6-15-06 MCP&PSG 6:45AM COFFEE & DISCUSSION MANCHESTER FAMILY INN

Attending were Paul GIlligan, Richard Dillworth, Ron & Joyce Rada, J oe & Mary Ann Blazevich, Ken Amo, Bob & Mary Cathern Edwards, Wanda Larsen and guests Sheriff Steve Boyer and Undersheriff Dennis Bonneville.  Prior to the start of the meeting Sheriff Alert Notices, and several newspaper articles pertaining to group activities were passed around for everyone to review;

It was noted that we have received over 50 signatures on our petition opposing the closure of the Manchester Fuel Farm Fire Department.  As you know meetings were held last week by the District 7 Fire Department and the Federal Fire Department at the Depot.  These meetings were held on the 7th and the 8th at the Manchester Library with a small attendance by local residents.  Everyone had a chance to express their concerns and Travis Baker wrote an excellent article on the effect this closure will have on fast response time to emergencies.  Federal employees from both the shipyard and the fuel farm expressed concern over closing down one facility an impacting the other with an influx of extra staff.  While most foresee the decision as one of a business and monetary status, there is the concern of a longer response time for our area if all vehicles are as far away as Gorst, or previously engaged in Port Orchard.  Anyone interested in signing a petition can find them at the Manchester Family Inn, Capitol Tavern, Go Figure, Manchester Library, Manchester Art Gallery, and Manchester Grocery.  Numerous letters or emails of concern have also been forwarded to Congressman Norm Dicks offices in state and in Washington D.C.

Undersheriff Bonneville outlined the upgrading of their communications system, noting that the new technology comes in such small packages it seems phenomenal that they can work so efficiently and quickly.  We expressed interest in the new department vehicle that is top of the line for dealing with aggressive drivers.  We may be looking forward to a visit from this new vehicle in the near future and will let you know as far in advance as possible.  Another subject we reviewed was our group’s projections for a Sheriff's Way Station in this area.  The more we discuss this future project and how local volunteer help can be a cost saving factor, as well as the possibility of a store front space in the projected Village Commons & Library building everyone is working on.  It was a very positive and educational session with both officials.  They answered a lot of questions on matters some were not sure about as to procedures and it was helpful to all.

We mentioned the possibility of having the departments Neighborhood Watch program work with the K-PREP Emergency Preparedness staff to simplify and unite some of the efforts that are similar in need and action.  Both gentlemen were very supportive of this.  They also spoke highly of Kitsap County Resources Officer Pete Ball and his wife Debra, who works so closely with him.  They do an incredible job of meeting many segments of the various communities within the county, as well as working closely with the Citizens On Patrol.  We have worked very closely with Officer Ball and hope that we can help in some volunteer way in moving forward, his entire program is a wonderful effort for the Sheriff's department.  Bud provided Sheriff Boyer a copy of the Edmonton, Alberta Neighborhood Watch program that is a concentrated and cooperative venture by the citizens at large,volunteers and the law enforcement agencies.  It was agreed that Manchester could be a MODEL program if we could find enough people as interested as we are in other localities, people who are ready to work together for the benefit and safety of their communities.

Expense is a well understood part of any venture but with the right timing, the right plans and the right involvement, much of it can be overcome.  We hope everyone will join us in promoting our fast growing neighborhood in as safe a manner as possible.

Oversight in this morning’s discussion due to the number of items and time, was Mary Ann Blazevich has volunteered to work with Wanda to develop a chronological Archives for our group.  The original idea came from Mary Cathern Edwards and she is to be commended for this excellent idea.  Wanda has all the minutes and news articles that need to be compiled and has not had time to work on assembling them in a historical outline.  Many thanks to both our Mary's.

EVERYONE is reminded that the 38th Annual Friends of the Library Father's Day Salmon Bake will be held this Sunday, Noon to 5 or 6PM in the Library Parking lot.  $10 for adults and $7 for children.  This fund raiser is for building improvements at the library which is going to have to expand to keep up with the increase in readership by many Kitsap residents outside the Manchester sub area plan.  Plan to be there, will be music and entertainment as well as a special Manchester Historical Booth and a Emergency Management Booth, with a SHOW & TELL exhibit of just what it takes to survive in an emergency for one person for one week.  Mary Cathern in managing the Historical booth and Wanda is managing the Emergency Booth, Bud is doing all the carting back and forth of what seems like a mountain is supplies.  We have received a large supply of top quality handouts from K-PREP to give to anyone who stops by, these articles not only give you the insight to know what to expect, but also clue you in to what you can do to take care of yourself.  We would like to get this going effectively in many areas of Kitsap County, it's worth the time and effort.

Bob Lamb was not with us today, he graduated from the second Sheriff's Citizen's Academy 10 week course last night and has been just as enthusiastic about it as Bud was on the first session.  These classes let you know how each department works successfully and are a hand's on experience.  We hope others from our group will be thinking about the next class.

SPECIAL NOTICE:   WE RECEIVED WORD TODAY FROM TRAVIS BAKER THAT THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PLANNING SCHEDULE HANDED OUT WEDNESDAY SHOWS THE HEARING ON THE STORMWATER OUTFALL APPEAL IS SET FOR JULY 10TH AT 10:20AM IN THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CHAMBERS IN THE NEW ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING.  WE HAVE ADVISED ALL WHO SIGNED THE APPEAL THAT THE MCP&PSG FILED.  EVERYONE INVOLVED AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE ASKED TO MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW AND PLAN TO BE THERE TO HELP US OUT.  MANY THANKS.

Submitted:   Wanda Larsen for Bud Larsen