4-17-07 MCP&PSG COFFEE & DISCUSSION 6:45AM, MANCHESTER FAMILY INN

In attendance at today's meeting were Joe and Mary Ann Blazevich, Bob Parks, Bud and Wanda Larsen, Paul Gilligan, Richard Dillworth, Joe Guariz, Peggy Warren, Kerri Desjardin, Corp. Bob Millard, Travis Baker, and guest Kitsap County Assessor, Jim Avery.  Joyce Rada was excused.

Announcement:   The Manchester Community Plan Revisions Committee 2007 will meet this evening at 6:30PM, at the Administration Building in the Commissioners Chambers.   The agenda includes an update on Zoning & Design Standard, Directors interpretation, interim Zoning regulations/moratorium, discussion and options. Subcommittees (if any) may submit brief reports.  The larger group will then break into "working groups" to review goals, amend or add, review policies, amend or add, note items completed and note data that needs updating (if time allows).

Announcement:  The first meeting of the Manchester Community Foundation will be held on Thursday evening 4-19-07, 6:30PM, Manchester Library.  Two trustees from each of the active Manchester organizations will be represented on the foundations Board.  This important 501c3 Foundation will allow the various groups to make a step forward into grants funding for specific special events, it will also be a significant part of our Manchester Community.

Announcement:   Bud and Wanda hope to depart on Vacation the 23rd.   The regular Tuesday 6:45 AM meetings will continue at the Manchester Family Inn, each week. Please plan to be there and feel free to invite special guests.

Kitsap County Assessor, Jim Avery, was introduced.  Jim has been with the Assessor's office for the past 8 years, he is also a fellow Manchester Resident who plays an active part in many community activities.  The Kitsap County Budget is based on the market value of property for tax purposes.  Increases are limited to 1% more tax increase from the previous years assessment before a levy is considered.  Levy funds on new construction can add up to 2% more as a bonus fund.  Bonus money relates to new services to an area when considering a lid lift.  Any lid lift must be voted on prior to a lift taking place.    Lets not forget that a 1% increase is not enough to keep up with inflation for health insurance and other employee services.  This is a big problem, with short falls expected in the very near future.

We discussed our public safety and crime prevention focus for the Manchester area.    As always law enforcement presence is a priority with our endeavors.  Medical response time is number one for emergency vehicles.  We are interested in safe roadways and common areas.  It all takes money and a dedication to Community.

Manchester is changing and as it does tax bases will increase     At the present time, spending in the county seems focused on parks and recreation, and only on discretionary projects.  We need to be looking at the impact on Manchester by outside entities such as Condominiums, View Property, Housing Developments, The Tacoma Narrows Bridge with increased traffic that will reflect on both residential and business projects.

A bit of information unknown to several of us is an exemption on your residential taxes if you are over 61 years of age and earn no more than $35,000 per year.  You must file for an exemption to qualify.  Another exemption is possible at 61 years of age and $40,000 income, it comes in the form a lien against your property with a 100% status.  Here again, you must file to qualify.  Jim Avery noted he will be happy to talk to anyone who needs to know more about these possibilities.  He also noted that with the advantages of the internet and advanced technology he has been able to initiate a very significant reduced staff figure.    Numerous individual questions were outlined that were of interest to everyone.

Cprl. Bob Millard, Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, was able to bring us up to date on several "Kitsap Nuisance Abatement Team" activities.  KNAT is the agency that goes out and follows up on property's that are violating rules of cleanliness and unsightly facilities, etc.  Bob plans to be with us again next week and we will provide him with a list of physical addresses, for several problem residences in nearby areas.  KNAT follows up on DCD inspections and rulings, with a personal call to the property's and explanation of what is needed to bring the property up to code.  Often the County can help those who do not have the funds to take care of cleanup requirements, with the stipulation that facilities such as this must have regular garbage collection service.

Bob was also interested to hear about the All Ports Resolutions that have been submitted to the Kitsap County Commissioners for action that would give the Sheriff's office the authority to enforce ordinances approved by the Commissioners.  We will be keeping a close eye on these changes that are being proposed .

The request for bids for the Manchester Boat Launch Extension, have been published in the Builders Exchange, Daily Journal of Commerce.  Bud has contacted possible bidders who may be interested in bidding.   Bid opening is May 3, 2007.  Let’s hope we get the necessary qualified bids this time around.

Submitted:     Wanda Larsen