Minutes of the April 3 Kingston Citizen Advisory Council meeting.
Meeting was called to order at 7 p.m.
Excused absences: Betsy Cooper, Clint Dudley.
Attendees: Clint Boxman, Pete DeBoer, Walt Elliott, Darrin Gurnee, Michael Haley, Ken Hanson, Mary Ann Harris, Steve Heacock, Annie Humiston, Nancy Langwith, Naomi Maasberg, Dan Martin, Patty Page, Kari Pelaez, Dawn Purser, Dave Wetter.
Approval of March’s minutes.
Open comments and general announcements were discussed.
Council Structure and Membership Discussion
Based on the Subarea Plan, Commissioner Gelder proposed a KCAC subcommittee structure based on the goals of the Subarea Plan.
Commissioner Gelder discussed the idea of possibly having a nine to 13 at-large KCAC membership, and discussed having the committee meet every other month, while the sub-committees meet on the alternate months.
Concerns and discussion:
— Concerns over how we get more people involved in KCAC.
— Concerns over areas that might not fit into the subcommittees that were proposed by Commissioner Gelder. For example, the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, Garden Club, Library, schools, etc.
— Concerns over people that are only interested in rules, regulations and land use. Community aspect is still needed.
— Discussion regarding possibly having more sub-committees. How can we broaden the structure and still accomplish actionable goals?
— Some feel that the purpose of KCAC is unclear.
— Everyone is in agreement that subcommittees are a good idea to ensure that the Subarea Plan is a “living document.”
— Discussion of the KCAC being a vetting body, and if it would represent the broader community if all the members were at large.
— Action-oriented sub-committees needed. May get more citizens involved.
— Need to ensure that the KCAC does not hinder economic development by regulations for businesses.
— Need real estate and land developers at the table.
— Clarification on KCAC being an advisory body, not a governance body was provided.
— Discussion of group members bringing information back to their respective organization, however voting as yourself.
— By consensus, we agreed on a subcommittee structure for the KCAC.
Subcommittee Brain-storming Discussion:
— Community Building Subcommittee could include communication, schools and youth.
— Would like to see Environmental Resources separated from Parks and Trails.
— A Human Services Subcommittee was suggested.
— Idea that Greater Kingston Economic Development Committee could be a parallel group, but not subcommittee; however, it should have good communication with the KCAC.
— Some would like to see Greater Kingston EDC under KCAC. Greater Kingston EDC is a private/public sector group; KCAC is public sector. Having it a part of KCAC does not facilitate having a broad base of participation.
— Land Use Subcom-mittee could possibly review design standards.
— The existing Comm-unication Subcommittee will look at a list of potential subcommittees. Membership of Communication Sub-committee: Naomi, Steve, Betsy, Walt and Dawn.
Membership discussion: At large vs. representation.
— Discussion of the at-large idea makes sense in subcommittee level, but not at the larger KCAC structure. Continue current KCAC representative structure.
— Potential issue discussed of each at-large member having to sit on a subcommittee. May be a quick burn-out rate and there may not be a replacement readily available.
— The fact that there are so many people that are interested in Kingston speaks volumes.
— Getting the information out for the subcommittees would be a goal of the Communication Sub-committee.
— Discussion of a goal that we would have the new structure up and running by September.
— Commissioner Gelder is not going to be at KCAC next month. Next steps proposed are an implementation plan, timeline and a plan for recruitment. Heather will be here in his absence.
Public input
Justin noted a heroin problem in Kingston. Nothing is being done. Children living in woods, etc. She is taking donations but would like assistance. Kendall Hansen and Walt Elliot will be the co-chairs for the next meeting. All members should think about if they would like to volunteer for permanent co- chair position.
Reports
Kingston Chamber of Commerce report, submitted by Mike Haley:The Board of Directors of the Kingston Chamber of Commerce met March 13 at 7:30 a.m.
Most of the meeting was the normal Roberts Rules of Order stuff of going over the introductions, last meeting minutes, treasurer’s report, and other normal meeting notes.
The chamber was treated to a special presentation by Ken Sethney of Accelerate Kitsap entitled “Taking Your Business to the Next Level.” This is a mentorship program given by successful business men and women who meet with business owners to help take their companies to a higher level. The program offers one-on-one mentorship, seminars, workshops, peer group meetings and lots of follow up.
Adjourn
The Kingston Citizens Advisory Committee’s next meeting is May 1, 7-9 p.m. at North Kitsap Fire and Rescue’s Paul T. Nichol Headquarters Fire Station, 26642 Miller Bay Road NE, Kingston. Meetings are open to the public.
— Submitted by Heather Adams, District 1 and 3 liaison, Kitsap County Board of County Commissioners
