May 27, 2009

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Day One
Boundary Review Board Holds First of Three
Public Hearings on Fairwood Incorporation

The Washington State Boundary Review Board (BRB) held its first of three evening meetings last night to determine whether they will recommend that Fairwood would be feasible to incorporate as a new city. Approximately 150 citizens attended this first meeting at Fairwood United Methodist Church.

Tuesday's meeting included ten of the 11 Boundary Review Board Members.

The first evening was full of procedural content, including how the hearing would be conducted, who, when and how long organizations can speak, and legal content full of RCWs.

After the formal business was complete, the night's agenda then began with a presentation of consultants Henderson Young and Company, summarizing the results of the feasibility study, their methodology, and the and the revisions that largely stemmed from the feedback received from citizens who attended meetings and submitted comments.

In reference to the work of the study, project manager Randy Young wanted to clearly say that the consultants remained neutral and did not offer an opinion about whether Fairwood could or could not become a city. "We will provide you with the facts and factual information, the community will provide you with additional input, and you (the BRB) will come to a conclusion," said Young.

Both Randy Young and additional consultant Chris Mefford were allowed 40 minutes to summarize the findings of the study. The BRB asked questions at the end of the presentation, mainly focused on available land and the current economic conditions.

Sample Questions

Economic Conditions: Lynn Guttman, a management consultant and former Director of Municipal Public Works/Land Use Planning, zeroed in the current abnormally challenging economic times and questioned whether a new city could survive given uncertainties and that we are living in a "non-average" year. "How can this be feasible?" asked Guttman.

"Cities and families adapt to the times because they have to," said Young, and a new city would also have to live at its most lean level. "In the case of Florida (one of the more severely affected states), so much is being cut, they are not at the bone; they're at the marrow providing just essential services." Young reiterated that this is an atypical economic climate, but government doesn't cease. It responds by cutting to the minimum until the situation passes.

Buildable Land Issues: BRB Chair Claudia Hirschey, a transportation planner/engineer and former member of Newcastle's City Council, had questions related to available buildable land and what happens when the available 400-600 acres of land is "built out."

Consultant Young responded that all cities must deal with the Growth Management Act, not just a new city. "The Growth Management Act doesn't just affect incorporation; it also applies to annexation or staying unincorporated. From a policy level, need to have a response for how they will respond to growth," said Young. So whether the area is Fairwood or Renton, decisions will still need to be made."

Young did say, however, that if the area neither incorporates nor annexes, it will be more problematic because King County has said it is no longer interested in urban growth management.

Fairwood Municipal Initiative Presents

The final 40 minutes included a presentation by initiative sponsor Fairwood Municipal Initiative (FMI). Three speakers covered topics focused on why the best choice would be to incorporate as a city, covering topics such as self-determination, keeping local tax dollars for local improvements, and opportunities to provide additional programs to support the local area.

According to FMI's Joe Giberson, becoming a new city would allow the citizens "to chart the best course for the people of Fairwood."

After the 20-minute presentation, the BRB began its question and answer session, but few questions were asked because time ran out for the evening. Chair Hirschey said the questions would resume tonight.

Elephant?

Former Lake Forest Park Council member and Mayor Roger Loschen posed his question identified as an "Elephant in the Room." "Why bring this up again now," said Loschen. "This was before the voters two years ago (which was really three)."

After a few moments to clarify, Giberson noted that the BRB did not support incorporation, but this study provides a better study that satisfies the objectives of the BRB in Fairwood's ability to be feasible. "The study presents a more more appealing package this time," said Giberson.

Two More Meetings

Now that the formal presentations have been completed, the next two sessions will allow for more public testimony and interaction with the BRB. Government agency representatives are expected to be present at tonight's meeting.

Citizens who would like to speak must sign up to speak and will then be called in order as listed on the sign up sheet. This is the case also for all subsequent meetings.

Doors open each evening at 6:30 pm to review exhibits and available materials.

Time Limits

Both representatives of organizations/groups and individuals may speak during the public testimony time. Organizations such as homeowners associations will be allowed ten minutes to speak, and individuals will be allowed three minutes. If more than one person intends to speak for an organization, they fall under the group 10-minute limit and will be encouraged not to repeat points already covered by others of the group.

If an individual speaks for more than one "group," they will be asked not to repeat points already covered.

Questions & Answers

Q&A moments are often a part of the sessions and are not included in the three and 10-minute limits. The BRB may ask questions of speakers, and responses will not be a part of that time limit. "This (Q&A) is pretty common at hearings,"said Blauman.

At the end of a speaker's public testimony, speakers may also ask questions they would like answered but they will not asks direct questions to other groups or individuals. "Often, a speaker may say 'Before I close, I would like to ask the Board to get clarification on...'," said Blauman, as an example.

The Final Two

The final two formal hearings are tonight and Thursday at Fairwood Community United Methodist Church, located at 15255 SE Fairwood Boulevard, 98058. For a map of the location, CLICK HERE.

End of Hearings

When all public testimonies have been completed, the Fairwood Municipal Initiative will present a 10-minute rebuttal each evening. The BRB will then close the public hearing, begin deliberations and come to a preliminary decision of whether to:

- Accept the proposed incorporation work,

- Accept with minor changes, or

- Deny the recommendation.

The public is welcome to be present during this deliberation period but will not be allowed to speak as the public hearings have come to a close, according to Blauman. If the public meeting ends past 9 or 9:15 pm, the BRB will then decided whether to proceed with the deliberation at that time or delay it until the next day.

Next Steps

After the public hearings have been completed and a preliminary decision has been made, the decision will be formalized at a June 18 BRB meeting. Following that meeting, a 30-day appeal period begins. After that period of time passes, an election can proceed.

Final Report

To download the final report the Boundary Review Board has received from the Study Consultants led by Henderson, Young & Company, CLICK HERE or the image to the left.

 

 

 

Check Back with Us

Check back with Fairwood Community News on what happens this week. We do encourage all to participate at the meetings if their schedules allow.