Joyce brought the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m., with 14 people present.

The minutes of the October, 2009 meeting were read by Cathy.  The treasurer's report was not given due to Veronica's absence.                                                                                                   

Norma reported that a steering committee has been formed to consider the idea of forming a new fire district within the Columbia Valley. She stated that the current fire district had submitted a letter to the County stating that they could not serve the Columbia Valley at an urban level of service, although they have been doing an admirable job to date. In order to make sure that the expected population growth is adequately served, the steering committee has investigated the potential of an additional fire district which could provide the service that the current district says they cannot. 

Norma encouraged members of KW to attend  District 14's commissioner meetings to stay abreast of the potential changes. 
She stated that the fire marshall has asked the District to rescind it's letter and the County Executive has sent a letter to the District offering the County's help, in the new year, in assisting with a dialogue between the fire district and the newly formed  steering committee.

Everything is in place to start work on the Resource Center, which is slated to built here.  Kelly Linville received a three million dollar grant from the State of Washington and is now waiting for the shovels to go into the ground.

Joyce introduced guest speaker Resident Deputy Jason Karb who stated:

1. The Sheriff's office is facing budget cuts. People have donated to the "Sheriff's Office Foundation", which supplies community services.
2. Fire Department District #14 has applied for a grant as a low income area and hopes to have a new town hall.  It is hoped that the fire station at Nugent's Corner be open 24 hours a day. The Bellingham and Lynden fire stationa are full time with the rest being run by volunteer participation only.
3. Whatcom County has sent out letters and bylaws to 17 property owners with notice given to clean up their properties within 30 days...with the date of November 27 or 28th, 2009 to comply. These properties are in ill repair or blight properties with old vehicles, garbage, etc., they are also considered nuisance properties.
4. Due to the upcoming Olympics in 2010, there will be more officers and air traffic working at the borders, with this region seeing a longer response time.
5. The long term goal is to find a piece of land that can accomodate a new jail and sheriff's office to service its needs.

A drawing was held with multiple winners taking home gifts.

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. and refreshments were made available.

Respectfully submitted by Cathy Dix, Secretary