Miller's Views On Draft Charter: Not Positive

Two Freeholders recently sat down with Commissioner Rhea Miller to conduct an interview, with the hope that her comments could help them fine tune the draft Charter the Freeholders will be presenting to county voters in the next election. As it stands, the charter would make some very fundamental changes in county government, and it was felt that Miller could provide some insights, and advise on the current content of the Charter.

The Freeholders, Ed Carlberg & David Bayley, were surprised to learn that while the County has for years talked about hiring a County Manager, but has taken little meaningful action toward that end, the BOCC has now "hired an outside independent consultant to study whether a manager is a good idea". (see PREVIOUS STORY on this) It also was revealed that the hiring of the consultant occurred while the Freeholders were in the process of drafting a Charter that was obviously moving toward including a County Manager position.

It is widely believed by observers of county government that much of the support for the passage of a Charter, that will include a new government structure with a County Manager as a "Chief Executive Officer", can be attributed to the public's desire to have a professional running county government. According to the report on the interview, Commissioner Miller "acknowledged that there seemed to be a groundswell of support among voters to hire a County Manager to handle some of the administrative duties now burdening the Commissioners, but she still views this public opinion warily, and without enthusiasm".

On the question of county wide support for the Charter, the Freeholders now have some input back from a questionnaire the public was asked to respond to, and one of the results shows a lack of broad support on Miller's home island of Lopez for what is expected to be included in the Charter. Miller stated " Lopez people are not unhappy with their government and their Commissioner. Darcie Nielson and John Evans were the cause of the public's unhappiness with County Government, and that they authorized the Freeholder activity without her support."

Miller's opinion on the wisdom of going from full time commissioners (i.e. not providing them with "full time pay") was, in her words: "unworkable", because " part-time people who are simultaneously running another business wouldn't have the time to attend such meetings, and would not be able to accomplish the things she (Miller) has been to do".

One of the inclusions in the draft Charter is a provision for the voters to write and place on the ballot grass-roots "legislation" through Initiatives and Referendums. Miller is also against this aspect of the Charter, due to her belief they create a "risk of mischief and unintended consequences".

It is expected that at the next meeting of the Freeholders the report will be discussed in some detail.

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Whale Museum Gets New Paint & Sign

photo by Jack Cory

Thanks to a number of donors, including Stegman Painting who spent days scraping, priming and painting the building, and the creative work of Turn Point Design in the production of the new sign (being installed above), The Whale Museum is ready for the season.

The Museum has extended a special "thank you" to the donors to their Plank by Plank campaign, including Albert Shepard, Exhibits Curator, who designed and helped create the new sign.

The Whale Museum is located next to the American Legion building, at 62 First St. N., in Friday Harbor.

For additional information, call (360) 378-4710, ext. 3


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MV Swan Sinks Near Friday Harbor

Port of FH photo

According to the Port of Friday Harbor, "The MV Swan sank last night at anchor about 100 feet outside the Port of Friday Harbor's western boundary and a just off of University of Washington Laboratory property. The Swan had been anchored in this location for about ten years. Nearby liveaboard boaters anchored behind the Port noticed the Swan was taking on water early Tuesday.

Island Oil Spill Association members did an initial assessment and found there was a slight sheen near the Swan but no significant amount of fuel or oil was coming from the sunken vessel. Gas, oil and solvent cans could be seen floating in the cabin which can escape when the Swan breaks up. Jackie Wolfe from IOSA notified the Coast Guard of the sinking. IOSA will boom the boat until the Swan can be emptied of debris and check for hazardous materials at the next low tide. Washington State Department of Ecology will fund the booming. The last registered owner of the vessel has been contacted.

The Swan is resting in about six feet of water on state land managed by the Department of Natural Resources and appears to be in an area under the jurisdiction of San Juan County".



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Eastsound Water Wars To Come To An End

Eastsound Aquifer Boundary shown as blue line. Dots show existing wells
For years now the Eastsound area of Orcas has been drawing water from wells without any formal -or informal- plan for the area. The GMA (Growth Management Act) contained a requirement that in an UGA (Interim Urban Growth Area) there must be a potential for a level of service to the area that is necessary for the projected growth.

While the drawing of water from the wells in the Eastsound area may have been unorganized, the Eastsound area is not short on organized groups. The County has been asked by some of those groups to step in and help solve the problem -a problem that involves not only the County, but also the State. The problem stems from the simple fact that unlike many areas on the islands, the Eastsound water source is one single aquifer, so what one person does, can effect all. And according to a hydrogeologic report presented in 2003, there may be more ground water rights (not all of which have been used) in the Eastsound Aquifer then there is water.

According to Mark Tompkins, the Environmental Health Manager for San Juan County, the Eastsound Water Users Association sent a petition to the County, and the East Orcas Water Supply Planning Committee, and the Eastsound Planning Review Committee, all got in the boat on the need for a CWRA (Critical Water Resource Area) designation. This then allows for a master plan for the use of water, called a Abbreviated Coordinated Water System Plan. If that was not enough, the SJC Water Resource Management Committee also supported the action.

On Tuesday, the Board acted. A Resolution was passed declaring the Eastsound Aquifer a critical water resource area and called for the development of an "Abbreviated Coordinated Water System Plan".

After the passage of the Resolution, Mr. Tompkins said a group can now be formed to draft the management plan. The Commissioners thanked Tompkins for including all of the interest groups in the process of bringing the proposal to the Board.

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Whooping Cough? Again? In July?

It has been a couple of years since the last case, but JoAnne Campbell, (RN, MPH) who is the Personal Health Services Manager for San Juan County Health & Community Services, reported to the SJC Board of Health (aka: the BOCC) that the Department is n investigating a confirmed case of pertussis (which we lay people know as "whooping cough")and a possible second case. The problem may not be over. The investigation of the confirmed case indicated that as many as 75 children and 5 adults may have had at least some contact with the individual with the confirmed case -this does not mean these people will also become infected, but it does mean there is that possibility. According to Campbell many of those who have had contact with the infected person have been referred to their physicians for any appropriate action deemed necessary.

Because Pertussis has also been identified in neighboring counties, exposure is more likely as people travel. According to Campbell, "Pertussis is most contagious during the first week when symptoms are mild like a bad cold. The irritating cough persists and gradually develops into a series of repeated and violent coughs (many occur without an opportunity to inhale), and then may be followed by a high-pitched inspiratory whoop and/or vomiting. The contagious period lasts until 3 weeks after the onset of the fits of coughing" and she added "The illness may last for 1-2 months or longer".

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If BOCC Hires County Manager, End Of Freeholder Concept?

At a recent BOCC meeting the Commissioners discussed holding a work session on hiring a County Manager. At the meeting it became apparent that the BOCC had already entered into a contact with Richard Foote, a local San Juan Island resident, to explore the pros and cons of hiring a County Manager. This has come as a bit of a surprise to some members of the Freeholders, who are working on including that very position as one of the main reasons for the public to -hopefully- vote in a new form of government, the center piece of which will be a County Manager position.
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Gaylord's Actions On I-912 Concern Initiative Organizers

(Randy Gaylord)


SJC Prosecutor Randy Gaylord's office has issued a press release informing the public that his office has joined follow prosecutors from Auburn, Kent and Seattle, in the filing of a lawsuit against the organizers of initiative 912. The suit charges the organizers of the initiative have raised and spent money from unidentified sources. In simple terms, the suit has asked for an injunction, and penalties, against the use of any unreported money in their campaign, to have an initiative against the tax, placed on the November ballot for a state wide vote.

The new gas tax was imposed by the State, and I-912 will remove the legislation that imposed a new tax on the sale of gasoline. Those behind I-912 believe that if they can get a full state wide vote on the tax, the public will vote against the tax. The tax has been stated to be necessary to improve existing transportation facilities and roads in some parts of the state -most notable in King county, however none of the money is earmarked for San Juan County. The suit has sparked a strong response from the organizers of I-912.
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DOE Issues Warning & Investigation On Barge landing

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Gravel unloaded onto LaFarge Beach for SJC Public Works
The recent barge landing and unloading of gravel at LaFarge Beach for SJC Public Works has resulted in an investigation of the landings by the State Department of Ecology. In a letter sent to LaFarge Canada Inc., with a copy to Matt Zybas, the new Interim Director of CDPD (Community Development and Planning), Robert Fritzen of DOE informed LaFarge that the Department has " reason to believe that you may be responsible for substantial development within Shoreline Management jurisdiction in violation of …RCW…and provisions of the San Juan County Shoreline Master Program".

