New Gordy Column: Shadow of Doubt

New Ron Keeshan Column: Book Junkie
New Visser Column: Another Secret Meeting

Kalbert Column: The Family Tree
-----------------------------------------------------------

CC May Decide On Guest Houses Today -Or Not
The County Council will continue their deliberations today, Friday, May 5, at 10 am. in the Council Chambers on a proposed ordinance to settle the ADU issue: Previous Story

The meeting is open to the public, but not to public input at this time. Once, and if, the Council agrees on the content of the proposed ordinance, and then decides to go forward with it, there will be an opportunity for the public to give input at a public hearing.
-----------------------------------------------------------
"The Girl in the Café" Friday, May 5, 6:30pm Pelindaba Downtown
Film, Dessert, and Discussion evening. Set against the background of the G8 Economic Summit in Iceland, this story builds slowly into an unexpected, titanic theme that engulfs you with its power. Starring Bill Nighy, one of England's great character actors, it is worthy of a community discussion.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Letters In Support of Excise Tax
Letters Against The Excise Tax

[ Shadow of Doubt">more..]

Gene Knapp To Run For County Council

( Press Release) Gene Knapp, former elected County official and long time Orcas resident, announced today his intent to seek the District 5 (Orcas East) County Council Member position that was newly created by the Home Rule Charter, voted overwhelmingly into law by the citizens of San Juan County in November 2005.


[more..]

Friends of the San Juans Awarded PIE Grant

(Friends press release) The Puget Sound Action Team has awarded Public Involvement and Education funds to Friends of the San Juans to expand their Shoreline Stewardship Program. San Juan County's shorelines provide critical habitat for marine food webs and at-risk species, including forage fish, salmon and orca whales.

[more..]

GUEST EDITORIAL

(Note: The following is from three members of the SJC Planning Commission that were in the minority on some of the final votes taken by the PC as the Commission worked on the proposed draft ordinance the County Council had sent to them for review, and possible suggestions. )

On March 9th the Planning Commission voted 6 to 3 to recommend that San Juan County ban the construction of guest houses (AKA- Accessory Dwelling Units -ADUs) on all rural and resource lands- unless attached to the main house. We are the three Planning Commissioners who voted against this restrictive ban and this is why we oppose the Planning Commission's final recommendation and draft ordinance.

[GUEST EDITORIAL ">more..]

Lichter's Missive To Bush & Congress Still On The Pad

As advertised, a proposed advisory vote on passing a County Council resolution calling for "a rapid, orderly, and humane withdrawal of all US military personnel and bases from Iraq, during a period of no more that four months, commencing no later than January 1, 2007..and the US continue to provide financial and humanitarian aide (sic) to the Iraqi people...administered by the United Nations..." was discussed during the Council's Discussion/Other Action Agenda period on Tuesday. Lichter said that over 100 cities and municipalities have issued resolutions about leaving Iraq, but that he does not want to be a part of three council members taking an action that does not reflect the will of the voters, so is proposing an advisory measure be placed on the ballot for the August primary (thereby avoiding the cost of a special election). (Previous story) The draft proposed by Lichter differed from other resolutions that have been passed, in that the Lichter draft calls for a petition of the President and the U.S. Congress to withdraw from Iraq, and to do so based on the time-table in the draft.

The content of the draft failed to move beyond a discussion of should the Council embrace national issues when, in the words of Councilman Ranker, "I am opposed to the war and wish we were not there…but we have so much to do in the county, we are barely treading water. We have a number of issues and it is important that we stay focused." Ranker went on to state he was not opposed to the advisory ballot, but was just raising concerns. In response Lichter asked Ranker if he thought the Dog Ordinance was as important. Ranker pointed out that the Council has the ability to "solve problems that are important to our residents" , but that "we do not have authority to stop a war in Iraq".

At this point Councilman Myhr agreed with Ranker that he too had been "a strong opponent to the invasion of Iraq in the first place" and he did not object to putting this on the ballot "but agree with Kevin on how much we can do" to influence action on the issue of Iraq. Lichter in turn pointed out that "If enough voices are heard. It can make a significant difference" Ranker told Lichter that "we have a lot on our plate already…again I question the focus" , to which Lichter asked "What do you mean ‘Work on our plate'"? To which Myhr responded by saying "I can think of a few".. Both Myhr and Ranker stated they would like to see more information on the subject, and Lichter said he would provide it.

While the agenda item was not a public hearing, at the end of the discussion period a couple of the spectators spoke in favor of the proposal, and a couple were against it.


[more..]

EDITORIAL

Council Selects Nielsen Over Dufford

on Tuesday the County Council met in an extended executive session to review the credentials of the two top applicants to replace Wick Dufford, the current Hearing Examiner. Prior to entering the executive session, David Goldsmith listed the names that had applied for the position. The stating of the names was a surprise to the Council, and Kevin Ranker asked if it was appropriate to name them in open session. Goldsmith responded that it was public information, but that the review of their background and qualifications would be done in executive session.

