You sent a powerful message to the City of Federal Way. We want to thank you for voting last Tuesday.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Thank you Voters for doing the right thing!!
You sent a powerful message to the City of Federal Way. We want to thank you for voting last Tuesday.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Annexation not "Imminent" as city and county would have you believe
This was received from Bob Cowan this morning, August 24, 2007, 6:48am
Dear Mr. Galland,
King County Executive Ron Sims has asked me to respond to your e-mail of August 21, 2007. Your question was whether there is a provision in state law that allows the county to unilaterally mandate annexation of an urban area into a city. The brief answer to your question is "No".
Under state law there are five general methods of annexation as noted below. None of the existing methods allow the county to unilaterally mandate an urban unincorporated area into a city. The methods are briefly described below.
1) Election Method Annexation: Residents can file a petition (in prescribed format, signed by not less than 10 percent of the number of voters in the area to be annexed who voted in the last general election) with the city asking for an annexation election. The city need not agree to hold the election. Alternately, the legislative body of a city or town may adopt a resolution calling for the annexation of certain territory by election. In both cases the city files a resolution with the County Council. The County Council then adopts an ordinance setting the date for an election on the question of annexation. Only registered voters within the proposed annexation area may cast ballots in the election. The annexation is approved if supported by a simple majority of those voting.
2) Direct Petition Method Annexation (”60% petition”): Annexation is initiated by filing two separate petitions with the city. The first petition is signed by owners of property representing not less than 10% of the assessed value of the property in the area proposed to be annexed. This filing notifies the city of the residents’ intent to commence annexation proceedings. The legislative body then accepts, rejects, or geographically modifies the proposed annexation. A second petition must then be signed by the owners of properties representing not less than 60% of the assessed valuation of the area proposed to be annexed (i.e., not all property owners must sign/agree). The legislative body of the city or town then holds a public hearing and rejects or accepts the petition. If accepted, the petition is submitted to the Boundary Review Board (“BRB”). The BRB may expand or contract the area to be annexed based on certain criteria. The city may then accept the revised petition, or reject it entirely. Annexation is finalized by the adoption of an ordinance by the city council. This the most common method of annexation in King County.
3) 50/50 Direct Petition Method: In this method, annexation is initiated by securing signatures of both landowners and registered voters. The community initiators (owners of not less than 10% of the land area or not less than 10% of the area’s residents) must notify the city council of their intention to commence annexation. The city sets a meeting with the initiating parties to determine whether the city will accept, reject or modify the proposed annexation. A second petition, in form approved by the city, is then prepared and must be signed by at least 50% of the registered voters in the area and the owners of at least 50% of the acreage of the area. Following submittal of the petition, the city holds a public hearing and then decides whether to annex (it may reject the annexation, despite having a valid petition).
4) Annexation of Small Unincorporated Islands Method: This method is only applicable to areas less than 100 acres in size where at least 80% of the area boundaries are contiguous to the city or town. A public hearing must be held, after which the city passes an ordinance to annex. The annexation is subject to resident referendum (i.e., can be overturned) if a petition signed by a number of residents of the area equal to at least 10% of the area residents voting in the last general election is filed with the city within 45 days of the date the city ordinance is adopted. If such a petition is filed, an election on the issue is held and the annexation must be approved by not less than 50% of those persons in the area voting on the matter.
5) Annexation by Interlocal Agreement Method: This relatively new method of annexation (2003 legislature) allows for annexation to occur based on an agreement between that city and the County—but the agreement (and thus the annexation) can be overturned by residents of the proposed annexation area. This method may only be used to annex areas bordered at least 60% by one or more cities. Following a public hearing(s) and approval of the annexation agreement by the city and County, the city council adopts an ordinance annexing the territory. The ordinance must set an annexation effective date at least 45 days following the date the ordinance is adopted. If, during that 45 day period, a petition is filed with the city signed by not less than at least 15% of the registered voters of the area, then an election on the question must be held at which at least a simple majority of those persons voting on the matter approve the annexation.
