Shared Strategy Offers Help To County

(Jim Kramer)

The CC (County Council) has expressed an interest in working with SS (Shared Strategy), a non-profit organization that is working to increase the size of salmon runs in the Puget Sound area.

Jim Kramer, Executive Director of SS, made a presentation to the CC that gave the background and goals of Shared Strategy, and offered his organizations help to the County's requirement to draft Critical Areas Ordinance updates that the County must do under the GMA (Growth Management Act). He also requested the County write a letter of support for the SS that will aid them in obtaining funding for their organization.
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County Receives $71K For County Wide Sewage Plan

San Juan County will be hiring a new half-time Environmental Health Technician to work on a County wide sewage plan that is required by the State. The County has grumbled for years about the State passing mandated legislation and programs that are un-funded, but at least in this case the state has approved a grant to pay for the cost of implementing the new sewage rules.

Environmental Health Manager Mark Tompkins received permission from the Board of Health for the new position, and told the Board that under the new rule adopted by the State Board of Health, San Juan and 11 other Puget Sound Counties are required to develop a written plan that will spell out how they will control the "development and management activities for all septic systems" in the county.

To meet the new State requirements, SJC must continue the process of developing and maintaining an "inventory of all known septic systems in operation, identify areas where systems could pose an increase public health risk, and identify appropriate Operation and Maintenance requirements commensurate with risks within these geographic areas". While SJC already has a large data-base of existing septic systems, many of the old records can only be located by using the name of the person who applied for the permit at the time, as opposed to the newer process of simply typing in a nine digit parcel tax number.

The new State rule, and the funding to make it happen, is partly the result of the State's concern of the potential public health risks of improperly maintained septic systems; and in particular in the Puget Sound counties that have shellfish growing and swimming areas, some of which have already been degraded as a result of failing septic systems. While San Juan County has taken a pro-active role in protecting the waters of the county, to the extent that there have been no negative impacts that resulted in closures, the new money will help to continue the work the County has undertaken in the past.


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Local Connection To UW Med School Endowed Chair

(Pauli, Paul & Alex Gavora)

Paul Gavora is acknowledge as one of the early pioneers of business in Alaska, but in recent years health issues have caused him to be a pioneer of another sort – a participant in an NIH study of vascular surgical procedures – in his case performed by Drs. Alexander Clowes and Carlos Pellegrini of the UW Medicine Department of Surgery. Gavora's successful surgical outcome and interest in the work being performed and developed by surgeons at the UW Medical School gave rise to the idea of funding an endowment for a Chair in Vascular Surgery.

The purpose of a celebration, recently held at the University of Washington Club to honor the Gavora Family, was an object lesson by Paul Gavora in the importance of "giving back". Mr. Gavora, father of Pauli and Alexandra Gavora -long time island residents pictured above - intended for his large family to learn by his example the importance of contributing to the health and welfare of future generations. To that end the University of Washington Medical School held a dinner to thank the Gavora Family for helping to create the Gavora/Shilling Endowed Chair in Vascular Surgery at the UW Medical School. In attendance were Paul Gavora, his wife Donna, their nine children and their spouses, and 13 grandchildren.

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County Can Add Members To Board Of Health

(JoAnn Campbell, Dr. Thomas Locke & John Manning)

Under the old "Road Commissioner" form of government in Washington, County Commissioners also sat as the County Board of Health -never mind that they may be untrained and inexperienced in such matters- but under the Charter form of government the County may now reach out to the community of experts -retired or still active- that reside in San Juan County, and appoint one or more to sit with them on the new Board of Health.

Dr. Thomas Locke is the Chair of the Washington State Board of Health, and the Health Officer for both Clallam and Jefferson Counties, and at the request of John Manning, The Director of SJC Health & Community Services, he and Manning came before the Council and suggested that now that the Charter allows them to do so, our local Board of Health may wish to appoint additional people to the Board. Dr. Locke gave a short history of the expansion of the Boards in Clallam & Jefferson, and reviewed the aspects of state law that dictate that the majority of the members must be elected officials, but that additional members can be appointed.

Councilman Ranker suggested a new Board be comprised of four members from the County Council, one from Town of Friday Harbor, and one member at large; perhaps from Orcas or Lopez.

Chairman Lichter also supported the concept as an opportunity for the Board to have special talents, but suggested the Board wait for the return of fellow Councilman Myhr to make a final decision.

Dr. Locke pointed out that the Board can both create, and un-create a Board, so the Council can modify the structure at anytime.

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Saturday: Old Time Community Dance At FH Grange

(Sugar on the Floor photo: Ken Arzarian, Mike Cohen, Lee McEnery, Darlene Wahl )

The San Juan Center of Skagit Valley College invites one and all to participate in a series of community dances commencing Saturday night, January 28th at the Friday Harbor Grange. A live band will accompany the festivities led by Mike Cohen, leader of the local ensemble Sugar on the Floor, best known for their traditional folk musics from a simpler time. Young and old will clap hands and stomp feet as we dance together the lively jigs, rounds, reels, line dances and others that we learn together during the dance itself. You don't need any prior dance knowledge; your friends and neighbors will help you along as we dance together to the movements taught and called by Mike Cohen. You'll need to arrive early to participate; newcomers who arrive after 8:15pm will be limited to observing the fun.

