KINGSTON — The KIngston Citizens Advisory Committee started 2002 the same way they ended 2001 — quietly.
Although no official action was taken, discussions about the community center took a different turn Wednesday as members voiced concerns about too much of a good thing.
With a possibility of five community center plans taking shape, members suggested a meeting between the different groups.
“We are a small community of 1,500 people, our resources are limited,” said Dave Hildebrand, KCAC co-chairman.
Members emphasized that the proposed NK Teen Center, Bayside community center, current community center, school district partnered community center and Village Green community center were all wonderful ideas, but it might be wise to find out what each group is doing.
Members agreed to permanently include community center discussions on the agenda. A meeting date has not been set.
In other business, the committee approved its updated by-laws, which now stipulate the group has 16 members instead of 15 and that one town meeting be held per year. The group is looking at an April or May town meeting date.
The committee hopes to fill two vacancies in the meantime. No applications have been filed so far to fill the elementary school parent position and the high school student position.
“It’s a good way to get involved in the community and be part of the solution,” said Jan Koske, Kitsap County volunteer coordinator.
The committee meets for two hours each month and acts as the link between the Kingston community and Kitsap County Commissioners. Members represent facets of the community and are appointed for three-year terms.
Koske hopes to “find some of those quiet voices” in the community to fill the vacancies. The application deadline, originally set for Jan. 4, has been extended to Jan. 25. Interested people may contact Koske at 337-4650.
The committee heard updates on development projects affecting the Kingston area, namely the Wastewater Treatment Plant. A hearing for the conditional use permit for the plant and appeals for the revised final environmental impact statement is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 14.
In other water-related news, Kitsap County has apparently approved a contract to hire Atelier Northwest to design the Carpenter Lake Trail. The Carpenter Lake project has been in the works for about a year and includes a trail and viewing platform behind Gordon Elementary. Phase two, it is hoped would include a boardwalk and possible trails connecting other schools and parks.
Steve Heacock, committee member and Cutthroats of Carpenter Creek member said they plan to meet in a few weeks to map out the path. Cutthroats meet 5:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at Gordon.
The next KCAC meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Kingston Community Center.
