7-15-08 MCP&PSG WEEKLY TUESDAY COFFEE & DISCUSSION 6:45AM, MANCHESTER FAMILY INN

Attending were  Bob and M.C. Edwards, Bud and Wanda Larsen, Kerri Desjardin, Joe Blazevich, Jr., Paul Gilligan, Peggy Warren.  A Washington State Patrol Media Release was handed around.    The incident involved a California man who was arrested after fleeing from a Washington State Fish & Wildlife Officer.  The man led the officer on a short high speed pursuit in South Kitsap, before being apprehended by a K-9 tracking dog.    Before the incident was over and the man jailed, not only WSF&W personnel, but Washington State Troopers, and Kitsap County Deputy Aaron Baker and K-9 partner Ryker were involved.    A vehicle search produced a loaded firearm and a small bag of marijuana.   Violations include attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 2nd Degree, Possession of Marijuana - less than 40 grams, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in a Vehicle, and Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer.  Bail was set at $103,000.00.

It is time to again look in to obtaining the speed signs that are available from the County.    Increased speeding in the downtown area has been noticed on a regular basis.

It is hoped we can obtain an accounting on Beach Drive, at or near the 25mpr sign, also a sign at Hemlock on Colchester, where the most violations seem to occur.   The 4th of July before and after noise occurrences seem to be under control.    We discussed the tremendous job done by a  local high school dance team on the cleanup following the 4th of July Fireworks at the Port of Manchester.    They filled up the regular dumpsters and extra ones acquired for the event and there was still an overflow of filled garbage bags.    As Joe Guariz mentioned at last night's Port meeting, the Port Commissioners are to be commended for securing the services of this group of young people to clean up after an event like this.     General conversation about  minor violations in the Village.

We reviewed the Perry site project off Beach Drive and up to Alaska, at length.   A letter from an owner of boundary property was read.  He had received a copy of  "Notice of Application", Planning File #08 52165, for rezoning.    The author noted that he is opposed to the intent of the Application as well as the process.  His concern pertained to doubling the potential number of residences on land that currently has a perfectly legal and acceptable zoning, Manchester Village Low Residence.   He states the problem with the process is that the request is not supported by any proposal as to how or where the future residences would be located, how access will be provided to the new homes, nor any indication of whether any of the land will be set aside for park, pathway, or environmental purposes.

In addition, concerns about the higher density include access and destruction of one of the few remaining Manchester forests.  It is highly unlikely that the future developer will provide any amenities that should compensate for the loss of existing environmental quality (wild life refuge, eagle habitat, water sorption, and low density human population) nor will any future development provide for upgrade of the local utilities that the higher density population will demand.  A major concern is roadway access.  The application is completely mute on the subject of primary access.  Because of the steepness of the current landscape, it is doubtful that primary access will be from either Alaska Ave. or from Beach Drive.  To the East, it is already chopped into lots that completely block any mid-altitude access.  Access from 2nd Street could not handle construction traffic for the 9 homes built on Barsay over the past 10 years.  It certainly wont support the construction traffic for the requested 84 residences (4 dwellings per acre times 21 acres).   The real tight spot on 2nd Street is the intersection with Main Street.  In closing, the author stated the land is currently, zoned for MVLR, and until there is a more detailed plan submitted other than a barely readable map, he requests that the current zoning be retained.

This issue following so close on the finalization of the new Manchester Plan 2007, is almost impossible to evaluate the reasoning behind it.    A number of Manchester folks and various organizations have worked long and hard to complete the new plan in a way that meets the approval of regulatory agency's as well as the residents of the community.    We are sure a close eye will be kept on this rezoning application.

The Port of Manchester Commissioners met on Monday night at 6PM, at the Manchester Library.   It was a very successful meeting and a great deal of business was taken care of.     Various safety concerns at the Port location have been taken care of through the Port's Management Contract with the Manchester Water District.  It was noted the railing next to the public restroom has been removed to enable visitors to the park to use the restroom without having to walk around the entry driveway  in the midst of traffic to reach the facility.     This is a definite improvement and a job well done.    It was questioned if this would again cause trouble with skateboarders, as in the past.     The improvement will be monitored and  options taken in to consideration.     At today's meeting, the idea of placing a bench a foot or two back from the opening for folks to wait to get in to the restroom might solve any problems.  Properly placed it would divert any skateboarders away from jumping the stairway, while providing a place for visitors to sit.    It would also be placed so that it would not obstruct walkers.    The NO SKATEBOARDING sign has also been bent and damaged.