While it is the policy of King County to encourage urban unincorporated areas to join cities in compliance with State's Growth Management Act and the Countywide Planning Polices adopted by the cities and King County, should residents choose not to, the County will continue to provide mandated local services to urban unincorporated residents as best we can with the financial constraints we face.
Please contact Elissa Benson, King County Annexation Initiative Manager, at 206 296-3414 if you have further questions.
Bob Cowan
Director, King County Office of Management and Budget
701 5th Ave., Suite 3200
MS: BOA-EX-3200
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 205-0630
FAX: (206) 296-3462
E-mail: bob.cowan@kingcounty.gov
Dear Mr. Galland,
King County Executive Ron Sims has asked me to respond to your e-mail of August 21, 2007. Your question was whether there is a provision in state law that allows the county to unilaterally mandate annexation of an urban area into a city. The brief answer to your question is "No".
Under state law there are five general methods of annexation as noted below. None of the existing methods allow the county to unilaterally mandate an urban unincorporated area into a city. The methods are briefly described below.
1) Election Method Annexation: Residents can file a petition (in prescribed format, signed by not less than 10 percent of the number of voters in the area to be annexed who voted in the last general election) with the city asking for an annexation election. The city need not agree to hold the election. Alternately, the legislative body of a city or town may adopt a resolution calling for the annexation of certain territory by election. In both cases the city files a resolution with the County Council. The County Council then adopts an ordinance setting the date for an election on the question of annexation. Only registered voters within the proposed annexation area may cast ballots in the election. The annexation is approved if supported by a simple majority of those voting.
2) Direct Petition Method Annexation (”60% petition”): Annexation is initiated by filing two separate petitions with the city. The first petition is signed by owners of property representing not less than 10% of the assessed value of the property in the area proposed to be annexed. This filing notifies the city of the residents’ intent to commence annexation proceedings. The legislative body then accepts, rejects, or geographically modifies the proposed annexation. A second petition must then be signed by the owners of properties representing not less than 60% of the assessed valuation of the area proposed to be annexed (i.e., not all property owners must sign/agree). The legislative body of the city or town then holds a public hearing and rejects or accepts the petition. If accepted, the petition is submitted to the Boundary Review Board (“BRB”). The BRB may expand or contract the area to be annexed based on certain criteria. The city may then accept the revised petition, or reject it entirely. Annexation is finalized by the adoption of an ordinance by the city council. This the most common method of annexation in King County.
3) 50/50 Direct Petition Method: In this method, annexation is initiated by securing signatures of both landowners and registered voters. The community initiators (owners of not less than 10% of the land area or not less than 10% of the area’s residents) must notify the city council of their intention to commence annexation. The city sets a meeting with the initiating parties to determine whether the city will accept, reject or modify the proposed annexation. A second petition, in form approved by the city, is then prepared and must be signed by at least 50% of the registered voters in the area and the owners of at least 50% of the acreage of the area. Following submittal of the petition, the city holds a public hearing and then decides whether to annex (it may reject the annexation, despite having a valid petition).
4) Annexation of Small Unincorporated Islands Method: This method is only applicable to areas less than 100 acres in size where at least 80% of the area boundaries are contiguous to the city or town. A public hearing must be held, after which the city passes an ordinance to annex. The annexation is subject to resident referendum (i.e., can be overturned) if a petition signed by a number of residents of the area equal to at least 10% of the area residents voting in the last general election is filed with the city within 45 days of the date the city ordinance is adopted. If such a petition is filed, an election on the issue is held and the annexation must be approved by not less than 50% of those persons in the area voting on the matter.
5) Annexation by Interlocal Agreement Method: This relatively new method of annexation (2003 legislature) allows for annexation to occur based on an agreement between that city and the County—but the agreement (and thus the annexation) can be overturned by residents of the proposed annexation area. This method may only be used to annex areas bordered at least 60% by one or more cities. Following a public hearing(s) and approval of the annexation agreement by the city and County, the city council adopts an ordinance annexing the territory. The ordinance must set an annexation effective date at least 45 days following the date the ordinance is adopted. If, during that 45 day period, a petition is filed with the city signed by not less than at least 15% of the registered voters of the area, then an election on the question must be held at which at least a simple majority of those persons voting on the matter approve the annexation.
While it is the policy of King County to encourage urban unincorporated areas to join cities in compliance with State's Growth Management Act and the Countywide Planning Polices adopted by the cities and King County, should residents choose not to, the County will continue to provide mandated local services to urban unincorporated residents as best we can with the financial constraints we face.
Please contact Elissa Benson, King County Annexation Initiative Manager, at 206 296-3414 if you have further questions.
Bob Cowan
Director, King County Office of Management and Budget
701 5th Ave., Suite 3200
MS: BOA-EX-3200
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 205-0630
FAX: (206) 296-3462
E-mail: bob.cowan@kingcounty.gov
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Annexation Defeated!! An apparent 64% Victory!!
Bravo voters, job well done.
We prevailed in sending a clear message to the city of Federal Way.
We are so happy that the attempted annexation of our unincorporated communities was defeated by the voters.
We offer special thanks to the numerous volunteers who assisted in saturating both the north and south communities with opposition signs.
With special thanks to the many people who spent long hours standing and waving signs encouraging people to vote, of course vote NO. Their effort and passion made all the difference in this vote.
This is an overwhelming vote that makes it clear that annexation is refused; the voters do not want to be a part of the City of Federal Way.
We prevailed in sending a clear message to the city of Federal Way.
We are so happy that the attempted annexation of our unincorporated communities was defeated by the voters.
We offer special thanks to the numerous volunteers who assisted in saturating both the north and south communities with opposition signs.
With special thanks to the many people who spent long hours standing and waving signs encouraging people to vote, of course vote NO. Their effort and passion made all the difference in this vote.
This is an overwhelming vote that makes it clear that annexation is refused; the voters do not want to be a part of the City of Federal Way.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Sewer and the City?
There seem to be a serious misconception that if we are annexed, that the city will be putting sewer in soon afterward. That is simply not true. The city has no control over when and where sewer is installed.
Lakehaven Water district is already our sewer and water utility and nothing changes. (Read the information on the City of Federal Way website http://www.cityoffederalway.com/Page.aspx?page=1213 Public Services -- What Changes, What Doesn't?)
As it clearly states on the website, water and sewer do not change.
If you want sewer, the process will be the same after annexation as it is now; a pettition of 60% of the property owners is needed to form an LUD (Local Utility District) and then Lakehaven Water District will review and maybe install sewer in the petitioned area. This means that your desire for sewer is still up to you and your neighbors, as it should be.
Whether you are in the city or not, the process is the same. If you want sewer and are voting for annexation tol hasten the process, you are wrong and will be making a very serious irreversible mistake in voting yes.
If you want sewer service in your area, you do not need to vote for annexation, just contact Lakehaven Water District at 31627-1st Avenue South, Federal Way, Washington 98063 253-941-1516 or their website http://www.lakehaven.org/ for more information about how to get it.
PLEASE- Make an informed decision based on the facts, not beliefs or hearsay!
Here is the text of a letter from LakeHaven Water District regarding Sewers:
Lakehaven Water district is already our sewer and water utility and nothing changes. (Read the information on the City of Federal Way website http://www.cityoffederalway.com/Page.aspx?page=1213 Public Services -- What Changes, What Doesn't?)
As it clearly states on the website, water and sewer do not change.
If you want sewer, the process will be the same after annexation as it is now; a pettition of 60% of the property owners is needed to form an LUD (Local Utility District) and then Lakehaven Water District will review and maybe install sewer in the petitioned area. This means that your desire for sewer is still up to you and your neighbors, as it should be.
Whether you are in the city or not, the process is the same. If you want sewer and are voting for annexation tol hasten the process, you are wrong and will be making a very serious irreversible mistake in voting yes.
If you want sewer service in your area, you do not need to vote for annexation, just contact Lakehaven Water District at 31627-1st Avenue South, Federal Way, Washington 98063 253-941-1516 or their website http://www.lakehaven.org/ for more information about how to get it.
PLEASE- Make an informed decision based on the facts, not beliefs or hearsay!
Here is the text of a letter from LakeHaven Water District regarding Sewers:
Mr. Galland,
Lakehaven's current Comprehensive Wastewater System Plan envisions that the general, East Lake Geneva area will be served in the future by sewer that would extend from a future regional pump station located somewhere near S 336th St & Peasley Canyon Way. The force main from that pump station would likely route down to Peasley Canyon Road, then up the road to connect to an existing manhole at the intersection of S 320th St & Military Rd. None of these facilities has been constructed, designed, or really even yet contemplated, and as you can probably sense this would be a significant project with signficant costs. The only difference city annexation, or lack thereof, would cause would be who issues the right-of-way construction permit(s), so essentially annexation should have little, if any, impact on any future water &/or sewer utility development.
With that said, sewer (and water for that matter) development typically occurs via one of two methods: 1) Developer Extension (DE); or 2) Lakehaven project (Utility Local Improvement District (ULID) or Capital Improvement Program (CIP)). A DE is the process where a private party, with Lakehaven approvals, constructs and extends the necessary water and/or sewer facilities to serve the developer's property(ies), including extending facilities to far edges of property for future extensions. All engineering, construction and material costs are paid by the developer. A ULID is the process where sufficient property owner interest (or single owner in some rare cases) allows Lakehaven to approve the facilities to be constructed. A DE is privately funded, where a ULID or CIP project is publicly funded. A DE is typically less expensive than a ULID or CIP project in overall project costs, primarily because a developer can solicit low bids where public agencies are required to pay prevailing wages when utilizing public funds. However, ULID assessment costs are typically spread over 10-20 years, where developer latecomer or CIP costs are due at the time an adjacent owner requests service connection.
As I mentioned above, Lakehaven is unaware of any proposed/potential sewer development in this specific area. If you'd like further information regarding the DE process, feel free to contact me. If you'd like further information on the ULID or CIP process you can contact Lakehaven's project engineer, John Lee. John can be reached at JLee@lakehaven.org or by phone at 253-946-5430.
Brian Asbury
Engineering Technician III
Lakehaven Utility District
http://www.lakehaven.org/standards.htm
FAX 253-529-4081
NOTE: Lakehaven Utility District neither warrants nor guarantees the accuracy of any facility information shown. Facility locations and conditions are subject to field verification. All fees and charges subject to change without notice.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
SIGNS STOLEN AND ALTERED!!
Thanks to an eagle-eyed friend of our committee for sounding the alarm about missing and altered signs in the Star Lake area. Someone found a 'clever' way to change our signs to a yes vote and marked up dozens of them last night.
But with the quick help of both our group and the Auburn anti-annexation group, most of the signs have been restored to their original message. The over-written signs were easily identifiable as having been altered and anyone looking at them would not be fooled by the vandalism. For the theft and vandalism, the King County Sheriff's office was called and a police report has been filed.
A 3:30am ride through the area made me very proud of the people working on this campaign. Everyone who was aware of the problem quickly pitched in to correct it. I want to thank each of you for your efforts.
But with the quick help of both our group and the Auburn anti-annexation group, most of the signs have been restored to their original message. The over-written signs were easily identifiable as having been altered and anyone looking at them would not be fooled by the vandalism. For the theft and vandalism, the King County Sheriff's office was called and a police report has been filed.
A 3:30am ride through the area made me very proud of the people working on this campaign. Everyone who was aware of the problem quickly pitched in to correct it. I want to thank each of you for your efforts.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Federal Way News 'article' about annexation
Feredal Way News present regurgitated city viewpoint and calls it 'news'. Go to the website and read for yourself how one-sided the 'news' is.
More importantly, you can leave comments. Needless to say, I left a comment and I encourage you to do so. Share this with everyone you know
http://federalwaynews.net/articles/2007/08/14/news/local_news/story02.txt
More importantly, you can leave comments. Needless to say, I left a comment and I encourage you to do so. Share this with everyone you know
http://federalwaynews.net/articles/2007/08/14/news/local_news/story02.txt
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