On Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, the Area Council held its first monthly meeting of the new year. Topics included: election of Area Council officers for the new year, followup on last Fall’s Transportation Forum, and the new Ravensdale Park and meadow.
Public Comments
City of Maple Valley Deputy Mayor Sean Kelly provided an update on the new High School, the “Donut Hole,” Transportation Projects, and Comprehensive Plan.
Area Council Officer Elections
At its first monthly meeting of the year the Area Council conducts internal elections for its officers. The positions and duties are:
- Chair: Maintains Council operations and interfaces and presides at all meetings;
- Vice-chair: Serves in the absence of the Chair and plans and conducts Council election and citizen advisory surveys;
- Recording Secretary: Prepares Council meeting minutes and keeps major records;
- Corresponding Secretary: Prepares and transmits all council correspondence, authors articles on activities, and controls website;
- Treasurer: Receives and is accountable for all council funds, maintains accounts, and pays all obligations.
For 2015, the Area Council re-elected Steve Hiester as Chair, Peter Rimbos as Corresponding Secretary, and Tara Mahoney as Treasurer. Rob Morris was elected as the new Vice-chair. Todd Mitchell was elected as the new Recording Secretary. All officers immediately assumed their duties for the new year.
Transportation Forum Followup
Area Council Transportation Committee members continue to followup on last Fall’s Transportation Forum on rural area issues. Members continue to work with local State legislators, County Council people, and members of the Puget Sound Regional Council on the next steps to take to address our areas transportation infrastructure and funding.
In late December a summary of the four Issue/Solutions discussed during the forum were provided to our three District 5 Representatives for potential actions in ongoing and future legislative sessions.
Ravensdale Park and Meadow
Area Council Environment Committee Vice-chair, Susan Harvey, gave a progress report on the new Ravensdale Park and Meadow. The Park includes two new multipurpose fields capable of serving active sports. A temporary-use permit is in process to allow use of both fields and both fields should be ready for play within a few weeks. The Parking area for 150 (to ensure no offsite parking needed) will be paved and ready most likely in April for the opening ceremonies. The concession stand and restrooms are complete. Other plans for Phase 2 are: play structures; open area; trails; and a maintenance facility.
Plans for the meadow include: historical signs depicting highlights from over 100 years of Ravensdale history; picnic shelters; and a walkway around the perimeter than can accommodate those with disabilities.
Next Area Council Meeting
The Area Council’s next monthly meeting will held Monday, Feb. 2, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the fire station on the southeast corner of the intersection of SE 231st St & state Route 169. Meetings are held the first non-holiday Monday of each month. A public comment period at the beginning of each meeting provides an opportunity for the public to voice issues of concern to Area Council members and government officials in attendance.
The Area Council serves as an all-volunteer, locally-elected advisory body to King County on behalf of all rural unincorporated area residents living in the Tahoma School District. Please visit: www.greatermaplevalleyareacouncil.org for more information.
Notes
There are currently three positions open on the 16-member Area Council. If you live in the Tahoma School District, outside the City of Maple Valley (see service area map on our website), you are eligible to apply to become a member of the Area Council. Interested rural area citizens can send a brief letter of interest to GMVUAC. P. O. Box 101, Maple Valley, WA 98038 or via e-mail to gmvac_chair@hotmail.com.
