October 19, 2015 Spokesman

The meeting was called to order by President Rich Bergdahl at 6:32PM.

 Bob Webb led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Scott Becker gave us a ‘Rotary Minute’, which came for an article in the January 1911 ‘Rotarian’ by Paul Harris.  The article responded to the question ‘Is It OK to Do Business at a Rotary Club?  The answer is that legitimate business is OK; business activity is not bad of itself. 

 Thanks to Rick Walter for manning the front desk.

Scott Becker introduced, for their fourth visit, Amy and David Mutal, who are going through the process of becoming Club members.

 John Pruitt introduced Mohen Khandekar, a retired architect.  Mr. Khandekar enjoys photography and the sitar.

 Rick Ostrander introduced Dick Carlson, visiting from California.  His son Chris Carlson of the LWSD Board was also here.

We will have regular Club meetings December 7, 14, and 21.  We will collect food 12/14 for food baskets for needy families. The Club Party will be 12/13 at the Bergdahls.

 The Club will present a check for $50,000 for our Legacy Project, the Waverly Park Picnic Pavilion to the Kirkland City Council at their meeting Tuesday evening, November 17, in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

 Club Member D.V. Hurst has been moved to Aegis Marymoor so he can get more care following his recent falls.

 Scott Rethke reminded us of the upcoming Fall wine and beer tasting at Total Wine in Bellevue, 6:30PM, November 13.  There are only six slots left – cost is about $10/person.  There will be pizza available.

 Pat Swenson reminded us that Reading Buddies starts November 2 at 12:10PM at John Muir Elementary.  Sign up with her.

 November 3 is the benefit breakfast at Lake Washington Institute of Technology, benefitting the Institute Foundation. Contact Anne Hamilton for details and to sign up.

 Rick Ostrander reported that Club Members passed out coats to kids at John Muir on November 16.

 Dave Debois is arranging an evening at a hockey match in Everett between Everett and Vancouver.  He is still looking for somewhere where attendees can have dinner and a beer before the game.  He will send an email with details.

 Dave Debois is also organizing a Red & White meal for around Valentine’s Day, possibly featuring different types of clam chowder.

Lloyd Hara, one of the founders of the International District Rotary Club, and current King County Assessor, was our speaker.  He joined Rotary Seattle 4 in 1971 and would occasionally do make-ups at the Kirkland Club when it met at the ‘Flame’ Restaurant.

Mr. Hara spoke about the Assessor’s Office, created in 1853, along with the County Sheriff’s office, the first two positions in King County.  The job of the Assessor’s Office is to assess the value of all real property and certain other properties in King County.  This is done annually in January and the data is used the following year.  The office does not set taxes, but the property values developed through the assessment process are used to proportionally allocate the amount each property owner pays as a share of the property taxes that have been set by the State, County, and local law.  Higher assessed value properties pay a larger share of the mandated taxes collected.

 There are programs to allow for reduced property taxes for seniors and disabled veterans on limited incomes.  The current level is an income of less than $40,000 per year.

 45% of the total property wealth in Washington State is in King County.

 Assessments can be appealed within 60 days of receipt of the postcard setting out the next year’s assessed value.  Assessments are done each January and postcards are mailed shortly thereafter.

 The County now has a tool on localscape.property on the Assessor’s website that allows on to see all kinds of data, from comparable property values to detailed data about various public schools.

 Rich Bergdahl had the lucky ticket, but did not draw the Joker.

 Next week’s speaker will be Ken McKenzie, speaking about why he opposes the Aquatic Center proposal.

 The meeting was adjourned at 7:42PM.

Respectfully Submitted

Acting Scribe - David Aubry