While the letter states the intent of the investigation is to obtain information to allow the Department to determine if a violation has, or has not, occurred, it also points out the Department has the authority to issue an order and impose a fine of up to $1,000.00 per day.

This may be embarrassing for the County, for the investigation follows closely on the heels of a previous letter STORY from DOE to Randy Gaylord, SJC Prosecutor, informing him it is the obligation of the County to enforce their regulations. It should be particularly embarrassing in this case, since the violation -if there is one- would be directly related to the barging in of material for the County.

In previous findings by the DOE, it has been determined that only three barge landings a year are permitted, and in addition, the ramp that was purportedly used to unload the county gravel may have been the same ramp that was found by DOE to "exceed any established nonconforming right".

LaFarge has thirty days to respond to the letter. The responses will be considered by DOE "as to whether or how to proceed with further enforcement on this matter".

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Dance with the Pros at DanceWorkshop II

San Juan Community Theatre announces: DanceWorkshop IIwelcomes Marc Siegel and Pamela Lehan-Siegel, artistic directors of Dance Theatre of Oregon (DTO), for an intensive workshop July 6-9. The Siegels will offer instruction in a variety of dance styles in daily classes from 10:00-11:30 a.m., open to students of all ages (youth 10+ and adults).

Several students will be selected to perform with Dance Theatre of Oregon in their concert performance at San Juan Community Theatre, Saturday, July 9, at 8:00 p.m. Those involved in the concert will continue in rehearsal each day to 1:00 p.m.

The workshop fee is $60 for class only, or $75 for participants in the concert. Some scholarship assistance is available. To register, call Selena Forster at 378-4572.

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Leadership Class Plants Oak Tree

It was over a year ago that Skagit Valley College, working with the aid of the SJC Economic Development Council, began accepting nominations for a six month course designed to help create leadership skills for the participants in the program that would benefit not only the participants, but also the community.

To honor the founding of the Leadership San Juan Islands program, the class recently planted a Red Oak tree at the courthouse.

In a past conversation with Skagit Valley College Director Colleen Clancy, the Guardian was told that some of the members of the first class would now continue the program, so that each class would, in some measure, become a part of the leadership that continues the program.

Additional information on how to become involved can be obtained from Skagit Valley College.

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Another Senior Planner Comes On Board

Elizabeth Anderson

Elizabeth Anderson is a new Senior Planner for SJ County. Her experience as a professional planner started on an island just southwest of the San Juan islands: she was the Senior Planner for the County of Maui. Some of her work on Maui was similar to what SJ County has been going through to meet the GMA (Growth Management Act) requirements: For example Anderson managed a project team for a comprehensive zoning program for Maui County, and developed, drafted and presented ordinances for each of the four islands in the county (sound familiar yet?), and also drafted and applied administrative rules and forms for processing regulations. On the permit side of planning, she conducted environmental reviews for major and minor development projects.

Hawaii, like San Juan County, has a rich history, and a recognized need to protect the historical record. Anderson was involved in coordinating county cultural resources management action, which included reviews of impacts on archaeological sites and construction design review in the county and national historic districts.
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SJI School Expects to Start Site Work On Fields

Area for proposed athletic fields

Michael Soltman, Superintendent of the SJISD (San Juan Island School District) believes the District will be able to obtain the necessary clearing and grading permits to start site preparation for athletic fields to be constructed on school property. The permits will allow Don Galt to obtain donated gravel from LaFarge, and the labor required to place it on the site. While the impetus is the fields, the end goal is development of the site for possible construction of new buildings; however the expansion of the project to include buildings is not now necessary, or required, by the Districts needs.

