Dock Decking Material

Michelle stated that she has had several requests for a source for the dock covering that meets the Shoreline Master Plan requirements for light transmission. This decking, called Aqua-grate, is a fiberglass product that is approved for use on docks. We have been talking with Cecil Johnston from Johnston Docks in Auburn about building our Belle replacement and he showed me a sample of this product. For more information call Cecil at 253-931-5526.

Fireworks Donations Help Needed

The City of Kent is responsible for the festivities at the park and a portion of the money for the fireworks. However, LMCA is responsible for the majority of the funds for the fireworks. We understand this year could be difficult for many of our usual benefactors. LMCA board members are soliciting donations from local businesses, association members, and surrounding neighborhoods. Unfortunately, we need $14,000-$18,000 to put on the 15-minute, professionally shot display the community has grown to love.

Do you know of a business that would be willing to contribute to this great event? If you have suggestions, please contact a board member and we will help craft a donation letter. Thanks for you support!

Membership Form

Name _______________________________________
Address ____________________________________
Phone ______________________________________
Email ______________________________________

Membership:
New ___Renew ___Lakefront (30.00) _____ Senior (20.00) ____

New ___Renew ___Associate (20.00) _____

4th of July Celebration Donation ________

Total =======

To receive newsletters and be invited to the picnic please fill out this form and return

LMCA
PO Box 7578
Covington, WA 98042-0044

The Economy vs. Our Fireworks Show

With today’s economy we’d like your opinion concerning the annual fireworks show.
Here’s the options we are considering:

1. A show similar to 2008’s show – will require a total of about $7,000 for LMCA’s share.
2. A smaller show – amount needed would be about $3,500 for our share.
3. Cancel the show entirely.

We need to hear from you immediately! Time is of the essence so we can sign contracts with the fireworks company or cancel them. If we do not hear from you, we will assume you are opting for choice number 3 – no show. Let us know your opinion. Please reply by 3/16/09.

Shoreline Master Program is Updated

The City of Kent must pass a Shoreline Master Program that will be approved by the DOE and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Shoreline Master Act Guidelines state that “The Shoreline Management Act guidelines require local shoreline master programs to regulate new development to achieve no net loss of ecological function. The guidelines (WAC 173-26-186(8)(d)) state that, To ensure no net loss of ecological functions and protection of other shoreline functions and/or uses, master programs shall contain policies, programs, and regulations that address adverse cumulative impacts and fairly allocate the burden of addressing cumulative impacts.” The final draft of the Shoreline Master Program has come a long way from the original. The original draft called for new and replacement piers to be a maximum of 420 square feet, for the first 30 feet of our docks to be only 4 feet wide and the decking to be replaced with light permeable decking. It left no room for grandfathering in our current docks. The new revision of the proposed SMP allows for grandfathering of our docks at current sizes though decking materials would still have to be light permeable.

The original document had setbacks of 75’ shown with no averaging. The current SMP has the setbacks set at the average of the homes on either side, preserving views and good neighbor relationships. This averaging has been put back into the new version with a minimum 75’ setback from the water. More information will be available on the SMP at the LMCA general meeting.

The Meridian Belle Beyond Repair

It has been determined that the Meridian Belle's repairs are too costly so the board is looking for someone who has the time to dismantle her. The lumber would have to be properly disposed of and the board would provide the funds for this. This could be an excellent Eagle Scout project or also a community service project for a group of high school students who need volunteer hours for their junior project or college applications. If any of you have teenagers in the house or living in your neighborhood, please pass this information on and have them call Ellyn Ricker, 253-631-2021, or Michelle McDowell, 253-639-0124 for more details.

General Meeting Date Set

The 2009 LMCA general meeting will take place at the Covington Library, 27100 164th Avenue SE, at 6:30 on Monday, April 13th. The board will be asking Mayor Cooke, Councilwoman Jamie Danielson, and our lake officers to attend and answer any questions you might have. If you have suggestions for other speakers you might like to hear from at the meeting please e-mail Michelle McDowell at michellemcdowell@comcast.net with your ideas.

This is a good opportunity to meet your neighbors and catch up on current issues. New LMCA board members will be announced at the meeting and LMCA dues and fireworks contributions can be paid.

Residents Needed to Step Up for Board Positions

2009 is an election year for the LMCA board. All board positions are open for election and two of the board members have decided to not run for another term. Kathy Curtis, the current board treasurer, will be vacating her position. Kathy said, “Since we moved to Lake Meridian in 1985, Don and I have spent many hours volunteering for this community. From fireworks shows and picnics, to marine patrol to the helping form LMCA and serving as your Treasurer since its inception. I have no clue how many hours it’s been and don’t regret any of them. It is however time for someone else to step in and take their turn.“ Sally McDonough who has served two terms on the board stated, “ The LMCA board is comprised of members "Working for a better environment and a safer community." The board members are a great group of people and this position is not difficult. I have enjoyed the years I have volunteered as advisor/representative for the West side of the lake and as secretary. “ Board positions run for a two year term. Board members meet once a month to discuss lake issues and plan upcoming events. Anyone interested must nominate themselves or have someone nominate them by sending a note of intent to the PO address shown on the back of this newsletter no later than March 30th, 2009. If more than one person wants any position ballots will be emailed to those we have addresses for and mailed to those without e-mail. Two years ago no one came forward to challenge any of the positions.
The positions of Secretary and Treasurer must be filled in order for the board to remain valid and for celebrations for the Independence Day fireworks to continue. If you have questions please contact a board member.