This event is co-sponsored by Skagit Valley College/San Juan Center and Friday Harbor Grange and begins at 7:30pm Saturdays, January 28, February 11 and 25, and March 11 and 25. Contact SVC/San Juan Center at 378-3220 or check out SugarOnTheFloor.com for more information. Let's become stronger friends through our community dance!


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County Fire Marshal Job Handed Back To CD&PD

(Chief McLaughlin presenting proposal last December to BOCC)

SJI Fire District 3 Chief Bill McLaughlin has announced the Fire District will no longer perform the duties of the County Fire Marshal. At the end of last year, Chief McLaughlin appeared before the Board of County Commissioners Previous Story to ask them to move on adopting new codes and user fees to support the role of the Fire Marshals position to include fire code inspections beyond what the County has performed in the past.

As an example of the need for such inspections, and fees to pay for them, the Chief reminded the Board of an apartment fire in Friday Harbor, that had spread from one attic area to another, due to a lack of proper fire walls in the attics, and had there been a program in place that did inspections -some of them yearly- the probable impacts of the fire may have been much less.

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SJI School District Awarded $147K Grant

For Costs of Out of State Student Treatment Only

San Juan Island School District's application for a "Safety Net" grant to help offset the costs of providing special education treatment has been approved for $147,000.00, which is a portion of last years expenses of providing the out of state treatment for students that need 24 hour care. ( Previous Story ).

An additional $85,000 in placement costs and legal fees expended during the previous school year, 2004-05, could not be recovered. Safety Net funds are federal special education funds administered by the state. Members of the Special Education State Oversight Committee considered over 100 applications from Districts seeking relief for high cost special education placements. Safety Net allocations are made for one year only, and an award this year is no guarantee of one next year. The District will need to reapply for funding for the 2006-07 school year if the student continues to be eligible for the placement.

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The Whale Museum Gets New Lighting

Thanks to San Juan Island Community Foundation and Guard Electric the Whale Museum, and the Museum now has new lighting in both the Gallery and the Store!

Each year, The Whale Museum closes in January and the first two weeks of February to make needed repairs and changes to our facilities. A grant of $2,360 from San Juan Island Community Foundation's Donor Advisor Fund was used specifically to purchase new lighting fixtures and bulbs for the Gallery and Store, and to pay for a portion of the labor costs involved in their installation. Guard Electric donated some labor costs and reduced the price of the lighting fixtures. The Whale Museum staff helped with the installation of the fixtures. "This is truly a wonderful example of the community working together! Thanks, team!," said Associate Director of Development Eliza Buck.
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PC Still Unimpressed With Proposed ADU Ord

No Decisions Reached, Work On Ord To Continue


(Planning Commissioners Williams, Warren, Pratt, Chair Agosta & Kaill -Thomas & Adams not shown- ready for workshop)

The second workshop on the proposed draft ordinance by the former BOCC that was sent to the PC (Planning Commission) for their review and comment, was held on Friday the 20th of January. The first hearing (Previous Story) did not bode well for the ordinance the former BOCC and the Friends of the San Juans had drafted in lieu of awaiting the Court of Appeals decision on the basic question of can, or cannot, the County allow freestanding accessory dwelling units on property that does not have the underlying density requirement for two freestanding homes.

After a short laundry list from staff as to some of the questions that were raised by the public and the Planning Commissioners at the last hearing, the workshop was opened up for public comment, followed by the PC discussion:

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Pro Tem Is On The Job

(David Goldsmith Meets With County Council & Auditor)

The County Administrator is on the job. Well, at least the temporary one -the pro tem- is, while the search continues to find an administrator that is willing to take on San Juan County government on a full time basis.

Pro tem Goldsmith sat down with Council Chair Lichter, member Ranker (Councilman Myhr is on vacation), council staff, and Auditor Stephens on Monday morning to go over some of the details and protocols of his new job; and the ramification of the diminishing of the Council's responsibilities.

Councilman Ranker told Goldsmith he would like to have the County Administrator's primary staff person selected, and up to speed, prior to the hiring of the permanent Administrator. But Chairman Lichter suggested it would be best to let the current county staff and Goldsmith work out the details and timing of staffing. Another area of uncertainty for the new government now that the district lines have changed as a result of moving from three to six elected positions for the Council, is the ongoing issues of appointed boards. According to Ranker half of the appointed committees are now vacant. (Correction Ranker has informed us that half of the committees are not vacant (only 14 are) & that he was only stating the obvious that half of the Council is vacant -Our mistake)

County Auditor Stephens went over the signing of contracts with the Council, outlining the rules that will control the limits department heads will have on the contract amounts they may authorize, and who will have to approve the amounts. It was clear that the process of transition is ongoing, and is not expected to be complete until the full time Administrator is hired; in part because the Pro Tem Administrator simply does not have the same powers and responsibilities that the County Administrator will possess.

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An Email Worth Reading

If you're reading this, you're obviously on the web, and it is also safe to say you receive lots of unsolicited emails, many of which are -at best- worthless to your interests, and false in content. But once in awhile there can be a gem shining in the mud, and we recently received one, checked it out with TruthorFiction.com for confirmation, and found it to be considered true. We feel it would be a shame if our readers missed it, or having read it dismissed it as false, so we have decided to pass it on -just in case you are unaware of it- in the form in which we received it. It is reprinted below:

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"From: (removed)
To: Editor@islandguardian.com
Sent: Monday, January 23, 2006 4:28 PM
Subject: Great whale story....