If naming-names surprised the Council, some of the names surprised some of the observes. One applicant (who did not meet the final cut) was Lynn Bahrych, an attorney who has been both a long time Board member and past president of The Friends of the San Juans, and is one of those who has appealed the guest house regulations to the Growth Management Board. Of the two who did make the short list was -surprise- Dufford, who had teamed up with another attorney to do a sort of tag-team approach to the job. But the real surprise was the second applicant on the short list, Bill Nielsen, who is the former chair of the growth management board. The growth management board is the board that has heard the Friends appeals of SJ County's regulations, and those appeals have resulted in the County going to court to defend the current regulations that control and govern guest houses in San Juan County.

[EDITORIAL ">more..]

CC Moves Forward On Carlson Bld

As previously reported, (Previous story) the County has been looking at the Carlson building for sometime as a possible purchase to address the pressing need for additional space. On Tuesday County Administrator David Goldsmith informed the Council that a tentative agreement has been made between the County and John Carlson to purchase the property, for up to 1.7 million, the final price to be based on an appraisal of the building.

The purchase will be structured in a manner that allows the County to make yearly payments of $100,000.00 to Carlson, at an estimated 5 to 6 per cent for ten years, and then the County would pay off the note by issuing a bond.

Both Goldsmith and Si Stephens pointed out that there would be some savings to the County by moving offices that are now in leased space into the new building, and Ranker pointed out that since the County has already agreed to lease part of the building from Carlson (Previous story) , the County would now be able to save that money as well.

[more..]

Scenic Byway Public Information Meetings Scheduled

Islanders are invited to learn about and comment on the State Scenic Byway designation process for local routes at meetings scheduled as follows: San Juan Island, March 29, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at the Grange; Lopez Island, April 5, 5:30-6:30 p .m., at The Bay Café; Orcas Island, April 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at the Library.


[more..]

CC May Ask For Vote On Iraq War

At the end of the County Council meeting last week, Council Chair Lichter told the departing audience that there was one more item he wished to bring up, and then suggested that the County hold an advisory election to see if the citizens of SJC would vote to have the Council pass a resolution to "Immediately withdraw the troops from Iraq, and provide Iraq with humanitarian aid through the United Nations". Tom Munsey of the Green Party of SJC had on previous occasions informed the Council that a number of communities across the country had passed resolutions, or sent letters, to the Administration calling for the withdraw of troops from Iraq.

The last time the voters went to the polls to vote an advisory ballot was on the Guest House issue, which passed with a nearly 74% majority in favor. The current Council has so far chosen to ignore the results of that election, which had been supported by the previous BOCC, but since the proposed Iraq vote would be their idea, one may expect they would abide by the results of that election -if it takes place.

[more..]

Friday Harbor Center wins Best Building Award

Friday Harbor Center won the honor of Best Overall Building and Building of the Year in a contest for "Design and Construction Excellence" sponsored by Garco Buildings Inc. A panel of top Architects and Designers picked winners from 8 categories and then picked one of those category winners for Building of the Year. "It was the hands down winner" according to Joanie Garvin of Garco Inc.

Entries were judged according to a variety of criterion from eye appeal to construction materials and flexibility of design for steel buildings. Com-Steel LLC. was the general contractor.

Owners Gordy and Lori Petersen were surprised when they were contacted by Gerald Schober of Com-Steel with the news. "Your building was selected to be the over all best building of all buildings Garco has fabricated, in all states they serve, constructed in the two year award period. We are very proud of this prestigious award and of our involvement in your project." said Schober.

The Architects for the building were BC&J's Peter Brockvogel and Anna Justiss of D&A Studio (formerly of BC&J).

[more..]

Workshops Scheduled On SJI: Septic & Critical Areas

If you're a professional (or just a private citizen) you may find it helpful to attend one or both workshops that deal with Developing a CAO (Critical Areas Ordinance), and later, a workshop on "New State On-site Sewage Rules".

Both workshops are intended to inform those who may be, or plan to be, involved in the subject matter due to their work or profession, and space is limited for the Critical Areas Ordinance, so not everyone may be able to attend who wishes. This is the second go at scheduling the workshop, as the first one was canceled.

[more..]

WSF Rates Approved As Expected

The Washington State Transportation Commission approved a 6% fare increase for Washington State Ferries at a Seattle-based public hearing yesterday, which will go into effect May 1, 2006. The increase is part of the tariff proposal for which the Commission had sought public comment throughout the months of February and March. The Commission heard 689 comments from 549 citizens during this time.
[more..]

Pelindaba Film/Dessert/Discussion Program

In a new series of programs (Information on Program) aimed at stimulating community discussion, Pelindaba today announced the inauguration of its Film/Dessert/Discussion evenings with a showing of the film, "Thirteen Conversations About One Thing". The event will take place on Saturday, March 25th, at 7 pm at Pelindaba Downtown.
[more..]

County Asks Governor to Save Capron Funds

In a last day attempt to retain future increases in the Capron Funds for San Juan County, the County Council sent a letter to Governor Gregoire this week asking her to line-veto parts of a bill that is due to be signed by her this week. If the bill is signed has presented, the County is expected to loose as much as one to two million dollars a year in future revenue from the fund.

