January 2, 2010 — Today the King County Council announced that it has appointed former Seattle City Council President Jan Drago to fill the vacancy in County Council District 8. Drago will take the seat vacated by Dow Constantine who was elected to the position of County Executive in the November 2009 election. Prior to joining the Seattle City Council in 1994, Drago was a small business owner and a school teacher.

Press Release from King County:

January 2, 2010 — The Metropolitan King County Council today gave its unanimous approval to the appointment of former Seattle City Council President Jan Drago to fill the vacancy created in County Council District 8 when Dow Constantine was sworn in as County Executive.

“I am honored to be selected to serve the people of District 8,” said Drago shortly after her swearing-in by Superior Court Presiding Judge Bruce Hilyer. “I look forward to working with the Council and the communities and neighborhoods that make up the district on the challenges that we face this year.”

Drago will act as a caretaker in District 8, serving until the certification of the Nov 2010 general election when the new Councilmember for the district will be sworn in.

“Jan Drago is an experienced public official and policy-maker, and I look forward to working with her,” said Council Chair Bob Ferguson.

“Jan will make a wonderful addition to the King County Council,” said council Vice Chair Jane Hague. “She knows the issues facing District 8 and will hit the ground running to serve her constituents well.”

“Jan Drago has a distinguished career serving our community, having been elected to serve Seattle residents four times,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “I am confident she will represent the citizens of District 8 well until they have the chance to elect their permanent representative this fall.”

“The residents of King County will benefit from Jan’s experience, especially when it comes to addressing the 2010 budget,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.

Drago served on the Seattle City Council from 1994 through 2009, having served as Council President for four years and as Chair of the Council’s Budget Committee from 1999-2003. Drago, a graduate of Rutgers University, was a small business owner and school teacher prior to joining the Seattle City Council.

“I was looking for an independent minded person who could work with all of my colleagues,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn. “With Jan Drago we get that and a wealth of local government experience as well. I’m pleased to welcome her and look forward to working with her between now and November.”

“Jan Drago is an experienced local leader and I look forward to welcoming her as a colleague on the King County Council,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson.

“I look forward to working with Jan Drago on the many complex issues facing King County, “ said Councilmember Larry Gossett.  “I am sure that Jan will serve her constituents well over the next 11 months.”

“All the candidates we considered were very qualified,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “We are fortunate to have such talented, informed leaders to choose from. After working with Councilmember Drago at the City of Seattle, I am confident that she can hit the ground running and offer her considerable government and business experience to the County. We appreciate her budget expertise and familiarity with the issues facing King County.”

Drago was selected out of the 11 applicants who applied to replace Constantine. All of the applicants were interviewed by a 12-member advisory committee of community leaders and elected officials who live or work in Council District 8. The advisory committee sent the Council Drago as well as the names of three other candidates:

· Rep. Zack Hudgins—State Representative from the 11th District
· Sen. Joe McDermott—State Senator from the 34th District
· Rep. Sharon Nelson—State Representative from the 34th District

The committee stressed Drago’s proven ability in budget, trans-portation and labor matters, her strong regional relationships and the potential to strengthen partnerships with the city of Seattle because of her time on the city Council.

Contact: Al Sanders 206-296-1685

December 3, 2009

Advisory Committee recommends four to fill Constantine vacancy in District 8

Committee of the Whole to interview recommended candidates next Monday

An Advisory Committee has completed interviews of 11 candidates seeking to fill the King County Council seat vacated by Dow Constantine upon his election as King County Executive. The Advisory Committee has recommended four candidates for consideration by the County Council.

The committee recommended two individuals who intend to run for the seat in the November 2010 general election:

· Rep. Zack Hudgins—State Representative from the 11th District
· Sen. Joe McDermott—State Senator from the 34th District

The committee also recommended two individuals who intend to serve in a caretaker capacity until the general election in November 2010:

· Jan Drago—A member of the Seattle City Council who is leaving the Council this year
· Rep. Sharon Nelson—State Representative from the 34th District

All four candidates recommended by the Committee will be interviewed next Monday at a meeting of the Council’s Committee-of-the-Whole:

Committee-of-the-Whole

Monday, December 7

9:30 a.m.

