Draft Minutes

Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council

Regular Meeting Minutes – February 17, 2005

Submitted by Dellanie Fragnoli.

Attending:

D1: Rick Spence	X
D2: Jeanie Baurichter
D3: Grant Smith
D4: OPEN
D5: Ronda Bryant	X
D6: Dellanie Fragnoli	X
D7: Marshall Brenden	X
D8: Dick Fackenthall
D9: Sharon Schimke	X
D10: Bette Filley	X
D11: Lisa Taylor	X
AL: Dave Dahlin	X
AL: Edie Jorgensen	X
AL: David Rockabrand	X
AL: Chuck Pillon
AAL: Richard Maki
AAL:

Rick Spence, President, called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

Members of the Council introduced themselves.

 Critical Areas Ordinance Presentation – Nori Cataby, Government Relations Liaison, Joe Miles, Manager, Land Use Services Division, Harry Reinert, Special Projects Manager, King County Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES)

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Overview of the Critical Areas Ordinance (copy of Powerpoint slides available from Dellanie F. upon request) including Major Changes in KCC 21.A.24 Critical Areas, Limited Alterations Critical Areas, Examples of Allowed Alterations, Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA), Wetlands, Aquatic Areas, Critical Area Designation, Consolidated Site Review, Clearing and Grading Permits, Invasive Plant Removal, Rural Clearing Standards, Activities Allowed in Retained Areas, Drainage Review Thresholds, Farm and Forest Management and Rural Stewardship Plans, Public Rules, and Resources Numerous questions were asked by councilmembers. Specific points made: Any permits accepted as complete as of January 1, 2005, fall under the old ordinance Noxious weeds can be removed without a permit even in critical areas manually. Fire Marshal Best Management Practices (BMP’s) should be available in draft form within a couple of weeks, final version expected in 1-2 months Firewood collection is allowed for personal use in wetlands, aquatic areas, etc. Not allowed in wildlife habitat conservation areas. Allowed without limitation in all other areas. Speakers did not know what notice, if any, was required to be given to landowner regarding inspections under a farm plan. To check and get response to the council. New wetland categorization is more complicated, but more flexible than old system – allows for differences in intensity of impact. Invasive plant removal (blackberries specifically identified) is allowed without a permit for 7,000 square feet or less of invasive vegetation. Must follow Best Management Practices (BMP’s). King County Noxious Weed Board is in process of developing. Rural Clearing Standards: Areas already cleared are grandfathered. Clearing required for public easements and right-of-way does not count against the landowner in the calculation of percent cleared. Question of whether clearing limits, farm plan, rural stewardship plan are recorded on the title to the property – answer to be provided by speakers.

Special Meeting Called

_	Rick Spence, President, called a special meeting for Wednesday, March 2, 2005, for the purpose of completing tonight’s agenda and developing questions to submit to tonight’s speakers.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm