Speaking of South Kitsap

The City of Port Orchard is considering severing its ties with BKAT, the public access television station that broadcasts city council meetings. Mayor Lary Coppola is floating a proposal to broadcast meetings on the city’s Web site instead.

The move would save the city nearly $8,000 per year and make watching the meetings easier for city residents, a large number of whom have Internet access, said Coppola at a work study meeting with the council Wednesday.

Eliminating BKAT broadcasts had in late November been considered among of a number of cost saving measures the council believed it would have to effect as a result of maintaining the city’s budget at 2009 levels. Foregoing an allowed one percent property tax increase meant the city was short $16,000 in revenue. But at the work study meeting, council members learned that additional franchise utility tax revenue from 2009 annexations had closed the gap.

Coppola told the council he still believed dropping BKAT was a good idea. The city already has equipment to record meetings, and staff members would be able to run the equipment while performing their regular meeting duties, said City Clerk Patricia Kirkpatrick.

By posting meetings on the Web site, Coppola said, the city would make them available to residents 24/7 instead of during broadcast times, one of which is 1 a.m.

Coppola said he learned from Wave Broadband that the city has a greater number of Internet subscribers with that company that television subscribers. Other companies — Qwest, AT&T and Telebyte — also provide Internet access to city residents, he said, suggesting the city as a whole is well connected to the Internet.

Some council members were supportive the idea.
“I think it’s much more convenient,” said Councilman Jerry Childs.
But Councilman Jim Colebank said he would vote against any such proposal that comes before the council out of concern for residents who may have no access other than television.

Councilman Fred Chang, who was a strong proponent of BKAT broadcasts when they were instituted in 2006, said he, too, was concerned about the audience used to watching the meetings on cable television. Chang, however, sees value in posting meetings on the Web site.

“In an ideal world, I would like to have it on both,” Chang said.
Councilman Rob Putaansuu favored dropping BKAT but said the council should show city residents something tangible for the trade-off. After considerable discussion, the council reached a consensus that, if BKAT broadcasts are dropped, money saved would apply to the cost of flower baskets that beautify city streets in summer.

No formal votes are taken at work study meetings. Discussion of the BKAT issue is not on the council’s upcoming agenda, nor is dropping BKAT part of the city’s proposed 2010 budget.
In an e-mail sent to the Kitsap Sun, former Port Orchard Mayor

Kim Abel said that an increase in the city’s cable franchise fee in 2005 was tied to the televising of council meetings on BKAT. She requested the council to lower the franchise fee if it does away with BKAT.

Coppola, replying to Abel in an e-mail copied to the Kitsap Sun, said he would bring the franchise fee issue to the attention of the council.

Budget Hearing: The Port Orchard City Council will hold a public hearing on its 2010 budget at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 216 Prospect St., Port Orchard. The council will vote on the budget at its meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday.

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Check the videos below, created by Kitsap Sun videographer Derek Sheppard, for tips on getting your home ready for the cold weather.

If you haven’t brought your plants in from the patio, forget it. They’re toast.
A cold snap moved into Kitsap County Saturday night, along with a few snow flurries, and the weather is predicted to remain chilly, with lows dipping into the low 20s, throughout Monday and into next week. Highs will be in the mid- to low- 30s.
Although the thermometer at Bremerton National Airport read 34 degrees at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, breeze from the north at 9 miles per hour made it feel more like 27 degrees.
According to the National Weather Service, arctic air will continue to pour into the Seattle region through Sunday night. Cold, dry conditions will persist at least through Thursday.
A common problem during extreme cold weather is damage to water pipes that freeze and burst. According to the State Farm Insurance Web site taking the following precautions, if you haven’t already done, so can help reduce the chance you’ll need to call a plumber.
Insulate pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic, where exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Heat tape or thermostatically-controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Note the use intended (exterior or interior), and closely follow all manufacturers’ installation and operation instructions.
Seal air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out and the heat in. Disconnect garden hoses. If possible use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.
When the temperature drops, leaving a trickle of water can help keep pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall. Also, open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
To block out the cold from your home, caulk around windows, add weather stripping to drafty doors and place insulating film over your windows.
For more information, visit the Kitsap Sun’s Forecasting Kitsap blog.

How to Caulk Around Windows

Place Insulating Film Over a Window

Put Weatherstripping Around a Draft Door

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PORT ORCHARD — Now in its 11th year, Port Orchard’s Festival of Chimes & Lights will feature tree lighting at the City Hall, a visit by Santa, children’s activities, refreshments, a lighted boat contest, and a special treat — a free screening of Debbie Macomber’s “Mrs. Miracle” film. The movie is based on Macomber’s book and stars Doris Roberts (of “Everybody Loves Raymond” fame) and James Van Der Beek (of “Dawson’s Creek”).

The Port Orchard Library will host several activities throughout the day, and Bay Street will display local artists’ work during an art walk and open house. The Sinclair Inlet Yacht Club will host its annual “Christmas Lane” lighted boat contest, and the public is invited to walk through the marina and vote on their favorite boats.

Kids will enjoy hayrides, crafts activities and taking photos with Santa while adults can shop at the holiday bazaar and listen to live music. Even pets get to be in the spotlight — during the Holiday Pooch and Purr Parade and Costume Contest sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. The cost of the parade, which attracted 70 pets last year, is a nonperishable food donation for South Kitsap Helpline. (Pets must be on leash and owners should be prepared to clean up.)

Carolers will roam the streets and entertainment will be provided both indoors at the library and outdoors. Refreshments will be available at the following locations:

4 to 6 p.m., popcorn, hot cider (and balloons) at Kitsap Bank (the sponsor)

4 to 7 p.m., hot chocolate at City Hall (provided by Knights of Pythias)

4:30 to 8 p.m., cookies and hot cider (plus live music) at the library

Miscellaneous refreshments at Port Orchard Marina Park (provided by Calvary Church of Port Orchard)

5:30 to 6:30 p.m., chili in the front of Orchard Theater (provided by Heritage Four Square Church)

For information and a map of festival events, visit the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce.

Schedule of activities:

Noon to 4 p.m., Holiday Bazaar at Heritage Four Square Church

1 to 3 p.m., children’s crafts at the library

2 to 3 p.m., free screening of “Mrs. Miracle” at Orchard Theatre; doors open at 1

2 to 5 p.m., Art Walk and Open House on Bay Street

4 to 4:30 p.m., holiday skit and story time at the library

4 to 8 p.m., hayrides (starting at City Hall and Peninsula Feed)

5 to 5:30 p.m., Pet Parade and Costume Contest along Bay Street; registration starts at 4:30 p.m. at Kitsap Bank’s drive-thru

5 to 5:30 p.m., East Port Orchard Elementary Choir at City Hall

5 to 8 p.m., lighted boat contest at the marina

5:30 to 5:45 p.m., John Sedgwick Junior High “Generals Choir” at City Hall; plus parade winners announced

5:45 to 6 p.m., community sing-along, holiday tree lighting and playing of the chimes at City Hall

6 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at City Hall

6:35 to 8 p.m., Santa poses for photos with the public at Port Orchard Marina Park

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By Chris Henry
chenry@kitsapsun.com
MANCHESTER
In February, 2007, Lisa Johnson of Manchester was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, an invasive form of the disease in which malignant cells had spread to other organs in her body. Despite aggressive treatment over the past two years, the cancer has progressed. Lisa is now receiving Hospice care for comfort and pursuing quality of life, to the best of her ability, in each day, according to her mother Sharon Ewing of Bremerton.

