12-19-06 MCP&PSG WEEKLY COFFEE & DISCUSSION 6:45AM MANCHESTER FAMILY INN

 

In attendance were Joe and Mary Ann Blazevich, Ron and Joyce Rada, Travis Baker, Bud and Wanda Larsen.    A gift card for our waitress who takes care of us each and every week, Mary, was signed and the card and VISA debit card were presented to Mary with good wishes for the holidays.  Everyone was reminded that there will be no meetings on December 26, or on January 2, 2007.  We resume meetings on January 9th with Chief Wayne Senter as out guest.  The Chief will update us on operations in Port Orchard and outlying areas, as well as report on the results of the recent successful levy.  On January 21 Ms. Terri Patton from the business offices of South Kitsap public schools will join us to outline the upcoming school bond levy, and what it involves.

 

Paul Gilligan was out of town and excused for today's meeting.  Several announcements include re-scheduling of the South Kitsap Foot Ferry special committee meeting that was to be held last week.  In lieu of the power outages, etc., the first meeting was cancelled and re-scheduled for tomorrow, the 20th .  Another meeting is scheduled  for January 4th.  Watch the news for time and place.   There will be another worked in prior to the February 6 vote on whether to add a 3/10ths of a cent to the sales tax to pay for better fast ferry service between Kitsap County and Seattle.

 

We have been notified that Helen Robinson will be assisting Arlene Rebelowski with the Manchester Newsletter that reports information relating to all Manchester organizations.  If you have information you want to have included, please contact Helen prior to the 20th of each month.  Helen's contact number is 360-871-5246.  If you know of organizations Helen might contact on a regular basis, please let Helen know, provide phone or email numbers if possible.                                                      

 

We all shared our personal small or large experiences during the recent power outage caused by excessive winds, torrential rains, freezing, etc.  Some of us are still without any power.  It has been a learning process for one and all, as well as a prompt to BE PREPARED for incidents such as this is a top priority.  Having the proper equipment to use is very important, more important is knowing how to use emergency equipment when needed.

 

Several recent news items about Manchester were reviewed and discussed.   Bud reminded us that we are a Community Information Group and noted some of the on-going issues that we are involved with that relate to crime prevention and/or public safety.    Some of the topics that indicate involvement for the upcoming year include various areas of concern.

 

        A:    Participation in the MCC update for the Manchester Community Plan "Transportation" segment.    Bud and Wanda have agreed to chair this segment of the lengthy Community Plan proposal.   Shortly after the first of the year we will be meeting with representatives of the Washington State Ferry System, and Kitsap County Transit to determine which issues are basically the same as they were 5 years ago, which issues need to be eliminated, which issues need a positive upgrading.  Debbie Trudeau is actively involved in the new South Kitsap Foot Ferry Committee, as is Carrilu Thompson, we feel confident that they will have valuable input on this topic.  We hope to meet with one or both of these delegates so determine what we can do working together to improve the Manchester Community Plan report.  We will also be studying the Manchester Fuel Farm trucking situation in relationship to increased residential traffic, etc.  Both Jon Brand and Jeff Shea of Public Works have offered their assistance in obtaining information that relates to the Manchester area traffic and population issues. 

 

        B:    We have been in contact with representatives of the Friends of Puget Sound and the Puget Sound Partnership regarding Storm Water.  Their prime concern is ANY storm water going in to the sound from outfall pipes that has not been treated.  We will continue to be involved in this field as it relates to the Port of Manchester recreational property. It has  been put on hold for the time being following the Port of Manchester Commissioners refusal to allow an easement on Port property.

 

        C.    On January 9th, we will be talking with Chief Wayne Senter about the results to date, following the closure of the Manchester Fuel Depot Fire Station.  It is of great concern to us that medical emergency's continue to receive fast response as in the past.

 

        D.     Our involvement with the Port of Manchester Commissioners concerning new Kitsap County All Ports resolutions, projected County ordinances, and other safety issues will continue to be a top priority item.  Whenever possible we work directly with the Commissioners to assist with problem areas and research any solutions possible.

 

        E.      We will be in contact with Corporal Bob Millard of KNAP in the coming weeks.  KNAP has been instrumental in evaluating dangerous or questionable parking and other safety measures on public property.  Bob Millard has been instrumental in obtaining answers in this endeavor.   This service works hand in hand with our Neighborhood/Blockwatch Programs.  We will be doing further work to make sure all watch areas are in compliance with the rules and regulations that are required.  Joe Blazevich is making inquiries related to either joining the national Neighborhood Watch Community Night Out, an annual event, or, perhaps a special Manchester night out for 2007.

 

        F.    One of our group's prime interests is still in the possibility of a future Sheriff's Way Station (Sub-Station) for the Manchester area.  With the rapid and excessive growth of the area it is felt that more law enforcement presence is crucial in keeping our neighborhood's crime free.  We are hoping that there will be a small space available someplace in the retail space of one of the new condo mixed use facilities.

 

        G.    Working closely with the school safety resource officers is another priority .  These folks have been very cooperative and responsive to our concerns.  We will be working closely with them as public safety issues come in to being.

 

        H.    Ron Rada reported that he has heard from the IRS regarding the Manchester Community Foundation 501C3 application and related paperwork.  Ron forwarded an additional amount to the IRS to cover additional costs.  It is hoped the Foundation will be up and running shortly.

 

Travis Baker arrived in time for an in depth conversation about several excellent article in this mornings paper.   Of special interest was the one about a Moratorium that has been issued on a lot development on East Dakota St., in Manchester Heights.  Another article of interest to our group was "Homeowner Challenges Stop Work Order", involving the recent mudslide off Hemlock, land use questions, and an illegally placed stormwater pipe un the piece of property.    We talked with Travis about various "Road Warrior" questions that have not been addressed (am sure we will be hearing from him).    Of special interest was the reduction of staff at the Kitsap Sun, in which Travis is involved.  It appears that the advent of ON-LINE and WEBSITES, related to computers has brought hard times to the Newspaper industry when it comes to actual NEWS reporting, we are not talking about the Kitsap Sun as an example, it is the Newspaper Industry as a whole.    We will keep you posted on this.

 

A   V E R Y  M E R R Y    C H R I S T M A S   A N D   A   V E R Y   H A P P Y   N E W   Y E A R' S   T O   A L L !

 

Submitted;        Wanda Larsen