View the WRA Nov-Dec 2021 Newsletter (PDF)
News
2021 WRA Election Results
Neighbors,
Thank you to all who voted in the 2021 WRA election.
Trustees and Issues Vote:
Percent Voted: 29.73% (10% needed for quorum)
IRS Income Resolution: Passed 149-13
Board of Trustee Candidates Elected:
Melanie Foister – 147
Jim Besso – 141
Chris Eaton – 124
Alan Bruckner – 90
Write in candidates did not receive the affirmative approval of a majority of the owners who participated.
ARC Candidates Elected:
Mike Kenyon – 126
Jessica Besso – 125
Laurie Farmer – 123
Write in candidates did not receive the affirmative approval of a majority of the owners who participated.
Thank you again to all who were elected and participated in the process. If you would like to be a part of the board in the future, or on current committees, please contact trustees@wildernessrim.org. Board meetings are usually the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7pm and open to all members.
Burn Ban Starting Thursday, June 24th 2021
https://kingcounty.gov/depts/local-services/news/2021/20210623-fire-safety-burn-ban.aspx
King County Fire Marshal Chris Ricketts has issued a Stage 1 fire safety burn ban for the unincorporated areas of King County starting Thursday. The ban will remain in effect until further notice.
The weather forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-90’s throughout the weekend, with readings climbing to nearly 100 degrees Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for King County.
The Stage 1 fire safety burn ban applies to all outdoor burning, except for barbecues and small recreational fires in established fire pits at approved campgrounds or private property with the owner’s permission.
“Extreme heat and especially dry conditions have increased the risk of wildfire dramatically,” Ricketts says. “People in both rural and urban unincorporated areas need to use caution.”
Recreational fires still pose a risk, so their use shall be limited and respected accordingly. Ricketts says recreational fires must:
- Be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, such as those typically found in designated campgrounds, and not be used as debris disposal
- Be no larger than three feet in diameter
- Be located in a clear spot, free from any vegetation for at least ten feet in a horizontal direction and at least 25 feet away from any structure, and allow 20 feet of vertical clearance from overhanging branches
- Be attended at all times by an alert individual with equipment capable of extinguishing the fire
If your property is inside city limits, please contact your local jurisdiction for their requirements. This ban remains in effect until further notice.
With Fourth of July fireworks sales beginning across the county, Ricketts also reminds users to stay mindful of their surroundings when discharging fireworks.
It’s every individual’s responsibility to help prevent fires that destroy lives, property, and our wildlands. For more information, visit the Local Services Fire Marshal’s website.
2020 WRA Election Results
Neighbors,
Thank you to all who voted in the 2020 WRA online election. With the COVID-19 restriction this year, the board chose to have online voting.
Trustees and Issue Vote:
Percent Voted: 33.22%
IRS Income Resolution: Passes 165 – 14
2019 Minutes: Passes 170 – 8
Candidate Vote Totals:
Rick Acosta – 165
Mike Kenyon – 121
Dan Summers – 116
Steve McDonald – 3
Marc Allen – 3
Jessica Besso – 2
Joyce Jansen – 1
Matthew Rourke – 2
None of the above – 1
Wes Erikson – 1
Melanie Foister – 1
Mike O’Niel – 1
Quorum Only Votes: 30
Paper Ballots: 2
ARC Vote:
Percent Voted: 31.00%
Candidate Vote Totals:
Jessica Besso – 125
Mike Kenyon – 118
Joyce Jansen – 5
Ernie Henrie – 3
Kitty Lynch – 3
Donna Campbell – 3
Cindy Yarnchak – 3
Lara Erikson – 2
Mia Buse Stone – 2
Melanie Foister – 2
Matt Rourke – 2
The following each got one vote: Chuck Kunesh, Mike Sterkel, Donna Greathouse, Ben Larson, John Kiske, Mark Smith, Matthew Rourke, Alan Bruckner, Doug Greathouse, Thomas Grisso, Brian Hawley, Katie Fiedler, Wes Erickson, Brad Summers, Jerrad Adams, Danny McCamish, Steve McDonald, Tawna Krieble, Jordan Berry, Sam Hernandez, Laurie Farmer, “Owner’s in the A frame two houses down from ours – towards the creek”
Quorum Only Votes: 44 Paper Ballots: 2
After consulting with legal, it appears that only the top two vote-getters for ARC would be elected, as the write in candidates “did not receive the affirmative approval of a majority of the owners who participated.”
Thank you again to all who were elected and participated in the process. If you would like to be a part of the board in the future, or on current committees, please contact trustees@wildernessrim.org. Board meetings are usually the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7pm and open to all members.
March Board Announcements
Dear Wilderness Rim Neighbors,
The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic is affecting all of us. The health and well-being of our community is of paramount concern. Whether or not the virus is quickly contained we should all do our part, until it is contained, to limit unnecessary social contact. The board, in consultation with the association management company, has been planning for contingencies that may arise in the community as a result of the spread of COVID-19. Along those lines, here are some items that the board wants to relay:
1. Social distancing: neighbors who are using the park need to take necessary precautions, especially when around the playground equipment. Please use common sense and make sure you wash your hands regularly. If you are sick, please think of your neighbors and self-quarantine at home.
2. Following the CDC guidelines which recommend against gatherings of 10 or more people, the WRA Annual Easter Egg Hunt has been cancelled.
3. The WRA board voted to grant payment extensions on payment of the February water bill to accommodate owners facing a financial hardship caused by the current health crisis.
4. The board and committees are meeting over teleconference until the COVID-19 situation changes. If you are interested in joining remotely, please contact trustees@wildernessrim.org.
5. Please make sure your water meter is accessible with nothing blocking it for your water meter reading this weekend (March 20-22).
6. With the extra time at home, you might have the opportunity to do yardwork. If you remove sticks, fir needles, leaves, and other potential fire fuel from your property, please let the Firewise committee know the activity and amount of time. The community can reach its minimum hours goal for Firewise with your help.
The board plans to communicate to you mid-April with any updates after the monthly board meeting. If you have questions in the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly at trustees@wildernessrim.org or contact Agynbyte at service@agynbyte.com or 425-747-0146. You can also connect directly with neighbors via social media such as Nextdoor and Facebook. Thank you all for your understanding and community involvement. We are here to help each other during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Jim Besso, President
WRA Board of Trustees
January 2020 WRA Newsletter
View the WRA newsletter Jan 2020 (PDF)
July 2019 Announcements
(also sent to all owners with email communication on 7/29/19, the same day as statements/bills were emailed)
Dear Wilderness Rim Owners:
- Call for Board candidates! Want to make a difference in your community? One way is to volunteer to serve on the board of trustees. Meetings are once per month and benefits include opportunities for personal and professional development as well as opportunities to meet your neighbors and influence the community in constructive ways. Your ideas for the betterment of the community may be enacted. You may submit your neighbor and/or yourself as a candidate for the ballot by Wednesday, August 21st to trustees@wildernessrim.org.
- The WRA Annual Meeting kickoff will be Saturday, September 7th and the Annual Meeting will be Saturday, September 21st. Please check your mail for the official notice in the coming weeks.
- The WRA 2019-2020 Budget was ratified at the June 19th special meeting. Current monthly financial statements are available on the owner portal under the documents section. The assessments that were formerly billed separately have now been combined.
- Summer is here which means water conservation and fire protection. Some tips for ways to save water outdoors: Use a broom to clean the driveway or patio, instead of the hose or power washer. Consider drought-tolerant plants to manage summer dryness.
- There have been some fish hooks left on the shores of Brewster Lake that small children have found. Please remind your kids who are fishing to pack out all their gear. Thank you for helping keep the Rim a safe and fun place to live and play.
- The June-July water and assessment invoice payments need to be RECEIVED by Agynbyte by August 30th to avoid late fees. Please adjust your bank bill paying schedule or check mailing schedule to allow for at least 7 business days to process. Water shut-off tags will be hung for members 45 days or more past due in September. You can sign up for automatic payments and check your balance online. Questions? Contact water@wildernessrim.org.
- The WRA issued its annual Water Quality Report and the water is good! More details are online and the 2018 report is at http://wildernessrim.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/2018-Water-Quality-Report.pdf.