Council chambers

10th floor, King County Courthouse

The advisory committee was chaired by former Seattle Deputy Mayor and Municipal Court Judge Anne Levinson and Mark Okazaki, Executive Director of Neighborhood House, a human service agency with facilities in High Point and Greenbridge. They were joined on the 12-member advisory committee by community leaders and elected officials who live or work in Council District 8:

· Aileen Balahadia, Executive Director of the White Center Community Development Association,
· Steve Daschle, Executive Director of Southwest Youth and Family Services,
· Tom Dean, Executive Director of the Vashon/Maury Island Land Trust,
· David Johnson, CEO of NAVOS, a mental health care facility that provides housing,
· Joan McGilton, Mayor of Burien
· Patti Mullen, CEO, West Seattle Chamber of Commerce
· Behnaz Nelson, co-chair of the King County Coalition of Unions
· Kathy Nyland, chair of the Georgetown Merchants Association and chair of the City Neighborhood Association
· Doug Osterman, Normandy Park City Councilmember
· Chris Porter, business owner and a nurse practitioner who is active on park and recreation issues.

Co-Chairs Levinson and Okazaki said the committee represented a diversity of perspectives and experiences and took to heart the charge from the Council to forward a slate of candidates who would best serve the needs of the County and District 8.

“We had a remarkable pool of applicants and appreciated the number of people willing to step forward to serve. The finalists each bring experience and understanding of the complex array of issues facing the County. Each would hit the ground running and be a very effective addition to the Council,” said Levinson and Okazaki.

The committee’s criteria for evaluation of candidates included:

· Knowledge of the functions of King County government;
· Knowledge of the issues and challenges facing King County government;
· Knowledge of the issues affecting the constituents of Council District 8;
· A demonstrated ability to develop a responsible budget;
· A demonstrated ability to respond to public concerns; and
· Demonstrated leadership skills.

The County Council has final authority for making the appointment. The Council is expected to take action by Monday, December 14, the last Council meeting of 2009.

Nov. 9, 2009 – From King County Council

County Council sets January 31 deadline to close King County animal shelters
Motion also calls for end to provision of animal control services to cities 2010, unless new agreements are made that allow the County to recover the full costs of field services.

For some time, revenues from pet licenses and other fees have fallen short of the cost of providing animal care and control services in the amount of approximately $2 million per year.

“For three years we’ve heard from consultants, audits, and work groups, unanimously advising us that we have serious problems in our animal sheltering program,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson. “It’s time to make a decision – get out of the animal sheltering business and turn to community organizations to provide more humane, efficient care.”

“Despite the efforts of dedicated employees and volunteers to improve the County’s animal shelter and control operation, the County can no longer afford subsidizing the almost $2 million general fund dollars for these services,” said Council Vice Chair Bob Ferguson. “Moving towards a community-based model of animal services is both fiscally responsible and in the best interests of the animals.”

“We need to do what is in the best interest of these animals,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague. “This time frame will allow a smooth transfer of the services these animals deserve.”

The motion calls for an end to operation of the County’s animal shelters in Kent and the Crossroads area by January 31, 2010, with a cooperative transition of animals to one or more new entities that would provide sheltering services.

“This legislation closes the chapter on King County’s provision of animal shelter services, ensuring that stray animals will be cared for by an organization with the resources and expertise to care for our animals humanely,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “We are also getting out of the business of providing subsidized animal control and animal licensing services for contract cities—these are services King County can no longer afford to provide given our budget crisis.”

“For the welfare of homeless pets in King County, sheltering services should be provided by community animal welfare partners whose primary mission is to deliver humane care for homeless pets and find them forever homes,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “I am especially encouraged by the provision to establish an animal response team that combines county, community and volunteer resources to prepare for emergency protection of pets in the event of a disaster.”

