8-10-06 MCP&PSG 6:45AM COFFEE & DISCUSSION MANCHESTER FAMILY INN

In attendance were Joe and Mary Ann Blazevich, Paul GIlligan, Bud and Wanda Larsen.  We passed around group news items by Travis Baker of the Kitsap Sun, and Jeff Donaldson of the Port Orchard Independent.  All three articles were published on Wednesday the 9th.  These articles gave us excellent coverage of the status the Main Street Storm Water Outfall that was addressed by the Manchester Port Commissioners at Monday night (8th) meeting.  Commissioner Jim Strode stated that the Port would not grant an easement on the recreational land for installation of an above ground storm water pipe, this would affect their land use requirements with IAC.  We reviewed the items listed on the Port's agenda on Monday night.  An IAC representative will be meeting with Commissioner Strode later this month as regards the specific requirements of the land use agreement.

Jeff Donaldson also wrote and excellent  article on "Searching For Blockwatch Participants", suited to our new revitalization approach to outdated blockwatch areas.  This effort is under the chairmanship of Joyce Rada from our group.  Please note this is an MCP&PSG program, not an MCC program.

We reviewed a letter from J. Blaine Wilson to the Port Commissioners, that laid out several procedures recommended to improve rush time parking in the Manchester boat launch area.  Painting information lines and moving boats exiting the water to a forward staging area was a positive concept.  Primarily in launching whether it be entering the water of exiting the water, much depends on courtesy of boaters.  It was a well done report.  Commissioner Strode agreed to look in to raising the level of the drain pipe approximately 6" to alleviate the scraping of boat motors, trailer lights, and license plates on the asphalt entry. 

There was considerable interest as regards the possibility of a second ramp being built in the area the County has asked the easement on.  This second ramp was in the planning of the original ramp blueprints.  There were a number of boaters in attendance on Monday night, many of whom spoke to moving forward.

Bud announced that the MCP&PSG By-Laws required by the Manchester Federation umbrella were in the works.  Bob Edwards has been working long and hard on the By-Laws and we will be presenting them to the group for review in the near future.

An email from Sheriff Boyer was read which commended our dedication to the community, he noted if all groups were like that they would be able to close half the jail.  He also thought our discussions on perhaps becoming part of the NATIONAL NIGHT OUT Blockwatch program in 2007, which would expand the program into an unicorporated areas and he would support that.  The possibility of having this event in Manchester would require the involvement of all active groups, such as the MCC, the MCA, Manchester Historical Society, Friends of the Library, and others.  We will be talking with all groups and looking for sponsors to see if this concept is feasible.  The event Chairman for Bremerton's West Park advised us that it is a lot of hard work, but a lot of fun and really gets "neighborhoods" working together.  It usually consists of food, entertainment, exhibits, games, etc.  If you have any ideas on this, give us a call.

This past week a local lady advised us of the safety hazard at the stop sign at Main and Beach Drive.  There is a huge shrub on the corner which requires a car to move further in to the intersection than is safe, to be able to see if a car is coming up the hill.  We looked at the bush and while it was a hazard some months ago, now it has grown considerably.  We contacted Dusty Wiley who looked in to the situation.  He advised the corner is not on County right of way but is in fact private property, the corner of which is out on the blacktop.   We will continue to research this problem.

Joe Blazevich reported that he has made contact with Deputy Pete Ball, and upon providing Pete with a Puget Drive Neighborhood Watch Area Map, lists of Group Members, and a list of Group Captains, they will receive the WATCH signs before the end of August.  Joe is to be appreciated on this, been a long hard job over the past 7 months.  This includes 63 of the 78 occupied houses, to meet the 80% goal. 

SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE:       DUE TO A CHANGE IN "OPEN" HOURS AT THE MANCHESTER FAMILY INN, WE WILL HAVE TO CHANGE OUR WEEKLY MEETING DAYS FROM THURSDAY MORNING 6:45AM TO TUESDAY MORNING 6:45AM.  THE INN HAS BEEN AFFECTED BUSINESSWISE DURING THE MILE HILL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT, WHICH WILL CONTINUE AT LEAST THROUGH NOVEMBER.  THEY WILL NOW BE OPENING 10:00AM WEEKDAYS AND 8:00AM WEEKENDS.  THEY WILL BE OPEN EARLY ON TUESDAYS TO ACCOMMODATE THEIR REGULAR KIWANIS CLUB GROUP, AND FOOD DELIVERY'S THAT ARE SCHEDULED ON TUESDAYS.  THEY WILL BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE US, WHICH IS APPRECIATED.

Submitted:     Wanda Larsen