The letter points out that while the Council "recognize that representative of other areas of the State may see this fund as a special treatment"it is important to know that "For 85 years the money provided by the Capron Act has allowed San Juan County to provide good highway access to state facilities and to serve the millions of state tourists that visit our beautiful area".

Administrator Goldsmith and Public Works Director Jon Shannon had brought the matter to the Council last week, and urged them to write a letter to the governor asking her to strike the lines that would effectively cut the funds to SJC, and would send them to the ferry system to offset costs of operation. But Councilman Ranker urged caution, saying "We need to pick our battles", and this is a battle we may not want , "because our own representatives, and others who have been helpful to SJC in the past, all support the bill. "

[more..]

Val Mark Receives 2006 Rotary Award

(Ed Nelson, on behalf of Valmark, Inc., receives the 2006 Vocational Service Award presented by Diane Giesy, President of the Rotary Club of the San Juan Islands

Val Mark, Inc. has been selected by the Rotary Club of the San Juan Islands to receive the 2006 Vocational Service Award.

Val Mark Corporation, which operates King's Market, King's Marine, and Marketplace, was selected for its long history of service to the local community. Val Mark provides funds for the local schools, funds a scholarship program for local students and another scholarship program for its summer employees, provides youth employment, operates a 1% to community donation program, supports the local theatre, Little League, Historical Museum, and supports the community in many other ways.

The Vocational Service Award is presented annually to a local business or individual who best represents the Rotary Four Way test: Is it the Truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

The local Rotary Club meets at Downriggers restaurant each Wednesday morning at 8:00, visitors are welcome.

[more..]

100% Guest Houses Allowed??

The County Council met in a work session on Tuesday to discuss various County issues, and voted to move forward with a public hearing on adopting the draft recommendations on accessory dwelling units from the PC (Planning Commission). A draft that Councilman Ranker called "a much stricter ordinance then the Council had drafted, but I am pleased to see it", and said that he believed it had a better chance of being approved by the GB (Growth Management Hearings Board) then "what we put forward", to which Lichter agreed that "the GB will say ‘This is exactly what we want' "


[more..]

Ranker Challenges Gaylord Over Memo

As reported in The Island Guardian (Previous story) , concern had been expressed by an applicant that recent court cases had made the hearing of "site specific redesignations" by the Planning Commission inappropriate. At a work session on Tuesday, Councilman Ranker forcefully objected to County Prosecutor Gaylord sending a memo to the Chair of the Planning Commission and to the Director of Community Development & Planning, in which Gaylord had stated that "This is to confirm our request to cancel the planning commission hearings scheduled for tomorrow March 17, 2006 regarding site specific redesignations."

Ranker demanded from Gaylord by what authority did he cancel a scheduled hearing, and that he very concerned why this was not brought up before it was. Gaylord said he did not cancel the meeting, and tried to explain that his office recently became aware of a possible conflict, and so he advised the PC not to hold the hearing. But again Ranker told Gaylord he could advise, but he did not have the authority to stop a schedule hearing "at the 11th hour, by you Randy, by who's authority was it stopped? You can only advise!" Gaylord respond that "Yes, that is correct, but our advice was to put the hearing on hold until we had an answer to the question that was raised".

[more..]

Dave Quall Meets With SJC Educators

Representative Dave Quall returned to SJ County last week for a meeting with invited administrators, staff, board members, PTA -and just about anyone else involved in education in San Juan County- for an informal discussion and update on legislature actions, past and present, that may have an impact on education.

Quail, a former teacher with decades of experience in public education, sat down to an informal light lunch with the educators, gave an update on legislative matters, and then engaged in a question and answer session with the participants.

In his legislative report, he discussed the progress and gave a review of the WASA testing program that has become controversial in some districts, and said that there has been some movement toward looking at alternatives that, if held to the same standards, could be alternatives to the WASA test.

He also went over the make-up and purpose of a new task force that he said is referred to as the "Booth Gardner Act", that will look at existing testing programs to determine if they are fair and effective. He said the original purpose of WASA was to be an assessment tool, and not a testing tool. In response to the current federal "No Child Left Behind" program, Quall said "the standards cannot be met, so why put them out there"?

There was also discussion about the evaluation of "all-day kindergarten", and informed the group of educators that there has been some evidence put forward that makes the claim that all day programs can make a significant difference in the future effectiveness of the education of those who have participated in such programs.

The program was put together by Michael D. Soltman, Superintendent of Schools for San Juan Island, who praised Quall for his continuing willingness to come to San Juan County, and said that it is "great to have our state government be so accessable to us".

[more..]

Busy Work Session Tuesday For CC

While the published County Council agenda for Tuesday, March 21 simply states the Council will be holding "Work Session on Various County Issues", there is no indication of what the content of some of those sessions might be. In the light of the recent -and continuing- statements that the Council is dedicated to open and transparent government, The Guardian contacted Council Chair Lichter to ask if he could enlighten us on what some of those county issues might be.

