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. To see previous versions of the Unincorporated Area Community Newsletter visit the archives.

Engage with King County

King County Agriculture Commission meeting

The Agriculture Commission will hold the first meeting of the year on Feb. 10 from 4-7 p.m., at the Issaquah Fish Hatchery, Watershed Science Center, 175 W. Sunset Way, in Issaquah.

King County Comprehensive Plan 2012 update

A major update is under way to the King County Comprehensive Plan, which sets county policy and guides development. The plan is reviewed and updated every four years, and the 2012 update will be submitted to the King County Council this March. Staff have already met with the six Unincorporated Area Councils, the Agriculture and Rural Forest commissions, and held a public meeting to discuss the review and update scope of work. Comments on this initial step are due by Feb. 9 to paul.reitenbach@kingcounty.gov.

News

UAC leaders meet with Executive Constantine

From left: Steve Hiester, Greater Maple Valley; Peter Eberle, Four Creeks; Carl Sells, Vashon-Maury Island; Executive Dow Constantine; Paul Berry, West Hill; Christine Waldman, North Highline; and Rich Lund, Upper Bear Creek

King County Executive Dow Constantine met with the leaders of the six Unincorporated Area Councils Feb. 2 to discuss community issues and concerns, including the King County Council proviso that calls on the Executive to develop “a plan to consolidate the six UACs into one unincorporated area commission.” Executive Constantine expressed his appreciation for the hard work of the UAC members and pledged to work with the UACs over the coming months as he develops a proposal to improve and strengthen the county's partnership with the residents of the unincorporated areas.

Landfill gas brings revenue

When King County began collecting revenue last year from the sale of methane gas created from decomposing garbage buried in a landfill, it was only the start. Now the county will sell the emissions credits associated with this renewable energy source to Puget Sound Energy, bringing in an estimated $500,000 in additional revenue per year. This estimated $1 million in new revenue will help keep solid waste disposal rates low and offset other solid-waste expenses.

Special Election Feb. 8

Special Election ballots must be returned by Tuesday, Feb. 8. To see if your district is participating, track your ballot or view results, visit the Elections website. The Voter Hotline is available to answer questions and provide assistance, 206-296-VOTE (8683).

Free fair housing workshop and seminar

The King County Office of Civil Rights and other civil rights agencies are hosting two free fair housing trainings at the Jackson Federal Building in downtown Seattle on Wednesday, Feb. 23. The Fair Housing Basics workshop is from 9 a.m. to noon, and the Advanced Fair Housing Seminar is from 1- 3 p.m. Participants receive extensive free fair housing materials, in print and CD formats. For details and directions, visit the website. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Call 206-296-7592 for more information.

2011 Seattle Bicycle Expo

Visit the King County booth at the Seattle Bike Expo, March 12-13 at the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal on the Seattle waterfront.

King County Parks second-annual Big Backyard 5K

Come run, or walk, your big backyard off at the 2011 Big Backyard 5K on Sunday, May 22 at Marymoor Park. For more information and to register, visit the event website.

2011 Youth Sports Facilities Grant (YSFG) applications

The YSFG Program provides matching grant funds to rehabilitate or develop sports fields and facilities serving youth in King County. For more information and to download the application, visit the YSFG website.

Flu Shots

The flu season is reaching its peak and it’s not too late to get a flu shot! Walgreens drugstores is partnering with Public Health – Seattle & King County to provide free flu shot vouchers to everyone age 9 years old and older, redeemable at any Walgreens nationwide. Pick up a free voucher at any Public Health Clinic across the county while supplies last.

Public Health is on Facebook!

Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/kcpubhealth.

National Heart Month

Did you know smoking contributes to heart disease? Celebrate National Heart Month by quitting smoking once and for all. Help is available. Visit the Public Health website to get started!

Healthy adoptable pets ready for Valentine’s Day adoptions

Regional Animal Services of King County has many healthy, adoptable pets just waiting to bring joy to your home. For a listing of available pets, visit the Adopt a Pet website. To license a pet that you already have visit the Pet Licenses website.

Rural Economic Strategies relocation

The Rural Economic Strategies Program is moving to the new Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget in the Chinook Building at 401 5th Ave., Suite 800 in Seattle. Julia Larson continues as Strategies Coordinator with a new phone number, 206-263-9689; her e-mail address remains julia.larson@kingcounty.gov.

Community news

Four Creeks/May Valley

Public Disclosure/Public Records Training for Four Creeks UAC members and community

Feb. 16, 6-7 p.m., at the May Valley Alliance Church, 16431 SE Renton-Issaquah Rd. in Renton

Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council meeting

Feb. 16, 7 p.m., at the May Valley Alliance Church, 16431 SE Renton-Issaquah Rd. in Renton

Greater Maple Valley

Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council

(This item submitted by the GMVUAC)
The GMVUAC has compiled a list of its specific local and general regional responsibilities, participation on various steering committees, and key deliverables—all of which provide "value" to King County. The list includes strong two-way communications with citizens, comprehensive reviews and recommendations for county code and comprehensive plan updates, participation in regional organizations such as the Cedar River Council, and myriad activities to keep the rural area "rural." The list was distributed to the five other UACs, the County Council, and the Executive to better define the true worth of the UACs to the county and its unincorporated area citizens.

Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council meetings

Feb. 7 & March 7, 7 p.m., at the Sheriff's Precinct 3, 22300 SE 231st in Maple Valley

North Highline

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting

March 3, 7 p.m., North Highline Fire District Office, 1243 SW 112th St. in Seattle

Upper Bear Creek

Upper Bear Creek Community Council meeting

Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m., Woodinville Water District Office, 17238 NE Woodinville Duvall Rd. in Woodinville

Vashon

Vashon-Maury Island Community Council meetings

Feb. 7 & March 7, 7 p.m. at McMurray Middle School, Multi-purpose room, 9329 Southwest Cemetery Road, Vashon.

West Hill

West Hill Community Council Board meetings

Feb. 9 & March 9, 7 p.m., Fire District #20, 12424 76th Ave S. in Seattle

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If you have comments or suggestions about future content, please contact Lauren Smith at 206-263-9606 or lauren.smith@kingcounty.gov.