February 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.

News

Nancy Stafford, Vice-President, Upper Bear Creek Community Council; Steve Hiester, Chair, Greater Maple Valley Area Council; Tom Carpenter, President, Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council; King County Executive Ron Sims; Heidi Johnson, Member, North Highline Unincorporated Area Council; and Rich Nelson, Treasurer, Four Creeks. Representatives from Vashon-Maury Island Community Council and West Hill Community Council were unable to attend.

King County Executive meets with UAC leaders

King County Executive Ron Sims welcomed leaders from the UACs for an informal meeting in his office on Feb. 9 to identify key issues and begin planning for the new year. Among the issues discussed were annexations, housing and other development, economic strategies for businesses in the rural areas and rural land use issues. One area for improvement noted was the desire by the UACs to be involved earlier in the county's planning and decision-making processes, as well as the need to increase education and involvement of local residents in their UACs. Deputy County Executive Sheryl Whitney will represent the Executive's Office in a planning effort that will bring together county and UAC representatives to discuss ways to achieve these goals. Executive Sims reaffirmed the importance of the UACs, pledging that their concerns would be a priority issue in the transition plan he is developing as he prepares to leave King County upon his confirmation as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. For more information about the UACs call Marissa Alegria at 206-205-1003 or Bong St. Domingo at 296-3325 or visit the Web site.

Green River preps for possible increase in flood risk

An announcement by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that storage capacity at the Corps' Howard A. Hanson Dam on the Green River will be restricted has King County informing residents about a possible increase in the risk of flooding to the Green River Valley below the dam in the event of a major rainstorm. King County, in coordination with the King County Flood Control District, has taken actions to ensure communication channels are in place to help protect residents and their property. For more information visit the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks Newsroom.

Rural Economic Strategies public involvement

The 2008 Comprehensive Plan Update made significant changes to the Rural and Economic Development chapters to better reflect the diversity of land uses and businesses within rural areas. The Rural Economic Strategies Coordinator will meet with the rural UACs to solicit public input to further enhance support of the rural economy. Meetings will be held at Four Creeks, on Feb. 18; Upper Bear Creek on Feb 24; Greater Maple Valley on March 2; and Vashon on April 20 (tentative). For more information contact Julia Larson, Rural Economic Strategies Coordinator at julia.larson@kingcounty.gov or 206-296-1062.

Stormwater management community meetings

King County residents can provide feedback on local stormwater management practices and learn more about planned updates to the county's stormwater management program at a series of upcoming public meetings. This effort is part of King County's ongoing commitment to protect public health and improve environmental conditions in our local streams, rivers and Puget Sound. Meetings will be held from 6 — 8 p.m. on March 3 at Issaquah City Hall, March 5 at the Covington Library and March 9 at Redmond City Hall.

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 a March 12 meeting at Enumclaw High School, 226 Semanski St. in Enumclaw. The meeting runs from 7-9 p.m. and will be in the school's Commons. Details are available on the Web site, or by contacting Steve Evans at 206-296-7824, or steve.evans@kingcounty.gov.

Pay property taxes quickly and easily online by April 30

Taxpayers who pay their property taxes themselves rather than through a mortgage lender will receive their 2009 annual property tax statement in mid-February. Taxpayers who pay their taxes via a mortgage lender will receive a postcard that explains how to access the county's database to review a detailed breakdown of levy rates and how property taxes are allocated to various governmental entities. To avoid interest and penalty charges the first-half of 2009 tax payments are due April 30. Residents who do not want to mail a check or visit a Community Service Center can quickly and conveniently pay online. For more information on property tax payment options, see the property tax home page.

King County illegal dumping hotline

King County relies on the public to help identify and report illegal dumpsites so that they can be addressed quickly. These sites can attract rats and other vermin, are dangerous to children, can pollute land, water and wells, and, if they're not cleaned up quickly, can invite more illegal dumping. Report illegal dumping using the online form, or by calling the 24-hour Illegal Dumping Hotline at 206-296-SITE (296-7483), toll-free at 1-866-431-7483, TTY Relay: 711.

Tree house agreements

Cooperation among a Fall City property owner, King County's Department of Development and Environmental Services, and the county's Alternative Dispute Resolution process has produced two agreements which allow a property owner to apply for permits for elaborate tree houses along the Raging River that will serve as bed and breakfast facilities. To learn more, visit the Web site.

‘Getting to yes at DDES' - workshop explores residential permits for first-time applicants

DDES is offering a workshop to prospective permit applicants and property owners who intend to build one or more single family homes or do remodels in unincorporated King County. The workshop is March 26, from 9 a.m.- noon at the Master Builders Association offices, 335 116th S.E., Bellevue. The cost is $20 per person and online registration is required. Space is limited. For more information visit the Web site or contact Paula Adams at 206-296-6682 or paula.adams@kingcounty.gov.

Fair-housing workshop

The King County Office of Civil Rights bimonthly fair-housing workshop and seminar for rental owners and managers is March 25 from from 9 a.m. - noon and 1 - 3 p.m. The three-hour morning session covers fair housing basics, and the two-hour afternoon interactive session is about advanced fair housing topics. Information about the training and directions are the Web site.

Get active

For many of us, staying physically active during the winter is challenging because of wet weather and less daylight. But exercise is essential for physical health and stress reduction. With a little extra planning you can dress for the weather and enjoy your favorite outdoor activity all year long. You can also look for indoor activities like programs at community centers, mall walking, or working out to a tape at home. For more ideas about ways to get active and links to community center throughout King County visit the Web site.

Election results posted

The first countywide all-mail election on Feb.  3 was a great success and expanded upon improvements to the efficiency, security and convenience of voting by mail. For more information on election results, new features, services and the ongoing transition to vote by mail, visit the Web site.

Find a new pet

Meet adoptable cats and dogs on March 1 from noon - 4 p.m. at the Wash Dog in West Seattle, located at 6400 California Ave. S.W. If you can't make it to the adoption event, plenty of cats and dogs are waiting for a permanent home at King County animal shelters. For hours and directions, and information about a recently opened cat building at the Kent Shelter, visit the Web site or call 206-296-PETS.

Flooding

Disasters happen, help is available!

Lately we have had floods and snow causing major damage in areas of King County. If you, your business or farm have been affected, there are ways to get help:

January flood federal assistance

For individuals and businesses affected by the January flood, contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or visit the FEMA Web site to register for assistance. The deadline is March 31 for call-in and online registration. For in-person assistance, check the King County Web site for location and hours of Disaster Recovery Centers.

Small business assistance

The Small Business Administration (SBA) can help with low interest loans for impacted businesses and economic injury due to the Kummer Bridge closure or December snowstorms closures. Call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or visit the SBA Web site. The deadline is October 2009.

Farm assistance

In addition to contacting FEMA and SBA, farm owners can also contact the Farms Services Agency for assistance following these incidents. For north King County call 425-334-3131; For south King County call 253-445-9899. For additional questions, contact the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks Agriculture Programs at 206-296-1926.

King County Office of Emergency Management

We are here to help. If you have additional general questions, contact us at 206-296-3830 or ecc.kc@kingcounty.gov.

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.

Emergency Preparedness

Last month's flood raised the importance of household preparedness. You may have discovered items you wish you'd had as part of your emergency supplies, or used up necessary items. Now is the time to restock and raise the level of your emergency preparedness.

Emergency supply checklist (External Link)

General household preparedness tips (External Link)

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