Chair Lichter was kind enough to respond with the following list:

● The appeal procedure for Hearing Examiner decisions;

● Proposed revisions to the SJC animal ordinance;

● The proposed ADU draft ordinance;

● Proposed revisions to the ordinance and resolution re: Lodging tax funds and the Lodging tax advisory committee;

● Council procedures with respect to the Charter.

● A signing ceremony for the Local 1849 Contract with the County.

And also "other items as may occur to the Council, and as there may be time available. There will be, at the start of the session, a Citizen's Access segment, and at the Chair's discretion and with the consent of the Council, we may want to discuss topics raised herein sometime during the day, time permitting".

Sounds like a full day's work.

[more..]

Dept. of Ecology: No Drought This Year

As Washington is pummeled by a late winter storm that continues to dump rain and heavy snow across the state, the threat of repeating last year's drought emergency has all but evaporated.
[more..]

WSF To Change Some Proposals

In what the Washington State Ferry system is calling "a move that demonstrates the value of public involvement", the WSF appointed Tariff Policy Committee "has revised a portion of its recommendations for fare adjustments to the Washington State Transportation Commission", but unless you ride a motorcycle (proposed an increased of 11 to 16 percent, but have dropped it), the recommendations going forward to public hearing next week in Seattle by the State Transportation Commission are expected to remain as presented at the public input sessions held on Orcas and San Juan Island.. (Previous story) The recommendations follow:
[more..]

A Bulb Too Bright!

For a brief shining moment, there was light on the Memorial Park at the foot of Spring Street in Friday Harbor. Way too much shining light. The Guardian went down to take a peek at the new lights, and found a white blaze of light that washed out the park, and looked ever so much like a prison yard, complete with chain link fence and an inmate slowly walking around behind it; who, once our eyes metered down so we could actually see, turned out to be only the editor of the San Juan Journal, walking around in the blaze; perhaps he also had received a call from the public?. So what's up (as they say) with the white arc lights?

Town manager King Fitch told The Guardian that he also was surprised by the intensity and the whiteness of the light, "I think it's too bright", and put a call in to Dave Waldron, the architect, and one of those who have been working and contributing time to the project, and when King asked if David had gone down to take a look at the lights, David responded by saying "They're terrible!" and then asked "Can we turn them off unit we fix them?". Another call went out to Dana Baker, owner of FH Electric, the company that installed the lights as directed, and King suggested that the halogen bulbs and/or the ballasts be changed out and replaced with sodium lights. King explained that the soft orange lights used on the port docks and in the town street lights that illuminate with a soft warm light are sodium lights.

King joked that if they cannot get the lights off quick enough, we should inform our readers that "they are just construction lights". For now the lights are turned off, and the problem will be addressed so that the park will be the inviting place it is intended to be. As King said, "It is still a work in progress".

[more..]

Charter Impact Still Being Felt

In a letter addressed to the Planning Commission and to the Director of the CD&PD (Community Development & Planning Department), County Prosecutor Randy Gaylord informed them that since a site specific redesignation is, under state law a "quasi-judicial action", it must be processed in the same manner as any project permit. In other words, since the new County Charter, and state law, allow a citizen planning commission to advise on land use classifications, it cannot sit as a legislative or a quasi-judicial body on granting or denying project permits.

The matter came to a head when questions were raised by an applicant whose application to change the land use redesignation on a parcel of land was scheduled to be heard by the Planning Commission, and not the Hearing Examiner, who under the Charter and state law should be the hearing body.

In his correspondence, Gaylord stated that: "According to state law, (RCW 36.70B.040(4) and Wenatchee Sportsman v. Chelan County) a site specific redesignation is a quasi-judicial action that is identified as a "project permit" that is to be handled like any other project permit. That means that the permit should be processed before the hearings examiner like any other project permit, with an appeal to superior court under LUPA.

It is anticipated that Gaylord will be introducing to the County Council some suggested changes to existing county ordinances that will make them compliant with the Charter and state law.

This is but another example of the house cleaning and adjustment to the old way of doing business in SJC that is expected to go on for awhile, until all the loose ends and changes are made to a large body of existing regulations and policies that must now match up with the requirements of the Charter form of government.



[more..]

Meeting On An Endangered SJ Butterfly

A number of private and governmental agencies have come together to hold meetings on SJ and Lopez island to discuss the Island Marble Butterfly, once believed to be extinct, but found on San Juan Island, and in a few other locations, in 1998. The meetings will bring together the major stakeholders involved for a discussion on the butterfly, and -hopefully- how to protect it. The first meeting will be held at Skagit Valley College on San Juan Island, Friday the 17th, at 7 p.m., and then a second meeting on Saturday the 18th, on Lopez, 12:00 pm, at the Library.

Since its rediscovery there has been concern that it deserves governmental protection, and ironically one it's threats may be the government. At least part of it's habit is within the confines of the borders of the Federal park at the south end of San Juan Island, and according to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, the park service has damaged parts of the habitat (Previous story) . The National Park Service will be one of the presenters in two scheduled meetings to be held this Friday and Saturday

The Friends of the San Juans may be contacted at 378-2319 for additional information

[more..]

