Land Use and Natural Resources Committee Minutes for Wednesday, 09-20-2006
Land Trust Building  7 00 p.m.

The meeting was called to order by Yvonne Kuperberg 
Those present were:  Lori Larkin, Meg Gluckman, Clint Loper, Emma Amiad, Melissa Campbell, Steve Abel, Barbara Wells, Susan Bassett, Bianca Perle, Ed Palmer, Barbara Roberts, Jennie Hodgson, Eric Steffens, Rayna Holtz, Emma and Roger Newby, John Martinak, Kathryn Gellenbeck, David van Holt, Bob Fuerstenberg, James Dam, Enid Dolstad, Ellen Kritzman, Pam Jewson, Yvonne Kuperberg, and Edith Ulatoski.
Katie Gellenbeck presented the status of the Greenprinting Project and explained what still needs to be done.. The handouts that were distributed provide a very clear picture of the process and 
are on file with this report at the Vashon Library. 
David van Holt, a candidate for PUD commissioner explained the pros of the proposal.  He is an engineer with experience in solar architecture.  His printed information is also on file.
King County Council revised the section of the code pertaining to home industries.  This printout is included in the Land Use file in Vashon Library.
Emma Amiad’s proposal for placing a 5000 sq. ft. limit on the size of a residence generated an interesting exchange of views.  She noted that the Community Plan for Vashon has conditions, limitations and legal instruments which might be used in such a situation.  The town plan was updated 10 years ago but the island-wide plan has not changed.  King County looks at the plan every two years but the changes are mostly technical.  Ed Palmer remarked that he would rather see an energy efficient well built 10,000 sq ft house on 20 acres than a double wide on a tiny lot.  Regulating house sizes adds another layer of bureaucracy.   
The possibility of introducing a “luxury tax” was mentioned.  Cities and developers have a give and take arrangement.  The developer of a large project that impacts a community is required to provide amenities for said community.
Other people voiced their concerns over the changing character of the island, a rise in taxes albeit we all pay at the same rate, short stay home owners with no connection to or participation in island affairs and the destruction of the quality of small communities. It was also felt that the lack of affordable housing on the island would cause hardship and many people might have to leave.
Ed Palmer opined that the cost of permits inhibits the construction of affordable homes.
Steve Able remarked that we need to be inclusive and encourage these short stay owners to participate.  Yvonne suggested that we think of ways to encourage them to spend more time here and become involved.
The meeting was adjourned at 9 pm.  The next meeting will be cancelled and people are encouraged to attend Alan Duming’s presentation on I 933 at the Land Trust building at 7pm on 10-18-06.
Recorded by Edith Ulatoski.