If you read the front page story of the SF Chronicle Thursday, 15 Dec 2005 -- you would have read about a mature, female humpback whale who had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by many hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle ceaselessly just to stay afloat. She had hundreds of yards of line (rope) wrapped around her body - her tail, her torso, and a hefty nylon line tugging in her mouth.

A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farralone Islands (outside the Golden Gate) and radioed an environmental group for help. Within a few hours the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off that the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her - a very dangerous proposition -- as a single slap of the tail could kill a few rescuers. They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her.

When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushing them gently around. Some of the divers say it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives. The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth says her eye was following him the whole time, and that he will never be the same."
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New Codes, Permit Fees & Penalties Proposed

Criminal & Civil Penalties for Violations of Codes

he CC (County Council) will hold a public hearing on a proposal to adopt the International Building Codes and to also increase across the board the cost of obtaining building and land use permits, so that the fees will "better reflect the cost of services". And while there at it, they also propose to allow local Fire District 3 to "impose fees sufficient to pay the cost of inspections, administration, and enforcement…and. permits local fire districts to assume responsibility for administering Fire Codes".

In short, the proposal increases all fees associated with land and building development, and the grants of new authority to the Fire District to collect fees to perform inspections and follow-up inspections, and includes a new section that proposes fines (up to $1,000.00 a day) and jail time (up to 90 days) for violating any provision of the codes.

The hearing will begin at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday February 7, at the Council Hearing Room, in the Court House, with the Council receiving Staff and public input on the ordinance that will adopt the new Codes, which include: the 2003 International Building, Residential, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Fire, Plumbing, Wa Energy, Wa Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality, Wa Manufactured Home Installation Requirements; Wa Factory Built Housing and Commercial Structures Installation Requirements; Wa Historic Building Code; Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, and also adopt State required amendments and additions to these codes, along with administration procedures and violation penalties.

The new Fee Schedules hearing will begin at 2:30 to take comment on and adopt a the new increased fee schedule for services provided by the Community Development and Planning Dept. (CD&P) and Fire District 3.

The Proposed new Schedule of the increase in fees can be viewed by clicking on this link, NEW_FEES.doc (104k file), but a few examples will quickly give the reader a sense of the changes being proposed:


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Retail Sales Up In County

Overall taxable retail sales in Washington state during the third quarter of 2005 posted the largest percentage gain in 15 years, the Washington State Department of Revenue reported today. It was the biggest percentage gain in sales since a 10.9 percent increase for the second quarter of 1990, according to Department records. San Juan county was below the state average, but still showed a change of 5.7%

Sales tax due on construction activity in the state was the single largest component of taxable retail sales at 18.9 percent of the total, followed by vehicle sales at 9.9 percent, general merchandise stores sales at 8.3 percent, and restaurants and bars at 7.6 percent. Retail building materials, garden equipment and supplies were up 5.1 percent.

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Land Bank Acquires Easement On Lopez

(Map of Lopez property)

Robert R & Catherine L Clemens have granted the SJC Land Bank an easement on 36 acres of their farm land on Lopez island. The Land Bank describes the property as "primarily open agricultural land. It has outstanding scenic qualities that can be enjoyed by the general public, specifically agricultural fields visible from Kjargaard Road, Davis Bay Road & Fisherman Bay Road".

As per the easement, the Clemens have given an "easement in perpetuity over the Property, together with all development rights associated with the Property…this Conservation Easement (will) run with the land and be binding upon…heirs, successors, and assigns"."

While the easement will protect the property from construction development or land division, it does not "provide the general public with any right of access to the Property.." The land can still be used by the owners of the property, but the use is, in general terms, limited to agricultural and general use that will not have a negative impact on the property, and as such the property "shall remain as open areas visually accessible from the County Roads".


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PC To Hold 2nd Hearing On ADUs This Friday, 9 am

The Planning Commission (PC) will hold a second workshop this Friday (Jan 20th, 9 a.m., in the Court House) to take public testimony on a proposed ordinance that was worked out between the former BOCC and The Friends of the San Juans. The agreement was made without public participation, so for it to take effect, public hearings have to be held.

At the first hearing by the PC it became clear that things were not clear, and in an attempt to try and move forward, the PC asked the Planning Department to present a report to the Planning Commission members at the next (this Friday) meeting. Previous Story The report from staff will be in addition to the public input, and a discussion by the Commissioners as to what, if any, action should be taken on the proposed ordinance.

The Planning Commission can accept the proposed ordinance as is, they can suggest changes to it, or they can simply take no action -which would mean the ordinance would simply move forward to the County Council without any changes, additions or deletions. They could also recommend that the ordinance not be adopted, and that the current regulations remain as they are.

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Hearing Examiner Rules For County on BLM

(David McCauley, of Kellsey South, LLC, and Deborah Nash-Strasser preparing to testify before the Hearing Examiner)

Deborah Nash-Strasser has lost her appeal of boundary line modifications (BLM) that benefits the County, and Kellsey South LLC; the previous owner of a portion of the property. Previous Story

Kellsey South LLC owned 37.13 acres just north of Friday Harbor, and sold 27.1 acres to the County for the development of facilities for SJC Public Works. The remaining 10.03 acres of land was retained by Kellsey South LLC. As a part of the sale, an agreement was reached with the County that the existing property lines that split the 37 acres up into approximately 5 acre parcels, would be moved onto the Kellsey property in such a way as to create "six small parcels" that would be owned by Kellsey South.

