Kcac October 2009 Minutes

KINGSTON CITIZEN ADVISORY COUNCIL AGENDA October 7, 2009 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM MEETING LOCATION: North Kitsap Fire & Rescue Headquarters on Miller Bay Road 7:00

INTRODUCTORY ITEMS Opening Comments Introductions Review/Approve Minutes Correspondence

7:15

FEATURED SPEAKER – Kitsap County Sheriff Steve Boyer North Kitsap and General Update on KCSO Open Comment and Question Period

7:50

COUNTY REPORT Information Sharing

7:55

OLD BUSINESS KCAC positions and discussion on changing bylaws/members

8:10

NEW BUSINESS

8:15

KCAC SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS Parks & Open Space Committee – Walt Elliott WSF Committee – Walt Elliott Roads – Annie Humiston Communication Committee – Betsy Cooper Downtown Kingston Master Plan – Alex Thomsen and Rick Lanning

8:35

COMMUNITY REPORTS Kiwanis – Alex Thomsen Kingston Garden Club/Downtown Kingston Association – Nancy Martin Rotary Club – Clint Boxman Friends of the Library – Jan Richards Schools Update – Chris Case Chamber Of Commerce – Tom Waggoner Carpenter Lake/Creek – Steve Heacock Kingston Stakeholders – Rick Lanning Kingston Farmer’s Market – Liz Henden

8:50

OPEN COMMENT PERIOD/GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

9:00

ADJOURN *** Next Meeting, Wednesday, November 4 ***

KINGSTON CITIZENS ADVISORY COUNCIL Meeting Minutes October 7, 2009 Present Greg Platz, Co-Chair, School Parent Denise Lietz, Co-Chair, Member At Large Steve Heacock, Carpenter Lake/Creek Clint Boxman, Kingston-North Kitsap Rotary Nancy Martin, Kingston Garden Club and Downtown Business Association Alex Thomsen, Kingston Kiwanis Tom Waggoner, Kingston Chamber of Commerce Rick Lanning, Kingston Stakeholders Annie Humiston, At Large, Roads Subcommittee Naomi Maasberg, Member At Large Walt Elliott, Parks Trails & Open Space Subcommittee/WSF Advisory Subcommittee Liz Henden, Farmers Market Absent Betsy Cooper, Member At Large Chris Case, North Kitsap School District Excused Jan Richards, Friends of the Kingston Library Kitsap County Representative Rebecca Pirtle, District 1 Liaison for County Commissioner Steve Bauer Meeting called to order at 7 p.m.

Minutes The September minutes were approved as submitted, MSP. Correspondence Denise Lietz said her KCAC co-chair Greg Platz did write a letter to the supporting Miraccole Morsels, a wholesale bakery considering locating in downtown Kingston. County Report Pete Sullivan, Associate Planner, Department of Community Development, submitted the attached written report prior to the meeting. There were no comments about the document. Rebecca Pirtle, District 1liaison for County Commissioner Steve Bauer, reported that the County Commissioners approved Big Valley Solar Compacting Trash Cans for use in downtown Kingston, Arness Park, Point No Point, the County Fairgrounds, and other locations. She said downtown Kingston is getting six cans. She is going to organize a

meeting for key Kingston representatives to walk the downtown and decide the best spots for the solar-powered cans, which also feature a recycling container. Pirtle said the cans, paid for with economic stimulus money, must be emptied manually and the county is counting on volunteers to do be responsible for the task. “Other than that, we are good to go, and the cans will be set up soon,” she said. Pirtle announced that the Kingston Co-op Preschool building would celebrate its 100 anniversary from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. KCAC member Tom Waggoner noted that the Kingston Stakeholders have been “kicking around ideas” to refurbish the upper story of the two-story building so that it can be used by the community. He asked the council for suggestions on uses. Fellow member Walt Elliott said that the Boys and Girls Club is looking at the possibility of using that space, at least until a new community center is erected. The Historical Society also was mentioned as a group that could use the space. KCAC member Annie Humiston said that the building does not have an elevator and needs to be brought up to accessibility codes before community groups can use the upper floor. The county hired a new parks director, said Pirtle. His name is Jim Dunwiddie. It was suggested that he would be a good guest speaker for a KCAC meeting. Co-Chair Denise Lietz said she would be sure Dunwiddie is extended an invitation. FEATURED SPEAKER – Kitsap County Sheriff Steve Boyer Boyer said he began his law enforcement career 38 years ago as a state patrol officer, a post he held for 27 years. In 1998 he successfully ran for Kitsap County sheriff and has held the position since that time. “My goal is to make this sheriff’s office, already one of the best in the state, one of the best everywhere despite the reduction in resources,” he said. “Unlike many other sheriff offices, we are a full-service law enforcement agency.” Boyer said the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office has units for patrol, canine, explosives, hostage negotiation, and a SWAT team. He also said there is an “excellent” citizens patrol, trained volunteers who help sheriff’s deputies with parking enforcement, among other things. The sheriff shared stories about the experiences of deputies on the job and citizen patrol teams. He said that citizens who want to keep abreast of news, calls, and other goings on at the Sheriffs Office can sign up to receive an info email/newsletter at [email protected] “We exist to serve the people of Kitsap County,” Boyer said. “We want to keep communications open and hear from you too. For 38 years now I have gotten paid to help people and I so enjoy it.” Boyer then invited questions from KCAC members and the citizens in the audience. KCAC members wanted to know if it is possible to beef up the parking enforcement as downtown Kingston changes to accommodate more on-street, limited hour parking. “We’re asking about it now as we keep an eye on the future,” said KCAC member Tom Waggoner. “We want to know how we should plan so that we can assist, volunteer, or put funds toward the parking enforcement/citizen patrol program so that in the future it is not occasional and it can be a regular thing,” added council member Rick Lanning.

