reconsidered. The first official reading was held at the January general meeting. Numerous questions and suggestions were heard. The second reading will be at the February 17 meeting. At that time, revisions will be voted upon following line by line review. Bring your opinion, and your vote, to this important meeting.