The land is designated ("zoned") as Rural General Use (RGU), which means it can be used for mixed use, ranging from residential up to commercial and industrial uses.

When The Island Guardian broke the story on this, the surrounding neighborhoods were taken by surprise, because the purchase agreements and contracts were discussed in executive sessions by the County and Kellsey South. Previous Story Many of the neighbors were not at all happy that their residential area, and the small gravel road that serves it, would be subject to possible industrial development, on small parcels located against there larger residential only parcels.

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Land Bank Meeting Friday, January 20th

The San Juan County Land Bank Commission will hold its regular monthly meeting on Friday, January 20th in the Community Room at Islanders Bank Administration Building, 545 Park Street, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island.

The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. Public comment time is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. The public is welcome at every monthly Land Bank Commission meeting.

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Judge Hancock's Speech To Elected Officials

(Official Superior Court photo)


Judge Alan Hancock has served San Juan County as a Superior Court judge for seventeen years; and also serves on the State Supreme Court's Ethics Advisory Committee.

In his capacity as a Superior Court judge, Judge Hancock recently gave the oath of office to the elected officials of San Juan County, and in his introductive remarks he addressed the importance and significance of the recent election that has changed our form of government in San Juan county.

We were impressed by his comments, and believe it is worthwhile to share them with all of the citizens of San Juan county. They are presented in their entirety below.


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MedVac Flights May Resume

Thanks to SJC citizens and officials, Washington state may once again allow the selling of "subscriptions" for MedVac (Air Ambulance) flights. A Senate bill (SB 6231), originating in San Juan County, may pass in the current legislative session.

Islanders may remember that the subscriptions used to be available for island families to purchase at $50 to $100 per year that would entitled them to be transported by a MedVac flight, if the need arose. This came to an end when the State Insurance Commissioner's office rendered an opinion that the selling of subscriptions was, for all intents and purposes, an insurance product. Under that ruling, air ambulance companies would have to meet State insurance rules, but meeting the requirements proved to be cost prohibitive, and the offering of a subscription program was dropped.

As a result of the ruling, Commissioner John Evans and Orcas resident Joan Berkowitz urged State Senator Spanel to introduce a bill in the last session that would have allowed the subscription service to be offered as a non-insurance product. It was determined that before any change was made, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner would conduct a study on the proposal, and make a report back to the legislature.

It now appears that the current session of the State Legislature will pass Senate Bill 6231, allowing Washington State private air ambulance companies to once again offer annual family membership subscriptions to cover the costs of emergency air ambulance services. Costs of emergency medical helicopter flights typically range from $8,000 to $10,000, or more, per event. Even those with good insurance coverage usually have additional out of pocket costs for this critical service.

The Insurance Commissions report, supporting the opportunity for subscription service, was delivered to the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing and Consumer Protection in Olympia last Thursday. Former County Commissioner, John Evans, former Orcas EMS Director, Garth Eimers, and San Juan County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Gaylord were present to testify in favor of the Senate bill. In his testimony, Commissioner Evans recognized the very helpful support of the Washington Association of Counties, fellow Orcas proponent, Joan Berkowitz and the two Washington State based air ambulance provider organizations.

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Learn About The Pinto Abalone

(Paul Sim photo)

Friends of the San Juans Endangered Marine Species & Habitats Lecture Series continues with a presentation about the Pinto Abalone. The lecture will be on Thursday January 19 at the Grange in Friday Harbor. The lecture will begin at 7:00 pm and is free and open to the public.

The pinto (or northern) abalone is the smallest of the abalones. It occurs on shallow rocky substrate and feeds on algae. Very low population numbers have resulted in the pinto abalone's listing as a ‘species of concern' under federal, state and Canadian endangered species provisions.

San Juan County provides significant nearshore rocky habitat to the pinto abalone. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has ten research stations in the San Juan Islands which they have surveyed regularly for the past 13 years using divers. WDFW abalone expert Don Rothaus will provide an overview of abalone biology, the possible causes for population declines and the results of San Juan County research. He will also outline future research and recovery strategies for pinto abalone populations in Washington State.

Presenter Don Rothaus has been a biologist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for 17 years. The major emphasis of his current work is abalone. He also participates in research and management projects for geoducks, sea urchins and sea cucumbers and is the Diving Safety Officer for WDFW. This lecture was originally scheduled for October and was cancelled due to a medical emergency.

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Chaplain O'Mara killed In Accident On SJI

(Guardian file photo)
American Legion Chaplain Patrick O'Mara was killed in an auto accident when the car he was driving went off of the road and rolled into a small pond near his home on West Side road on San Juan Island.

The exact time and the originating cause of the accident are not know at this time, but are currently under investigation. When the first responders arrived at the scene of the accident, they found the car in the pond, with Mr. O'Mara trapped inside of the car with the seat belt still connected, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The time of the accident has not been established, but is believed to have occurred sometime between Saturday night or Sunday morning.

Mr. O'Mara was employed at the Islands Convalescent Center in Friday Harbor, and was an active member and officer of the Friday Harbor American Legion Post.