Thank you!
Agynbyte LLC – on Behalf of the Wilderness Rim Board of Trustees
(425) 747-0146 | f. (425) 747-4169
www.agynbyte.com
May 2019 Announcements
Dear Wilderness Rim Owners:
Please note the following information for your records:
- The WRA 2019-2020 Budget was mailed to all members this month and is posted in the owner portal. If you did not receive your copy, please contact service@agynbyte.com. There is no action requested of members unless you want to attend the budget ratification meeting, and there is no budget increase proposed. Some points that the board wants to highlight:
- The mailing satisfied the new Washington State law for member notification. In the past, the budget and annual financial statements were presented together at the annual meeting in September. Because of the new law, the timing changed. The fiscal year ends June 30 and begins July 1. Current monthly financial statements are available on the owner portal under the documents section.
- The assessments that were formerly billed separately have now been combined.
- The “3-Minute Executive Summary” is from the most recent reserve study, which is also available on the owner portal. This is completed each year to satisfy Washington State law. The board and management have reviewed current reserves and contributions and determined that funding is sufficient for the common areas.
- Tenants and Landlords: Because WRA is a homeowners’ association, communication (including billing) is to the owners of each lot in Wilderness Rim. As an owner, you are responsible for all bills. The WRA Rules and Regulations for the Water System do not provide for billing tenants. Tenant contact information should be provided to Agynbyte in case of water emergencies.
- Summer is almost here which means water conservation and fire protection. Some tips for ways to save water outdoors: leave the grass clippings on the lawn. They’re 90% water and provide nitrogen. Also, water after 7:00 p.m. or before 10:00 a.m. to avoid excessive loss to evaporation.
- The April-May water and assessment invoice payments need to be received by Agynbyte by June 28th to avoid late fees. Please adjust your bank bill paying schedule or check mailing schedule to allow for at least 7 business days to process. Water shut-off tags will be hung for members 45 days or more past due in July. Questions? Contact water@wildernessrim.org.
- Community garage sales are happening around the Rim Saturday, June 8.
- Board positions currently available. Want to make a difference in your community? Volunteer to serve on the board of trustees. Meetings are once per month and benefits include opportunities for personal and professional development as well as opportunities to meet your neighbors and influence the community in constructive ways. Your ideas for the betterment of the community may be enacted. Contact trustees@wildernessrim.org.
Thank you!
Agynbyte LLC
14711 NE 29th Place, Suite 101
Bellevue, WA 98007-7690
(425) 747-0146 | f. (425) 747-4169
www.agynbyte.com
PSE Pole – Comment Period Ends April 8, 2019
The Board of Trustees was recently notified that PSE intends to install a new 110 foot pole, which will include equipment cabinets and six antennas for Verizon Wireless. Should you have any questions or concerns, owners are encouraged to contact the County directly using the contact information provided in the notice links below or Michael Kulich (206-477-9375, Michael.kulish@kingcounty.gov). The comment period ends on April 8.
SEPA document for proposed land use
Evaluation of Compliance with FCC Guidelines
King County Franchise Fee Update
On August 1, 2018, Judge Samuel Chung made an oral ruling granting a summary judgment in favor of the utilities. WRA is waiting on the written ruling and probable appeal by King County. The BOT will decide going forward if there is an appeal to suspend collection of KC RoW Rent until the appeal is over. The original $6.11 will be held in reserve.
Post WUC meeting, Mike Kenyon meet in person with King County Councilwomen Kathy Lambert to discuss Judge Chung’s ruling. She confirmed the Council is waiting for the written ruling and followed by Council’s legal staff recommendations as to the possible appeal.
On September 4th, Judge Chung signed his ruling. The Seattle Times reports that King County plans to appeal to the Washing State Supreme Court. See link for article.
WUC recommends a letter campaign to King County Executive Dow Constantine mailto:kcexec@kingcounty.gov Main phone: 206-263-9600 Fax: 206-296-0194. Please let Executive Constantine know no new fees, taxes, rent for Unincorporated King County before Wednesday, October 3rd. Thank you.