January 2009 Meeting Highlights

By Peter Rimbos, Corresponding Secretary

The Greater Maple Valley Area Council serves as an all-volunteer, locally elected advisory body to the King County Council. It represents all rural unincorporated area residents living in the Tahoma School District. On Monday, January 5, the Area Council held its regular monthly meeting with 11 members present, two members absent (one with a proxy), and three positions open. The following major items were addressed: 1) Rock Creek Sports; and 2) 2009 Area Council Officer Elections.

Public Comment

Patty Davis, President of the Lake Wilderness Arboretum Foundation, discussed the formation of a Maple Valley Farmers Market to be located on Saturdays beginning in mid-June at Rock Creek Elementary School. The Maple Valley Farmers Market is seeking grant money from the USDA and the state to supply some start-up funding. Ms. Davis is seeking support from local community organizations.

The Area Council voted to support the establishment of a farmers market in the greater Maple Valley area. Members voiced their support to help preserve the rural character, enhance our community, facilitate strong local ties, and promote locally owned businesses. A letter of support from the Area Council has been provided to Ms. Davis.

Ms. Caren Adams of Seattle/King County Public Health introduced herself to the Area Council. She will be regularly attending our monthly meetings as a liaison to help maintain an open dialogue with the greater Maple Valley community. We welcome her participation.

Rock Creek Sports

Rob Nist and Mike Anderson, volunteer directors of Rock Creek Sports, provided a status on Gracie Hansen Community Center activities. Rock Creek Sports, a nonprofit organization, operates Gracie Hansen for King County; it provides various recreational activities for the local community and is committed to investing in the youth of our community.

Mr. Nist and Mr. Anderson described the various activities currently being supported at Gracie Hansen, including baseball, fast-pitch softball, Toddler Time, and local events such as the Area Council's annual model train show each fall.

Area Council members expressed satisfaction with the work Rock Creek Sports has done at Gracie Hansen. The dedication of Rob Nist, Mike Anderson, and Dave Smart is to be applauded by the local community. More information on Rock Creek Sports can be found here.

2009 Area Council Officer Elections

Each year at its January meeting, the Area Council elects its officers for the calendar year. Chairman Steve Hiester was re-elected and will continue to maintain Council operations and preside at all meetings.

Dave Fields was elected Vice Chair, replacing Warren Iverson, who chose not to run for re-election. The Vice Chair serves in the absence of the Chair and plans and conducts Council election and citizen advisory surveys.

Beverly Tonda was re-elected Recording Secretary and will continue to prepare Council meeting minutes and to keep records.

Peter Rimbos was re-elected Corresponding Secretary and will continue to prepare and transmit all Council correspondence, author articles on activities, and control communications with the web manager.

Kevin Daoust was re-elected Treasurer and will continue to receive and account for all Council funds, maintain accounts, and pay all obligations.

Following officer elections, Vice Chair Warren Iverson, sitting in for Chair Steve Hiester, swore in Dave Fields as the new Vice Chair.

Next Meeting

The Area Council meets on the first Monday of each month (except legal holidays) at the Sheriff's Precinct # 3 Headquarters located at 231st St. and SR 169 across from the fire station. The public is invited to attend. Each meeting begins with an Open Comment period allowing citizens to voice issues of concern. Our next regular monthly meeting will be held on Monday, February 2, 2009, at 7:00 PM.