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SJI Song and Dance Concert January 21 and 22

With graceful turns and stretches, and soulful tunes, the traditional "Song and Dance" concert produced by Dance Workshop II will embrace a winter festival theme. There are two performances of the program on Saturday, January 21, at 7:30 pm and Sunday, January 22, at 2:00 p.m., at San Juan Community Theatre.

The concert format will feature both song and dance performers. Several popular island singers will be presented as well as students from Dance Workshop II and their special guests, the professional modern dance ensemble Dance Gallery Bellingham.

Laura Concord will sing a pair of favorite songs made popular in films and opera on the program. Abby Kitchen will contribute selections from The Marriage of Figaro, Phantom of the Opera, and a French art song. Lori Larkin with Jonathon Piff and Teddy Dean will perform a trio of jazz standards. Singer-songwriter Debbie Nash-Strasser will perform a pair of original works, including a new song she recently entered in an international songwriting competition.
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Don't Dress for Dinner Returns to RH Pavilion

The Benefit Players first production – Don't Dress for Dinner – opened at Roche Harbor Pavilion December 29-30 to enthusiastic audience acclaim, and now returns: curtain time for January 19-21 is 7:30 pm. There is a 2:00 pm matinee January 22. The performances are designated as a benefit for the Susan Eyerly medical fund.

This sophisticated French farce by Marc Camoletti has been adapted for British characters by Robin Hawdon. Directed by Ed Strum, the cast features Eric Concord, Julie Greene, Shannon Kelley, Clay Warner, RuthE. Wells and Hunter Wood in a fast-paced situation comedy filled with witty dialog, physical comedy and compounded mistaken identities. The action takes place in the main living room of a country home some distance from Paris.

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Tom Holzhauser 1942 - 2006

San Juan Island resident Tom Holzhauser died peacefully at 6:30 pm Wednesday evening, surrounded by his family and friends.

Tom worked as a foreman at Armour Foods in the Portland area before moving to the island in 1990. He and his wife, Barbara, were resident managers at Island's West (now Best Western Suites) when they first arrived. Tom also recharged fire extinguishers and fixed car starters before taking a full-time position as technical director at San Juan Community Theatre in 1995.

In more than 10 years at the Theatre, he facilitated the production of more than 400 shows and touring events. Tom cheerfully dealt with the complex needs of multiple shows in rehearsal simultaneously, while staying on top of the day-to-day issues of maintaining a public facility that is open to the public nearly 300 days and nights a year. He is fondly remembered for his cheerful outlook and unflappable demeanor.

Tom is survived by his wife, with whom he shared the joy of living and an enormous pride in an extended family of children, grandchildren a great grandson and many lifelong friends.

A celebration of Tom's life will be scheduled in the spring.

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Breaking News:

Auditor Refuses $1,000.00 Offer to Be Interim Pro-Tem


(Si Stephens meets with Council -Bob Myhr absent- and Council Clerk)

Stephens suggested to the County Council (former BOCC) that he be paid only $500.00 a month to be the interim Administrator, and that the second $500.00 be his compensation to resume the Lead Management of the EDEN project (see related story below).

The Council passed a motion this week to appointed Si as an interim pro tem, and set his compensation at $1,000.00 a month, but had done so without Si's knowledge or agreement. Previous Story

At a special Thursday Council meeting called to sign a resolution appointing David Goldsmith the County Administrator Pro Tem, and Si Stephens the Interim County Administrator Pro Tem, Si surprised the Council by telling them he has been "doing the job as Pro Tem for a couple of days now, and have found it to be a fun job, and I am delighted to do it" and that because it does not take too much extra time to do it, he has decided "the compensation is too much".

He then made an offer to accept $500.00 a month as the interim pro tem, with the understanding that the second $500 be compensation for resuming the management of the EDEN project; and if it is found that he has performed the duties of the interim pro tem satisfactorily, the Council will continue his appointment as the Administrator Pro Tem once a County Administrator is hired.

The Council told Si they really appreciated his offer, and accepted his proposed pay cut, but told him they would place the second part of his proposal on the agenda for further discussion.


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BOCC Action May Cost Council $50K

A request for a bid from another consultant to implement the new EDEN software program is expected to be nearly $50,000.00. A consultant from the mainland is expected to submit a proposal that will include the County paying a set amount, and airfare, to-and-from Friday Harbor. This proposal will be in addition to one other proposed contract the County has received for $50,000.00

Prior to becoming a County Council, the BOCC (Board of County Commissioners) refused a request by Auditor Si Stephens to be compensated for the extra time that would be involved if he, and his department, converted the county accounting software to a new system (named EDEN) that the County has purchased.

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Council to Hire Professionals to Find Administrator

After several weeks of advertising on their own, the County Council has accepted the advice of Human Resources Director Becky Rusnak to retain a professional company to aid in the on-going search for a County Administrator. Rusnak told the Council that it may be worth the money if it will help the County locate the right person for the job. Rusnak suggested they use Waldron & Company, the same firm that the County has used in the past, explaining they are primarily in the business of working with counties, and therefore have excellent contacts.

Councilman Myhr inquired what the cost of the service would be, and Rusnak said that the contract for services would be a one-time cost of 25% of the base salary of the applicant, plus some additional administrative and office costs.

