KINGSTON — The Kingston Citizens Advisory Committee had a special guest at its monthly meeting this week as North End Commissioner Chris Endresen presented a “State of Kingston” address.

In the Aug. 6 talk, Endresen updated the group on county projects that have been taking place in Kingston and what is expected to take place in the future.

She also credited Cy Wyse for his leadership efforts to repair and renovate the Kingston Community Center.

“He may have stepped on a few toes but he worked hard to make the money go three times farther,” she said.

There will be an open house 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 at the center to honor all those who helped during the process.

Endresen said the county was scheduled to receive seven bids Aug. 7 from contractors for construction of the new wastewater treatment plant. Work on the site of the plant on Norman Road has gotten under way.

Paving crews have broken ground for an access road from Norman Road and prep work for construction will be done this fall, Endresen said, noting that the plant is expected to be completed by January 2005.

An outfall pipe that was damaged by Washington State Ferries several years ago will be replaced and will be longer than the current pipe, Endresen added.

“So we don’t have to go to the state for money (to extend the pipe) and the Department of Natural Resources doesn’t have to touch geoducks,” she explained.

Endresen also said she hopes the county will be able to start planning the proposed Village Green center next year, which will be where the existing treatment plant is located. Village Green will be a mixed-use area of commercial and open spaces.

As for the White Horse development, Endresen said the Kitsap County Hearing Examiner recently approved the preliminary plat for the planned unit development south of Kingston. But she said she could not comment on the project because of the extensive litigation it has been through.

Additionally, the proposed Kingston Sub-area plan just went to the Board of Kitsap County Commissioners for public review. Endresen said commissioners are now taking written and oral comments from the public on the new proposed urban growth area boundaries. The board is considering the testimony and will hold another public hearing Sept. 8 at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds.

Endresen then asked the committee what the county can do to help improve the community.

“It’s critically important we don’t lose this continuous communication we have now,” replied co-chair Nick Jewett.

At-large member Walt Elliott agreed, noting the influx of expected changes to take place within the community. These changes include a new high school, development of a Heritage Park and Arborwood and possible foot ferries.

“There is going to be a lot happening — keep the information flowing out,” he requested.

Members also suggested a land-use information board be installed at the community center. The reader board would have information regarding county projects in Kingston.

Finally, Endresen encouraged residents to contact her with any requests or questions they have about the county’s projects or processes.

“If we don’t know, we can’t make changes,” she said.