According to Dr. Soltman, "the permit will allow alteration of 35% of the total acreage including:

excavation of 8,400 cubic yards of topsoil,
hauling 6,054 cubic yards of sand fill to the site,
hauling 4,500 cubic yards of pit-run for the road and parking, and
excavation of 11,000 cubic yards of cut and fill to re-grade the fields.

The fields will be leveled, which will require from 2 feet to 4 feet excavation and fill at each field. Road and parking areas will not change elevation. A total of 10.5 acres will be affected. Fill for the playfields will be dozer compacted; roads and parking roller compacted.

As part of the project a fence will be erected around a portion of the Fox Hall property. The rest of the project will be put on hold until a Conditional Use permit is obtained from the Town. It is expected the permit hearing will be held at the end of summer, at the earliest. This will be the time and the opportunity for input from the public as to what the project should look like and what conditions should be imposed. Such areas as hours of operation, lighting, and sound systems are but a few of the possible areas that will be addressed by the Town, but the major topic is expected to be how the land can be accessed with the least negative impacts on the neighbors that surround the school land.


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Murray: $25 Million Fed Funds For WA Salmon Recovery & $1.4 Million For N. Straits

In press releases from the office of U.S. Senator Patty Murray, it was announced that an appropriation bill will include funding for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund. Senator Murray said: " "Communities across the state have committed to protecting and restoring salmon runs and I'm proud that the Senate has provided funding to make this possible."

In addition to the salmon recovery money , the bill also includes$8 million to Pacific coast tribes and $2.5 million to Columbia River tribes. In another matter, Murray's office also announced that the Senator "has secured $1.4 million for the Northwest Straits Commission in the Senate Appropriations bill. Murray helped launch the innovative grassroots approach to marine protection seven years ago and has secured over $4 million for the restoration efforts in the past six years.

The Northwest Straits Commission was founded in 1997, and Murray was a part of it. The Commission created an advisory commission to work toward protecting marine resources in the Northwest Straits area of northwest Washington and Northern Puget Sound to the Canadian border. There is a local connection to this commission in that San Juan resident Bill Ruckelshaus chaired an evaluation panel and worked to have the bill supported by Congress.

None of this, of course, is a done deal yet, the senate bills that Murray worked on will now move on to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration, and then to the Senate floor for a vote. We will keep you posted on the progress.




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Special Report: History of Special Education & IDEA

What is it & How Did We Get From There To Here?

By Jack McKenna

Last week in a meeting with Superintendent Michael Soltman, school district employees learned that a single special needs student will cost our district hundreds of thousands of dollars over the next few years – with little chance of help from the federal government. Yet it is a federal mandate that requires the San Juan Island School District to shoulder this burden. Across the nation, thousands of school districts big and small are cutting basic services to provide for similar special needs students. How did this happen?

In 1975, Congress passed the Special Education and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This legislation formally extends to children with disabilities the right to a free, quality public education. No one can fault the spirit of this legislation, yet the San Juan School District's financial challenges are representative of a national crisis caused by IDEA.

In short, Congress has broken its promise to fund these services, and as a consequence there are some truly frightening statistics locally and nationally.
Here are the essentials of the problem:
• There is a mandated federal requirement to serve special education students.
• The costs of meeting this mandate have escalated without limit.
• There is an expanding population of qualifying students.
• There are highly organized advocacy groups using the justice system to obligate local districts.
• Congress has not funded its mandate leaving the costs to states and districts.

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SJI School District Settlement Is Released

The Island Guardian has received a copy of the settlement agreement between the SJI School District and the parents of the child who is at the center of the agreed settlement. The three page document sets out the terms of the settlement, listing the amounts of money the District has agreed to pay the parents and the child; as well as the agreed to monthly payments necessary to provide the housing, care and education of the child. The copy is a redacted copy, blocking out the names of the parties, to provide the anonymity that State law requires.