Scenic Byway Meetings Scheduled

Islanders are invited to learn about and comment on the State Scenic Byway designation process for local routes at meetings scheduled as follows: San Juan Island, March 29, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at the Grange; Lopez Island, April 5, 5:30-6:30 p .m., at The Bay Café; Orcas Island, April 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at the Library.

More than 15 grassroots community organizations support a Scenic Byway designation for the Washington State Ferries San Juan Islands route as well as driving tours on Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Islands. If these routes are designated as a State Scenic Byway, they will be eligible to apply to become designated as a National Scenic Byway. If designated nationally they will become eligible to apply for National Scenic Byway grants. Scenic Byways are based on the following six qualities: scenic, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and archaeological.

[more..]

Council Holds Hearing On Orcas

(Large turnout for County Council hearing held on Orcas. -Wanda Evan's photo)

Early on after he was elected, Councilman Bob Myhr made it clear that he wanted the Council to hold more meetings on the other islands, and especially when the subject of a public hearing effected only the citizens of a particular island. The Council agreed with Myhr that this should be done, and on Wednesday the Council and staff packed up and set sail for Orcas for a public hearing on the East Orcas Water Supply report, and its recommendations for implementation.

Like most planning recommendations, the draft report has pleased some, upset others, and confused a few -or many, depending on who you talk to. In the previous workshops on the plan (held in Friday Harbor), the attendance was light, to say the least, but even so some of the concerns about the plan surfaced, and so when the Council opened the hearing on Orcas, they did so to a room full of Orcas citizens ready to listen, learn and testify.


[more..]

Getting Tough On Allowing Guest Houses

As advertised, the CC held their first work session on the PC (Planning Commission) draft of the ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) ordinance, but all that was accomplished was for the CC to give a good impression of where they may be headed once they spend some time reviewing it, and coming up with a final draft to present to the public for comment.

All three Councilmen praised the work of the PC, Ranker calling it a "very thorough job" and stating that while "the PC is a diverse group, they came together with a very strict ordinance", to which Myhr said "this is closer to where we want to be in this county, while still allowing ADUs". Both Myhr and Ranker may have been unaware that the Planning Commission vote was split, and that they "came together" by the majority out voting the minority, on a majority of the motions.

Chairman Lichter asked the staff if the PC presented their work as a solution to protecting the SJC environment, and meeting the orders of the GMB (Growth Management Board) order, and was told by staff that since the draft prohibited free-standing ADUs except in urban and activity centers, it should be acceptable to the GMB. Ranker opined that the PC position is "much stricter than what the County Council put forth". And indeed it is, going beyond what was required by a GMB order, which simply required the County to address free-standing ADUs in the rural areas, and on those lands that have been designated as resource lands. Lichter said that he "admired the work done by the PC, and that he agreed with the comments made by his fellow Councilmen.

[more..]

CC To Start Work On ADU Ordinance

The County Council will hold a "work session" today (3-14-06) at 2:00 P.M. to review a proposed ordinance that will amend the San Juan County Code regarding ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). The agenda does not make it clear if the review will involve only the original draft ordinance that the Council sent to the PC (Planning Commission) for their review and comment, or if they will start to draft a new ordinance now that the PC has rejected the draft ordinance as too complex and unworkable. (Past Story)

The PC has drafting a proposal that, for all intents and purposes, prohibits all guest houses, but allows duplexes to be constructed (and rented out) pretty much anywhere in the county, so long as the attached second living area does not exceed 800 square feet -including roof overhangs, and any connections to the house. While the general public may know this concept as a duplex, the PC sees them as "attached ADUs". (Past Story)

How the public will respond to the ignoring of their past advisory vote that expressed a clear majority was in favor of allowing guest houses, as long as there was some control and restrictions on them, should become apparent once the public hearings begin on the subject


[more..]

Guest Editorial

Councilmen Put In 60+ Hrs a Week
By Alan Lichter

In an Opinion Piece last week, Greg Hertel suggests a salary for incoming Council Members. (Hertel Editorial) Based on what he assumes are the working hours for the Council, he suggests remuneration of $12,000 per year – this, for the highest-ranking elected policy-makers in County Government!

Unfortunately, Mr. Hertel's formula is sadly uninformed by any knowledge of what a Councilman actually does, about the wide scope of county issues and citizen concerns that must be addressed by Council Members, about the sheer amount of time and energy a committed Council Member expends.
[Guest Editorial">more..]

PW Director On Sustainability In SJC

(Shannon addressing the San Juan County Green Party)

The Green Party held their monthly meeting on Saturday and heard featured guest speaker Jon Shannon, Director of SJC Public Works present a talk entitled "Toward a sustainable San Juan County. Shannon told the group that he was not speaking for San Juan County, and then worked the group though a model of sustainability in the negative, a model of a community that would have a low sustainability score, a model that, coincidently appeared to look a lot like San Juan County.

Shannon told the group that all systems have in-flow and out-flow, and as an engineer, if he wanted to develop a community that was not in balance in the in-and-out flow rates, there are a number of things that he would do. Some examples that count against having a balance, he said, would be to have a community isolated as much as possible; it would be a suburban area, and not primarily rural or urban, and if the community was divided by natural barriers, like water, then it would be even more out of balance. In other words, a place like San Juan County.

