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.

News

New King County telephone guide

The new telephone guide is designed to help you quickly locate the services you need and is part of King County's customer commitment to prompt, fair, results-oriented service for all. The guide is available online now. Printed copies will soon be available.

Public input needed by March 12 as county updates stormwater management plan

Managing and controlling stormwater is a cornerstone of King County's ongoing commitment to protect public health and improve environmental conditions in streams, rivers, lakes and Puget Sound. With short videos, an interactive online survey and many supporting documents, public participation in the Stormwater Management Program update is as easy as visiting the Web site. Comments on the 2010 plan will be accepted through March 12.

King County WTD sets combined sewer overflow control meetings

The Wastewater Treatment Division is hosting a series of public meetings on upcoming projects to control combined sewer overflows into Puget Sound during heavy rains.

The meetings will enable people to ask questions and provide input that will be used to guide the county's selection of a preferred alternative. The division also welcomes public input from people unable to attend the meetings. Learn more on the Web at www.kingcounty.gov/csobeachprojects, or call Meredith Redmon at 206-263-6534 or TTY 711.

Property Tax town hall in Bellevue

King County Councilmember Jane Hague and King County Assessor Lloyd Hara will co-sponsor a Property Tax Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, March 16, from 6:30-8 p.m., at North Bellevue Community Center at 4063 148th Avenue NE, in Bellevue. For more information, please contact King County Councilmember Jane Hague's office.

King County Flood Control District local hazard mitigation planning effort

To help ensure the safety of those who live in or near floodplains, the King County Flood Control District is developing a comprehensive hazard mitigation plan that identifies potential risks from multiple hazards and offers solutions for reducing those risks. King County is seeking comments on hazard assessment data and maps. The hazard mitigation plan, which is due March 15, would allow the district to take full advantage of federal disaster assistance opportunities. The comment period ends March 31, and the plan is expected to be adopted by the Flood Control District in June. For more information, visit the Web site.

Open Space Plan update

King County Parks is updating its open space plan, which helps the division remain eligible for grant funding. Last updated in 2004, the proposed updated plan will be available for review and comment starting later this month. Visit the King County Parks' Web site to download the proposed plan and submit your comments via an electronic survey. The survey will be available in mid-March.

Celebrate World Water Day, March 27

Join staff for an open house and tours of West Point Treatment Plant March 27 from 10 a.m. to noon. The event is free, but donations will be accepted of new, wrapped toilet paper for the Urban Rest Stop. Call 206-296-8361 or visit the Web site.

Share your thoughts on rural code changes and rural indicators

King County is working on two new programs to support rural economic health. First, the county is looking for input on potential code changes to provide additional flexibility to compatible rural business. Second, staff are looking for the public's help in developing indicators to help measure the health of our rural economy. The county wants help from continues to seek public input from rural residents and businesses, county commissions, UAC's and related rural organizations. For more information, contact Julia Larson, Rural Economic Strategies Coordinator at julia.larson@kingcounty.gov or 206-296-1062.

Serve on the Women's Advisory Board

March is Women's History Month and King County recognizes the efforts and achievements of women working to improve the quality of life for all. Join this effort by applying to serve on the Women's Program Advisory Board, a volunteer citizen board that advises the county on issues relating to the needs, rights and well being of women. The board is recruiting new members.

Executive Constantine touring county

King County Executive Dow Constantine is in the process of meeting with local officials and community leaders in all 39 cities and the unincorporated areas within King County to build stronger ties to the county's rural residents. This month, Executive Constantine is scheduled to meet with leaders of Bellevue, Beaux Arts, Maple Valley, Kent, Woodinville and Bothell. Learn more about the tour on the King County blog.

Executive, UAC leaders share productive meeting

PHOTO: From left, Steve Hiester, Chair, Greater Maple Valley; Paul Berry, President, West Hill; Tom Carpenter, President, Four Creeks; Executive Constantine; Greg Duff, President, North Highline. Not pictured but attending was Nancy Stafford, Vice President, Upper Bear Creek.

King County Executive Dow Constantine met Feb. 10 with leaders of the six Unincorporated Area Councils (UACs), where they discussed community events, key issues and concerns of the residents within their respective UACs, including traffic, service provision, public safety, annexation and other issues. Executive Constantine and the UAC leaders agreed to continue working toward efficient and effective partnerships to best serve the residents of the unincorporated areas.

Move more

The days are growing longer, and now is the perfect time to make a spring plan to get out and move more.

Colon health screening

If you are age 50 or older, colon health screening could save your life. With regular screening, you can stop colon cancer before it starts.

Foster homes and spay-neuter

Do you know that all pets adopted through King County Animal Care and Control are spayed or neutered at no additional cost to the adopter? March features "Spay and Neuter Day" in King County because spayed or neutered pets are better-adjusted to family life. If you have been thinking about getting a new furry family member, consider the adoptable cats and dogs at the King County Animal Care and Control shelters and adopt a new pet that is up to date on all vaccinations, licensed for their protection, and of course, spayed and neutered.

Vote by mail

King County just celebrated its first year of successfully conducting all elections by mail. Keep in the know by signing up for the Elections' electronic newsletter. To sign up, e-mail your contact information to vbm@kingcounty.gov.

Pay property taxes quickly and easily online by April 30

Citizens who pay their property taxes themselves rather than through a mortgage lender received their 2010 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.

The first-half of 2010 tax payments are due April 30 to avoid interest and penalty charges. Residents can quickly and conveniently pay online. Visit the property tax home page for more information.

DDES offers helpful permit customer guides

DDES posts more than over 50 Customer information Bulletins online that cover a wide variety of topics associated with building, land use and the permit process. For additional information, please contact Paula Adams at 206-296-6682 or visit the Web site.

King County GIS offers on-line property research

Did you know that you can research the zoning, jurisdiction, ownership and permit history for properties in unincorporated King County? Just go on line and run the Parcel Locator.

Community news

Enumclaw

The Enumclaw Forested Foothills Recreation Association (EFFRA) is hosting a public meeting March 22 to release its "vision for the region." Over the past year, a citizens advisory committee has been developing a comprehensive management vision document for the Enumclaw Forested Foothills Recreation Area. The March 22 meeting is set for 7-9 p.m. at the Pete's Pool Fieldhouse. A 30-day public review period will begin after that date. For more information, please contact Julia Larson, Rural Economic Strategies Coordinator at julia.larson@kingcounty.gov or 206-296-1062, or check the EFFRA Web site.

Greater Maple Valley

Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council

(This item submitted by the GMVUAC)
At the GMVAC's March meeting DDES' Paul Reitenbach and the King County Department of Transportation's Matthew Nolan answered questions and provided information about King County's position on two proposed Master Planned Developments in Black Diamond. The county has submitted many comments related to potential transportation, wastewater, stormwater and other impacts and has provided detailed recommendations to Black Diamond, including instituting "triggers" in each phase to stop development should road capacities be exceeded. Over the last few months the area council also has voiced similar concerns in letters to King County and Black Diamond and in the local media. To learn more about the GMVAC's position, please visit the Web site.

West Hill

Wastewater Treatment Public Meetings

King County Wastewater Treatment Division and Skyway Water and Sewer District are planning side sewer repairs for some neighborhoods in Skyway in 2011. Public meetings are scheduled for March 13 from 10-11:30 a.m. and March 16 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Sewer District office, 6723 South 124th St., Seattle. For more information, visit the Web site or call 206-263-7321.

Upper Bear Creek

Upper Bear Creek Community Council meeting

March 23 7:30-9 p.m., Woodinville Water District Office, 17238 N.E. Woodinville-Duvall Rd. Woodinville www.upperbearcreek.com

Vashon

King County Assessor hosts Town Hall meeting on Vashon Island

King County Assessor Lloyd Hara will host a Town Hall meeting at the Vashon Public Library, 17210 Vashon Hwy. S.W., on Tuesday, March 9, from 6:30-8 p.m. For more information, please contact Edna Shim or visit the Web site.

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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.