Also reported to the Commissioners was a noxious weed growing on the side of the boat launch.   This is fairly good sized bush  and the person who advised of the danger of the weed suggested professional removal.     Our Master Gardner, M.C. Edwards volunteered to go look at the growth.  She reported back that is definitely a noxious and toxic weed, called Japanese Knotweed.   It can grow to 12' high and have a trunk as big around as 6 to 8" across.    M.C. reported that she will contact the proper authorities to see if they can remove the weed safely, or provide the Port with instructions on safe removal.

The need for signs to place on boat trailers or vehicles parked overnight in the Port parking lot was discussed.   The Port was asked to develop a list of 5 to 7 local folks who could be authorized to place notices on violating vehicles and note license numbers for the Port's information.    While there is a sign at the launch that states "No  Overnight Parking" someone has painted over the lettering making it useless.  Alan Fletcher will take care of this.   He will also see to the fishing float hinge 4th joint on the right side, it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Graffiti in the restroom will be removed by the regular maintenance man.     Planks that were removed from the fishing float a couple of weeks were replaced by the Water Dept. staff and plywood and repair materials are now stored at the Water Dist. for any future occurrences of this nature.   Joe Guariz noted the seriousness of 4 missing planks during a weekend with so many folks out on the float.    With a number of the planks missing this could be a life threatening hazard.   Cpl. Bob Millard had placed a yellow caution tape and advised former Port Commissioner Bob Parks, of the danger factor.      Everyone was asked to not call Bob Parks when there is a problem, please call 911 if it is a danger factor, or call the Water Dept.

All of us who worked shifts for the July 12th Port of Manchester Summer Season User Survey #1 reported on the event.   Lots of humor, a good time was had by all, and best of all no complaints from anyone who surveyed.   The event was held from 4am TO 5pm at the boat launch and 10am to 5pm at Pomeroy Park.  The preliminary results are as follows and final evaluations are forthcoming when our experts are able to wade through those many questionnaires:

MANCHESTER BOAT LAUNCH:   4AM TO 5PM 75 BOATS (50 OUT OF AREA, 25 LOCAL) 163 ADULTS, 49 CHILDREN, 1 DOG

POMEROY PARK:  10AM TO 5PM 30 CONTACTS (17 OUT OF AREA, 13 LOCAL) 57 ADULTS, 43 CHILDREN, 9 DOGS.

KITSAP COUNTY TRAFFIC COUNTER RESULTS:  

FRIDAY:   FRIDAY 7-11-08  TO SATURDAY  7-13-08   12:00 TO 11:59      =     626

SATURDAY:    SATURDAY 7-12-08 TO SUNDAY 7-13-08    12:00 TO 11:59    =    640

SUNDAY:    SUNDAY 7-13-08 TO MONDAY 7-14-08     12:00 TO 23.59    =    437

                A special THANK you to all our hard workers who made the survey such a success, you did a great job:

Joe Guariz and Bud Larsen 4am to 7am, Peggy Warren 7am to 9am, Ray Pardo 9am to 11am, John WInslow 11am to 1PM, Ed Desjardin 11AM to 1PM

Bud Larsen 1PM to 5PM at the Boat Launch.    Wanda Larsen 10am to Noon, Kerri Desjardin Noon to 2PM, Mattie Walters 2PM to 4PM, Wanda Larsen

                            4PM to 5PM. AT Pomeroy Park.    Thanks also to Jim Rogers, Public Works Traffic and his staff for the installation and removal of the traffic counters on Main

                            Street, that provides us with the official numbers.

NEXT USER SURVEY WILL BE HELD ON AUGUST 16TH.    THE FINAL SUMMER SEASON SURVEY WILL BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 13TH.  SIGN-UP IT'S FUN.

Striping of the Port parking spaces was mentioned.   It has only been a short time since the striping was done and it has faded badly, the company that did the work will be contacted.  Bud asked that someone be assigned to paint the yellow bullrail for 15 minute parking, and this will be done.

The Manchester Port Advisory Committee will meet this Thursday, July 17th at 5:30PM at the Manchester Library .   Lots of projects are underway already and more to talk about at this weeks meeting.   Also at this weeks meeting we will be doing a perimeter walk of THE ANCHORS CONDOMINIUMS to see exactly where all the lines come together with the Port of Manchester and Library properties.   David Hopkins has followed the requirements of his building permits very well and is ready to assist in any way he can on landscaping and other matters of concern.

Submitted by:    Wanda Larsen