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

Executive's 2011 budget proposal meets new economic realities

King County Executive Dow Constantine delivered a balanced budget proposal to the King County Council on Sept. 27 that seeks to put County government back on solid financial footing. By resetting King County's finances to a new lower base and increasing productivity by 3 percent each year, the budget strategy would deliver services that are sustainable over the long term. Learn more.

2010 General Election is under way

King County voters will begin receiving their ballots and voters' pamphlets soon. There are 11 ballot drop boxes available for returning your ballot in person, or you can mail it. We have a large ballot this year, so make sure to read it top to bottom, and front to back. Fill it out using a black or dark blue ink pen, and sign the voters' oath on the return envelope. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 2 or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on that day. For more information, visit the website, or call 206-296-VOTE (8683).

Salmon SEEson is here!

Fall is here, and salmon are once again returning to streams and rivers around Puget Sound! Visit the website and click on "Salmon SEEson" to find out where you and your family can spot these natural beauties around the Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish Watershed from now through November. Some locations include naturalists who can help you learn more about these regional wonders. Directions and more details are available at the website.

Seasonal flu shots

The H1N1 vaccine is included in the seasonal flu shot this year, and vaccine supply should be plentiful so vaccinate today! Learn more.

50 Years of King County Flood Warning Services

October is Flood Awareness Month and now is the time to take necessary steps to ensure your family and pets are well prepared for nasty weather. King County Flood Alerts offer an easy reliable way to get up-to-the-minute floodplain information via automated text message, e-mail or voicemail. Join King County as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our Flood Warning Services, and sign up for these automated flood alerts to help ensure that you and your family are well prepared for bad weather. For additional details, visit www.kingcounty.gov/flood.

Get ready for harsh weather — Take Winter by Storm

With weather forecasts for a wet and cold La Niña winter, now is the time to revisit your family emergency plan. Planning ahead before a storm hits is the key to keeping your family safe. Your emergency plan should include an out-of-area contact who loved ones can call to say they're "OK." Everyone should have an emergency kit for their home, vehicle, work or school. Prepare to be self-sufficient for a minimum of three days. Get a checklist, contact card and other preparedness tips at www.takewinterbystorm.org.

Over-the-counter, 1-day permitting begins Oct. 18

The weeks-long wait for review of many building and use permits in King County will soon be a thing of the past. Beginning Monday, Oct. 18, DDES will provide expedited, one-day or "over the counter" review processes for many permit types. For additional information, see the September edition of the DDE Customer Newsletter.

2011 will bring fee reform to DDES

DDES has developed an alternative rate model for 2011 based largely on fixed fees. The new fee structure will give applicants more certainty about permit costs and fundamentally changes the service culture at DDES. Front-line staff will be able to concentrate more on quality service for each customer and less on meeting department standards for billable hours. For more information, see the September edition of the DDE Customer Newsletter.

Oct. 14 workshop offers help with livestock manure management

Enumclaw Plateau gardening expert Marianne Binetti will lead a talk about how to use livestock manure to create a healthy garden at a free presentation on Oct. 14, from 7-8 p.m. in the library of Chief Kanim Middle School, 32627 SE Fall City-Redmond Rd., Fall City. Animal manure is a fantastic soil amendment that can bring a garden to life. To learn more about Binetti's gardening philosophy, visit www.binettigarden.com.

New bridge in King County's Grand Ridge Park

Hikers, runners, mountain bikers and other users of two popular King County parks on the Eastside won't have to risk life and limb — or get their shoes muddy — thanks to construction of a new bridge across a salmon-bearing stream. The bridge, which was built from trees that fell in the park during a fierce windstorm several years ago, improves the safety of park visitors while protecting water quality.

Comment on future road safety projects

Improving safety on high-collision roads in unincorporated areas will be the focus of six King County Road Services Division projects in 2011. Although the work won't begin until next summer, the division is seeking feedback as engineers design the specific improvements.

Pay property taxes quickly and easily online

For taxpayers who pay their property taxes themselves rather than through a mortgage lender, note that your second-half 2010 tax payment is due or must be postmarked to the County's Treasury office on or prior to Nov. 1. Payments paid or postmarked after this date are subject to delinquency charges. Residents who do not want to mail a check or visit a Community Service Center have the option to pay online quickly and conveniently from their own computer. For more information on property tax payment options, see our website.

Discuss future of farming

Farmers — and those interested in the future of farming in King County — are invited to an Oct. 14 King County Agriculture Commission meeting in Carnation. The meeting is set for 4-6:30 p.m.; the "future of farming" meeting runs from 7-9 p.m. It's all happening at the Vincent Community School House is at 8010 W. Snoqualmie Valley Rd NE.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month — Know the warning signs

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Fact: Three women in America are killed by their current or former partner every day. Do you know the warning signs? To learn more about domestic violence and how to help or get help go to the King County Women's Program website or to the King County Superior Court website.

Community news

Greater Maple Valley

Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council

(This item submitted by the GMVUAC)
Following a months-long effort, the GMVAC has finalized its recommendations to key sections of the zoning code and has submitted them to King County. The GMVAC's goals were to better protect the rural area from urban development, to promote rural character and to minimize land use conflicts with nearby agricultural, forest and mineral uses. While many code provisions already protect rural area residents from the impacts of adjacent urban development, the GMVAC has ongoing concerns regarding enforcement. Detailed recommendations and supporting rationale can be found at website.

13th annual Operating Model Train Show

The Area Council annually hosts a community-wide Operating Model Train Show. This year's show will take place Oct. 16-17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gracie Hansen Community Center, 27132 S.E. Ravensdale Way, Ravensdale. The show provides a wonderful opportunity for local train enthusiasts of all ages. All gauges of model trains are available for viewing. There are many different train layouts, both large and small, displayed throughout both floors of the facility. There is also a train that children can ride.

Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council meeting

November 1, 7 p.m., at the Sheriff's Precinct 3, 22300 SE 231st in Maple Valley North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Candidates Forum set Oct. 21

North Highline

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting

The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council will host a Candidates Forum Thursday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. Candidates confirmed include: King County Council — Diana Toledo and Jim McDermott; 34th Legislative District — Mike Heavey and Joe Fitzgibbon. The forum will take place at the Greenbridge, YWCA Learning Center at 9720 8th Ave. SW, adjacent the Greenbridge Library There is parking behind the building and on Eighth Avenue in front of the building. Light refreshments will be served.

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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.