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March 2008
7:00 PM Call to Order Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call Review and Approval of Minutes Review and Approval of Agenda
Warren asked to add an item to the agenda, and commented that he felt that email is not the best way to discuss important issues like TDR’s. He said that if we have discussions via email, then the emails need to be disseminated to everyone. Others made the same comments.
He also mentioned that there might be a four way stop around Tahoma Middle School, and he thought this was an important issue to look into. Many members felt that the intersection of 216th and 244th Street needed a traffic light. Peter suggested that Gordon have the Transportation Committee look into the stop sign. Warren also made an announcement that on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the Community Center is having lunches for $3.00, and he thought this was a great benefit to the community.
7:20 PM Peter reviewed the bylaw amendment process with the group, and we discussed the At-Large Job Description. Questions were asked by various Council members, and Steve explained that this is a floating document. Dave commented that the person should act more like a consultant, and report back to the Council via email. He commented that he does not think the person should be able to act as a spokesperson. Patrick was also surprised that this person would have the ability to be a spokesperson for the Council. Peter felt that as long as the At-Large Member made it clear when s/he was speaking for the Council or giving his/her own opinion that misrepresenting the Council should not be an issue. Other members agreed.
It was suggested that: “ ‘At Large’ member duties shall be drafted by the Council’s Executive committee and finalized and approved by a full Council vote” be added as number 5 in section H of the bylaws. It was decided that our discussion and review today would act as a first Council reading.
8:15 PM On February 28, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency adopted a burn ban on fires used to clear land for development. PSCAA deferred a decision to prohibit residential yard waste burning in rural unincorporated areas until October. The delay was to allow more public dialogue. Kevin Daoust updated us on the decision and said that because of the number of comments that the County has received, it was decided to enact the ban on commercial burning, and suspend the decision to ban residential burning until 2010. July 1, 2008 is when the commercial restrictions will be in place. Kevin received an email from Nolan, and PSCAA will continue to take comments until October.
Kevin said that the public is commenting that there are not enough inexpensive and convenient alternatives that rural property owners have to dispose of waste. Some alternatives are not available at all to rural residents. An example that Kevin gave is curbside recycling. “Large property owners” was not specified, and the lack of a clear definition is a concern. Kevin also commented that if debris is left lying around that this could create a fire hazard or habitat for unwanted rodents. Kevin would like everyone to email the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Steve committed to contacting the agency, and asking a representative to visit our meeting. We will draft a letter on behalf of the Council before October.
8:20 PM Train show community support/Steve Hiester Steve announced that the Executive Committee decided that the Greater Maple Valley Community Center (GMVCC) and the Maple Valley Food Bank would receive $500 each as a donation. Dave suggested Rides for Reading might be another organization that we consider. Dave explained that in this program the Black Diamond Masonic Lodge purchases a boys and girls bike, and those who complete their required reading are entered into a drawing to win one of the bikes. This program is offered to the elementary school children in Black Diamond. Les also felt that the Den should be considered as it benefits our youth, and provides after school activities. Les emphasized the importance of this program, and wanted the Council to consider the proposal. Steve suggested that when we give our donation to the GMVCC that we specify that we would like to see a portion of this donation go to The Den. The motion was made and seconded to proceed with the GMVCC and Food Bank, and passed unanimously.
8:40 PM Covington Jenkins Notch/Peter Rimbos Since May of last year, Peter has been following this issue, and pointed out that it can be found on page AZ-89 in the Comprehensive Plan. He stressed that this decision will impact the Urban Growth Boundary, which the Council is opposed to changing. Peter reminded us that in October Mr. Reitenbach said the proposal was denied by DDES yet now it is back again. Peter attended the public meeting with Patrick, and read a statement approved by the Council opposing this change. Others at the meeting raised the same concern. Executive Ron Sims just transmitted his version of the King County Update to the Comprehensive Plan, and Peter has heard that the developer has not given up. He stressed the importance of continuing to write the County to strongly oppose the development of this rural property near Covington. Warren said he received a communication that there will be an open house on March 20 in Snoqualmie, April 3 at Tahoma Jr. High, and April 22 in Renton from 6-6:30. He said that the Legislation on the King County Comprehensive Plan will be discussed, and public testimony will be heard. The meetings will adjourn at 8:30 p.m. Peter said that he will add this information to his “Voice of the Valley” article. A motion was made and passed to table this topic until after the community meetings.
8:50 PM Flood control/SWM Committee There are changes in the works in each of these areas and Steve recommended that we put together a committee to look into each of these areas. Dave said he would look into getting a guest speaker for our May meeting. Steve would like us to look into the upcoming amendments to the surface water management proposals. Peter motioned that we ask Dick about his committee assignments, and recommended that Steve contact him. The motion was passed.
9:00 PM Executive meeting/Steve Hiester Steve informed the Council that the Executive Committee talked about the “At Large” member, time keeping, and the donations from the train show. He also briefed us on the meeting he attended with other UAC Chairs and Ron Sims last week where he was allotted 10 minutes to speak about our concerns. He told Mr. Sims that traffic is a major concern with the growth in our area, and brought up the need for a UAC in the Fall City Duvall area. Dave feels that all the UAC Chairs should meet, and possibly come together as a group to express our concerns. He commented that 100,000 voices are more likely to be heard. Steve commented that White Center very much wants to be incorporated.
9:15 PM Future topics Some of the topics that were suggested by members are: Have a KC Representative speak to the King County budget. Have State representatives visit the GMVAC again. Have a Representative from the PSCAA speak to the burn ban. It was suggested that a spreadsheet be developed to track motions and votes.
9:30 PM Adjourn
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