MCP&PSG JUNE 22 COFFEE & DISCUSSION 6:45AM MANCHESTER FAMILY INN

Attending were Ron & Joyce Rada, Paul Gilligan, MC & Bob Edwards, Bud & Wanda Larsen, Joe & Mary Ann Blazevich, Richard Dillworth and Travis Baker.  Wanda passed around two emails from the Kitsap County Sheriff's office regarding #1 Inappropriate behavior at Silverdale Waterfront Park, and #2 Two in custody following vandalism spree at county fairgrounds.  These information sheets that we receive every week keep us on top of crime issues in the County, we appreciate being included in the information mailings.

Several community announcements were reviewed.  Of special interest is Jon Brand of Public Works and a representative from the Dept. of Community Development will be our guests for the July 6th meeting.  This will give us an opportunity to express our concerns and ideas relative to traffic and parking in the downtown corridor, as well as all areas of the Manchester sub area plan, Southworth, Yukon Harbor, Watauga Beach, etc.  As you know, we need to know as much as possible of how the county plans to control traffic and parking throughout the area with the phenomenal growth we are experiencing.

Jeff Donaldson, reporter for the Independent wrote an excellent article on the Father's Day Friends of the Library Salmon Bake.  We were disappointed that he did not mention our group's exhibits along with those provided to us by Kitsap Emergency Management.  Nor was the Manchester Historical Society exhibit mentioned.  Both were popular with the crowd, lots of interest shown by the many who stopped by.

There was discussion on the upcoming appeals hearing on July 10th, at 10:20AM in the Commissioners Chambers in the new office building.  Many thanks to all of you who have helped us put together the necessary information we need to make an effective appeal.  Bud and Wanda will be working on the points we will address and report back at next weeks meeting on the script, poster board exhibits, etc.  Corrections and additions appreciated.  This is a closed text hearing before the 3 County Commissioners, with all information being required to address the original hearing topics of information.  We will have 10 minutes to present our information.  A copy of the script will be high lighted and presented to the Commissioners.  For the hearing examiners findings to be overruled there is a list of 6 criteria  (RCW 36.70C) to be met any one of which found to be true can overcome the examiners ruling.  We feel that we have a good case through several errors in statistical information.

Bud reported on the graphics of crime occurrence presented to us last week by Undersherriff Dennis Bonneville.  We had asked for an explanation of the color coding on the graphics reports.  The color map indicates different dates when crime occurred.  At the top of each sheet the type of reported crime and where it took place is indicated.  We appreciate this information being provided to us.

Several items on the recent Port of Manchester Commissioners were discussed, related to their agenda items.  We continue to try for more interest and cooperation by all concerned.  The proposed expansion of the Manchester Library and creation of a Village Commons was quite well received by the Commissioners.  The MCC Village Commons committee will be working on a survery to the residents of the Port of Manchester district for their interest in expansion and upgrade.  The Commissioners were also apprised of the IAC notification that it would be agreeable to them for the Port of Manchester to have a volunteer donation type collection of launching funds for the improvements to the launch area and Park, we will continue to work on this project which would free up other funds for the Port.

Richard Dillworth reported that after long term negotiations it appears that the street (Hemlock) where Richard resides will at last have the part that has been unfinished for years completed.  Hemlock actually runs from Alaska to the Beach past Colchester, but is not an actual through street due to the incomplete section.  This will be a big improvement for those living on either side of the unfinished segment.

MC Edwards reported on a request from a citizen to have MC's string quartet play an original piece of music for the memorial services of the ladies husband in July.  One of those "small world" incidents.  The lady was unable to bring the composition to Manchester, however it turned out that Arlene Rebelowski who represents the Manchester Medical Clinic as well as the one where the lady works could bring the composition to MC.  Proving again that coincidence is often exceptional.

Mary Ann Blazevich surprised everyone with her clever chicken potholders that she made for a sale donation for the Salmon Bake.  She brought each couple one of her pot holders as a gift.  What a terrific idea.

Bud announced that Joyce Rada will be working with him to identify Neighborhood Watch areas that are inactive in the area.  Many of the signs have been in place for many years with no idea of who is in charge of the individual areas.  We are also hoping to work with Kitsap Emergency Preparedness Team and Pete Ball, Community research officer to effect a joint effort between the two agency's.  This would give both agency's more backup and a cooperative effort can be helpful to all.  Sheriff Boyer indicated last week that while we may not ever be able to accomplish as sophisticated a CRIME WATCH as Edmonton, Alberta, etc., Manchester could become a model plan for other areas in the county.  Lets work hard on that?

Wanda Larsen