AUGUST 22, 2006 MCP&PSG COFFEE & DISCUSSION 6:45AM, MANCHESTER FAMILY INN

 

 

Attending were Joe and Mary Ann Blazevich, Ron and Joyce Rada, Mary Cathern Edwards, Paul Gilligan, Bud and Wanda Larsen,  Mark Rebelowski, and guests Cpl. Bob Millard, and Deputy Detective John Van Geason.    A safety notice relating to the recent chicken pox virus outbreak at the Kitsap County Jail was passed around.  Jail officials have activated a disease control plan for this contagious disease.

 

Dusty Wiley has responded to our concerns about water from a spring at the corner of Mile Hill and Colchester, the water is coming up through the asphalt on a continuous basis.  This could be a serious problem if not corrected before fall frosts.  Dusty responded that he had pointed the situation out to the contractor and they attempted to correct it before paving, but failed.  They will be fixing it before the final paying at the corner.  Thanks for your information Dusty.

 

Our program today was one of the most interesting we have had.  Deputy Van Geason spent 12 years with WESTNET working drug related incidents.  He returned to regular Deputy work force in January of this year, but is still actively involved in educational and investigative WESTNET issues.  He has worked actively with swat teams and task force programs, most of which are federally funded.    The force deals directly on a higher level with sellers and addicts, through community testimony, investigative programs, Knock & Talk encounters, which have proved to be very effective.  The number of meth lab incidents this year compared to those in 2000 show a definite and positive decrease by hundreds  of incidents.  He noted that most meth produced now is from out of the country, Mexico, Canada, etc.  19% to 30% pure meth is the average, this can be broken down chemically, though the selling and buying prices remain high regardless of pureness.    Interesting, was the fact that in Washington State it is not unlawful to be under the influence of drugs, in public.  70% to 80% of those detained are convicted of felony charges. 

 

The Knock & Talk teams place their emphasis on redirecting the addicts energy.  They exhibit constant movement from the drug and are unable to complete projects or maintain thought patterns.  This is from the chemical imbalance caused by the drugs, they need to redirect their energy from boredom to something that they are able to accomplish.  They need to get away from a close circle of people who are in a like attitude, time and place.  Addicts are encouraged to get away from their present space and move on to forward thinking.  Only the very strong can accomplish this.  Geason reported that he has gone to a third grade class and a sixth grade class where his children attend school, to speak to students from a lawman's point of view on the effect of drugs on users lives.  Children are being informed about the disasters of drug involvement from kindergarten on nowadays, and becoming alert to what to watch out for.  In one reformed dealers case, he has volunteered as a community service to speak to children along with law enforcement officers to show them how lives can be ruined.  This program has been very meaningful.  Van Geason and Millard answered numerous questions from the group, we all came away far better informed on this terrible problem. 

 

Bud and Joyce Rada reported on their Blockwatch/Neighborhood Watch calls last Saturday.  They visited a number of homes on Daniels Loop with a good response from those they were able to contact, and will be returning to talk with those who were not at home on Saturday.  They also made calls on Sitka Drive and Raintree,  both of which have crime watch signs posted, but no watch captains.  They will be working on these and other areas as time permits to develop additional watch areas in Manchester and areas closeby.

 

A reminder for the MCC monthly meeting this evening at 6:30PM at the Manchester Public Library.  Speaker will be developer Bill Palmer who will report on the Village Commons, and the projected condominium project directly South of the Post Office.  An opportunity for everyone to learn what planning is proposed for various condo projects in the downtown area.  In addition Bud announced that on the 24th David Hopkins of the Commons will be having his hearing with the County Commissioners at 10:15AM at the Commissioners  new Offices.  Immediately following will be the Bill Palmer hearing pertaining to the condo project at the corner of Colchester and Main Streets. 

 

Joe Blazevich reported on the Puget Drive Watch Captains progress throughout the Puget Drive area.  The number of involved residences exceeds the requirements to be considered as an official Blockwatch/Neighborhood Watch.  Joe has submitted the necessary paperwork to Pete Ball, Community Resource Officer, and expects to have the crime watch signs in place very shortly.   This is a tremendous achievement and a good example for other watch areas who need to be revitalized, mostly due to home sales, moves to other locations, etc.

 

The MCA will be holding their Manchester Festival this coming Saturday from 10:00AM to 4:00PM.  Plan to stop by and see what is going on, it could be great fun!

 

Manchester Gallery owner Paul Nuchims has advised that he will be looking for another place to setup probably in October or later.  He is keeping busy at the Gallery with various art classes, including children's classes on Saturday's. (Activities like this helps  the whole community).  Stop by and see what is going on inside and out in front.

 

Bud will be meeting with Leslie Ryan Connelly  of IAC later this morning to go over the restrictions on recreational land at the Port of Manchester.  Ryan Connelly will also be meeting with Commissioner Jim Strode this morning to review the proposed location of the Main Street Storm Water Outfall.  The Port Commissioners have advised they will not allow an easement on the Far North side of the existing float for an outfall pipe.   She understood everyone's concerns and indicated her people would be looking closely at any relocation of pipes that would affect recreational land use.

 

Submitted:  Wanda Larsen