Under further questioning by Myhr as to what happens if "We, the County, find someone on our own; do we still have to pay the money to the company"? Rusnak said that if that should occur, the County would only be billed for the hours the company had spent up to that date. She also explained that Waldron guarantees their placement will stay on the job for at least 2 years, or they will do a new search for a replacement, without a charge to the County

Rusnak said the Council should expect the search to take up to 90 days to complete, but it could be less if the right person is found earlier

Councilman Ranker said it that "this appointment (the County Administrator) and the Hearing Examiner, are the two most important appointments this Council will make"

The Council agreed to authorize an appropriation of $35,000.00 to retain Waldron & Company

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Roy Franklin Aviation Museum Moving Forward

After the swearing in ceremony of newly elected Friday Harbor Port Commissioner Barbara Marrett, the Port Commissioners discussed the progress of the creation of the "Roy Franklin Aviation Museum " in the Friday Harbor Airport Terminal Building.

The Port Commissioners discussed with several of the original citizens committee members; Dr. John Geyman, John Volk and Ray Bigler, how they were going to proceed toward the completion of the museum; which is phase 2 of the project that was started early last year, when the Port had signs installed naming the airport the "Roy Franklin Airport": Previous Story

The Historical Museum has agreed to join with the Port and the Committee to work on the project; a portion of which has already been completed. Newly elected Marrett will be the Port Commission's representative, partly because of her strong background in both Fine and graphic arts. The citizens committee has acquired hundreds of photos which they have compiled to show early aviation in the San Juan Islands. Memorabilia has also been collected for display cases and a method of presenting this history has been presented and discussed with the Port, including a possible location in the terminal building for the display. The committee has raised money to fund the project and the hope is to have the Aviation Historical Museum completed by Spring.

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Auditor To Serve as Temporary-Temporary Pro Tem

In an earlier action related to the hiring of the Administrator Pro Tem (story below), the Council appointed Auditor Si Stephens as an "temporary-temporary" Administrator, to serve until the a new Administrator Pro Tem can come on board. Because nether of the two candidates could have started work for sometime, someone was needed to serve in the position, as the Charter had removed most of the administrative powers from the County Council, and made them the responsibility of an Administrator.

Councilman Ranker suggested that since Si was the Auditor, and the main job of the temporary pro tem was to sign checks and contracts, Si was the natural person to assume the job. The decision was made to appoint Si to the position, and to offer him an additional $1,000.00 a month to do the extra work that would be involved, but Chairman Lichter asked if $1,000.00 a month was "insulting", and after a moment of thought, Ranker said he did not think that it was, but that he had no "desire to go' toe-to-toe' with Si over this". There was some further discussion, and in the end it was decided to move forward and appoint Si as an interim-administrator pro tem, and offer him $1000.00 a month compensation for the position

Si was not present for the discussion, but in an interview with The Guardian he said that he and Council would work out the details and the compensation for the position.

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The New Administrator ProTem

(David Goldsmith at the County Council interview)

David Goldsmith has been hired as the temporary County Administrator while the Council continues the search for a full-time, permanent County Administrator. The County Council had interviewed Goldsmith on Monday ( Previous Story ), and made the decision on Tuesday morning to offer him the position. By the afternoon of the same day, Human Resources Director Becky Rusnak informed the Council that Mr. Goldsmith had accepted the job and was "very enthusiastic about the position".

Goldsmith asked for a salary of $8.000.00 a month to work 4 days a week; air-fare expenses to cover his transportation to and from the island each week, and compensation for costs of lodging.

Under questioning by the Council, Rusnak told the Council that the amount was somewhat less than the mid-range normal for the position of a County Administrator. Chairman Lichter and Councilman Ranker (Councilman Myhr was not in attendance for the late afternoon meeting) agreed with Rusnak that the compensation was fair.

Motion made and carried to accept the offer, and to hire David Goldsmith as the Administrator Pro Tem. Goldsmith will begin work on the 23rd of January.

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Taking The Oath To Uphold The Charter

The elected officials of San Juan County take the oath of office. Only Randy Gaylord, County Prosecuting Attorney, will remain a partisan office. All the other officials are now non-partisan. After the swearing in, the two new County Council members conducted interviews for the Pro-Tem Administrator position. See story below.
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County Council May Appoint Pro-Tem Today

The three former members of the BOCC met on Monday as members of the new CC (County Council), and after the swearing in ceremony, they interviewed two candidates for the newly created position of Pro-Tem Administrator. Much to the relief of many of the former Freeholders who where in attendance, both of the candidates were experienced professionals with a long history of administration experience; and both had, at one point in their careers, been involved with the administration of the Growth Management Act.


(Richard Thompson intervewed by County Council, with former Freeholders observing)

Richard Thompson was the first to be interviewed, and while the Council was clearly impressed with his experience and contacts at the state level (Administration of DSHS, Chief of Staff for Governor Gardner, Budget Director under Governor Locke,) and also seemed to be pleased with his experience in local government (Interim City Manager of Puyallup, City Manger of Snohomish, and a host of other positions), it became clear near the end of the interview there were some concerns about how much time he would be able to give to the job. Mr. Thompson is a busy man who teaches budget classes at UW; has a contract with the Seahawks, and is also working with the French family's proposal to build a NASCAR track in Washington. It may not have helped his case when he informed the Council that he has been successful in administrating from afar, citing a recent example of using a satellite phone to conduct business while on a two month trip aboard his boat in Alaska.