Boyer said he would be open to expanding the parking patrol program but that that the citizen patrol program is structured and the budget just keeps getting tighter and tighter, even as the calls for more service increase. He said he would explore the issue with the county’s chief of patrol and volunteer coordinator Gary Simpson and report back to the KCAC. Pirtle said that she helped the residents of Hansville and Indianola under take similar efforts and that Simpson was supportive and helpful. She said it is important that the Kingston community knows what its goals and needs are before approaching the county so that the correct programs can be implemented. KCAC member Humiston asked what it would take to fund a photo-enforced 25 mile-an-hour speed limit in downtown Kingston. “One of these days someone is going to get killed because of speeders zooming to the ferry,” she said. Boyer said his expectation is that citizen demand, the availability of such technology, and the economic realities of not being able to staff every road in the county will facilitate the eventual installation of such speed signs. “Speeding is the number one complaint,” he said. “It’s killed 22 people in the last two years. We wrote about 22,000 tickets in the last couple years.” Humiston wanted to know if Kingston could buy and install a permanent sign that flashes when people are not doing 25 miles and hour. “I love those,” said Boyer. “They are one of the best things going and a relatively small investment. They have some that are solar powered now. They are a reminder of the speed limit and increase awareness on a consistent basis; they are great. But that main road, Highway 104, is a state highway so it is up to the state to give permission.” Pirtle said to send a request to her office and she will route it to the correct person for attention. Council member Naomi Maasberg asked for guidance regarding whom to call about incidents of vandalism to trails or motorcycles ripping up trails that are meant for pedestrians and/or equestrians only. Boyer said it is important to notify his department so they can keep track of such incidents that would indicate trouble spots and follow up on those. He said a formal email or letter from KCAC about troubled areas would get the county’s attention. An audience member reported having problems with dangerous dogs that are not kept under control by their owners and wander his neighborhood terrorizing residents. “I am afraid someone is going to get killed,” he said. “I’ve tried dealing with Kitsap 1 and I’m very disappointed in the county’s lack of response. (Kitsap 1 is the county Public Works Department’s customer service center.) “These dogs are very vicious. Their constant barking and such is affecting (an already ill) neighbor’s health,” he said. “We’ve had to run into our house to avoid the dogs. I called 911 and the response was one of being perturbed and ‘it’s not my issue.’ “ Boyer said his office does send out deputies when the situation warrants it, but that he and his staff are caught in the middle of a dilemma right now because Kitsap 1 was supposed to standardize responses and that’s not being done. “We’re trying to find solutions that will work,“ he said. “This is a huge issue right now,“ said Pirtle. “The commissioners are talking about this issue because the county is getting lots of complaints.” She mentioned that there was a problem with a pack of dogs attacking people on trails recently. “I hate to harp on this,” said Boyer, “but budget issues are really strapping us. We have some tough issues about what we’re going to investigate and if we have the staff to do it. Everything is important, but we have to prioritize.“