When Lisa and her husband Steve were first married, they had a low-key, low-budget ceremony. On Valentine’s Day, 2009, family, friends and coworkers helped Lisa and Steve celebrate 20 years of marriage with the “dream” wedding they’d always wanted. Daughters Amanda, 20, Kayla, 19, and Judy, 16 were bridesmaids.
Now those same folks are pulling together to help raise funds for funeral arrangements Lisa has requested.
A spaghetti dinner and auction to benefit the Lisa Marie Johnson Funeral Fund is planned for 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11 at Seabeck Conference Center, 15395 NW Seabeck Highway. This family-style, sit-down dinner features music by Swing Fever and pictures with Santa.
Many local businesses have pitched in to help with supplies and auction items, such as wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres for 10 from Hoodsport Winery and a necklace from Chrey’s Jewelers of Bremerton.
When I wrote about Lisa and Steve in February, I was struck by their love for each other, which I described as a palpable presence. The other remarkable layers of the story were their girls, who have risen to the family’s challenge with grace and maturity, and the community response, a group effort that went and continues to go above and beyond.
On a recent night, I was driving back from Oregon after dropping my daughter at college. Scanning the radio dial for some diversion, I heard an Oregon Public Radio Broadcast about a woman who is a chaplain to the Maine Game Warden Service. Kate Braestrup, who lost her own husband in a tragic accident, “is called in when children disappear in the woods or when snowmobilers disappear under the ice.”
Braestrup talked about our inclination to try and reconcile the most excruciating experiences life dishes out with the exquisite beauty of human interaction in times of crisis. Through her experiences with tragedy, she has learned to let them coexist, side by side, without explanation or moral. As host Krista Tippett said, Braestrup is, “a doer whose sense of God emerges from what happens between and among people.”
Our thoughts are with the Johnson family, with a special shout out to Lisa whose 42nd birthday is Friday (Dec. 4).
Tickets to the dinner-auction are $10 per person, $5 for children under 12, $25 per family of four and $5 for each additional family member.
A benevolent fund has been established at Kitsap Bank; designate donations to the Lisa M. Johnson Fund.

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On Wednesday, I’ll be heading to a 6 p.m. city council work study meeting at Port Orchard City Hall. The council will discuss $16,000 worth of budget cuts needed in light of its decision to maintain the city’s budget at 2009 levels. The council declined to take a one percent property tax increase in light of the recession.

Among proposed cuts are BKAT broadcasts of city council meetings, a cost of $7,900 per year, and nearly $10,000 in parks funding, including $700 a year for mutt mitts (who knew Port Orchard’s canines were so productive). The city also could renegotiate contracts to save money.

The work study is open to the public, although comments are not generally taken. The public will have a chance to comment on the city’s 2010 budget at a hearing at 7 p.m. Dec. 7. The council will vote on the budget at its regular meeting, Dec. 8.

From the city’s Web site:
“Copies of the Preliminary Budget will be available to any interested taxpayer at a nominal charge during normal working hours, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the office of the City Treasurer on November 13, 2009.

Any person or public agency interested is invited to attend the Public Hearing and/or submit written comments on the 2010 budget to the City Council on or before December 7, 2009.”

All meetings are held at City Hall, 216 Prospect St.

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Mark Wagner of South Kitsap, featured in Sunday’s Kitsap Sun, is a marathon runner with an artificial heart valve. Sunday’s Seattle Marathon was his sixth since the heart valve was installed in 2000 to corrected a congenital defect.

Mark Wagner, Marathon Runner

Wagner took up running marathons after his open heart surgery in part to prove to himself that he could do it, in part to raise funds for the international charity World Vision. In 2008, he needed a pacemaker installed.

Sunday’s marathon, just over 26 miles, was Wagner’s shake-down cruise for the pacemaker, which held up nicely. Wagner’s time was five hours, fifteen minutes. Although he didn’t beat his best time of 4 hours, 29 minutes and 45 seconds, he was pleased considering “I’ve never seen a marathon with so many hills.”

