MCC Minutes General Meeting May 27, 2008

Executive Board Members Present: Matti Walters, Lyle Burbidge, Phil Paquette, Ron Rada, Carrilu Thompson, and Debby Trudeau (acting Secretary).

Board Members Excused: John Winslow and Carole Leininger

Carrilu conducted meeting in Carole’s absence. Debby took minutes in John’s absence. Carrilu asked for reports from other organizations.

MCA. Phil announced that the spring cleanup was scheduled for this coming Saturday, May 31. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Library parking lot at 8:45 a.m. Debby reported that she had made considerable efforts to get the POI to publish an article about the cleanup, or to get an announcement listed on the community calendar, to no avail. It was suggested by a member of the audience that since we are getting little or no response from the POI that we should contact Rob White, Publisher.

The next Foundation meeting is scheduled for June 24 immediately following the next regularly scheduled MCC meeting. It is reminded that two representatives from each umbrella group needs to attend the Foundation meeting.

Bud Larsen reported that the Crime Prevention group was helping conduct “user” surveys of the Port and Pomeroy Park this coming Sunday, June 1. They planned to begin the survey at the dock facilities at 4 a.m., concluding around 5 p.m. They hoped to begin the survey of Pomeroy Park users at about 10 a.m., concluding around 6 p.m. The results will be provided to the Port Commissioners. Bud also reported that Port CMR Steve Pedersen is still looking for volunteers for the Port advisory committee. A report about the committee will be presented at the June Port meeting to be held June 9, start time changed to 6 p.m. Bud also reported about a recent article in the POI regarding beach cleanup efforts. Pomeroy Park is included on the list of beaches to be cleaned. EPA is looking for resident involvement in the project. Bud also reported that Asst Chief Dan Olson, from the fire department, spoke to the Crime Prevention group last week about a proposed Manchester fire station, with the prospects of employing full time staff. There is talk of enlarging the Yukon Harbor facility, or possibly purchasing property on Woods Road. However, the preference appears to be enlarging already built facilities. Bud said that the discussion to combine fire districts is “still in the wings”.

Carrilu opened the regular meeting. The past minutes were approved.

Debby gave the treasurer’s report. There is $595.11 in the bank account. There are no bills and no income for the month. No mail in the post office box.

Carrilu then turned over the meeting to our two guests: Tex Lewis and Jon Pearson from the Central Kitsap Community Council. Tex gave a history as to how the CKCC was formed in 1998 in response to the County’s comp plan formation under GMA. Silverdale was determined as a UGA and there was discussion of incorporation. A committee was formed because they thought they needed some form of representation with the County. They looked at Kingston’s bylaws to use as a model. Tex explained that they are a community council “to create a dialogue between the citizens and the Commissioners and back to the citizens again, a conduit for information.” They have 17 members, including 2 who are high school students. Each member represents a specific area of the Central Kitsap geographic area. They have no regulatory or formal advisory function, they just bring issues to the attention of the Commissioners. They did successfully build a community center for Central Kitsap, and were quite involved in their subarea plan process. The members are appointed by their Commissioner, but ratified by all three Commissioners. They are not elected, but appointed for three year terms. The Commissioner from their district does attend the meetings, along with a reporter from the CK Reporter and the Kitsap Sun. Jon suggested that before we make a decision about becoming a CAC, that we speak with the incoming Commissioner. He explained that there are 5 or 6 members from the Silverdale area itself, so that if Silverdale were to incorporate the council would still be viable with the remaining members. Tex went on to say that even though Silverdale is the focal point of the council, they have incorporated many other organizations, community groups, churches, etc., to become involved in different projects (e.g., Port annexations, Clear Creek Trail). Both Jon and Tex thought there might be a bigger benefit to a South Kitsap Community Council and suggested that we give that notion some thought. The CKCC does have a 501(C)(3) status through the Greater Peninsula Conservancy, where they received a $300k grant for the Clear Creek Trail construction. Tex and Jon invited us to their next regular meeting in July, (3^rd Wednesday of July) to be held at the Fire and Water District Office on Newberry Hill Road, at 7 p.m.

Carrilu thanked Tex and Jon for their presentations and we briefly discussed that the MCC should probably speak to some of the smaller groups within the CKCC to see what their thoughts were about being part of a larger, geographic organization vs. a smaller community group.

Carrilu then asked for subcommittee reports:

Sewer: Ron reported that he now had a 51% “yes” on ULID 9. He added he was waiting for one more signature before proceeding to the next step.

Downtown Design: Carole and Carrilu wrote a letter to DCD, attention Scott Diener, inquiring about the parking issues in front of the Anchors development. No response as of yet. The next subcommittee meeting is scheduled for June 10 at 7 p.m. in the Library.

Recreational Venues and Pedestrians: Helen Robinson reported that their group had met with Bill Zupanic regarding trails in Manchester. Bill explained to Helen that any trails created would have to be maintained by the community. Helen asked the MCC, “Where do we want trails?” She asked if the trails would be better served for instance on Colchester or Puget Drive. She’s looking for input from the community at large!

Parks: Bud Larsen spoke briefly about access to Pomeroy Park. He has a plan to present to the Port regarding additional parking. He also said lighting, handicap access and beach restoration area all things on the “park agenda”.

Old Business:

Forming an MCAC has been tabled until such time that a representative from the MCC can contact other groups. Still a question is whether a smaller community group is the route to go or to be part of a larger South Kitsap Community Group, which might give us better representation.

The Port is still seeking representatives for the community advisory committee.

Denise Burbidge announced that she was still working on a celebration for the completion of the subarea plan. Sunday, June 22 appears to be the date, so mark your calendars! Cissy and Doug Holmes have offered the Inn as the location of the celebration of a “no host” gathering. More details to come.

New Business:

The question of a town meeting was raised. It was decided that the gathering on June 22^nd to celebrate the completion of our plan was the perfect opportunity for a Town Meeting. We could discuss what we’ve accomplished and talk about where we’re going.

Arlene Brennan and Helen Robinson have raised our consciousness with the “Greening of Manchester”. They ask, “how can we conserve in our community?” A brief discussion ensued and it was noted that we do not even have recycle bins at the park or in any public areas in Manchester. Definitely more to come on this project. Stay tuned…