KCAC member Liz Henden said, “It would be great if the Sheriff’s Office, Kitsap 1, and Animal Control would work together on this and get the process to work so that violators can get their hands slapped or something.“ Boyer suggested inviting the county‘s new Animal Control Executive Director Sean Compton to come and speak to the Kingston community at a KCAC meeting. The council agreed that was a good idea. Lanning asked for clarification on the jurisdiction of tribal police in Suquamish giving tickets to non-tribal members. Boyer said a new law will be taking effect that gives tribal police “full police powers” over all county residents. Tribal police officers will be have authority to give tickets and, if need be, arrest anyone who is violating the law. The related documents and court matters would go through the state court system under the new law. Wrapping up, Boyer said that he is glad that deputies still have an office and presence in Kingston. He noted, however, that the Kingston branch might not be open as much as in the past because of budget cuts. Old Business KCAC positions and discussion on changing bylaws/members -- Co-Chair Greg Platz said that KCAC is currently a 17-member board with five at-large members and 12 representatives of local organizations. Two posts are currently vacant: one for a Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe representative and the one for the now-defunct Downtown Revitalization Committee. Platz said that the disbanding of the revitalization group and Karen Ross’s resignation leaves KCAC with a decision on how to fill the spot. He said recent talks with the leader of the Tribe may result in an opportunity to peak the Tribe’s interest in filling its council seat, which as been “pretty much unfilled for five years.“ He reminded the council that they discussed adding the Village Green Foundation and perhaps a Downtown Kingston Association member and another atlarge member to KCAC. He said Bobbie Moore of the Village Green pledged that there is a person ready and willing to serve if her group is invited to join KCAC. Platz said KCAC member Nancy Martin stated that the Downtown Kingston Association did not have a person to sit as a KCAC member but that she would be happy to take that role as she’s been doing it informally and then have the Kingston Garden Club -- which she officially represents on the council -- could offer another of its members to take her council seat. Platz then opened up discussion to the council. They talked of inviting a high school student to serve as a non-voting council member, the importance of having the Village Green on the board, increasing the number of KCAC members to accommodate new additions to the council for the widest community participation, conveying to the Tribe how its presence on the council could benefit its members and all of Kingston, and how any changes would affect the KCAC bylaws. Lanning moved to table any decisions until it was clear what the Tribe was doing. The motioned died for lack of a second. Platz said that the bylaws would have to be revised to accommodate changes in KCAC voting members, but that “if we agree we want these other groups on KCAC, we can have the representatives seated at the table as non-voting members until they are approved by the county. Maasberg made a motion to add the Downtown Kingston Association and the Village Green to KCAC as soon as possible. The motion was seconded and passed.

Several members said it would be good to offer another at-large position to the community. In the end, it was decided to bring back the issue for further discussion as “old business” next month. Subcommittee Reports Parks & Open Space – Walt Elliott’s written report attached. WSF Committee – Elliott said there is a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Kingston Community Center to discuss the study of the reservation system. He encouraged everyone to be there. More details are in his attached written report. Roads – Humiston said she is meeting with a group on Oct. 21 to talk about getting more sidewalks and paved shoulders in town. Downtown Kingston Master Plan – Lanning said they had a “great meeting” last night with the county Planning Commission, the members of which were very complimentary about Kingston’s involvement and follow through with the master plan. The plan was approved unanimously and now goes to the county commissioners. Community Reports Kiwanis – Alex Thomsen said the group made financial contributions to two food banks. “Their shelves are really down so if you can do something to help out, it’s very important.“ Kiwanis has a food drive tentatively scheduled for the weekend prior to Thanksgiving. He said preparations are under way for Halloween events. Kingston Garden Club/Downtown Kingston Association – Martin said the Garden Club is busy dividing and potting plants for the spring sale and looking forward to awarding scholarships this year. She said the downtown association is helping organize events for Kingston High School homecoming week. A pep rally, parade, and street dance will be held downtown on Oct. 15. She said the rally is free and encouraged everyone to attend. Rotary Club – Clint Boxman said the group gave matching grants to a water project in Belize, raised $1,200 at Old Mill Days, and is selling KHS seat cushions for $10 as a fundraiser. Chamber Of Commerce – Membership continues to grow, said Waggoner. Carpenter Lake/Creek – Steve Heacock called the recent spate of graffiti at Carpenter Creek “troubling.” He said the wooden ramps and boardwalks have been tagged. Cleanup is under way. Kingston Stakeholders – Lanning said the stakeholders are involved in the pep rally too. He said the group is engaging and paying for a map concept in downtown Kingston, an informational guide that most likely will be installed near the Main Street Ale House. He said they are continuing to research a hotel study that can eventually be presented to county commissioners and the port. Kingston Farmer’s Market – Henden said this upcoming Saturday is the last market

for the year. “It was a great year for the market,” she said. “We added produce vendors and enjoyed the stage that the port built and all the music each week.” Open Comments A couple KCAC members said that the red shed for sale in the vacant lot downtown is an “eyesore” and does not fit with the design standards of downtown Kingston. They wondered if something could be done about it. Meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.

