July 2008
In this newsletter:
• Fireworks safety
• Public safety budget
• Charter amendment process
• Farm pads
• In the community
Dear District 3 residents,
Happy Fourth of July tomorrow! I would like to share safety reminders to celebrate safely. This month’s safety advice comes from the cities of Snoqualmie and North Bend.
Fireworks safety
Please, "Be Prepared", "Be Safe", and "Be Responsible" when using fireworks:
BEFORE LIGHTING FIREWORKS — “Be Prepared!”
Purchase only legal fireworks available at licensed stands. Purchase only the quantity that you will use. Clear a level area away from things that can burn. Keep a bucket of water nearby in which to place all used fireworks and have a water hose or fire extinguisher close to put out stray sparks. Ensure the safety of pets. Teach your children to “stop, drop, and roll” if their clothes catch on fire. Be knowledgeable of basic first aid. Know the emergency number to call for your area, your address/location.
WHEN LIGHTING FIREWORKS —“Be Safe!”
Use eye protection such as safety goggles. Light one at a time and move away quickly. Keep spectators at a safe distance. Only use fireworks outdoors, away from anything that can burn. To prevent injuries, follow the directions on the label carefully. Be considerate of your neighbors, pets, and environment.
WHEN FINISHED — “Be Responsible!”
Clean up all debris when finished. “Duds” can be dangerous; if a fireworks item does not successfully light or fire, an adult should wait at least five minutes, approach it carefully, and place it in a bucket of water. Make sure unused fireworks, matches, and lighters are out of sight and reach of children. Any incident that has resulted in a fire, or an injury requiring emergency response, should be reported by calling 911.
There is much that can be done to protect children and the public from fireworks injuries. First, set family boundaries, only adults should light fireworks. Supervision is vital to keep children safe. Second, fireworks should not be readily available to tempt the curiosity of young children and should be stored in a secured location to prohibit their access. Most importantly, talk about safety. Summer weather conditions make grasses and other vegetation dry and vulnerable to fire. Use care in selecting the area where you will be discharging fireworks.
For more information about fireworks laws and safety, contact your local fire department, or for unincorporated King County, go to www.metrokc.gov/permits/fire/fireworks.aspx.
Public safety budget
In response to an estimated $68 million shortfall in the 2009 King County budget, the Executive has asked all criminal justice agencies to take an across-the-board budget cut of 8.6 percent next year. These cuts will require cuts in staffing and services in the King County Sheriff’s Office, Superior and District Courts, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the jails. Following overwhelming interest in last month’s Town Hall meeting hosted by the Sheriff’s Office in Fall City, an additional meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, at 6 p.m. at the Woodinville Library, 17105 Avondale Road NE. Precinct Commander Major Jerrell Wills will host the meeting, and Sheriff Sue Rahr will provide an overview of the budget issue and a discussion of the options. Also this month, I will join Sheriff Rahr for a special meeting on Thursday, July 31, at 7 p.m. in Redmond. For questions or more information, you can contact Major Wills at 206-205-7654 or Elisa Elliott at 206-205-7920 or elisa.elliott@kingcounty.gov.
Charter amendment process
Following the Council’s receipt of the Charter Review Commission’s report and recommendations a month ago, Councilmembers introduced 11 amendments for consideration this week. I am sponsoring five of the amendments:
• Bargaining Authority – gives collective bargaining authority on working conditions to the Sheriff for public safety employees. As of July 1, a letter signed by five Councilmembers indicated this will be held until next year at least.
• Reconfirmation – requires reconfirmation of department heads every four years.
• Municipal Contracting – confirms the county’s authority to contract with other public entities when in the best interest of the citizens.
• Council/Executive Relations – modifies and clarifies language precluding Council interference with Executive staff
• Campaign Finance Reporting (efficiency measure) – eliminate charter requirement for reporting campaign contributions and expenditures, which duplicates the process already are required by state law
The other amendments under consideration, mostly suggested by the Charter Review Commission, include:
• Non-discrimination – prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and disability.
• Regional Committees – reduces the number of Councilmembers on regional committees and revises procedures.
• Qualifications for Separately Elected Officials – authorizes the Council to establish additional qualifications for separately elected officials.
• Amendment by Initiative – establishes a process and signature requirement for amending the Charter by citizen initiative.
• Economic Forecast – establishes an Economic Forecast Council and Office of Economic and Financial Analysis.
• Budget Timeline – extends by 20 days the time allotted for Council review of the Executive-proposed budget.
The Council will review and discuss the proposed amendments from the Charter Review Commission at Committee of the Whole meetings in July. The Committee intends to vote on which amendments to refer to the full Council by July 21, and the Council will consider which amendments to place on the November General Election ballot at its July 28 meeting. I encourage you to participate in this process. More information is available at www.kingcounty.gov/council.aspx.
Farm pads
This week, the Council unanimously adopted land use legislation that allows farmers located in Agricultural Production Districts to construct farm pads as refuges from flooding for livestock, equipment and supplies. After seeing the devastation to Snoqualmie Valley farms caused by the November 2006 flooding, I am pleased that King County has been able to work with our farmers to provide this solution. If constructed under these specific standards, farm pads are proven protections against agricultural flood losses that do not make flooding worse. We want to be able to continue to have locally grown food in King County, and that means farmers being able to preserve crops, animals, equipment and supplies.
Supporting local agriculture is at the heart of developing a sustainable community. Locally grown food is fresher, healthier and requires fewer natural resources for transportation and packaging. A productive agricultural district is vital for the future of our region and our quality of life.
This opens up the opportunity to talk about what more we need to do. Farm pads are just one tool on a list of needs identified in meetings with our farmers, and we will be continuing to work on other policies so we can continue to have healthy, locally grown food.
In the community
I will be participating in several upcoming community events, and I hope to have a chance to see you at one of them:
• Carnation Fourth of July Parade, July 4, Carnation
• Town Hall meeting with Sheriff Sue Rahr, July 31, 7 p.m., Redmond
• Snoqualmie Railroad Days Parade, Aug. 2, Snoqualmie
Have a wonderful July!
Sincerely,
Kathy Lambert
District 3
(206) 296-1003