7-8-08 MCP&PSG WEEKLY TUESDAY COFFEE & DISCUSSION MEETING 6:45AM, MANCHESTER FAMILY INN

In attendance were Ron Rada, Bob Lamb, Bob Edwards, Joe Blazevich Sr., Kerri Desjardin, Jessica Kelly, Bud and Wanda Larsen, Peggy Warren and special guest Sheriff Steve Boyer.   Two recent news releases from the Sheriff's office were passed around for review.  One reported that Ned B. Newlin II , chief of corrections with the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, has returned to duty following his recent graduation from the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.   Internationally known for its academic excellence, the FBI National Academy conducts 10 weeks of graduate level instruction in advanced investigative, management and fitness training for selected law enforce- ment professionals with proven performance records with their agencies.   Congratulations to Ned, who began his career with the sheriff's office in 1991, following 7 years in the U. S. Army (military police).

The second news release outline waterborne fun requires safety and education.   As warm weather has now arrived more people are engaged in recreational boating.  Recent events in Kitsap County should cause us all to reflect and focus on the importance of boating safety and to wear a personal floatation device when engaged in any waterborne activity.  For information about the mandatory Boating Safety Education Program, call (360) 902-884 or visit online at www.parks.wa.gov/boating .  To obtain information regarding Kitsap County Sheriff's Office Marine Services Unit, contact Sgt. Jim McDonough at (360)337-7002 or email at imcdonou@co.kitsap.wa.us .

Also reviewed was an excellent article written by Editor Rodika Tollifson of Port Orchard Life who wrote about the Father's Day Friends of The Library 40th Annual Salmon Bake that was held at the Manchester Library parking lot.    Numbers attending this year were approximately 700 and $7,500 was generated to cover operational and maintenance costs that are in the $25,000.00 range each year.  While the Manchester library is staffed and operated by KRL, the Friends of The Library owns and    maintains the building.  In addition to the Salmon Bake, thee was also a Book sale and a very successful homemade (by volunteers)cookie sale.

Bud Larsen read the MCP&PSG Mission Statement, as follows:

        NAME:    MANCHESTER CRIME PREVENTION & PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP

                 PURPOSE:  BRING RESPONSIBLE LAW ENFORCEMENT PRESENCE TO OUR MANCHESTER COMMUNITY

                Recognize and bring to the attention of our public officials and work to correct, unsafe conditions that could bring bodily harm or health problems to the residents and/or our    

Manchester Community.

                The group is made up of residents that are interested and willing to meet on a weekly basis to discuss issues of concern.  Membership would be required for the purpose of

voting.  Attendance at meetings does not require membership.

                The meetings are designed to open discussion among the attendees and invited guests.

                Bud Larsen has acted as the coordinator since the inception of the group several years ago, with Wanda Larsen acting as his assistant.  The position is open to anyone who is

interested in the group effort.

                Notes are taken and distributed to interested parties to maintain some record of the issues under discussion and actions taken on said issues.  Names and e-mail numbers are added

to the control list as requested.

Everyone was reminded that this Saturday, July 12th will be the first of three Summer Season Port of Manchester User Surveys at the boat launch and Pomeroy Park.

A number of community volunteers have already signed up to work shifts at both locations.     Open shifts for the boat launch are for 1PM to 3PM, and 3PM to 5PM. we are looking for volunteers to work these two shifts.   Please call (360) 769-8793 if you can help out.

Our special guest, Sheriff Steve Boyer was introduced.  Steve is always a welcome guest and we covered a lot of important topics.  Speeding was a main topic, we all need to remember at all times that speed kills.    Most importantly, when we witness speeding violations, it is our job to report violations each time we see one..   If we do not report violations, there is no record, and nothing can be done to stop future violations.  We discussed the Kitsap Sun article that was published on Sunday 7-6-08.  It was entitled "Safer Roads in Kitsap?  That's The Ticket", and very well done.    Number of traffic tickets issued with comparison's shown between 2004 and 2007 are as follows.  2004 Kitsap County 7,205 and Washington State Patrol 14,834. 2007 Kitsap County 13,510 and Washington State Patrol 26,538.    As you can see this is a significant increase.   In addition, fines collected by Kitsap and the 4 Kitsap cities (with the state's 64% cut taken out) was $1.3 million for 2004 and $1.3 million for 2007 these figures include both Kitsap Sheriff and the Washington State Patrol.     Other topics discussed included communications, hot spots, annexation, budget cuts and levy's, SWAT teams, drugs, neighborhood watch, etc.  

We reported on the great job that is done on a regular basis, by Cpl. Bob Millard, in the Manchester area.    As we all know, law enforcement presence is the biggest deterrent to crime we have, as is fast response time.   The practice of patrol cars idling for long periods was brought up, with power levels needing to be at their best, it would seem that in most instances, leaving the vehicle running is not unreasonable when you consider the equipment being used inside the vehicle.     It was noted that vehicles assigned to deputy's is a matter of pride.   They take pride in their vehicle through thinking of it as a tool of their position, ownership if you will.  They take care of their vehicle and in it's performance in the line of duty.  At this time Sheriff Boyer has 27.5 deputies per thousand, a goal of 28 is realistic.    In fact, when you consider responsibilities, think of 3 stages, first the lawyer who writes the law, then the County Commissioners who pass the laws, and finally the Sheriff's Office who enforces the law. 

Sheriff Boyer announced an upcoming meeting of the Kitsap County Citizens Budget Committee on July 21st 4PM at the Kitsap County Jail.  This meeting will include a tour of the jail and meeting the County Commissioners.   Anyone interested in participating in the tour may call (360) 367-7107 to coordinate arrangements.

The next meeting of the Port of Manchester Commissioners will be on Monday, July 14th at 6:00PM, Manchester Library.

Submitted by:   Wanda Larsen