Parks and Trails for KCAC October 5 09 NK Trails Association is meeting frequently, especially a trails plan subcommittee and its planwriting subcommittee. They hope to have a plan completed by September 2010, with a draft possible in April. An inspired all-Kingston-area trails meeting was held 9/23/09, with appropriate representatives from all County departments as well as OPG. Rebecca Pirtle made the arrangements and Steve Bauer moderated. Resulting action items are noted below. WH trail update: • We learned 9/23 that the County will be taking possession of the WH trail. This should help see the trail to completion and opening. • There’s some question about the bonding for the trail and whether it is still in force; Dennis Oost of DCD took the matter for action. Heritage Park update • We want to open the parking lot first, as soon as possible. Additional ecology blocks are there, and they’ve been moved back. We’re not counting on a portable toilet, or even a trash can, but want a little signage. We have satisfied the initial condition set by County Parks staff, to form a stewardship committee. We’re still waiting for a formalized MOU/MOA. • We need help with the dirt-bike issue. We plan to post a “No Motorized Vehicles” sign but need some advice on enforcement. They’re having a negative effect on the trails and it’s not occasional use. • We are concerned that there has been no talk of applying for RCO grants; the cycle comes up again next year. We will be writing a letter to County Parks, copying Steve Bauer, documenting our concerns. Arness • Thanks are owed to business owner Randy Bauer of Randi-Can, who supplied the portable toilet for the entire summer. It was removed according to plan October 1. • Walt has been emptying the trash. Some help with the task would be good. • We’d like to ask Waster Management to agree to empty the trash can once weekly when their route takes them by there. We’re working on making the necessary contact. Village Green • RCO grants should be obtainable for this project as well, considering the hundreds of hours of volunteer and other in-kind contributions that are claimable. • MPD is with the County Boundary Review Board. KRCC Trails Committee • A summary of Kitsap County trails is being prepared with an eye to which projects will qualify for funding. Ferry Advisory Committee Report: Public Meeting: Nov 10th at 6:30, Kingston Community Center. Main topic will be a briefing of the study of a reservations system for Kingston-Edmonds Reservations Study: The 4th meeting of the study group will be Oct 15th in Edmonds at 5:15. Most discussion has been over policies for the system. There are other staff groups working on the terminal, traffic, and IT aspects of the system. Traffic issues will be addressed in Kingston at a date TBD. Below is a summary of policy questions and a sample of range of approaches discussed. :

• Should there be separate reservation programs for frequent riders and commercial customers? Yes. • How far in advance different customer types would ideally be able to make reservations? Commuters: 30 to 45, same day and preferential loading for commercial & commuter users. Tourists: 3-4 months, People may need 60-90 days for summer reservations. • How close to departure different customer types would ideally be able to make reservations? In general, one hour. Or less. • How close to departure different customer types would ideally be able to cancel or change reservations? In general one hour. There is wide variance here. Customer should be able to make a change either up to 2 hours out or 30 minutes out. The minimum time will be dictated by the process of handling of cars in the holding lot. This applies to all the classes of riders. • Should there be a “no show” penalty?. Some think there should be a penalty for reservations canceled less than 24 hours before departure. Others think the penalty should be only for a “no show” with some allowance for commercial users. Others think there should be no cancellation penalty if a customer uses the ticket within 24 hours. Ammount of penalty varies from a % of the fare to a flat dollar charge. • What might happen if a customer misses his or her reserved sailing? Go to standby • What might happen if WSF has to cancel a sailing? Full refund, rolling to the next boat, and priority standby for the next boat. • What proportion of the vehicle deck should be reserved for peak sailings? 70-75%. May vary on time of day, sailing, time of year and historical basis. Over height space should be prioritized. • How should reserved space be allotted to different by customer types? Base this on historical data. Over height space is most valuable for reserved space, giving the most flexibility. • What proportion of sailings should be available for reservations? 24/7 • What should the deposit be for a reservation? At a minimum car and driver fare. Possibly different for commercial accounts. No solid agreement from the group. • How many reservations will a customer be able to make at one time? Some IT solution to keep a person from gaming the system or don’t worry about it. • What should the change and cancelation policies be? Should they differ by customer type? • How soon can a customer show up to wait in advance of a reserved sailing? No sooner than when the last boat leaves. • What is the latest a customer be able to show up for a reserved sailing? Beginning of loading, approximately 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure.