MRSC FOCUS
› Focus Section - July 1997
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Focus - July 1997
MRSC WELCOMES COUNTIES
Starting July 1, 1997, the Municipal Research & Services Center (MRSC) is providing services to Washington's 39 counties. Please join us in welcoming the counties to MRSC.
HOT OFF THE PRESS
We are pleased to announce a new publication available from MRSC - Infill Development: Strategies for Shaping Livable Neighborhoods. This valuable report presents practical strategies that local jurisdictions can use to encourage development of vacant lands in the midst of largely developed areas. To order a copy, check out our publications list and our publications ordering form.WEB SIGHTINGS
You can explore the world from your computer with the geographic information systems and maps available on the Web. One of our favorite sites is EPA Region 10's page, which provides custom maps within the four-state region, subject maps on demographic, geographic, and environmental data, and a library of GIS maps. The Salinas, California Police Department has sample crime maps and examples of their user interface for searching crime data. Also check out MRSC's list of other GIS links.THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF DRAFTING ORDINANCES
City ordinances are used for a wide variety of purposes, such as to create a new office, establish procedures, or control the behavior of the public by requiring or prohibiting certain actions or conduct. Michael D. Howe of Callaway, Howe & DeTro reviews the steps involved in drafting an ordinance and dissects the components of an ordinance.PUBLIC DISCLOSURE
In a recent decision, ACLU v. Blaine School District (decided June 9, 1997), the state Court of Appeals has made it quite clear that cities and counties are required to respond by mail to requests for identifiable and non-exempt public records if the requestor asks that the records be mailed. A city or county can require that the requestor pay for the photocopying and mailing costs, but the court stressed that RCW 42.17.290 requires a prompt response by mail. This Web site contains additional information concerning Public Records Disclosure.NEW FIREWORKS LEGISLATION
New fireworks legislation will produce a few changes but no explosions thanks to the Governor's partial veto.
BELLINGHAM CURFEW ORDINANCE HELD UNCONSTITUTIONAL
On June 2, Division One of the Washington State Court of Appeals held that Bellingham's juvenile curfew ordinance "infringes on minors' fundamental freedom of movement and expression and is not narrowly tailored to address the problem of juvenile crime." State v. J.D., DOB 5-22-79, No. 367897-8-1 (June 2, 1997). The court also decided that the ordinance is unconstitutionally vague. Under the Bellingham ordinance, minors 15 years old or younger are prohibited from being in any public area of the city's central business district between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Minors in certain specified situations are exempt from the curfew. It is not known at this time whether Bellingham is considering appealing the court's decision.The court's decision clearly calls into question the constitutional validity of the curfew and parental responsibility ordinances that have been enacted by many cities and towns in the state. If your city or town has enacted a curfew or parental responsibility ordinance, MRSC recommends that your city or town attorney be consulted concerning the impact of this decision.