(David Goldsmith takes his turn)

Not to be outdone by Thompson, the second candidate was David Goldsmith, who also had some time conflicts, but said within two or three weeks he would be able to dedicate a minimum of four days a week to the job, but under questioning from Council member Ranker pointed out that he would put in the hours necessary to accomplish the job. Like Mr. Thompson, Goldsmith had also retired only to find he is now swamped with work. He currently works for the Washington Counties Risk Pool (the same insurance group SJC is a member of), but in his past life had experience with the GMA, and 30 years of experience at various levels of administration within both state and local government.

The Council has scheduled an excutive session meeting for Tuesday, and it is expected they will make a decision to hire one of the candidates; or appoint an interim-interim Pro-Tem until they find someone, other than one of the two candidates before them, to fill the position


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Family, Friends, & County Honor ‘Marty'

With full military honors reflecting the years of service to his county, Martin V. Stewart was laid to rest on Sunday at the San Juan Valley Cemetery. Family members, neighbors, friends, fellow pilots, and an Air Force Honor Guard came together to pay their respects. The San Juan Pilots Association performed a fly-over that was followed by an Air Force C-17 that made a low pass and a long gentle bank across the valley and into the distant mist

Martin V. 'Marty' Stewart
Sept. 20, 1923 - Dec. 25, 2005
Martin V. Stewart was born in Pennsylvania Sept. 20, 1923. All his young life he was interested in airplanes and knew his dream was to be a pilot. World War II started during his senior year in high school and he began the search for his dream as soon as he graduated in 1942. He applied for and was accepted to the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet program and reported for his beginning flight training in December 1942.

He graduated from that program in December 1943 as a pilot and a 2nd lieutenant of the Army Air Corps. The Army Air Corps later became the U.S. Air Force. June and Marty had been high school sweethearts and were married during his cadet days in July 1943 at Bonham, Texas.

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Official Opening Of New Ferry Service To Bellingham

(Photo of ribbon cutting ceremony at FH Port dock)

King Fitch and Mayor David Jones with Bellingham Business leaders, and about 40 visitors from from Bellingham-Whatcom Tourism, and Bellingham Chamber of Commerce groups came on the new ferry from Fairhaven ($10 for adults, $5.00 for Youth -under 5yrs free)

Mayor David Jones cut the ribbon. John Cooper, President & CEO of Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, Bellingham and the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce also took part in the at the ribbon cutting event, then their "sales team" made sales calls in Friday Harbor, and spent the rest of the day canvassing local businesses and talking with people to promote the new ferry.

Call (360) 738-8099 for infromation on schedules
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Classic Courtroom Drama SJ Community Theatre

Charis Pruitt presides over a tense courtroom as the judge in Ayn Rand's Night of January 16th – which plays through January 28 at San Juan Community Theatre. The defiant defendant, played by Natalie King, stands accused of the murder of her former employer and lover. Maureen See plays the defense attorney, going toe-to-toe with prosecutor Warren Baehr.

The challenge for the audience – some of whom will be seated as members of the jury – will be to consider whether the victim was in fact murdered, and whether the right person is being prosecuted. A woman stands trial, accused of murdering her employer and lover. Her fate is quite literally in the audience members' hands, as the verdict may differ from performance to performance.

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First Meeting of County Council: Mon, Jan 9

They may have a new name, but for at least the first official meeting of our new CC (get used to seeing "CC", for it stands for County Council), it may appear that nothing has changed. But once the "new" Council members -Lichter, Myhr and Ranker- join the rest of the County Elected Officials in a swearing in ceremony at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, (including a statement to uphold the SJC Charter), they will then take the first step toward a new form of government. Their first action will to secure a new bond for the government.

Once some of the administrative matters are out of the way, the first real sign that things are going to be different begins with the Council's first official action of two interviews on Monday with Candidates for the County Administrator Pro-Tempore position; and then on Tuesday they will appoint an Administrator Pro Tem.

The Charter states the position is open to "any qualified person other than a sitting member of the Legislative Body". According to SJC Prosecuting Attorney Randy Gaylord, the Pro Tem position "could have other duties in the County, and could be a department head, a department manager, or a citizen who is qualified"". As can be imagined, there has been much speculation as to who this person may be. The only County employee with past experience is the newly hired head of the CD&PD (Community Development & Planning Department), who has served elsewhere as a County Manager. There are at least two reasons why he may not be interested in the position: his past experience of working for a Board that was not supportive of a County Administrator-Manager concept was not a good one; and more importantly, his department is still running with a backlog of permits to be processed, so his abilities are needed where he is.

The Pro Tem will not have the full powers of the County Administrator, so there has been speculation by Court House watchers that the old BOCC members, who are now the new Council, may not be in any hurry to hire the County Administrator, who will, under the Charter, take away most of their power. The Charter gives the Council until May 5, 2006 as the date that the appointment of the Administrator "should" be complete. One cannot fail to note that the word is "should", and not "shall".

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New Fire Safety Inspections & Fees Proposed

The BOCC cut out the County Fire Marshal position last year, citing the lack of funding available for a county position that could be handled by hiring off-island experts to do the investigations of the few "suspicious fires" the county must investigate. In a like manner, the review of commercial building permits for fire code compliance could also be handled by existing staff, or also sent off island for review.

