Roll call

Review and approve agenda

Public comment on topics, which are not listed on the agenda

7:20 PM

Sheriff’s Precinct Level Community Involvement Program

Major Dave Germani

Major Germani summarized the current program for those citizens in attendance. The program was also outlined in the Voice of the Valley, and this presentation represented the quarterly forum. Major Germani was provided with a summary of an accident on the Landsburg Road near Ravensdale. This accident was a result of speeding in the area, and is not the first accident. A question was also brought up about shooting guns in the rural area. Major Germani explained that in some areas shooting is allowed, but if it is dangerous and reckless than it needs to be reported. Another citizen asked about cutbacks at the Sheriff’s department, and Major Germani asked the citizen to check the newspapers. A question was asked about additional patrols at the park and rides and trailheads. Landsburg and Hobart were specifically mentioned. Major Germani said that there will be more patrols as the weather gets nicer. The next Sheriff’s office forum will be on August 4^th.

7:35 PM

National Coalition Building Institute

Fabienne Brooks

Fabienne Brooks, a former Maple Valley Precinct Commander attended our meeting with Connor Sharp, and began by explaining what the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) is. Ms. Brooks explained that this program will assist citizens in communicating better on tough issues so when there are difficult challenges we can work together. This program is funded by grants and is designed to train citizens to become better communicators, and build conflict resolution skills. One of their hopes is to eliminate racism and sexism in a non-threatening way. Fae encouraged the five GMVAC members on Major Germani’s committee to volunteer for this program. She also said that this program helps build your communication skills with both peers as well as family members. The training is being done at each precinct that is involved.

Gordon asked if this is just our committee who has been asked to help. Fae is hoping to work with the City of Maple Valley, and they are also speaking with the Four Creeks Area Council. Our members were asked to help Major Germani find 15 people. Fae is working with the Precinct Commanders in each area. Dave mentioned that the Masonic Lodges might be a good place to recruit. In addition, there will be a smaller group that will learn how to conduct future training. Peter asked for some examples of case studies they have conducted. Fae gave an example from Atlantic City where officers learned they needed to slow down when communicating and be more empathetic. Rob, Steve, Susan, Warren, and Bev were the five people that volunteered to help on Major Gemani’s committee. Trainings will be different depending on the community. Fae asked that Steve back to her within the next couple of weeks. Les and Bev volunteered to work with Fae.

8:05 PM

Proposed Burn Ban

Lauren Smith (King County Natural Resources and Parks)

Jim Nolan (Puget Sound Clean Air Agency)

Lauren Smith of the King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks, along with Jim Nolan, Director of Compliance for the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA), discussed burn ban policies. They work specifically on the rural initiatives to find out what our priorities are. Lauren explained that counties have seats on the PSCAA board, and Jim Lopez is the person that attends the meetings for KingCounty. They received over 400 comments made by citizens, and there were many comments in regards to burning on large acreage. Because of these comments the PSCAA is working with King County to resolve the issues. A comment was also made that DNRP manages the transfer stations and if people can’t burn, then the land fills will be used more often. Jim commented that they are in the information gathering stage, and provided an area map that showed the urban and rural boundaries. He said they are trying to gather information on what rural looks like, and that smoke impacts the neighbor on a smaller lot. They are also looking at urban services, and what that means. He is looking for ideas on what services are needed.

One of the community members talked about the importance of disposing of pine needles immediately because otherwise animals will move in under the tree branches that fall. Our challenge is that there are some areas in Maple Valley that look like neighborhoods in Bellevue with people on quarter acre lots or less. Jim understands that people with large parcels have no other options, but it is the proximity to their neighbor that is the issue. Peter asked for a definition of legal burning, and Jim explained that only natural items can be burned. Burning garbage has been illegal since 1967. Patrick asked how all this discussion began, and Jim explained that rural residents are calling the fire department and complaining. Patrick suggest that one acre is a measure in terms of who should be exempt from this ordinance.

There were other comments and suggestions that were made. One person suggested that less than one acre should be considered. It was also suggested that if there are sidewalks and paved roads that his be considered more urban. Jim gave the flip side, and talked about the family that has to live with the smoke. The family would say dispose of the debris another way. Patrick commented that if you choose to move to a rural area, then you should probably learn to adapt to the rural way. Jim Nolan said that they made a mistake by not bringing this issue to the rural area residents for discussion earlier. Tim Lemon asked to speak up and reminded us that this discussion started about 20 years ago, and will impact the local resources as the Fire Department will become the policing agency. Currently they are looking at burn permits for smaller parcels. The 18 residents that were in attendance were all concerned about the additional restrictions that may be placed on the rural residents. Jim will take a couple of months to put the information he’s collected together, and update us on what he has proposed for rural residents. Jim will come back in August to speak to our group, and in October he will make some recommendations to the rule makers. He commented that they do not want to move forward with a proposal that does not meet the needs of the citizens. Their website is pscleanair.org;

8:45 PM

Landfill Energy Gas Project - Cedar Hills Regional Landfill

Polly Young

Victor Okereke, Managing Engineer, Solid Waste Division, Department of Natural Resources and Parks

Currently we have burners that are destroying the gas which is comprised of 50% methane, 38% is carbon dioxide, and the rest is other gases. They are proposing collecting the gas and distributing it through and existing Williams Northwest Natural Gas Pipeline that runs adjacent to the landfill. Bio Energy Washington LLC is being given a two acre parcel on the site to process and distribute the gas. The company will have to pay King County 1.3 million dollars annually. If the gas prices increase, then King County will receive more revenue. The facility will purify and compress the gas, and generate supplemental energy that will be used to run the facility. Victor said that if you live within 2.5 miles of the site that citizens received information on how they could give input. This is a 20 year contract that is renewable at 10 year periods, and the company was selected through a biding process. The question was asked about what happens to the CO₂. The footprint will be reduced by 63%.

He also commented that there is currently no schedule to close Cedar Hills. It is projected to reach capacity in 2016, and King County is currently studying alternatives to recycling the waste. Peter asked what the byproducts are from the gas. The liquid waste will be treated at the site so that the product meets the standards for the Renton water treatment plant. This project is a key project in the King County Green House Gas Emissions Plan, and because of that the comment period has been extended to May 22^nd.

9:00 PM

Comp. Plan Public Meeting Review

Peter Rimbos

Peter reviewed what happened at the last public meeting. Tomorrow morning, Tom Carpenter will be speaking to the Growth Management Committee and will include our comments. The committee is breaking up the chapters and accepting comments in chunks. There is currently a $657 million deficit in our King County budget.

9:15 PM

Other Business

Joan would like us to attend the Friends of Cedar River appearance on June 9th. Gordon will send us all the email that Joan sent him.

Warren would like to propose that we make our concerns known to King County that we would like them to consider other alternatives to waste management, not just the proposed gas conversion. He wants to make sure we are looking at all sources of revenue streams.

Request for Driveway Notification onto Landsburg Road in Ravensdale.

Open positions are: one in Francis and one in Ravensdale. We will advertise the positions.

9:30 PM

Adjourn