tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7467870524511836313.post-62686775271896538712007-10-26T12:59:00.000-07:002007-10-26T12:59:00.000-07:00Here are some examples of legislation we passed in response to citizen requests; the 2003 Ordinance banning private docks in Blakely Harbor, the non- motorized plan,a new budget ordinance that requires citizen involvement, a lighting ordinance, a no-pesticide use ordinance for the City, a telecommunications ordinance that resulted in broadband being available to most of the Island, a towing ordinance. Bill established a citizen committee for the siting of the decant facility that moved it out of neighborhoods and put it at Vincent Road. <BR/><BR/>In response to neighborhood requests we had the Public works dept, (with much resistance) put no parking signs on Grow, speed limits on Miller, and supported Kallgren neighbors who did not want their road open to traffic. <BR/><BR/>The citizens on Ericksen did not want their road to look like Ferncliff 30' wide. In the first two months, we met and gave Public works its marching orders to put only one bike lane and sidewalk and keep the road narrow. We got the safety that was needed while preserving the neighborhood. Merrill Robison sued the City over this design-he lost. We collaborated with the S. End neighborhoods whose septic systems were failed and within three years the S. End neighborhoods had sewer. We got bike lanes and sidewalks on New Brooklin for the Sakai and Woodward student's safety. We completed the revisions on High School road. In response to a senior citizen group's request, pedestrian crossings were added to Madison and High School road. <BR/><BR/>Most of this legislation was the result of citizens coming to us and asking for it. In most cases, citizens were actively involved in the writing of the ordinances themselves. For example, the Washington State Toxicology group had been trying to get the no pesticide use policy done for two years and had been told by Public works that they would not write the ordinance. They came to me and Bill and I, on the public works committee demanded that it be done and with much resistance, it happened.<BR/><BR/>To be honest, we had a really good time doing all of this and met terrific people who simply wanted the City to do something for them.Also, my near 60 year old brain doesn't remember everything. <BR/><BR/>However, we did not get a bathroom in Water front park....much to my dismay and several other public works projects did not get done like Wing Point road, Manitou, etc. We were not perfect. <BR/><BR/>Hope this helps to clarify some of the original letter. Debbie Vannformer council personhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361518495194354808noreply@blogger.com