Minutes of the May 15, 2002 Meeting of the Four Creeks U.A.C.
The meeting began at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were board members Tom Tregoning, David Mobley, Marshall Brenden, David Rockabrand, Cynthia Green, Rod McFarland, Oscar Bandelin, Gwendolyn High, Rick Noe, Chuck Pillon, Stephanie Proulx, and Tami Harris. Also in attendance were Sheriff Reichert, Commander Jim Gradon, and members of the public.
Guest Speaker: Commander Jim Gradon:Commander Jim Gradon introduced himself and gave the Council a quick overview of the positive ramifications of encouraging municipalities to contract with the King County Sheriff's office in order to provide a broad knowledge base to service the communities. He explained that the communities that do not contract with King County do not have access to the same radio, which limits the sharing of information.
Guest Speaker: Sheriff Reichert: Sheriff Reichert began by speaking about the current King County budget, how it is allocated, and how King County is trying to cut the KCSO budget. The KCSO budget is $106 million, 3.7 percent of the county budget. The KCSO spends 82 percent on personnel, 14 percent to other County Agencies, and four percent on other expenses. Overall, Sheriff Reichert portrayed a tight budget in which he has already made improvements to reduce costs and improve service, including restructuring training, changing the allocation of computers, modifying the vehicle fleet, managing overtime, and redeploying centralized drug unit to the precincts. Sheriff Reichert encouraged citizen involvement and support for KCSO, including going down to the County, e-mailing, phone calling, creating groups of citizens/discussion forums. Discussion was heard on the pros and cons of municipalities contracting with KCSO. Positives included the broad base of knowledge that can be pulled together to benefit smaller precincts that may not have the experience, sharing of information, and limiting duplication of services. Sheriff Reichert portrayed the down side of municipalities joining as a perception of loss of local identity and control. Discussion was heard regarding the fact that while the KCSO budget is going down, other departments within the County seem to be growing, and increasing their budget. Sheriff Reichert was questioned on how he responded to the recent Miller case. He was asked about the recent news article stating that KC emergency services not meeting the required level of service. Sheriff Reichert responded that they now were in line with the requirements. The Sheriff also spoke about the recent change in the KCSO procedures regarding transportation of criminal.
Police Report: Deputy Seth Grant: Deputy Seth Grant relayed that in response to the recent complaints about large trucks on May Valley Road, he is stationing a patrol car on the road frequently. He gave out the following phone numbers. Gerry Arnston; Road Use Investigator - 206.296.8149. Gregory P Keith; Newcastle Public Works - 425.649.4444. He suggested trying to reduce the weight limit for May Valley Traffic, and sited the following person as a contact to do so: Scott Sawhill - 206.263.6134 Deputy Grant passed out crime maps and information, and discussed the handouts.
Treasurer’s Report: No change in account status: $69.75 at Washington Mutual and $8520.29 at King County
Correspondence: KC DNR annual report noted the merge with the Parks Department which cut 26 jobs.
Maps:Gwendolyn High procured and distributed Four Creek UAC maps. She is working to get an updated map that will include the Renton annexation.
Roads Division: Oscar Bandelin requested that Chuck Pillon follow up with King County Roads Division regarding the response letter sent out last month. Chuck Pillon reported on the Transportation Comm hearing, Washington State department model program.
Other:Cluadia Donnelly reported that KC Elections office is redistricting the precincts. This will be done by the end of June. Oscar Bandelin appointed Gwendolyn High and Rick Noe to follow up on this. Claudia Donnelly also reported on stolen mail she found, and the stop light for 900 & 148th.
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tami Harris