June 12, 2007 MCP&PSG Coffee & Discussion Notes 6:45AM Manchester Family Inn

In attendance were Commissioner Bob Parks, Richard Dilworth, Ron Rada, Joe and Mary Ann Blazevich Sr. Cpl. Bob Millard, Kerri Desjardin, Bud and Wanda Larsen, Under Sheriff Dennis Bonneville, Patrol Chief Gary Simpson.  Excused were Ray Pardo and Paul Gilligan.  Sheriff Steve Boyer who was to be with us today, was called to Washington D. C. and had to fly out the night before.  We thank him for sending Under Sheriff Bonneville in his place.    It was indicated that we would like to establish regular meetings with the department on an every three (3) to four (4) month basis for the purpose of a closer relationship with law enforcement and community.

A June 9th news release from the Sheriff's office was passed around for review.  It pertained to an East Bremerton "Central Kitsap fatality collision".  These releases give our group an opportunity to receive official information, which is appreciated.

ANNOUNCEMENT:  everyone was reminded of this evening's "Zoning" meeting of the Manchester Community Plan revisions for 2007, to be held from 6:30PM to 8:30PM at the Manchester Library.  The meeting will deal only with "Zoning" issues, other matters will be on the June 19th agenda for the 6:30PM meeting being held at the Commissioners Chambers. 

Bud Larsen reported on the June 11th Port of Manchester Commissioners meeting held at 7:00PM and the Manchester Library.  It was reported that the topographic survey of the Port boat launch, parking, etc. should be completed shortly.  The repeated graffiti problems at the port's restroom and the park's shelter floor and tables has been removed, but a later incident involves more graffiti inside the restroom.  Under new business it was agreed that work will proceed on the annual seal coated areas of the parking lot, etc.  3 bids were received for the ramp extension and the job has been awarded to Huling Construction of Seattle.  They expect to complete the job in the window of late August in to October.  The bid came in at over the $230,000 allocated by IAC and no other funds being available, the Port of Manchester has agreed to pick up the difference.   The proposed Marine Resolutions are under study at this time through the All Ports organization.

Cleanup for the 4th of July Fireworks at the Boat Launch and Pomeroy Park has been arranged by Joe Guariz and his brother, with students from South Kitsap High School.  This same group has taken on this project for the last couple of years and done a wonderful job. 

Our special guests Under Sheriff Dennis Bonneville, Patrol Chief Gary Simpson, and Corporal Bob Millard were introduced.  The main topic of discussion was the Port of Manchester and All Ports proposed resolutions.  Simpson reported that he had talked with Phil Best, attorney for the All Ports group today and finalization of the proposal is developing.  The primary problem has been the lack of letters of agreement from each Port, to the Kitsap County Sheriff's office.   Upon receipt of these letters, the Sheriff's office is then authorized to step forward in behalf of the individual Ports.  Best has indicated that he will provide a generic letter that can be adapted to each of the Port's involved.  The letters can then be completed and signed and forwarded to the Sheriff's Department.  It is important that everyone realize that at present, the Port's are of the same "private" jurisdiction as a "private" resident, thus the need for the understanding of the Sheriff's department acting on the Port's behalf.  After a period of 6 months, the results could be reviewed and revised as needed. 

Signage at the Port's is the first priority.  There are numerous signs at each port, some are of a print size so small they cannot be read by someone passing by just a few feet from the sign.  The size used by State Parks is favorable to most law enforcement agencies.   Enforceability is the main factor and some give and take will surely be required before uniformity can be established.  Simpson feels the program is moving forward at this point and everyone's cooperation and assistance will be much appreciated in the months to come.

Speeding issues were reviewed.    Residents on Beach Drive have expressed fear of an accident exiting their driveway in to the 25MPH Beach Drive with numerous cars traveling at a fast rate of speed in the 25MPH section.  They have requested the orange diamond shape caution signs be placed on top of the 25MPH signs along Beach Drive as a deterrent to the speeders.    The use of on of the speed monitor on Beach Drive was also requested.  We found that the monitors are available for use on a unit available basis, volunteers would be needed to document the findings on a monitored time frame.    Another speed complaint area is on Colchester from downtown up the hill to the 40MPH sign near the entry to Miracle Mile, it has been referred to as a "speedway" due to the excessive speeds in past weeks.   The possibility of a separate SPEED ZONE AHEAD sign was also suggested for these two areas, as a possible deterrent.    Of interest was the concept that when entering a Community, the more visible a special WELCOME sign is, the more apt drivers are so slow down.  It may be worth discussing this possibility with the many Community groups of Manchester to see if we could create funding for a larger welcome sign at Miracle Mile, as well as other signs in entry locations of Manchester.

Another idea for creating a slower approach is the graduated signs such as 45MPH......35MPH.....25MPH and use of the COSMOS measuring device (effort to change behavior).  These units can be moved around as needed and gives the Department actual statistics.  We will contact Carolyn Pent at the Department and the reader boards that can be monitored.

Cpl.  Millard discussed the Department's KNAT force.  KNAT stands for "Kitsap Nuisance Abatement Team" and is highly effective.  Millard has several problem area addresses that we have provided him with, a fifth address was discussed today.    These sites are the locations of excessive automobiles and other vehicles beyond the permitted number of 6 on a property, plus garbage issues and other like incidents.  Numerous sites have been cleaned up due to this very important agency. 

While we are continually on the search for a means to a Manchester or South Kitsap Sheriff's Way Station, we realize that funding is not available at this time.  It is hoped that with the non profit federation status that is in the works, there will be other means of approaching this financial project.  Law enforcement presence in the Community is as ever of vital importance to everyone.  We all need to work towards educating the citizens to a "Deputy Friendly" attitude that is cooperative as well as a friendly working together project.

Please mark your calendar.  On Tuesday, July 10th we will be unable to use the Manchester Family Inn facility for our meeting, due to a special event reservation for the Inn that will take up all the space.

NEXT COMMUNITY SPECIAL EVENT........everyone will want to attend the Father's Day Friends of the Manchester Library annual Salmon Bake and Book Sale a the library that is June 17th Noon to 5:00PM (or when they run out of food).   A really fun time and a chance to get to know your neighbors.  See you there?????

Submitted:    Wanda Larsen