If the County is to continue providing animal control field services past June 30, 2010, the motion calls for the costs in incorporated areas to be fully reimbursed by the cities contracting for those services, in accordance with previously established County policy requiring full cost recovery on discretionary contractual services. Cities will have the flexibility of commissioning their own animal control officers and using pet license fees to fund the positions. Thirty-two cities now contract with King County for field services that include response to complaints of vicious animals and bites; investigation of animal cruelty cases; pick up of injured animals, stray dogs and cats, owner-released pets, and deceased animals; and response to barking dog complaints.

As the local service provider to the unincorporated areas, King County will continue to provide animal control field services to those areas. The legislation requires that a study be completed by March 31, 2010, to:

• Analyze what revenues, expenditures and business activities are needed to meet the County’s animal control responsibilities under state law,
• Analyze and present historical records on pet license revenues from unincorporated areas as well as historical cost estimates for the provision of animal control services in the unincorporated areas,
• Present potential options for the provision of animal control services in the unincorporated areas that are fully supported by the revenues from animal license fees, or other revenue-generating options that do not require support from the County General Fund.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system at http://kingcounty.legistar.com and type in “2009-0594”

The King County Council will hold a final public hearing Monday, November 9. The final public hearing will be held following a special 11 am meeting of the King County Ferry District. Meeting Location:  Council Chambers, 10th Floor, King County Courthouse, Seattle.

At special evening hearings of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee held in Bellevue, Kent, Redmond and at the County Courthouse, the public has shared budget priorities ranging from support of public safety and human service programs to the continued operation of the Law Library in the Maleng Regional Justice Center.

The County Council received the Executive Proposed 2010 Budget on September 28. Councilmember Larry Gossett, chair of the Budget Committee, has been directing the Council’s review of the proposal.

The Budget Committee’s three panels— Physical Environment, General Government & Criminal Justice, and Health & Human Services—have examined criminal justice and health and human service agencies, and reviewed the budgets of agencies responsible for protecting the environment (parks, wastewater, and solid waste) and maintaining King County’s transportation system, both Metro Transit and the county road system. The committee has also been evaluating the budgets of all the separately-elected officials and general government operations, and conducting a comprehensive analysis of technology and capital facilities investments.

The Council is set to adopt the final King County Budget on Monday, Nov. 23.

The meeting will be shown LIVE on King County TV on Comcast and Broadstripe Cable Channel 22, and online at:  www.kingcounty.gov/KCTV.

You can also sign up to follow the deliberations through the Council’s 2010 Budget Blog and Twitter.

Follow the Council’s deliberations through Twitter and our 2010 Budget Blog by visiting the King County Council Budget Web site at:
www.kingcounty.gov/council/budget

Watch all Council Budget proceedings held in chambers LIVE on King County TV at:
www.kingcounty.gov/KCTV

In a press release issued by King County yesterday, six members of the King County Council introduced legislation to end the county’s provision of animal shelter and animal control services by April 1, 2010.

Here is the press release in its entirety:

October 26, 2009

Six King County Councilmembers introduce legislation to close animal shelters by April 1

Motion also calls for end to provision of animal control services to cities unless new contracts are struck for full cost recovery by the County.

Six members of the Metropolitan King County Council today introduced legislation directing the County Executive to end the provision of animal sheltering services by April 1, 2010, and end the provision of animal control services to the cities by that same date unless new agreements are made that allow the County to recover the full costs of field services.

“After four reports, including today’s audit, that outline extensive management inadequacies and a chaotic work environment, it is time we transition the dogs and cats in our care to a provider that can demonstrate the ability to run a model animal welfare program,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson. “A majority of the Council today sponsored an aggressive but responsible and deliberative approach that will provide a better service to our cities and a healthier environment for the homeless dogs and cats in King County.”

“Despite the best efforts of dedicated employees to improve shelter operations, it is time for a change,” said Council Vice Chair Bob Ferguson. “The Seattle Humane Society’s offer to take responsibility for the animals in our care is one proposal that could create a win-win for the animals and the County.”

The proposed motion would end operation of the County’s animal shelter in Kent and the Crossroads area by April 1, 2010, with a cooperative transition of animals to a new entity that would provide sheltering services.

“We will pursue seamless quality of service for the animals, for owners and for prospective pet owners,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague.

If the County is to continue providing animal control field services past April 1, 2010, the motion calls for that cost to be fully reimbursed by the cities contracting for those services, in accordance with County policy requiring full cost recovery on discretionary contractual services. Cities will have the flexibility of commissioning their own animal control officer and using pet license fees to fund the position. Thirty-two cities now contract with King County for field services that include response to complaints of vicious animals and bites; investigation of animal cruelty cases; pick up of injured animals, stray dogs, owner-released pets, and deceased animals; and response to barking dog complaints.

“This legislation continues the process the Council initiated last November to transition King County out of the animal shelter business,” said Council Chair Dow Constantine. “Given the stated interest of a capable community-based provider in taking over shelter care, this change will lead to improved service for our cities and better conditions for homeless animals.”

As the local service provider to the unincorporated areas, King County will continue to provide animal control field services to those areas. Today’s legislation requires that a study be completed by March 1, 2010, to:

· Analyze what revenues, expenditures and business activities are needed to meet the County’s animal control responsibilities under state law,

· Analyze and present historical records on pet license revenues from unincorporated areas as well as historical cost estimates for the provision of animal control services in the unincorporated areas,

· Present potential options for the provision of animal control services in the unincorporated areas that are fully supported by the revenues from animal license fees, or other revenue-generating options that do not require support from the County General Fund.

“The County and the cities will need to work together over the next five months to ensure options exist that protect citizens and provide for the humane care of animals,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “The reports and audits over the last few years make it clear that animal care needs to be provided in new and improved ways.”

“Today’s audit confirms that it’s in the best interest of our animals to turn over sheltering responsibilities to an organization with a proven track record of following best practices for humane care,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “With King County’s budget crisis, we don’t have the resources to ensure animals in our care get the humane treatment they deserve, so we must turn to a new approach.”

King County Auditor Cheryle Broom today released a performance audit of the King County Animal Care and Control program that found that despite some improvements at the County’s primary animal shelter in Kent, several problems still exist in its leadership, organization, and operation.

In anticipation of the flood threat in the Green River Valley, the County Executive has already announced his plan to relocate animals from the shelter in Kent and close the facility by November 1. He has proposed the transition of both animal sheltering and animal control services to a new entity by June 30, 2010.

The Council on Oct. 19 provided emergency flood funding to lease a temporary King County animal shelter for just five months, until April 30, 2010, and prohibited the use of those emergency funds for purchase of an animal services facility.

The proposed legislation has been referred to the Council’s Committee of the Whole, which anticipates holding a briefing as soon as November 2.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system at http://kingcounty.legistar.com and type in “2009-0594”

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In a separate but related press release issued by Councilmembers Bob Ferguson and Reagan Dunn, the King County Auditor presented new findings on the leadership, organization and operation of the county animal shelter.

October 26, 2009

King County Auditor presents new findings on leadership, organization and operation of County animal shelter

Performance audit finds issues with tracking of animals and management of shelter’s data system.

King County Auditor Cheryle Broom today released a performance audit of the King County Animal Care and Control program that found that despite some improvements at the County’s primary animal shelter in Kent, several problems still exist in its leadership, organization, and operation.

“Today’s audit is another in a string of troubling reports over the last few years regarding the state of our shelters,” said Council Vice Chair Bob Ferguson. “Despite the best efforts of dedicated KCACC employees to improve shelter operations, it is time for a change.”

“I am sorry to say this audit underscores the problems that continue to plague the King County animal shelter,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn. “There are animals coming to the shelter that become lost within the system, and rampant health issues that are harmful to both animals and humans and serious management problems still exist. It is time for the County to get out of the animal shelter business and turn our animals over to an agency that can provide quality care at every level.”

The audit, which was requested by the King County Council, was presented at today’s Committee of the Whole. It cites improvements made to kennel space for cats, off-site adoption and volunteer programs, but makes findings in three areas where King County Animal Care and Control (KCACC) lacks the critical programs and activities needed for effective management and monitoring of the animals in the shelter:

Population Management and Monitoring Animal Flow

Despite a number of KCACC’s efforts to improve animal care and lower euthanasia rates, the audit identifies gaps between the agency’s tracking of animals and recommended practices that can result in delays in getting specialized care for animals with behavior or health problems. The audit finds sporadic management support for routine review of the status of animals, identification of issues for action, and follow-up. In the absence of management control systems and supervisory support, the audit finds that Animal Control Officers must continually adjust their activities and improvise practices that are prone to incomplete and inaccurate communication and documentation.

Data System Management

The audit finds that KCACC’s data system, known as Chameleon, was implemented without sufficient technical support or security controls over user access. As a result, technical resources are not being used to their full capability and Chameleon is not adequately safeguarded against the risk of misuse, abuse or data manipulation. The audit calls for improved controls and system oversight to improve data consistency, accuracy, and completeness, and to ensure that the Chameleon data is reliable as a precise measure of shelter performance.

Organizational Success and Performance Metrics

The audit cites inconsistent leadership, shifts in management direction, and sustained organizational uncertainty as factors that have limited KCACC’s ability to make needed improvements in population monitoring and management and to use technology effectively to improve shelter operations. These factors have also contributed to delays in completing significant projects as well as some confusion among the staff about priorities and practices among KCACC staff, according to the audit.

The audit provides 13 recommendations for improvements, and the County Executive has concurred with the findings and recommendations in the audit.

While the Executive has announced his proposal to discontinue providing animal sheltering services in King County and to close the Kent Shelter on November 1 due to the threat of flooding in the Green River Valley, the audit recommendations are focused on improving and aligning KCACC activities and resources regardless of what model of animal care and control is ultimately adopted by the County Council.

Today’s performance audit is the first of two reports being prepared by the Auditor. A second area of review, principally conducted by a veterinarian from Tufts University, will evaluate KCACC’s euthanasia procedures and controls. That report is scheduled to be published in November.

Download the King County Auditor’s performance audit of the County animal shelter:

www.kingcounty.gov/operations/auditor/Reports/Year/2009.aspx

Contact: Al Sanders 206-296-1685/Frank Abe 206-296-0355

October 19, 2009

Council authorizes emergency funding for relocation of County services and protection of County facilities in flood-threatened Green River Valley

Vital county services to continue operating despite any flooding from federal Howard Hanson Dam.

The Metropolitan King County Council today authorized the emergency funds needed to relocate County services and protect critical County facilities in the Green River Valley, in advance of the threat of flooding from the storm-damaged, federal Howard Hanson Dam.

“It is imperative that the County take the necessary actions to protect our employees and the facilities in which they work in the Green River Valley,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett, chair of the Council’s Budget and Fiscal Management Committee that reviewed the legislation. “Today’s actions help us prepare to take the steps we need to ensure continued operation of vital county services.”

“Our job is to protect citizen access to their government and the services that only we can provide,” Said Councilmember Jane Hague.

“In the event of a major flood, it is crucial that King County be able to guarantee basic services, such as wastewater treatment, to its citizens,” said Council Chair Dow Constantine. “These measures will also allow King County to maintain its key justice system functions during an emergency.”

The $34.6 million appropriation funds work already underway to, among other things:

·       negotiate for jail space to relocate inmates from the Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC),
·       negotiate for leases to relocate Superior Court, District Court, the Prosecuting Attorney, the Public Defender, and Judicial Administration from the MRJC,

·       hire a contractor to build a wall of concrete blocks and earthen berms around the MRJC, and provide flood protection around other critical, valuable County facilities,

·       negotiate for leased space for Aukeen District Court and affected public health facilities,
·       lease a temporary animal shelter for five months,
·       lease generators capable of producing 16 megawatts of electricity to continue pumping treated sewage out of the South Treatment Plant in the event of a power failure,

·       erect a water barrier around the South Treatment Plant, and
·       move the Elections Office out of the Earlington Building to the King County Airport Operations Center.

