January 2009

Unincorporated Area Community News

Welcome to Community News, King County government's monthly newsletter for unincorporated area residents. You can find the newsletter online with links to program details, at www.kingcounty.gov/UnincorporatedAreaNews.

Flood Focus

Snoqualmie flood 2009

King County staff have worked 24/7 to help residents recover from the historic and devastating flooding that inundated homes and properties earlier this month.

With snowmelt and heavy rainfall causing record flooding, remarkable destruction and putting public safety at risk in many areas, King County staff before, during and after the flood have been busy responding with such resources as:

King County offering free flood-damage inspections

The King County Department of Development and Environmental Services is offering free inspections of damaged buildings and property in unincorporated areas to help speed up the repair and/or restoration process for residents. Visit the Web site or call 206-296-6630 for details on how to request a damage inspection.

Roads, Transit deal with successive storms

Both the King County Road Services Division and Metro Transit spent weeks dealing with intense snow and rain storms as 2008 blasted into the new year.

Get flood damage updates online

King County residents who experienced damage from January's historic floods are encouraged to check the King County Office of Emergency Management Web site often for updates on the federal disaster aid process and for information about local and federal resources offered as a result of flood damage.

Trails and parks hit hard

Portions of King County Parks' regional trail system received heavy damage from the recent flooding. Stretches of the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, Cedar River Trail and the Green-to-Cedar Trail were especially hard hit, and Tolt-MacDonald Park remains closed. For more information visit the Web site or contact Kathy Nygard at 206-296-8687 or kathy.nygard@kingcounty.gov.

Keeping chemicals out of floodwaters

Many businesses and homes contain common chemical products that can be washed away by flooding. Once released to floodwaters, automotive products, cleaners, solvents, fuels and pesticides are harmful to humans, animals and the environment, and complicate clean up. For more information on the use, storage and disposal of hazardous materials visit the Web site or call the Business Waste Line at 206-263-8899, toll free 800-325-6165, ext 3-8899.

News

Council adopts code revision

In December the County Council adopted an ordinance allowing home-based businesses located on five or more acres that support agricultural, equestrian, or forestry uses to conduct on-site sales. This change provides greater flexibility for rural businesses. For more information contact Julia Larson, Rural Economic Strategies Coordinator at julia.larson@kingcounty.gov or 206-296-1062.

Immunizations

Budget cuts have resulted in the closure of some immunizations clinics offered by Public Health - Seattle & King County. Immunization clinics are still available at the Kent Teen, Renton, Federal Way Columbia and Downtown Seattle Public Health clinics. For locations and appointments, visit the Web site or call 206-296-4600.

Agriculture Commission looking for input on farming's future

The King County Agricultural Commission wants to hear from the public as it studies the future of farming in King County. Residents can view details of recent study, provide input online or attend any of three upcoming public meetings: Jan. 22 in Carnation, Feb. 12 in Auburn and March 12 in Enumclaw. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. Details are available on the Web site or contact Steve Evans at 206-296-7824, or steve.evans@kingcounty.gov.

Menu labeling

Chain restaurants in King County are now required to post nutrition information for the items they sell. Restaurants with 15 or more outlets such as McDonalds, Denny's, Ivar's, and Taco Time must post menu item calorie content on the menu board, as well as information about the sodium, fat and carbohydrates available before or at the point of purchase. Nutrition menu labeling provides customers with the information they need to make informed choices at popular restaurants. To learn more visit the Web site or contact Morgan Barry at 206-263-8429.

Metro Transit proposes changes for Skyway, Highline and nearby areas

King County Metro Transit is looking for feedback from the public on proposed bus service changes this year and in 2010 for neighborhoods in Skyway/West Hill, Highline, Southeast Seattle and bus routes serving areas in West Seattle, Tukwila, SeaTac, Burien, Kent, Federal Way and the Tukwila Sounder station. For more information about the changes or to comment, visit the Web site or leave a recorded message at 206-684-1146. Comments are due by Feb. 6.

Veterans and Human Services Levy boards to highlight levy-sponsored services in Council District 9

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn will be the special guest speaker at the quarterly joint meeting of the Veterans and Human Services Levy citizen advisory boards on Jan. 22 from 2-4 p.m. at the Fairwood Library, 17009 140th SE, Renton. The agenda also features a panel presentation on levy-sponsored programs and services for veterans and their families and others in need in Council District 9. For more information visit the Web site or contact Marcy Kubbs, VHS Levy Program Manager at 206-263-9102.

Vote by mail

Ballots are being mailed to the homes of all registered King County voters for the Feb. 3 special election. This election will be conducted entirely by mail and ballots must be postmarked or returned by election day. For more information on ballot measures, candidates or voting by mail, visit the Web site or call 206-296-VOTE (8683).

Adopt a pet

King County residents looking for a furry new family member can now see pets that are available for adoption through King County Animal Shelters at home using their Comcast On Demand cable feature. Check your local cable listings for channel and time information for Comcast pet adoptions. Pets available for adoption are also posted on the Web site.

Pay property taxes quickly and easily online by April 30

2009 first half property taxes are due or must be postmarked by April 30. Last October, more than 23,000 King County residents paid their property taxes online using King County's new payment system. Residents who did not want to mail a check or visit a Community Service Center had the option to pay quickly and conveniently from their own computer. For more information on property tax payment options, see our news releases section.

Transition to Digital Cable on February 17

The Office of Cable Communications is the point of contact for customers inquiring about the transition of television broadcast analog to digital scheduled for Feb. 17.

King County provides oversight of the cable television franchises for unincorporated King County. Contact King County's Office of Cable Communications for any questions or assistance regarding billing or service disputes you may have with Comcast or Millennium Digital Media Systems cable television service. The office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additional information is available online or by contacting Chris Jaramillo, Cable Compliance Officer, Office of Cable Communications, at 206-296-3880.

Community news

West Hill

Skyway Park

King County Parks is teaming up with the University of Washington's Restoration Ecology Network program to carry out a year-long habitat restoration project in Skyway Park. Five UW students have signed up to form "Team Skyway." They have organized a work party for Saturday, Jan. 24, from 10 a.m.—1 p.m. For details, or to sign up, visit the Web site or contact Tina Miller, Habitat Restoration Volunteer Coordinator, at 206-296-2990, or tina.miller@kingcounty.gov.

County works to resolve Mt. Anderson nuisance issue

The request by the Department of Development and Environmental Services to have all of the business activity (stockpiling and sale of recycled construction materials) on the former Anderson property immediately shut down was denied by King County Superior Court in November. However, the court recognized the ongoing nuisance to adjoining properties and concluded that this operation should not be allowed to continue any longer than is absolutely necessary. The court agreed to retain jurisdiction over the matter and to hold monthly compliance hearings until the property is brought into compliance with the grading permit King County issued years ago. In addition, the court set an accelerated schedule to complete the site clean-up. If, at any time, the property is out of compliance with the terms of the order, the court will order that ongoing recycling operations be terminated. The timeline provided by the court should see the property in compliance with the original grading permit by the end of 2009. For details, please contact Fred White at DDES at 206-296-6783.

To add yourself to our King County Unincorporated Area opt-in e-newsletter list, send an automated e-mail by clicking on these instructions:
ADD me to this list | UNSUBSCRIBE me from this list

If you have comments or suggestions about future content, please contact Lauren Smith at 206-263-7146 or lauren.smith@kingcounty.gov.