Upper Bear Creek UAC Meeting Notes

Date:  May 24, 2011
Subject:  Update from King County Sheriff Major Jerrell Wills
Time: 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Location:  Woodinville Water District Offices
Board Attendees: Mary Filkins, Jerry Hicks, Nancy Stafford, Kevin Coughlin
County Attendees: Bong Santo Domingo, Major Jerrell Wills, KC Sheriff’s Dept.
Community Attendees: Annie Archer, Jan Hunt,

The meeting opened on time with a mention of Brightwater permits being discussed, mainly the uses of reconstituted water flowing into the Sammamish Valley for irrigation of crops and golf courses.
Harry Reinert of DDES was to have been with us to talk on the draft of Code Amendments Summary  but he had a meeting conflict.  These can be seen by accessing http://www.kingcounty.gov/property/permits/codes/legislation/legnews/PublicReviewComment.aspx

Major Jerrell Wills of King County Sheriff’s Dept then told us:

There are approximately 69 sq miles bordered on the north by the Snohomish Co. line and south to Highway I-90, and between  Hwy 405 and the West Snoqualmie River Road (with a couple of pockets west to Kenmore) of Unincorporated King County that Major Wills referred to as the northeast portion of his territory (which extends south to include Maple Valley).  It’s a lot of area to “Keep the Peace” in, especially with a staff that has been reduced by half because of budget cuts and annexation of the Finn Hill area by the city of Kirkland beginning June first 2011.
Statistics show that response time to calls has remained at fairly consistent levels for the last 2 ½ years.  That may change after June 1st.  Major Wills described the three levels of crime and criminals used by the sheriff’s office. Law responses to crimes that are in process, LIVE-NOW will be shortest, COLD Case crimes may take longer response times..  Law officers in nearby cities can call on sheriff’s staff when needed and vice versa.
Some precinct offices are being closed, some consolidated.  North Precinct in Kenmore will be closed with staff transferred to Sammamish where the NE Law hub will be established this fall.
Major Wills encourages “yahoo groups” in neighborhoods and “Neighborhood Watch” programs where residents take an active part in protecting their communities.  “On-line” reporting is encouraged, reducing the necessary “on site” officer contact for incidents.

 

Meeting adjourned at 9PM.  Our thanks to Woodinville Water District for opening and closing the meeting area for us.  Please join us for Music in the Park at Cottage Lake beginning July 7th and closing August 11th!  See our website upperbearcreek.com for performances and fliers are available at the Woodinville Library.