JULY 6, 2006 MCP&PSG MEETING NOTES, 6:45AM, MANCHESTER FAMILY INN

Attending were Bob Edwards, Richard Dillworth, Paul Gilligan, Ron and Joyce Rada, Bud and Wanda Larsen, Joe Blazevich, Travis Baker and Dept. of Public Works guests, Jeff Shea P.E. Traffic Mgr., Merita Trohimocich, P.E. Engineer 1, and Jon Brand, P.E. Asst. Public Works Director Road Division.

ANNOUNCEMENT:  On Monday, the PETITION TO MINIMIZE IMPACT OF PROPOSED CLOSURE OF THE MANCHESTER FUEL DEPORT FIRE/EMERGENCY STATION  was delivered to the office of Congressman Norm Dicks, with 137 signatures requesting intervention.  A copy of the letter was also forwarded to Chief Wayne Senter, including a request to take this information to local Fire Commissioners.  Senter has responded and will do as requested, this is appreciated.

ANNOUNCEMENT:  Group member Dick Sonntag advised that his son's Memorial Service was being held today and he could not attend today's meeting, nor would he be able to attend for awhile.  Condolences from the group have been forwarded to Dick and family from our group.  His email # is sonntag@wavecable.com.

ANNOUNCEMENT:  Keri DesJardin wrote that she is hoping to be able to return to meetings in the fall when they expect some relief with their mother.  Keri included a worthwhile Neighborhood/Blockwatch TIP as follows:

Put your car keys beside your bed at night.  if you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your hours, just press the panic button for your car.  The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.  This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator.   MAKES SENSE?

ANNOUNCEMENT:  Carol Kowalski, who created some key questions for our guests today, regarding traffic futures, was unable to join us today.  Since Carol was unable to join us because she was having a baby today, we told her she was excused.  Congratulations and God Bless Carol!

The signup sheet was passed around, also  a report from the Sheriff's office on the latest information about the SECOND SOUTH KITSAP BANK ROBBERY. The Investigators are quite certain that the suspect in this robbery is also the same person responsible for last Friday's robbery, as well as two robberies of the East Bremerton branch of Kitsap Bank.   This is a reminder to stay alert and be aware of what is going on around you.

Today's guests were very enlightening on a number of concerns we have had regarding traffic, parking, and what we can anticipate with the excessive growth pattern now underway in our specific area.   Merita Trohimocich responded there is much thought going into land use at this time.  Nice, upscale community features area strong point.  David Hopkins project will go to hearing on the 27th of this month.  The Palmer/Park project will hearing will take place a couple of weeks later.  David was not required to have a CIA classification.  Pedestrian connection is important in the planning.  Palmer is working with them.  There have been delays in permitting, etc.  Parking for the condo's is set at 2 spaces per condo, or 1.5 per flat.  Marita will forward information to us pertaining to parking in the commercial areas, based on sq' requirements.  There is no specific plan at this time for Colchester or Main Streets changes in parking.  They advised they are watching safety programs pertaining to increased parking needs for retail parking. 

Manchester Inn overflow parking spaces has not been addressed.  They will research this important issue and get back to us.  It was suggested that with minimal widening of Colchester from Hemlock up the hill past the 2nd Miracle Mile entry, might be possible.  With very little effort this could make room for between 2 and 4 additional boat/trailer parking spaces, or 6 or more car parking spaces for downtown.  They agreed there is the dilemma of peak season boating crowds as relates to traffic conditions.  They will do a study of peak traffic flows over the next two months and meet again with us in two months.

We were pleased to hear a primary concern is maintaining the CHARACTER of the Manchester community.    The officials committed to taking a look at the dangerous 3 way stop at Spring/Main/Beach Drive.  There has been a marked improvement in the large fuel trucks speed since we met with Bob Cairn's of the Manchester Fuel Farm and he contacted government officials.  However, there remains the width of road needed to make the swing turn by these large trucks and trailers making the turn.  Bob Edwards offered some excellent advice on road rage and the affect that a 4 way stop could have on serious road damage from a truck trying to stop and then take off again uphill while making the swinging turn.  Many complex problems involved here.  It has been noticed that there is an increase in cars entering Main from either Spring or Beach Road that do not seem to be aware that uphill traffic on Main is not required to stop and they barrel right through the stop sign.  been a few near misses already at that intersection lately.  They agreed to commit to analyzing this problem and seeing what could be done, prior to any work on the wastewater outfall, or any road improvements in that area.  We feel this is a key issue.   We have been told many times that there is no other way for the trucks to pickup and deliver at the Fuel Farm and once again the subject came up as to a more economical and safe method of moving fuel would be through a piping system underground to a station on Sedgewick, or nearby.  This option should be looked at not only as a safety measure, but as a cost factor.

We discussed the possibility of additional parking at the Main Street entrance to the Port of Manchester parking lot, modifying the side of the road to accommodate additional parking space for park visitors.  We have been told by the Port Commissioners that the space cannot be vacated.   In fact this would be possible, and would add much needed diagonal parking.  It would not require a lot of work or money, though the Port would have to assume responsibility for maintenance of the area. At this point there is no plan to address additional parking for those using the Port docking facilities.

We thanked our guests for a very informative meeting and will look forward to having them with us again in September.  As they forward information to us, we will pass it along to our group.

Respectfully:    Wanda Larsen