Since then, the County has adopted the International Building Code, and Fire Chief Bill McLaughlin has asked the County to also adopt the IFC (International Fire Code) and to establish associated Permit Fees. Chief McLaughlin explained that the County is required to issue permits for certain activities, and that there should be a fee structure in place to pay for the time it takes to conduct the inspections for life-safety issues related to fire codes, and in particular to rental spaces and commercial buildings. One funding source suggested was to eliminate free burning permits, and charge a flat fee of $10 a permit. There could also be fees associated with the inspections of buildings to determine if they meet fire codes, and re-inspections fees if the owners fail to make the required corrections.

The County has asked for additional information, and Commissioner Myhr specifically asked the Chief to address what hardships a new inspection program and associated fees may impose on the public. A draft ordinance may be prepared after additional information on the proposal is reviewed by the County.

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New Minimum Wage As Of Jan. 1

Washington's minimum wage increases 28 cents to $7.63 an hour beginning Jan. 1, 2006.

The Department of Labor and Industries recalculates the state's minimum wage each year in September as required by Initiative 688, which Washington state voters approved in 1998.

The initiative requires the state to adjust the minimum wage according to the change in the federal "CPI-W," which is a national index covering the cost of goods and services needed for day-to-day living. That index rose 3.8 percent during the 12 months ending Aug. 31, 2005.

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RH Has 25 Openings left for Fishing Tournament

Roche Harbor Marine & Resort third annual Salmon classic Invitational, scheduled for February 2 – 4, 2006, has only 25 spots left out of the original 100. Each entry fee is good for 1 boat, and up to 4 anglers per boat -- including the skipper

This will be the third year the resort has held the three-day sport fishing tournament, that in the first two years attracted anglers from all over the Northwest, and as far north as Canada. The Tournament offers over $25,000 dollars in cash & prizes: $10,000 First Place; $5,000 Second Place; $1500 Third Place; $1,000 Fourth Place and total boat weight prized of $1,500.00. In addition, each Angler qualifies for the grand prize drawing: a drawing for a completely outfitted 21 ½ foot Jetcraft boat. In addition, each night donated prizes are drawn from the Northwest's fishing tackle and accessory companies, such as: Frabill; Scotty; Shimano; Laminglass; Simrad; Berkely.

Angler meals and boat moorage included in entry fee of $550.00 per boat.
Please contact Debbie Sandwith, Roche Harbor Market, at 360-378-5562 or email at market@rocheharbor.com.

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Part Of The Family

(Adrian Winters and friend)

While it may not be unusual to find a cat sitting by the front door of a home, or even -in San Juan County anyway- the occasional chicken wandering near a house, one not normally expect to find a bird and a cat to be neutral about each other. But the first time we walked up to Adrian Winters home and Bed-and-Breakfast, we found both a cat and chicken standing next to the front door; waiting, it seemed, for someone to open it so that they might wander on in.

Turns out that was exactly the case. Adrian lived in northern California before moving to the San Juans, and according to her husband, one snowy winter morning he looked out the window and saw a big rooster in the yard. It appeared to him that the rooster was not very happy about it. Turns out the poor bird was not only cold, but had also suffered an injury to a leg, and so the bird was brought into the house by Adrian, fed and cared for…and, you know where this going, right?

That was a few years ago. Back to the present. The cat and the bird are good pals, who hangout together, take the occasional walk around the property, and yup, both walk through the front door if given a chance. But when night comes, the rooster has a perch set-up for him in the laundry room (conveniently over the laundry sink), where it tucks in for the night. Try and find that in Seattle.


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And Yet More Grants Available…

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announce they will begin accepting applications Jan. 2 from individuals and groups seeking financial support for volunteer projects that benefit fish and wildlife.

The department expects to award about $120,000 in grants from the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALEA) for projects undertaken between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2007.
ALEA grants may fund up to five major categories of projects conducted by volunteers. These include artificial production, education and outreach, facility improvements, research and habitat restoration projects.

"Volunteers play a key role in protecting fish, wildlife and natural resources in their communities," said Christy Vassar, WDFW public support manager. "They also work to improve access to outdoor recreation and help educate the public about resource conservation."

Applications will be accepted until March 31. They are available on the WDFW website (http://wdfw.wa.gov/volunter/vol-7.htm) or by calling the department at (360) 902-2700.

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The First Of Many?

(Piet Visser takes ownership of his new electric "truck")

Your may have seen a number of little electric cars parked around Friday Harbor that are for sale. The first one has been sold, and County Commissioner Myhr hopes there will be more of them in San Juan County in the future. Myhr recently told the BOCC that he would like the County to do whatever they can to encourage the use of such non-polluting vehicles, but noted there are some road restrictions that apply to some of the smaller models. Depending on the type purchased, some are restricted to the use of roads that are posted at 35 mph, or less, speed limits.

Local electric car enthusiast Aaron Hayes sold the first electric GEM (Global Electric Motorcar) car last Tuesday to Piet Visser. Hayes, acting in partnership with Bellingham Chrysler Center has started an active campaign to entice Islanders to purchase electric cars for zero emission and to help reduce gas consumption on the islands.

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New Years Resolutions made possible by Island Rec!

Island Rec is here to help you achieve these resolutions! Click to read how Island Rec can help.


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