8-15-06 MCP&PSG COFFEE & DISCUSSION 6:45AM THE MANCHESTER FAMILY INN

Attending were Ron Rada, Paul Gilligan, Bud and Wanda Larsen, Joe Guariz, Travis Baker, Sheriff's  Cpl. Bob Millard, Deputy Tim Gaston, Deputy Chris Wilson.  Following signup, recent Sheriff's Crime notices were passed around for review.  Everyone was given a copy of the new meeting day of the week change due to the restaurant not opening until 10:00AM weekdays, other than Tuesday.  Also distributed was the newly revised copy of our MCP&PSG goal statement which is use to put out the word as to what our purpose is for interested parties.  We will be making up additional copy's and will ask that group members present copy's to neighbors or friends who might be interested in the group's community efforts toward law enforcement presence, crime prevention, and public safety.

A  public safety issue relating to the Mile Hill road construction was reviewed as a potential hazard where an underground spring has been covered over with dirt, then asphalt on a heavy traffic corner.  The spring area already having developed a hole, this was noticed by one of our members and also by one of the deputy's.  Bud will contact Dusty Wiley for information regarding a correction at the problem area.  It was mentioned that a diversion pipe could possibly be placed underground in an effort to redirect the spring run-off.

Cpl. Bob Millard notified us that  he has arranged for Detective John Van Gleason to attend next weeks meeting of our group (Tuesday August 22 6:45AM).  Van Gleason represents the Sheriff's Department and has been with them for 11 years.  He will report on WESTNET, Meth labs, etc.  All departments working closely together has made a definite and positive impact on drug related crimes in Kitsap County.  This will be a very informative and interesting meeting.  Cpl.  Millard will attend with Detective Van Gleason.  If you have specific questions or concerns on this topic, please be prepared to discuss such issues at next weeks meeting.

Ron Rada reported that the Manchester Community Foundation is in the final stages for completing legal paperwork.  Our group trustees to the foundation will be Bud Larsen and Bob Edwards.  We are fortunate to have Bob on hand to assist us in compiling correct by-laws for the group.  His expertise in this field provides us with very understandable and simplified rulings that meet the necessary legal restrictions for such an endeavor.  Bob is also assisting the MCC with their formal by-laws for the Federation. 

We hope to arrange a separate group meeting to visit the Manchester Fuel Farm.  Farm manager Bob Cairns has offered a site tour of the facility, and Mary Cathern Edwards has previously had the opportunity to tour the facility.  MC reports that the tour was awesome and a tremendous experience.  This will need to be a separate group meeting as it will be necessary to hold it in the late afternoon or early evening.  Numbers will be limited.  It would help if those of you who might be interested, could let us know certain days of the week that would work for your schedule.  This would give us a better idea of what day of the week to aim for, as well as how many attendees we might expect.   Call 769-8793 or budwanlars@wavecable.com

Calls to residents on Daniel's Loop are scheduled for this coming Saturday.   Two new people have indicated an interest in taking over the Watch Captain position for this small area, to contact residents and encourage them to participate in the Neighborhood/Blockwatch program.  Following the Daniel's Loop area contacts, Joyce Rada will be setting up other watch areas in Manchester that are inactive or require revitalization to qualify for the program.

Joe and Mary Ann Blazevich have advised that they have heard from Deputy Pete Ball and as soon as the necessary maps, names, etc., have been received by the Department, the watch signs will be distributed on Puget Drive according to recommendations made by Joe that identify the key locations where the sign indicate the areas involved.  This will be between 8 and 10 signed locations.  Thanks again Joe and Mary Ann for an incredible job in signing up all these residences.

Lengthy discussions were held with the deputy's regarding law enforcement presence in Manchester.  The new deputy's in attendance were interested in all of the local issues that relate to the community of Manchester, whether it be our group, the MCC, the MCA, Friends of the Library, or local businesses.  Our low crime rate was dis-cussed, with the point being "WE WANT TO KEEP IT THAT WAY".  In the near future we will be asking a representative of VACATION WATCH from the Citizen's on Patrol to attend one of our meetings and bring us up to date on their activities in our community.

The NATIONAL NIGHT OUT organization was contacted immediately following their 23rd Annual Event in West Park, Bremerton on August 1.  They advised that this is a very work intensive program, but also a very fun and rewarding program.  It is hoped that with all of the Manchester community organizations it might be possible to get a 2007 NATIONAL NIGHT OUT going for Manchester.  This involves a lot of donations of prizes, food products, entertainment, etc.  Certainly something to look in to for the future of Manchester.

Submitted:    Wanda Larsen