Minutes of Meeting

January 7, 2008

6:30 PM

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

Members present: Richard Bonewits, Claudia Brisendine, Don Butler, Les Dawson, Susan Dawson, Eric Harris, Steve Hiester, John Huson, Warren Iverson, Gordon Moorman, Rob Morris, Patrick Seiver, Peter Rimbos, and Beverly Tonda

Members absent: Kevin Daoust, Dave Fields

Guests: Major Dave Germani, Marissa Alegria, Paul Reitenbach, Rob Nist, Mike Anderson, plus two unidentified

Review and Approve Agenda: Review of domain name and renewal of web hosting agreement (moved up from later in agenda). Agenda approved and renewal of domain name and web host passed.

Review and Approve Minutes: Approved

Public Comment: Don Butler was sworn in as a new representative from the River Heights Area. Dick Bonewits was thanked and applauded for his long service to the Greater Maple Valley Council.

6:35 PM

Tahoma Youth Sports Council, Rob Nist

Rob and his colleagues had surveyed youth participation in ballfield needs in our council area, in response to a request by us. The council had been concerned that needs of those in the unincorporated area were not being met and that those fields in the entire area were not the only fields servicing youth sports. Rob's group found that approximately 35% of the participants were from the entire area and 65% were from the surrounding urban areas. The council is concerned that Ravensdale Park, a local park, is in danger of losing that status. Rob also reported that his group has been discussing the problem of facilities for youth sports with the city of Maple Valley. It was reported that the old Gracie Hanson Building, which has been leased to a non-profit organization as a batting practice facility, will also be available for other functions.

7:20 PM

DDES Revisions to Draft of 2008 King County Comp Plan, Paul Reitenbach

Paul Reitenbach discussed changes made recently to the Comp Plan. Primarily, the Transfer of Development Rights Program and the Agriculture and Forest Production District climate changes credits were most affected. The old 4:1 program will be brought back to use as the mechanism for TDR’s. Those wishing to develop beyond zoning may purchase development rights from those in the rural area. Additionally, accessory dwellings will be affected in this revision.

8:00 PM

Officer Nomination Report for 2008

The Area Council elected its officers for 2008. The positions, duties, and new officers for 2008 are:

Chair: Maintains Council operations and interfaces and presides at all meetings - Steve Hiester

Vice-Chair: Serves in the absence of the Chair and plans and conducts Council election and citizen advisory surveys - Warren Iverson

Recording Secretary: Prepares Council meeting minutes and keeps major records -Beverly Tonda

Corresponding Secretary: Prepares and transmits all Council correspondence, authors articles on activities, and controls website - Peter Rimbos

Treasurer: Receives and is accountable for all Council funds, maintains accounts, and pays all obligations - Kevin Daoust.

Peter Rimbos made a pre-motion to change the By-Laws by adding in Article 2 a Section H which would create “At-Large” positions in the Council. This will be decided in February’s meeting.

 8:20 PM

Election Advisory Results

Our auditor has completed compiling the results of our Bi-Annual Survey. It was reported that many voters appreciated this survey. We decided we needed to shorten it, but acknowledge that we always have problems doing that. As in past surveys, we found that most residents in our council want to keep the Rural Area rural. The survey and its results can be found on the area council’s website. The results will also be made available to the members of the King County Council and other officials.

9:00 PM

Year-end Financial Report - Kevin Daoust

As Kevin was unable to attend, we put this off. It was reported that members need to turn in receipts for reimbursement in a more timely manner. If they do not come in within 90 days, members take a chance they may not get their money.