News from Snohomish County Council

Washington's Shoreline Management Act (SMA) was passed by the Legislature in 1971 and adopted by the public in a 1972 referendum. The goal of the SMA is to prevent the harm caused by uncoordinated and piecemeal development of the state's shorelines.

Under the SMA, each city and county adopts a shoreline master program that is based on state guidelines but tailored to the specific needs of the community. The state Department of Ecology reviews local programs. Regular updates are required.

"Protecting our environment, and particularly our shorelines, is very important to the people of Snohomish County," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "Everyone wants clean water and good habitat."

Snohomish County's Shoreline Management Master Program was originally adopted in 1974. Citizens were heavily involved in the update process. The new regulations were drafted by the Shoreline Advisory Committee (2004-2006) and refined by the Planning Commission (2006). Since 2007 the County has been working with the state Department of Ecology to finalize the format and content of the shoreline plan and to ensure compliance with Washington state law.

On September 22 the County Council took final action on Ordinance No. 10-058 to adopt the revised plan. Some of the key features include:

Provisions to increase public access to shorelines
Clarifies agricultural activities in shorelines while preserving "Right to Farm" Initiative provisions
Places restrictions on new docks and piers while providing for replacement and repair of existing ones
Provides for mitigation banks

"Agriculture is extremely important in Snohomish County," said Gossett. "It is essential that we ensure that farmers can continue to farm while protecting our water quality. The plan does just that."

Adoption of the plan followed multiple hearings by the Council. Over thirty amendments were debated and discussed.

"I was very pleased that the Council amended the proposed ordinance to include more opportunities for public access," said Gossett. "Preserving public access to shorelines and waterways was one of the main goals when the public voted in the Shorelines Management Act."

The new plan now goes to the Executive for his signature.

Community Leader Pat Cordova As Busy As Ever Helping Kids

Students sometimes will come across difficult courses along their way in school or they may struggle with specific content in a course. The Rotary Community Homework Center is a place where kids can go to obtain resources for help getting over these challenges.

The center is located in Mountlake Terrace and began in October of 2005. Former Mountlake Terrace Mayor and Councilmember Pat Cordova is the director of the Rotary Community Homework Center. Cordova oversees the all-volunteer staff and works with the community to ensure the center has adequate school supplies, students, and dedicated volunteers to make the program effective. Her focus is to assist minority and disadvantaged students in south Snohomish County to become empowered and better educated, although anyone can come for help.

"Pat has always believed that children of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds are our future," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "She believes it's our duty to provide an emotionally safe and supportive learning environment."

Prior to working at the center, Pat ran an organization called the Neutral Zone that offered kids in Mountlake Terrace a safe, gang-free environment to hang out on Friday and Saturday nights.

Some of the resources offered by the center include tutoring and English language skills services. All ages are welcome. The younger children enjoy having a story read to them and interacting with educational games and puzzles. Adults practice their English language skills using the Rosetta Stone computer software available at three different language levels. Most students and families come from the Edmonds school district area.

"The primary aim is to help students with their homework and provide a safe environment for the entire family to achieve their educational goals," Gossett. "All students are welcome to come and get help with their homework."

Some schools within the boundaries of the Edmonds School District also offer homework help. If you want to know if there is a program in your area please contact the Edmonds School District at Edmonds School District

The center offers help with

Individual and small-group tutoring
Reading and being read to
Puzzles and educational games
Computers & internet access
Learn English on Rosetta Stone computer software
Karate lessons to build confidence and learn a new skill
Books and practice worksheets for math skills
School supplies available

"The center can always use more adult and high school volunteers to help," noted Gossett. "I encourage people to contact the center about volunteering."

Contact Info

Name: Pat Cordova, Director
Phone: (425) 279-3739
Hours: Meets Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30pm-8:30pm (closed next week for conferences)
Address:
Terrace Park School
5409 228th Street SW
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
(Next door to the Mountlake Terrace Pavilion and Pool Complex)

Ribbon cutting for the opening of Martha Lake Airport Park

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