“It would be irresponsible if King County was not prepared,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson. “The County has already acted to protect the November election, but if other critical services are not protected, flooding in the Green River Valley could leave our employees at the Regional Justice Center unable to provide basic services to citizens, and raw sewage headed to our wastewater treatment facility could back up and pollute Lake Washington. This funding provides reassurance that County services, services that are critical to protecting people, property, and democracy, will continue in the event of a flood.”

“This emergency funding to protect our wastewater facility could save millions in property damage” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn. “Preserving county services and protecting the wastewater facilities from damage are key elements of responsible planning and response to the flood threat.”

“To ensure the health and safety of King County residents, we must make these investments to prepare for potential flooding,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson. “The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has made it clear that it may take the federal government 5 years to permanently fix the dam. Today’s decisive action is an important step in addressing a multi-year problem.”

“If flood waters strike there will be limited time to react to keep our facilities out of harm’s way,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. “This decision assures that the County’s vital services such as wastewater treatment will continue their primary responsibility of serving the homes and business in the Green River Valley.”

The ordinance provides funds to lease a temporary King County animal shelter for five months, but prohibits the use of the funds for purchase of an animal services facility. The County Executive has already announced that animals will be relocated from the animal shelter in Kent and the facility closed by November 1 in anticipation of the flood threat, and proposed the transition of both animal control and sheltering services to a new entity by June 30, 2010.

“As an advocate for being prepared, I appreciate this thoughtful plan for moving the animals in our Kent shelter out of harm’s way due to the threat of severe flooding this winter,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “Because the warning period for flooding could be very short, we need to have a flexible and cost-effective plan for transferring our court operations as well as the animal shelter to temporary locations. I am confident that this framework will provide for the continuity of operations that still delivers compassionate care for the animals in our custody and responsive customer service in our court system.”

Of the emergency funds authorized today, $27.2 million will come from the sale of bond anticipation notes and $7.4 million from the County’s Wastewater Treatment construction fund. The legislation requires the Executive to report back to the Council every two weeks on how the money is being spent. Money that is not used during this flood season will be returned to the General Fund and the wastewater fund to be held in reserve in the event of another Green River flood threat next year.

The Council doubled the amount of funds placed into a flood contingency fund from $4.5 million to nearly $10 million by reducing other areas of the Executive’s budget request.

The Council on August 31 gave the County Executive proactive authority to declare a state of emergency in advance of actual flooding, which he did on Sept. 10.

“Relocating vital services out of the Howard Hanson Dam flood zone will ensure that the business of the county will continue uninterrupted in the event of a flood,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “This is an interim precaution we must take while urging the federal government to speed up permanent repairs to the dam.”

Agencies that are moved out of their facilities will remain at their interim locations until testing on the interim “grout curtain” being injected into the earthen abutment next to the Howard Hanson Dam is complete and it is determined that it is safe to return. The legislation calls on the Executive to report back to the Council with a 3- to 5-year relocation plan for County facilities, the period of time the Army Corps has said it will take to design, fund and construct a permanent fix for the dam.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system at
http://kingcounty.legistar.com and type in “2009-0559 and 2009-0560”

Follow the Council’s deliberations through Twitter by visiting the

King County Council Web site at:
www.kingcounty.gov/council

Watch all Council proceedings held in chambers LIVE on King County TV
on Comcast and Broadstripe Cable on channel 22, or online at:
www.kingcounty.gov/KCTV

King County Council:  Meeting Highlights
Week of Sept. 21 – 25, 2009

Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are in the King County Council Chambers,
Room 1001, King County Courthouse, 516 Third Ave, Seattle, WA

Monday, September 21
Committee of the Whole – 9:30 a.m. ***Special Meeting***
Briefing:
· State performance audit on King County Utilities (Briefing No. 2009-B0217).
The Committee will take public testimony on this item

Committee members are scheduled to discuss and possibly recommend to the full council:
· A motion extending a wavier from competitive bidding to assure timely acquisition of services, materials and equipment necessary to protect County citizens from threat of flooding in Green River Valley (Motion 2009-0545).

Metropolitan King County Council – 1:30 p.m.
–Councilmembers will declare September 26 “Harvest Celebration Day” in King County

Councilmembers are scheduled to discuss and possibly act on:
· An ordinance relating to the use of the additional sales and use tax of one tenth of one percent for the delivery of mental health and chemical dependency services and therapeutic courts (Substitute Ordinance 2009-0507.2).

