News from Snohomish County Council

On January 7th in a packed hearing room the County Council heard from local residents interested in the potential amendments to the Snohomish County Code relating to rural cluster developments. When originally adopted the intent of cluster development was to preserve open space by allowing density bonuses while maintaining the rural character.

"A lot of people are very concerned with the impact of these developments on rural areas," said Councilmember Dave Gossett.

Citizens testified that rural cluster housing does not preserve the rural landscape and will make the continuation of rural activities such as farming even less likely. Others defended the cluster concept as superior to simply dividing the land up into 5 acre tracts and pointed to the permanent preservation of over 8,000 acres of open space through the use of rural clusters.

"I believe that changes must be made," said Gossett. "The current density bonuses are too high and landscaping requirements need to be stronger. At the same time I believe we need to keep rural clusters as a development tool that provides balance between the benefits of open space, impacts associated with density bonuses, and traditional 5 acre development."

The county engaged in broad stakeholder involvement and held a series of public meetings for over a year on rural clusters. The ordinance presented on January 7 represented the results of those meetings.

Citizens expressed concerns at the hearing that widespread flooding prevented some persons from attending.

"I fully supported the Council's decision to continue the hearing to allow those who couldn't make it a chance to testify," said Gossett. "This is a complex issue and we need full public input."

The continued hearing will take place Wednesday, Feb 4, at 1:30 in the Jackson Board Room on the 6^th floor of the Robert Drewel Building.

County Sets Up Temporary Collection Sites for Flood Debris

Recent record flooding has placed severe hardship on many Snohomish County residents. The county is working to help citizens clean up and recover from this disaster.

"The kind of flooding we've experienced is a true tragedy for many families," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "We need to do everything we can to help them recover quickly and without unnecessary delays or costs."

Residents whose property sustained flood damage are eligible for cleanup assistance by taking debris to temporary neighborhood drop-off locations or county transfer and dropbox stations at no charge. Residents who call 425-388-5060 to report damages to the DEM should inquire as to locations. Eligible homeowners in affected areas must show proof of residency in a flood area, such as a valid driver's license or a current utility bill.

Materials delivered to these temporary neighborhood sites must be separated into four categories - vegetation, building materials, household hazardous waste, and refrigerators and other large household appliances. Refrigerators and freezers must have contents removed, and doors should be removed or securely duct-taped shut. Farm-related debris cannot be picked up by the county but funds may be available through the local Farm Service Agency call 425-334-3131 for more information.

"In the past the county has used a voucher program that required people to take flood damaged material to a transfer station," said Gossett. "The new system will allow people to take the materials to a site in their own neighborhood."

Residents who currently have vouchers from earlier storms may take their storm debris to one of the new temporary neighborhood drop off locations or to a County Solid Waste Facility. New vouchers will not be offered for the current storm damage disposal.

The Department of Emergency Management can be contacted at 425- 388-5060 (8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday) to determine eligibility and for drop-off locations.

"It is also very important that people report their damages to their insurance company and DEM," added Gossett. "Without this information Snohomish County residents cannot qualify for possible federal assistance."

Damages can be reported to DEM at 425-388-5060. Owners also can go to www.snoco.org/departments/emergency_management and fill out a damage assessment form. Snowstorm damage reports will be collected until Friday, Jan. 16, while flood damage will be reported until Friday, Jan. 23. Farmers also should call the local Farm Service Agency at 425-335-5634. Debris deposited along fence lines and in fields as well as production losses, feed losses and crop damage all need to be reported.

Materials allowed and not allowed:

Material	Allowed	Not Allowed
Furniture/carpet	X
Mattresses	X
Regular household garbage and food waste		X
Wrappers, cardboard, papers		X
Books, clothing		X
Wall Board	X
Misc. junk not damaged by storm		X
Boats and vehicles damaged by storm	X
Tires		X

Council Chooses New Chair and Vice Chair

The Snohomish County Council elected Mike Cooper as Chair and Dave Gossett as Vice Chair last week.

The unanimous action was taken at the first Council meeting of 2009. Until his election as Chairman Cooper was Vice Chairman. Councilmember Cooper will replace outgoing Chair Dave Somers.

Dave Gossett will succeed Cooper in the role as Vice Chair. Gossett is entering his third year in his second term of office. He was elected to his first term in 2001 and second term in 2005.

"2009 will be an important and challenging year for the County," said Councilmember Gossett. "I look forward to working with Councilmember Cooper and the rest of the Council in ensuring that the County will continue to move forward and do the work of the people".

Gossett will also serve as Chair of the Council's Law and Justice/Human Service Committee for coming year.

I hope you found this eNEWSLETTER informative and useful. You can make it even more valuable by suggesting topics and issues for future newsletters. Please contact me at 425-388-3494, or e-mail Dave.Gossett@snoco.org. If you would like to share this newsletter, select the Forward email link below.

Sincerely,

Dave Gossett
Snohomish County Council