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.
Upper Bear Creek UAC Meeting Minutes
Date: March 24, 2009
Time: 7:30-9:00 PM
Location: Woodinville Water District Offices
Board Attendees: Nancy Stafford. Mary Filkins. Jerry Hicks
CountyAttendees: John Klopfenstein, Marissa Alegria
Community Attendees: Richard Herget, Myra and Paul Lemson, Thomas Terranova, Bob Havens,
Juanita Verschuyl, Emma Dixon
John Klopfenstein, Fire Marshall Director began the meeting by showing us pictures of “after fireworks” scenes. Then he handed out a Fireworks Identification Chart to each of us. The heading on this page is ALL FIREWORKS ARE UNLAWFUL TO DISCHARGE ANYTIME EXCEPT FOR THE FOLLOWING TWO DAYS A YEAR, 4 TH OF JULY AND NEW YEAR’S EVE This chart pictures the fireworks in three categories: those that are legal in unincorporated King County, those legal on Tribal land and totally Illegal Explosives. King County Fireworks laws are clearly printed on the back side of the page. These pages are handed out to each King County Sheriff before the 4 th of July to aid safety and compliance. He then read a list of nearby cities who have nearly all BANNED individual fireworks within their limits including Woodinville, Redmond and Kirkland.
On July 13 th of 2006, Jane Hague gave King County Council a proposed ordinance that would allow portions of unincorporated King County to establish fireworks bans.. The ordinance would allow residents within the county’s unincorporated Fire Protection Districts to limit the use of fireworks after a petition process. This has not yet been passed by the King County Council. We are welcome to write Council members urging attention to this proposed ordinance. (This is an election year for Council members of Districts 1,3,5,7,and 9). Once passed, it’s up the residents in each Fire Protection District to gather signatures on petitions for passage into law.
Fireworks manufacturers have a strong lobby in most states. They are well organized and powerful. Contrary to common belief, 50%+ of fireworks stands are selling to benefit non profits, they are money making operations netting about $15,000 in the few days they are open for business.
Residents have the right of “Urban Wildlife Interspace” that gives us influence over the area 30 feet from our residence. The Fire Marshall has a brochure with this information, he can be reached at 206 296 7212 or john.klopfenstein@kingcounty.gov
Burn Ban information can be found on the Internet at PSCAA.org.
Consensus of the group tonight was that organized public displays of fireworks are the best way to celebrate the 4 th of July and New Year’s Eve. Areas (with safeguards) for the public to fire off their own displays would be the best of both worlds! Our thanks for Fire Marshall Klopfenstein for an informative evening!
Look for the ‘09 schedule of Music in the Park at Cottage Lake to be published SOON!
Next Public Forum April 28, 7:30 PM at the Woodinville Water District Offices. All interested persons welcome.