[more..]

Award-Winning Play at SJCommunity Theatre

(SJ Community Theatre photo)

Which matters most: the years that keep us apart, or the moments that bring us together?
The answer may make you laugh … and cry in San Juan Community Theatre's production of Marvin's Room. The award-winning work by Scott McPherson will receive a preview performance Friday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m., and continue with six more performances through March 25.

[more..]

Good Timing

(Steve Allen, owner of Customwood, watches as volunteer firefighters receive orders)

High winds, wood building in the middle of town, fire hidden from view. That was the bad news. Normal work hours, alert neighbor, a quick response from the fire department. That was the good news.

Dan Lowe, the owner of Lowe Construction was working in his office (which is in his wood working and construction material storage building) when he noticed smoke coming from under the building next door. A building that is very close to his building. He called in the report, and within a short time the fire department and Sheriff deputies were on the scene. One of their first actions was to disconnect the electrical power to the building, as a general preventive measure, and then locate both the location and source of the fire.

The source of the fire did turn out to be, as was predicted by on-lookers, of an electrical origin. Because of the quick response by all involved, the damage to the building was minimal; and the potential for another major fire in Friday Harbor was averted.

[more..]

Leadership SJI Recruiting for Class of 2007

(Photo of Class 2006:Top Row: Matt Maher, Orcas; Richard Civille, San Juan; Mieka Neenan, Orcas
Second from Top: Helen Venada, San Juan; Kristine Odle, San Juan; Kathy Hagn, San Juan
Third from Top: Shannan Sword, San Juan; Bonnie Bossler, Orcas; Susie Teague, Lopez; Kris Bayas, San Juan; Bottom Row: Deborah Hopkins, San Juan; Chinmayo, San Juan; Nick Teague, Lopez)


The Leadership San Juan Islands program is hosting Open Houses on Orcas, Lopez and San Juan for those interested in learning more about the program or would like to apply to join the Class of 2007. Leadership San Juan Islands is a countywide program, founded in 2004, to educate and motivate emerging community leaders. Applications are available on our website (www.leadershipsanjuanislands.com) or by request, and are due April 30th. Class 2007 runs from September 2006 – May 1007.
[more..]

CC Wants to Extend Timelines For ADUs

In what some are saying was confusion on the part of the County Council on what date the Court of Appeals Stay of Proceedings expired, the CC realized that they will not have time to past an ordinance on where, and how large, a guest house can be; and if they follow the Planning Commission's recommendations, they will drastically redefine and tighten up guest house regulations (see story below)

County Prosecutor Randy Gaylord presented the Council with a time-line of dates that set out what has to be done, and when. Based on comments made by the Council, it appeared they had confused the April 17th date that comments are due to the GHB (Growth Hearings Board), with the expiration date of the Stay of Proceedings that they had requested from the Court of Appeals

Gaylord then began to give arguments against asking for the extension of the stay from the Court of Appeals, repeating his previously presented arguments that to have the case settled by the court would end the on-going litigations, and would also be of value to other counties, who are awaiting the outcome of the case, to see how it will effect them. He also pointed out that to let the court decide the issue would be the most cost effective approach, since it would give clear guidance as to what the County could, and could not do, with respect to allowing guest houses.

At this point he was interrupted by Councilman Lichter, who informed him the Council had already came to an agreement at a Council Staff Meeting and Work Session on Monday, and that he "wanted to move forward with this in discussion now". Gaylord appeared to be momentarily taken by surprise by the news that the Council had already entered into discussion at a staff and work session. He said he would be glad to answer any questions the Council might have as they now discussed the matter.

Ranker asked Gaylord if they could continue working on compliance after the expired date, and Gaylord responded that they needed to have completed the process prior to expiration dates.

After a brief discussion, the Council voted to ask for an additional 180 day stay, and to also request an extension from the GHB. If granted, the County can proceed with the course they have chosen of passing an ordinance that they hope will be acceptable to the GHB. But because it will not have been tested in Court, the whole process of appeals can start all over again, and at some point may very well end up in court anyway.

[more..]

PC Splits On ADUs

(Planning Commission plays to an empty house)

In a Council room devoid of members of the public, the Planning Commission held their last meeting on a draft ordinance to limit the construction and location of guest houses (aka ADUs). After having rejected most of the proposed ordinance that was sent to them by the County Council for their review, the Commissions played around with the idea of allowing ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) to be attached to a house or to an accessory building (e.g., a garage, barn, shop, etc) as has been done in some other counties, or, should they limit them to being attached only to one allowed primary residence.

But in the end, a majority of the PC rejected the idea of adopting the same solution as used by some other rural counties, stating that to allow them would be to run the risk of having them "pop-up everywhere", and San Juan County is not as "rural" as those counties that allow them to be attached to out buildings. What seemed to push a couple of the members who had, from time-to-time, seemed to be leaning toward allowing guest houses to be constructed as long as they were attached to out buildings, was the simple fact that if they allowed them, they might actually be built.

