Upper Bear Creek Unincorporated Area Council
Serving 22,000 people in north-central King County
between the Sammamish and Snoqualmie Rivers and
north of Redmond and east of Woodinville.
Date: February 27, 2007
Time: 7:30 – 9:05 PM
Location: Woodinville Water District Offices
Board Attendees: Nancy Stafford. Mary Filkins.
CountyAttendees: Harry Reinert of DDES, Julia Larson of Rural Economic Strategies
Community Attendees: Jan Hunt, Kris Opprecht, Jonathan Morrison, Kevin & Susie Egan, Maxine Keesling, Victor Tryon
The meeting opened on time with Nancy Stafford introducing some additional agenda items: Kris Opprecht speaking for Neighbors Against Halfway House,
Jan Hunt bringing a traffic safety concern in Woodinville
Pati An bringing an update on the up sizing of lots around Lake Leota
The March 3 tour of Brightwaters’ Wetland Restoration site was announced (tours 9AM-1:PM)
A Mr. Tim Meyers recently purchased property at 19079 NE 136 th (RA-5 1926069078) with plans to open a Halfway House for persons newly released from King County programs for alcohol or drug addiction or other social problems, under the umbrella of “New Creation Prison Ministries”. So far, there have been two “stop work” orders filed against Mr. Meyers for work being done (some within feet of Cottage Creek) without KC permits.
Jan Hunt of Hollywood Hill is concerned about increased traffic from a development in unincorporated King Co. south of 143 rd NE, off NE 171 st without considerable changes to NE 171 st, including a left turn lane at that intersection.
Harry Reinert spoke on the State mandated updating of all King County Shoreline Programs. The Shoreline Management Act was approved in 1972, applying to larger rivers, lakes, and all marine shorelines. The State Dept of Ecology adopted new shoreline guidelines in 2003, producing overlaps and discrepancies in policies. This updating begins this year, public hearings are scheduled along the process with a draft Program due in May/June, followed by public input and an Updated Program to King County Council as part of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan update. “Tweaking” was the phrase used by Mr. Reinert; he’s not expecting much change in King County where there are already many safeguards in place. The Shoreline update mandate is for most cities and counties in WA State.
Mr. Reinert also took questions re: the Meyers property and the above traffic concerns.
Julia Larson presented the 2006 Annual Report for Rural Economic Strategies, giving handouts on the program and asking for public comment at each of the five Unincorporated Area Councils in Unincorporated King County. Those handouts can be obtained from Nancy Stafford or at the Community Services Office at Avondale Rd and Woodinville / Duvall Road.
The meeting closed at 9:05 . Our thanks to Water Commissioner Tim Matson for opening the meeting area for us. Next public forum March 27 on Capital Improvements (Roads) and the Rural Ombudsman. All interested persons welcome