Upper Bear Creek UAC Meeting Minutes

Date: July 24, 2001
Time: 7:30 - 9:02 PM
Location: Woodinville Water District
Board Attendees: Geoff Clayton, Nancy Stafford, Mary Filkins, and Peter Lamanna
King County Attendees: Dee Ingram, Marissa Algeria, Kenmore District Commander, and Woodinville Police Chief
Community Attendees: Gwen Maxwell

Geoff introduced Sheriff David Reichert who began his with presentation with a biography. The Sheriff is one who has definitely come up through the ranks and is very much in touch with the needs and problems of his officers and staff. The 34 million shortfall in the county budget will require him to cut about $2 MILLION from his department's budget. Priority will be given to 911-call response and the apprehension of criminals.

The department has had difficulty in attracting police officer candidates. They currently have 15 vacant officer positions. There are also vacancies in the communication center because of its 24-hour shift schedule. The cuts will require eliminating some positions. Personnel will shift from some of the outreach programs to the remaining vacancies. The courthouse security staff will be reduced by 6 people.

One attendee asked if a tax levy, district, could be established for law enforcement. The sheriff replied with a yes. It had been attempted before but the cities opposed because of the revenue loss. Fire Districts have also opposed the competition.

The sheriff also explained his vision for a regional orientation to law enforcement in order to improve communication and services.

He also explained the steps he was taking to address the issue of racial profiling and bias:

1. Hiring and promoting people that work well with people.
2. Looking for people that develop relationships when working with the public.
3. Looking for people with values.
4. No discrimination.
5. Timely and consistent investigations.
6. Building trust within the community.
7. Clear policies and actions with regard to racial discrimination.
8. Standing behind officers that do the right thing.

Geoff made the comment that age profiling should be acceptable for our kids.

The sheriff also commented that school resource officers are important. A school resource officer is now working in the community to coordinate with the many private entities to create a cohesive plan.

Nancy next introduced Connie Blumen of King County Parks. Connie presented on the comprehensive plan for the three sites (Mary Cash Farm, Cold Creek Natural Area, and Bassett Pond) and the progress made so far.

The comprehensive plan: · There are currently two documents; one for Mary Cash Farm (also known as Daniels Creek Park) and one for Cold Creek Natural Area but actually three different sites by name. There will be one plan and one document for all.
· All the parking will be at the Mary Cash Farm location.
· Basset Pond will have a 3-car pull out off of NE 165th Street.
· A couple of small tables and barbecue grills will be placed at the Mary Cash Farm site.
· A footpath from Mary Cash Farm to access road will be created.
· The landowner at the end of the road has questioned the use of the road. The county does have access rights.
· Skylights will be installed in the Mary Cash Farm shelter versus lights in order to avoid vandalism.
· The Mary Cash Farm shelter will have a third of its space allocated for storage and the rest for interpretive use.
· The barn on the Mary Cash Farm site currently does not have a specific use. A new roof will be installed though to preserve it.

Progress at the Mary Cash Farm site:
· The shelter is expected to be done some time in early September.
· Contractor has kept the fence in place due to safety requirements.
· The barn is to be re-roofed to match the shelter.
· The shelter structure has been opened up to provide easier access.
· The windows in shelter are being retained for historical integrity.
· Some of the blueberries have been removed along with the blackberries so that people could get back into the area in order to view it.

Terry Lavender of Watertenders then spoke briefly. They have $17,000 dollars for restoration:
· $5k for plantings in October 20th. Volunteers will do the work. They are looking for about 100 people to plant 1000 plants.
· There will be a work party this Sunday, 10 AM, at the Mary Cash Farm site.
· WaterTenders now has over 90 acres that they look after.
· Because of the on-going decline seen in fresh-water mussels, they are having biologists do a mussel study on Bear Creek. Wendy Walsh is project lead.

Geoff thanked everyone for coming and asked for help with a newsletter. The council may take a break. We have been invited to shift our meeting down to the south end of our area i.e. English Hill.

Next meeting will be at the Community Service Center on August 14, 2001 at 7:30 PM.