Rather than retaining the controls that are now in the regulations, and adding additional restrictions to mitigate the visual impacts of allowing small 800 square foot attached guest houses, (which is what the Superion Court had called "structural density") they simply said that if attached to a main house, it was okay, but if attached to an out building, that was not okay.

[more..]

Enroll Now for Skagit Valley College

Open Enrollment begins Monday, March 6 for all individuals who are interested in registering for Spring Quarter classes and workshops at Skagit Valley College. Spring Quarter will begin Tuesday, March 28 at the San Juan Center in Friday Harbor.
[more..]

Not Much To Agree On

(Ri Warren and Kevin Ranker before the SJ Board of Realtors)

The San Juan Board of Realtor had asked Planning Commissioner Ri Warren of Orcas Island to come and be their guest speaker at a recent business luncheon, and then also invited Councilman Kevin Ranker to speak as well. Commissioner Warren and her family had originally been one of the unfortunates that had found themselves caught in-between the SJ County appeal by the Friends of the provision in the regulations that allowed free-standing guest houses to be constructed, and the appeal by the Friends when Ranker was the Executive Officer of the group. Because of her successful fight to maintain the ability to have a guest house, she has become both an expert, and an advisor to others, on the history of the legal battles that have ensued, and she is also a spokesperson for the importance of allowing them.

Ri was first at the podium, and went over the history, starting with how and why guest houses have always been allowed in SJ County, and then gave the history of the Friends Appeals, the County's law suits to retain the right, and the current state of affairs of the County Council having presented to the Planning Commission a proposed ordinance to settle the matter out of Court; a proposal that had been drafted in executive session with the Friends (background story) , and that would severely restrict and reduce the construction of accessory dwelling units.

When Councilman Ranker spoke, he stated that at the time of the first appeal by the Friends in January of 1999, he had, as the Executive Officer of the Friends, written the appeal, and as a current Councilman also taken part in preparing the current proposed ordinance now before the Planning Commission, An ordinance which he called a "win-win" situation for the County; but Ri considered a "loss-loss" for the county, and a win-win for the Friends. Ranker's other comments showed there was little else they agreed on, including some of the bench-mark dates. Ranker told the group that he needed to correct the record about some of Ri's comments, such as that the proposed ordinance did not count ADUs as density, (a close reading shows it does count them as density, unless they are permitted by an ADU permit) and while Ri noted the Council had been advised by their attorney, Randy Gaylord, to not enter into an agreement with the Friends, but to wait for the Court of Appeals to come back with a decision, Ranker criticized Gaylord as one who has "zero authority" over the departments and is wasting tax money by "outsourcing the appeal to a Seattle law firm.

Ranker told the assembled group that he believed that San Juan County should be allowed to have free-standing guest houses. Given his past work with the Friends, this came as a surprise to some, but on this point, at least, Warren and Ranker agreed. Ranker also told the group that the Friends is deeply divided on the guest house subject, and the Friends organization may suffer as a result of their activism on the subject.


[more..]

New Gordy Column: What Kind of Community?

Visser Column: Believe Us Now…
Weissinger Column: The Ministry of Funny Walks
-----------------------------------------------------------

Reader: Agrees With WeissingerLetter On Iraq Vote: Solve County Problems-----------------------------------------------------------
Part Two: A Pro & Con Discussion On Affordable HousingFive Part Discussion By: Albert Hall
Five Articles By: Paul Losleben
-----------------------------------------------------------
2 New Letters In Support of Excise Tax
-----------------------------------------------------------
This Friday Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) Workshop
This Saturday Lincoln Day Dinner fundraiser by SJC GOP

[ What Kind of Community?">more..]

Lawmakers Pass Air Ambulance Bill

The legislation that will allow air ambulance services to offer membership subscription programs has passed both the Washington State Senate and House of Representatives unanimously. It is expected the governor will sign the legislation. 90 days after the governor's signature, air ambulance companies can begin to offer air ambulance subscriptions enrollments.

Families in San Juan County will remember that air ambulance "insurance" used to be available to county citizens. Families subscribed for between $50 and $100 per year. The subscription provided full air ambulance coverage if a family member required an emergency helicopter flight to a mainland hospital. The cost of the service without the subscription ranges from $8,000 to $10,000. Prior to passage of this new legislation, the subscription option had been disallowed by the State Insurance Commissioner's office.

Three citizens from Orcas Island, Joan Berkowitz, board member of the Orcas Island Medical Clinic, Garth Eimers, in charge of emergency medical services for the Orcas Island Fire Department, and John Evans, Former San Juan County Commissioner, worked with State Senator Harriet Spanel to introduce the necessary legislation that reinstated the ability of air ambulance services to offer subscription services. All three citizens attend meetings regarding the proposed legislation and traveled to Olympia to testify before legislative committees. Representative Dave Quall sponsored the bill on the House of Representatives side of the legislature.

[more..]

