REPORTER
COVINGTON | MAPLE VALLEY | BLACK DIAMOND
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LOCAL | Cities consider how to regulate recreational marijuana businesses [page 2]
TENNIS FAMILY TIES | Kentlake junior Derek Welch follows in his older brothers’ FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013 footsteps to the tennis court [13]
A DIVISION OF SOUND PUBLISHING
Branding campaign for city is progressing
School land transfer request denied
BY KRIS HILL
BY KATHERINE SMITH
khill@covingtonreporter.com
ksmith@maplevalleyreporter.com
Efforts to develop a brand for the city of Covington which reflects an identity that goes beyond being a pass through to other places continues with the design phase for logos. The city’s Economic Development Council partnered with the Covington Chamber of Commerce in the fall of 2012 to develop a brand which would help make the city more recognizable to those from outside the region. As the process progressed city and chamber officials recognized what the city’s image is now and want to refine it to communicate what Covington has to offer beyond traffic and shopping. Karla Slate, Covington’s communications and marketing manager, explained that the brand audit is complete and presentations to stakeholders were made
A land dispute between the Tahoma and Enumclaw school districts was settled in favor of Tahoma Oct. 3. The Puget Sound Educational Service District Regional Committee on School District Organization unanimously denied the Enumclaw School District’s proposed land transfer of the North Triangle, located in Black Diamond, from the Tahoma School District to Enumclaw. The North Triangle, which is about 54 acres and is slated for commercial development as part of the proposed Lawson Hills master planned community by YarrowBay in Black Diamond, is currently undeveloped. Enumclaw officials initiated the petition in late 2012 because of the parcel’s status as part of the master planned commu-
[ more BRANDING page 8 ]
McDonald, 10, looks at peaches with his sister, Kelsi McDonald, Oct. 5 during the final Sunny End of Conner day of the Maple Valley Farmers Market at Rock Creek Elementary School. The market, which was its fifth year, ran from late June to the first weekend of October. To view Market Seasonina slide show go to www.maplevalleyreporter.com. DENNIS BOX, The Reporter
Council delays vote on Ravensdale park funding BY KATHERINE SMITH ksmith@maplevalleyreporter.com
The Maple Valley City Council put off deciding to commit an additional $1.5 million to Ravensdale Park Monday night, citing the need for more information. City Finance Director Shawn Hunstock told council there are two options for funding parks: councilmanic bonds, which do not require a vote by residents, or a larger bond issue which would necessitate a vote. In his budget presentation in September, Hunstock identified potential revenue streams the city could use to pay the debt service on councilmanic bonds which included maximizing property and utility taxes, implementing a
business and occupation tax, as well as other taxes and fees. At the Maple Valley candidate forum Sept. 26, Mayor Bill Allison said he wouldn’t support a business and operations tax and that is something the city doesn’t want to do. At the City Council meeting Monday, Hunstock said he included all of the potential revenue streams when he was compiling the list, whether or not they are something council members said they would be in favor of because, technically, they are options. Members of the Ravensdale Park Foundation approached the Maple Valley City Council about helping to fund the park project about a year ago and the city
created a parks commission to vet the idea and offer its recommendation. The commission presented its report to council in March in which it recommended the city give $2 million to the project. The City Council agreed to fund $500,000 for the park and consider the additional $1.5 million. The plans for Ravensdale Park, which is located outside the city limits of Maple Valley, are laid out in the Ravensdale Park Master Plan and is overseen by the Ravensdale Park Foundation. The master plan was adopted in 2009 and includes a community meadow, six fields designated for baseball, soccer and all purposes uses. Phase one of the master plan was completed in January 2012 which included renovating a preexisting field. Phase two of the project, for which the foundation is currently [ more PARK page 9 ]
[ more LAND page 8 ]
This rendering shows the proposed plans for Ravensdale Park, which is owned by King County and is just outside the city of Maple Valley. Members of the Ravensdale Park Foundation are seeking financial support from Maple Valley. Courtesy image