Tuesday, September 22
Physical Environment Committee – 9:30 a.m.
Briefings:
· Parks policy decisions in light of shrinking bond revenues (Briefing No. 2009-B0216).
· Conservation Futures Oversight Committee 2010 projects (Briefing No. 2009-B0215).

Law, Justice and Health and Human Services Committee – Cancelled

Thursday, September 24
King County Flood District Executive Committee – 9:30 a.m. ***Special Meeting***
Committee will meet in the Southwest Conference Room, 12th flr., King County
Briefing:

· Pre-audit meeting with the State Auditor’s Office

“This Week at the Council” is a summary of highlights for upcoming council and committee agendas.

To read complete agendas and the full text of legislation,
please visit the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system at http://mkcclegisearch.kingcounty.gov

Received Sept. 8, 2009 at 4:38 p.m.

Contact: Bob Ferguson 206-296-1001/Reagan Dunn 206-296-1009

September 8, 2009

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

State Attorney General to testify on proposed legislation
reforming King County public records process
Committee of the Whole discussing plan that incorporates recommendations of Attorney General’s model rules for public records response and retention

The Metropolitan King County Council’s Committee of the Whole will hear tomorrow from Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna on a proposed County ordinance to increase transparency and openness in government while reducing the possibility of costly lawsuits.

Wednesday, September 9

Meeting start time – 9:30 a.m.

Attorney General McKenna’s presentation – 11:00 a.m.
Council chambers

10th floor, King County Courthouse

Third and James Streets

Following Attorney General McKenna’s presentation, the committee will discuss the proposed ordinance, which is co-sponsored by Council Vice Chair Bob Ferguson and Councilmember Reagan Dunn.

The proposed legislation reflects the work of a joint Council and Executive branch staff work group and incorporates into County code many of the Attorney General’s suggested model rules for public records response and retention.

The Committee of the Whole considers legislation and policy issues of interest to the entire Council and is the only standing committee on which all nine members serve.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system at
http://mkcclegisearch.metrokc.gov/legistarweb and type in “2009-0351”

————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Contact: Bob Ferguson 206-296-1001
bob.ferguson@kingcounty.gov

September 8, 2009

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

Work on alerting public to potential flooding from federally-owned Howard Hanson Dam to be presented to Council committee
Committee of the Whole also to be briefed by Director of Elections on possible relocation of County elections facility

The Metropolitan King County Council’s Committee of the Whole will hear tomorrow about the County’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the potential for widespread flooding in the Green River Valley. The Committee will also be briefed on the possible relocation of the County’s Elections Office should it become necessary for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to release water from the federally-owned Howard Hanson Dam to avoid overloading the storm-damaged structure.

The briefing will be held:

Wednesday, September 9

9:30 a.m.
Council chambers

10th floor, King County Courthouse

Third and James Streets

Councilmembers will hear from Carolyn Duncan, Director of Communications for the King County Executive, and Sherril Huff, Director of King County Elections.

The cities in the Green River Valley, King County, federal agencies, the Red Cross, business organizations and social service providers are involved in an extensive outreach effort to inform residents and businesses of the potential crisis. Governments and organizations are working with agricultural interests in the unincorporated areas and vulnerable populations in the Green River Valley. Letters warning of the increased risk of a major flood and informational brochures have been mailed to 165,000 addresses in the flood plain, along with 15,000 distributed to jurisdictions, businesses, and non-profit organizations.

The Army Corps discovered sinkholes and rapid seepage of water from an earthen abutment next to Howard Hanson Dam after last January’s record rain. A temporary fix to control seepage is underway but dam storage capacity is expected to be limited until the repair is tested next spring. A long-term fix could take three to five years to develop and construct.

The Committee of the Whole considers legislation and policy issues of interest to the entire Council and is the only standing committee on which all nine members serve.

All Council meetings held in chambers are carried live on King County TV

on Comcast and Broadstripe Cable Channel 22.