March 2009 Meeting Minutes

7:00 PM

Roll Call

Review and Approve Agenda

Public Comment on topics, which are not listed on the Agenda

Approval of minutes

7:10 PM Sheriff’s Precinct Level Community Involvement Program

Maj. Dave Germani

The purpose of the program is to improve communications between the Sheriffs office and the community.  The Sheriff’s Department has not had any complaints since our last meeting.  Major Germani instead made a presentation with the goal of educating us on what happens under his command.

He provided us with statistics on crime trends in our area.  Major Germani said that once a month he attends a crime stats meeting with ranking officials in the Sheriffs office and the Prosecuting Attorney’s office.  What he has learned in these meetings is that criminals move around, and the Precinct Commanders share resources in order to mitigate problems in all precincts.

In 2008, his goal was to reduce Part 1 crimes which include violent crimes, homicide, rape robbery and aggravated assault.  He also had a goal of reducing commercial and residential burglaries to include larceny over $250, vehicle theft and arson.  The goal was to reduce this department wide by 5%.  In addition to Part 1 crimes traffic accidents needed to be reduced by 5%.  Major Germani’s precinct has a 6.5% reduction in Part 1 crimes.  He is proud of this accomplishment because in general these types of crimes are going up.  Major Germani’s team used crime mapping, and crime bulletins to reduce these statistics.  Traffic accidents were reduced 14.9%, and they used the technique of crime mapping for accidents also with a focus on reoccurring areas.  Radar was also purchased for officers.  Many of the cities use red light cameras to assist with reducing accidents.

They look for patterns of occurrence in terms of days of the week, time of day, before throwing resources at the problem.  If the numbers go down, then Major Germani knows the plan is working.  Peter asked if Major Germani got enough resources to look at prevention.  Major Germani said that typically you get resources only when there is an issue.  Peter asked if drug crimes are going up or down.  Major Germani said up and down.  The Executive said that 2010 will have a budged reduction of $40 million dollars, and Major Germani will lose officers.  Four Creeks and Fairwood still have store front officers, and there is funding for 2009.  They are again looking at cutting the store fronts in 2010.  Patrick brought up a couple of suggestions that Major Germani thought he should follow-up on.  He asked Patrick to send him an email with his suggestions.

7:40 PM Local Farmers Market Update

Patty Davis & Kim Emmons

Kim made a formal presentation to the Council on the farmers market.  They have finished registration as a non-profit Corporation.  They have created a survey that can be found on their website, and are gathering information on what the community wants.

The Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council was recognized for our contributions, and our mission statement tied into what the Farmers Market is all about.  Kim reviewed their goals in terms of providing local quality products and handcrafted items.  Their goal is to also provide a central location for the public to meet.  Research shows that for every $100 spent at a grocery store $25 will go back into the local economy.  $62 will go into the local economy that is spent at a farmers market.  The entire organization is volunteer.  19510 hours will be donated in 2009.  In 2008 4,900.  They received their grant for $8,800 from the USDA, and are ecstatic.  They are looking for more sponsorships and grants.  Thirty three applicants requested $1,075,504 for the available $259,115 in grants.  The question was asked if the health department was involved. They are very involved, and the Farmers Market will have the appropriate permits.  Their website is: www.maplevalleyfarmersmarket.org.   

8:00 PM Rural Economic Strategies

Julia Larson

In 2005, the Rural Economic Strategies Process Framework was designed with the hopes of assisting rural citizens in the interactions with King County.  Ms. Larson provided information on their Mission and Strategy with can be found on the King County website. 

Julia said that farm and forestry areas are part of the lifeboat strategy, and will not continue unless they get funding.  If they do not get funding, then on June 20^th they will go from 12-13 people down to three people.  The number of farms and amount of acreage is up, and she feels the program is working.  King County has more horses than any other county in the State of Washington, and the Rural Economic Strategy supports this lifestyle.  Julia said the Comprehensive Plan is stronger in terms of strengthening the rural areas, and Julia is looking for people to help work on the framework.  Everything will be sent to the Executive in June, and she would like us to give input before May or even provide individuals to help put the plan together. 

8:30 PM Council Business & Committee Assignments:

Steve – Steve would like to remember Henry in some way as the father of our train show.  Henry passed away at 79, and was one of the original organizers of the Maple Valley Train show.  Members are being asked to think about what we want to do to remember Henry.  Henry took care of the Maple Valley Train Show website.   

Kevin and Warren will be our representatives or the School District. 

Peter gave the second reading of the oath of office: 

"I, [FULL NAME], promise to uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States of America; the Constitution and laws of the State of Washington; the Charter and laws of King County, Washington; and the bylaws of the Area Council so help me God." 

The motion passed unanimously, and the oath will be added to the by laws. 

Peter submitted our public comments to DDES and Paul Reitenbach, and we got everything in on time.  A special vote between meetings was taken via email because of time constraints, and received a majority vote of the Council. 

A motion was made to publish any official letters on behalf of the council on the GMVUAC website.  The motion passed unanimously.  Peter will ensure all letters are attached to the website.

Rob - Several local churches are getting together to assist the Ravensdale Mobile Home Park upgrade the facility.  He said that 13 families are being helped at the two Vinemaple Place sites, however, two families a day are being turned away for housing and single moms are living in their cars.   The goal is to provide low income housing for more families in our community. 

Susan – Environmental Services – 41 mobile homes are being moved from the Cedar River Mobile Home Park.  Moving costs and rent are being subsidized, and the process will take about 18 months.  The flood was also discussed on the Cedar River Council, and Susan updated us on the discussions.    

Flood Control – Steve suggested that the committee meet to discuss surface water management, and how the money for flood control will be allocated.  Susan will become a part of the flood control committee. 

 9:30 PM Adjourn