A SJC Health Group Receives 20K Grant

( George Harper presents check to Susan Hill & Dr. Gossom of SJC Health Care Associates)

The SJC Board of Health was the scene on Tuesday for a presentation of a $20,000.00 check to SJ Health Care Associates. The money was in the form of a grant to fund a program to improve, and aid, in the use of digital technology to store and share medical records

The grants have been awarded to ten small physician practices in Washington State, and are intended to aid these practices in the use of this technology. The grant was awarded by First Choice Health Network as a part of a "joint quality initiative between First Choice and Qualis Health", which will provide the support and consultation necessary to utilize the program

[more..]

What the CC Wants from County Administrator"

by Bob Myhr

Speaking as an individual Council Member, I believe that the County Council is working diligently in our transition to new Charter government. Following the provisions outlined in the Charter, we have selected a part-time, temporary County Administrator, David Goldsmith, who is doing a good job in helping us in the initial phases of the transition. We have initiated the recruitment process for a full-time Administrator whom we hope will be on the job by May.

As we move forward, the Council is developing new ordinances and guidelines for conducting county business. One key aspect of these guidelines is the relationship between the "Legislative Body" --- the County Council ---and the "Executive Branch" --- the Elected Officials, County Administrator, and Department Heads. Ever since the passage of the Charter last November, I have been thinking specifically about the good working relationship we want between the Council and the Administrator and the guidelines for that relationship.

Below are outlined some of my conclusions as to what the County Council wants from the County Administrator:

[more..]

Parking Is Such A Problem In FH

This early morning accident occurred on Blair avenue in Friday Harbor, and once again the good news is that there were no injuries, and -just in case it is needed- there is both a bank and a Safeco Insurance company right across the street. As of 7:30 this morning the driver was still waiting for a tow out of the yard, so if Blair is in your travel plans this morning, you may want to take an alternate route. The car is expected to be removed before the heavy rush of traffic at 8 a.m.
[more..]

1884 Lynching Still Hanging Around

We receive a lot of press releases, and most of it is irrelevant to San Juan County, but once in awhile we receive something that is interesting enough to pass on to our readers, and yesterday as we read the press release below, we thought you may also find it to be an interesting read:

Resolution to address 1884 lynching of Canadian boy by mob from Washington Territory
OLYMPIA -- Lt. Gov. Brad Owen on Wednesday is expected to present a special resolution that seeks to reconcile a historical injustice for the 1884 lynching of a 14-year-old Canadian boy to the grand chief of the First Nations Sto:Lo Tribal Council.

The resolution acknowledging the wrongful lynching of Louie Sam by an angry mob from then Washington Territory passed the state Senate Monday evening and is expected to pass the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Owen said. Following that the resolution will be formally presented to Doug Kelly, grand chief of the Sto:Lo Tribal Council, in the Senate chamber.

[more..]

5 "Outer Islands" Artists Display Work.

The Island Museum of Art is pleased to present some of The San Juan Island's finest visionaries. The exhibition will run March 3 through April 8, with a reception for the artists on March 3, from 5pm-7pm.

The focus of this exhibition is the five diverse artists who are drawn to the subtle patterning and relationship of forms that surround us in the natural world. They have such a variety of background and points of inspiration, and yet all circle the same conclusion in their work.

[more..]

ARC Announces Outreach Meetings

The Agricultural Resources Committee (ARC), established by the Board of County Commissioners in the fall of 2005 to "address new and emerging issues relating to local and regional agriculture," announces a series of outreach meetings on Lopez, San Juan, and Orcas islands.

The objective of the meetings is to listen to the issues, concerns, and ideas of everyone involved in agriculture in the county. A meeting will be held at the SJI Grange on March 4, and at the Eastsound Fire Station on Orcas on March 11. ARC Chair Susan Robins said that the mission defined for the ARC is to protect and restore the agricultural resources of San Juan County.

[more..]

County To Lease Part Of Carlson Bld

The County has decided to lease the front portion of the Carlson Building at $925.00 a month for the Elections office. The good news is the County expects to obtain money from the Federal government to cover not only the costs of installing the infrastructure for the office, but now there is also some indications that the rent may also be paid for two years by a grant.

The County has an interest in an outright purchase of the entire building (Previous Story), and just before the Council made the decision on Tuesday to lease the space, they had entered into an executive session to discuss a "Real Estate Acquisition", but after coming out of the session, they announced no action had been taken, so there was no information as to what possible acquisition had been discussed.

[more..]

Perhaps A Step Closer To Impact Fees

How to pay for capital facilities that government wants or needs, when there is not sufficient money coming in from taxes is not a new problem for government, and certainly not for San Juan County. The County Council has for years desired to impose an additional fee on those who decide to build, arguing that when one builds, or subdivides and creates a buildable lot, they will also create an additional impact on government facilities. Councilman Lichter told County Administrator (pro tem) David Goldsmith on Tuesday that "New people should pay their past dues…it is simply a matter of fairness"

But when this topic has come up in the past, others have asked, is it fair to charge an additional fee to build on bare land, land that no one lives on, creates income year after year, and decade after decade for the government through land taxes, and yet with no, or only the most minimal, financial impacts on a community; and then when the owner decides to build a house on the land, charge them an "Impact Fee", because they will now have some potential impact on roads, and schools -if they have children, the library if they use it, police, fire, and health departments, to name but a few.

[more..]