Also, one thing I didn’t mention is that five months before the marathon, he was in a wheelchair. A fall at work injured his leg, and because he takes blood thinners, he had internal bleeding for which he was hospitalized in March. By June, he was walking again, and by July he was training for Sunday’s race. Guess, we’ll just have to start calling him Mark “the Energizer Bunny” Wagner.

Wagner will take a couple weeks off before starting to train for the Eugene (Ore.) Marathon in May.

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By Chris Henry
chenry@kitsapsun.com
PORT ORCHARD
“Mrs. Miracle,” a heartwarming holiday movie based on the book by South Kitsap author Debbie Macomber, will premiere Saturday at the Historic Orchard Theatre, 822 Bay St.
The event, followed by a black-tie reception at Kitsap Bank, is a fundraiser for the South Kitsap High School Band, which will play in the 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade, and for Kitsap Regional Library.
Macomber will appear at the premiere, along with the two young Canadian actors, Valin Shinyei and Michael Strusievici, who star in the film.
In the movie, James Van Der Beek, formerly of “Dawson’s Creek,” plays a widower and father to six-year-old twins (Shinyei and Strusievici). Their new housekeeper, Mrs. Emily Merkle ( Doris Roberts) works her magical touch on their home and lives.
The film will be shown Dec. 5 on the Hallmark Channel.
Shannon Childs, a member of the Cedar Cove Association, approached Macomber’s publicist during Cedar Cove Days, Port Orchard’s celebration of Macomber’s work, about the possibility of showing “Mrs. Miracle” in the author’s hometown. Hallmark was open to the idea, but no profit could be derived from the showing, hence the fundraiser.
Tickets for the premiere and reception, at a cost of $50 per person, are available at Kitsap Bank, 619 Bay St. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door, said Childs.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. The movie starts at 5 p.m.
The event is hosted by the Cedar Cove Association and Kitsap Bank. For tickets, contact marketing@kitsapbank.com or (360) 876-7883.

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Funding for which the city would become eligible come with to many “strings,” critics say.
By Chris Henry
chenry@kitsapsun.com
PORT ORCHARD
Members of the Kitsap Alliance of Property Owners and other community members on Tuesday raised a chorus of warning against a proposal by the City of Port Orchard to seek designation as an Urban Growth Center through the Puget Sound Regional Council.
Port Orchard would seek the designation as part of its yet-to-be-approved comprehensive plan update, set to come before the council Dec. 22.
Becoming an urban growth center would entitle the city to a first crack at state and federal funding for transportation and infrastructure overseen by the PSRC, said Development Director James Weaver at a public hearing on the comp plan update. The change in status would put Port Orchard in a league with Bremerton and Silverdale when it comes to accessing certain transportation funds, he said.
The city could still apply for other federal and state funds and grants even if it does not become an urban growth center. The process is highly competitive and would take about three years, Weaver said. The Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council would have to give its blessing before the matter would move on to the PSRC.
Port Orchard is eligible to apply for the designation since its population grew to more than 10,000 in 2009. Annexations, including the McCormick Woods development, raised the population from 8,420 to 10,836.
As part of its comp plan update, the city shows future plans to develop its downtown area as a transportation hub. Key to this is construction of a parking garage and retail complex known as the Port Orchard Town Center Revitalization Project . The estimated cost of the project is $36.6 million.
The city will likely proceed with the transportation hub plan, even if it doesn’t become an urban growth center, but funding administered through the PSRC represents a significant source of money for this and other capital projects on Port Orchard’s horizon.
But those who testified about the proposal said seeking the title of urban growth center would make the city beholden to the PSRC, a regional body made up of representatives from a four-county area, including King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. Critics cited goals of the PSRC’s Vision 2040 as having the potential to dictate quality of life in South Kitsap.
“Make no mistake,” said KAPO’s Executive Director Vivian Henderson. “Once you get tangled up in the strings attached to PSRC grants, you have sold your political soul to the devil.”
“I would suggest you resist this siren song and, instead, consider helping Kitsap leave the PSRC in 2012,” said Silverdale resident and KAPO member Bob Benze.
“To me the PSRC is trying to change what our community is all about,” said Port Orchard resident Gerry Harmon. “If you don’t jump through their hoops, you’re not going to get the money. Everything we do will be to get those funds. Those funds will only come when we are running through those hoops.”
Mayor Lary Coppola asked Weaver to clarify requirements of being an urban growth center. Weaver said, as far as Port Orchard’s comp plan is concerned, the PSRC would be able to comment on it, as they have in the past. But the designation would give the PSRC no additional authority to dictate details of comp plan regulations.
After the meeting, Coppola, who has written blog posts critical of Vision 2040, said, “I heard all the people who spoke about it (the proposal) loud and clear last night, and I understand their fear, but this is a council decision. This is not my decision, and I think there’s pros and cons on both sides of it.”

