Members Present: Claudia Brisendine, Les Dawson, Susan Dawson, Dave Fields, Eric Harris, Steve Hiester, John Huson, Warren Iverson, Gordon Moorman, Rob Morris, Peter Rimbos, Patrick Seiver.

Members Absent: Richard Bonewits, Kevin Daoust, Iris Von Jouanne.

Guests Present: Dave Germani, Neil Strige, Shannon Hulburt, Paulette Norman, Mark Mitchell, Alan Clark, Loretta Rombauer, Jeff Rombauer, Meredith Schoebel, Rick and Pauline Taylor, Shannon Gingrich, Richard McWade, Troy Hyatt, Ryan Kohlman, Chief Lemon, Jeff and Chris Sandman, Karen Shahamse, Scott Daball, Rick Braler, Derek Case, Tri Only, Marinne McGrorit, Frank Overton, Hung Hiynh

Review and Approve Minutes: No minutes for June.

Review and Approve Agenda: Passed.

7:15 PM: Public Comment on topics, which are not listed on the Agenda: Iris Von Jouanne has had to resign.

7:20 PM: King County Department of Transportation Presentation on Closure of SE 276^th Avenue for Replacement of Culvert and Designation of Detour Route(s): A culvert is in possible danger or imminent failure on this road near SE 197^th. This replacement must include accommodation for a fish-passable culvert. The detour route presented by DOT is: 276^th Ave SE to SE 216^th St to 244^th Ave SE to SR-18 to 276^th Ave SE.

Many concerns were raised including traffic volumes and flow, speed limits, and local access. Four local rural roads in addition to 276^th Ave SE will be affected during the project’s duration: SE 216^th St, 244^th Ave SE, SE 208^th St, and SE 200^th St. DOT personnel were continually pressed to recognize the rural nature of all these roads, especially the current levels of traffic and speed limits observed by motorists. In addition, major concerns were raised related to the existing temporary traffic signal at the 244^th Ave. SE and SR-18 intersection. State DOT’s Derek Case stated the ramps at 244^th Ave. SE and the new lanes on SR-18 are planned to be opened by Labor Day--leaving at least a 2-week overlap with the 276^th Ave SE closure’s diversion of traffic, which will certainly cause problems (DOT’s Case stated they will monitor the traffic flow and adjust the timing of the 244^th Ave SE traffic signal as needed).

DOT provided several mitigations to problems discussed at the first June public meeting. These include: (1) motorcycle officers for additional traffic control on an as-needed basis during the project; (2) an officer at the SE 216^th St. and 244^th Ave. SE intersection during peak commutes; (3) officers at other locations on an as-needed basis; (4) electronic signs showing motorists' radar-read speeds on SE 216^th St. (it was requested this be done soon to increase motorists’ awareness and DOT personnel agreed); and (5) signage on 276^th Ave SE near Four Corners and near SR-18 to alert motorists and large truck traffic to potential delays and encourage alternate routes be used.

Several additional mitigations for SE 208^th St. and SE 200^th St. requested at this second meeting were discussed. These include: (1) Local Access Only signage at both ends; (2) mowing of grass on each side to show there are essentially no shoulders; and (3) addressing guardrail, road jogs, and blind spots (especially on SE 200^th St). DOT personnel agreed to the Local Access Only signage and will look at the details of the other mitigation. The Area Council expressed concern to DOT personnel that, as the elected representatives for local citizens to King County, they were not alerted to this project until reading about it in the Voice of the Valley. Apologies were offered and accepted. The Area Council requested and DOT personnel agreed to return in August and September to provide project updates. It was moved and seconded and motion passed for Peter Rimbos to draft a letter to DOT expressing our concern about the issue and tonight's meeting. He will draft the letter and forward it to Steve Hiester, who will send the letter in.

8:20 PM: Train Show Support Requirements/Steve Hiester: Because of problems in last year’s show, the rent for this year’s show will be trimmed by half. Current exhibitors include all of last year’s and one large new one. During the last weekend of July Covington Day’s Parade will require many of our members to help pass our leaflets about this show. Members are asked to contact Steve if they can help.

8:30 PM: Rural Vision Statement Working Discussion: Peter had collated responses from last year’s Advisory Survey to the model in use. So far Peter, Susan, Les, Kevin, Dick, Gordon, Eric, and Robert have submitted their responses for collation. All members were asked to submit theirs ASAP as this is such an important project. We need to be active and involved in this discussion as it will guide us in future discussions and decisions.

9:30 PM: Committee Assignments/Reports: No time

9:00 PM: Adjourn.