Tonight’s council meeting started off with Public Comments, and we had two speakers. First up, council candidate Stanette Marie Rose, who wanted to report something about Iranians, Lloyd’s (of London, I guess), and money laundering. I think she’s monitoring a situation that might impact the city’s insurance, but I couldn’t really tell. I was waiting for a connection to be made, like our city’s insurance premiums were being used to fund the sale of arms to Iran, but it never came. Stanette, can you help us out here?

Speaker #2 was Jerry Ward, who said he’s lived in the city a really, really long time, and this year has been the worst for negative campaigning; worse than all other years combined. Maple Valley has had 10 contended races in 5 previous elections, and this year we have 3. Weaver vs. Pilgrim doesn’t seem too negative; Flynn vs. Allison might have some, since they’re mostly arguing about the facts, but there aren’t the allegations of “conflict of interest” that there were in the 2007 Flynn vs. Barnes race. So, I think he’s mostly referring to Jonas vs. Rose, which has had lots of negative press, and is only missing an October-Surprise sex scandal to make it a smashing success.

These races don’t hold a candle to early American elections, though. In the 1800 presidential election, Thomas Jefferson was accused of being a weakling, a coward, and a “mean-spirited, low-lived fellow” of dubious ancestry, while John Adams was accused of having a “hideous hermaphroditical character”. Lyndon Johnson’s group created a children’s coloring book featuring his opponent Barry Goldwater dressed as a member of the KKK, and also infiltrated his campaign to steal copies of his speeches and strategies. Oh well, there are four council seats up for grabs in 2011, so let’s get more creative, people!

* * * UNOFFICIAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING * * *
The November 9th council meeting will have a Public Hearing on the budget, so if you want to weigh in on how the city should spend your money, show up and speak your mind. If you don’t, then no complaining until next November. Capiche?

The “official” notice will be in the Voice of the Valley, probably somewhere between the school lunch menu and the engagement notices. I think they should put it right in the middle of the police blotter; easily the most interesting section, and that way more people will see it.

* * * THE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF CHECK #18714 * * *
The Audit Committee requested that Check #18714 be pulled from the Consent Calendar, and placed under “New Business” so it can be discussed later. It wasn’t mentioned who wasn’t getting paid. Hopefully we don’t incur any late fees.

* * * CHANGE TO THE LWGC DRAINAGE POND PROJECT * * *
The council was asked to approve the use of some leftover money to fix more water drainage problems at the Lake Wilderness golf course (it passed 7-0). Some water has apparently re-routed itself and is moving towards Witte Road. Water always seeks out the lowest point, and we keep trying to trick it to move to a different lower point. Everyone in the room seems to have confidence in the Person in Authority who spoke about the project.

* * * CONGRATULATIONS! YOU LIVE IN A 1ST CLASS CITY * * *
Next up was a housekeeping project from the City Attorney, who recommends that we repeal R 97-48, which is concerned with the city “purchasing rules”. The city has been using a state law on purchasing rules that no longer apply, since we officially have over 20,000 residents. We now get to use the “1st Class City” rules. Way to go, breeders! Pass 7-0.

* * * CITY MANAGER’S REPORT * * *
Our CM has been in disaster preparedness meetings, with fire department officials, police, etc regarding our readiness, and a goal to be NIM-certified (National Incident Management System). If you want a 152-page document on the topic, go here: http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/NIMS-90-web.pdf . We still need to pick someone to manage this system in Maple Valley; to be the National Incident Management Regional Operations Director. Any volunteers?

* * * OBSCURE DISCUSSION OF THE NIGHT * * *
There was a brief, Members-Only discussion involving the Suburban Cities Association, the King Conservation District, and funding source changes for the latter. From what I can gather on the KCD website, they want to renew their $10 per parcel assessment on your house for the next few years. For that $10, the KCD will:

#1 – “Engage landowners to achieve community-based stewardship” (tell you to stop dumping trash in your woods)

#2 – “Improve the sustainability of working lands” (fix drainage problems, attract spotted owls, and keep those nasty developers away)

#3 – “Extend the district membership through strategic partnerships” (to pay for schmoozing dinners for mayors who won’t sign up for the KCD).

We’re going to have to play harder-to-get if we want to get in on those schmoozing sessions. See you next week!