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By Chris Henry
chenry@kitsapsun.com
PORT ORCHARD
It’s official. There will be a recount in the race for Port Orchard City Council Position 2.
In official results, posted Monday afternoon by the Kitsap County Auditor’s office, incumbent Carolyn Powers, with 49.88 percent of the vote, was 12 votes ahead of challenger Cindy Lucarelli, with 49.38 percent.
An automatic machine recount is triggered by a margin of half a percentage point or less.
Write-in votes are not counted for purposes of determining if a recount is needed. Without the 18 write-ins the margin widens negligibly (three thousandths of a percentage point to be exact), but is still within recount range.
A difference of one ballot would have deep-sixed the possibility of a recount, according to Elections Manager Dolores Gilmore.
On Tuesday, the auditor’s office will begin reprogramming and testing its equipment, as mandated by law. Between now and the recount date, likely Dec. 3, elections officials must pull all ballots within the City of Port Orchard. They must give legal notice of the recount, and they must contact the candidates and local political parties, who will have the right to observe proceedings.
The recount must be certified by the county’s canvas board. Members include Kitsap County Auditor Walt Washington, Kitsap County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Charlotte Garrido, and the Kitsap County Prosecutor’s designee, Deputy Prosecutor Jacquelyn Aufderheide.
If the vote count remains the same, Powers wins the election. If the margin narrows to within a quarter of a percentage point, there will be a hand recount.
The most recent recount in Kitsap County’s elections history was the 2004 governor’s race.

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Sounds too good to be true? Believe it.

MoonDogs, Too – Spirits & Fine Grub will reprise its $1 holiday meal service from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday. Owner Darryl Baldwins says it’s his staff’s way to say “happy holidays” to the community. The event is also a fundraiser for South Kitsap Helpline. Those who feel so inclined can donate cash, clothing or food to the food bank.

Twenty-five volunteers, including Mayor Lary Coppola, will help serve food, bus tables and do dishes.

Baldwin said the event has doubled each year since it began in 2007. Last year, they served 140 for Thanksgiving and 135 for Christmas, despite a major snow storm. This year, they’re planning for 300.

Everyone and anyone is welcome, said Baldwin. He especially wants to get the word out to people in the Navy, senior citizens and others who may be far away from family.

Some folks use the event as an excuse to get out of the kitchen on Thanksgiving. They bring their guests down to MoonDogs and donate the money they would have spent to Helpline. Last year, between the two holidays, Moondogs collected $3,000 and three barrels of food and clothing for the food bank.

Partner businesses include Minder Meats of Bremerton, which donated $150 worth of turkey, and Morningside Bread Co., which donated rolls.

Because Kitsap Transit has eliminated service on Thanksgiving and Christmas, MoonDogs is working with local churches to find rides for people.

There are enough volunteers for Thanksgiving, Baldwin said, but MoonDogs could use more help for Christmas.

For more information, call (360) 895-2300.

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