From the Greater Hansville Area Advisory Council meeting of March 13:
GHAAC members and guests heard from sheriff’s deputies, representatives of Puget Sound Energy, Phyllis Mann of Kitsap Department of Emergency Preparedness, and North Kitsap Fire & Rescue Chief Dan Smith about the six and a half hour closing of Hansville Road on Feb. 8.

All said that there was a combination of unusual circumstances that resulted in little or no communication among responders and those stuck in traffic. All agreed that mistakes were made and assured folks that procedures had been reviewed and they are now better able to handle such an occurrence.

People can sign up for the Alert & Warning Program at www.kitsapdem.org to be notified by phone or cell phone in case of an emergency.

Dennis Cziske asked for a volunteer from the regularly commuting public to serve on the Kingston Ferry Advisory Committee to replace one retiring member.

Members voted to send a letter to Commissioner Gelder in support of the Kitsap Forest & Bay Project.

The terms of representatives of several neighborhoods and organizations have expired and anyone interested can apply. For information, visit the GHAAC page at www.hansville.org.

The next meeting will be May 8, 6:30 p.m. at the Greater Hansville Community Center. Scheduled speakers will be from the Shoreline Master Program, postponed from March.

GHAAC Notes from February:
The Greater Hansville Community Center hosted a bingo night on Feb. 11. Cindy McDermott joined GHAAC as a representative of the Hansville Church, which hosted a Valentine dessert event on Feb. 11.

The Greenways volunteers have installed a new bridge and also placed boardwalks over some wetlands areas to provide more access to walkers. A wetland area of Driftwood Key has been designated as a backyard habitat.

The Fish & Wildlife proposal for the boat launch at Point No Point has been approved, but there are more hearings to come before the process is complete.

What is the Shoreline Master Program? The Shoreline Master Program, or SMP, is a comprehensive shoreline land-use plan that includes policies and regulations for the use and development of the shoreline.

The SMP protects shoreline processes, promotes public access, and accommodates all appropriate shoreline uses, as well as balances public and private interests.

Kitsap County wants local citizens to be part of the SMP update and to help implement a sustainable shoreline management program. Visit

GHAAC Notes from January:
The first GHAAC meeting of 2012 — on Jan. 10 — was very well attended. Members and guests heard from a variety of speakers on topics of local concern. Dennis Cziske gave an update on the ferries and urged everyone to communicate their opinions to our legislators to let them know our concerns and that “we are paying attention.”

Larry Keeton, Department of Community Development, spoke about county sign ordinances, especially as they pertain to signs for agricultural businesses and community events. He reported that his department is working on a complete revision of the code, Chapter 17.445, to make it consistent with current community values. Input can be sent to the department by e-mailing him at  lkeeton.kitsap.co.wa.us.

Jeff Shea, county traffic engineer, reported that at Commissioner Gelder’s request the county plans to conduct an objective, comprehensive study of the main arterials in the north end to determine appropriate speed limits and traffic calming measures. They will be looking at Hansville Road, Little Boston, Hood Canal Drive, and Twin Spits. Driftwood Key residents urged him to seek input from their neighborhood as part of the process.

Sandra Staples-Bortner, executive director of the Great Peninsula Conservancy, spoke about the project underway to find the means to acquire and maintain the 7,000 acres and 1.8 miles of shoreline that Olympic Property Group currently owns and wishes to sell. The conservancy has an option to buy until March 28, 2013; if they can show progress by that time, it can be extended for another year.

Community representative reports included reports of burglaries in several areas as well as activity by bears, a mink, a cougar, and a bobcat. The Art Guild is not holding a studio tour this year, but will present a fashion show on March 31.

— Contact Bonnie Isaacs  at bonnieisaacs@centurytel.net.