Due to a poorly written state law, the child cannot receive the confined care that the student requires in order to receive the education that State law requires (See former story: "$162,000 Unexpected Yearly Expense For School". As a part of the settlement, The District will reimburse the parents $23,000.00 that they have spent for past educational expenses for their child, and the District agreed to take over the monthly expenses of $13,500.00 a month for the out of state costs for the care and education of the child. An important part of the settlement is the District agrees to continue to pay the monthly costs so long as the student's parents are residents within the School District; which is to say, they must reside on San Juan Island.

The agreement provides certain advantages to both parties. For both the parents and the District, the disposition of the matter is now known to all parties without the continued outflow of additional expenses to the attorneys -that are always at hand, to lend a hand- for resolution of the dispute. This in itself will save money for the District. However the case could become alive again in the future, if either party believes conditions have changed, or have been changed. With respect to the money, as previously reported in The Guardian, the District will apply for so-called Federal "Safety-Net" funds to help offset some of the expenses to the district.

The Federal funds are appropriate, in that it is a 25 year old federal law -known as IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)- in conjunction with the problem in our state law, that has caused a financial drain on local school districts; no matter their size or affluence. Some districts have filed bankruptcy as a result of the financial costs necessary to pay for the education of a student that qualifies under the IDEA law. If a number of parents with disabled children were to move into a school district, and if the federal government does not step up to the plate with money to fund the un-funded mandate, then the students in the effected district may be impacted by budget cuts.

The following is a press release from the District that attempts to answer some of the questions that have arisen from the settlement agreement:
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Gaylord Guest Editorial

Opposed To The Elimination Of Poll Voting.


Count me as one elected official opposed to the elimination of poll voting.

I have fond memories of polling places. I married my wife, Marny, at the Olga polling place, and I returned there the night of the 1994 General Election to get the first returns on my race for Prosecutor. I was leading by a five-vote margin of 55 to 50.

The poll workers in Eastsound will recall that I would often bring my children with me to vote in the last fifteen minutes before the polls closed. After signing my name, talking to the weary poll workers, and then voting, we would wait until 8 PM - at which time Ken would bellow out, "The polls are now closed!" Voting was more than a ritual. It was a civic duty.

The act of going to the polling place assures that the people who vote truly do live in the community. A person ­ probably someone you know ­ confirms your identity and your address. You are given one ballot and you cannot vote another ballot that is sent to your household. If you make a mistake on your ballot, you have the chance to correct it before the ballot is counted.

There is no question that more people vote by mail than at the polls. But, as the recent Governor¹s election proves, mail ballots increase the margin of error in an election because of the difficulty in identifying voters, and problems in accounting for all ballots sent and received. Some of the problems you have heard about in King County have also occurred in San Juan County. If there is another close election, these errors could change the outcome of the election.

(Note: Mr. Gaylord is the San Juan County Prosecutor)
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Scott Webster to Run for SJ Port Commission

Press Release from Mr. Webster: (June 15, 2005, Friday Harbor) Scott Webster, artist, entrepreneur, former aerospace executive and San Juan Island resident, today announced his plan to file as a candidate for the position of Port Commissioner, District 2, Port of Friday Harbor.

As a candidate for Port Commissioner, Scott brings:

A Commitment to Preserve San Juan Island's Natural Beauty--"I am an artist, an avid sailor and pilot who first fell in love with these islands 25 years ago. My wife, Rosalie, and I settled here drawn by San Juan Island's natural beauty and small-town lifestyle. I am committed, therefore, to preserve the island's remarkable natural assets and unspoiled community character."

Creativity and Organizational Experience--"As a co-founder, executive and director of Orbital Sciences Corporation, I have helped to create and build one of America's leading space system manufacturing companies. I'd like to apply twenty-plus years of experience managing organizations, solving problems, establishing and living within budgets and dealing with the Federal government and other public agencies to help Friday Harbor further advance an already terrific reputation for port facilities and services."

Understanding of Port Issues--"As a sailor and a port customer; a pilot and a member of the Airport and Seaplane Base Master Plan Advisory Committee, I have the background, understanding and capability to contribute effectively on port issues as soon as I take office."

Mr. Webster can be reached at: 1508 Three Meadows Lane - Friday Harbor, WA 98250 - 360-378-3641




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Interim Director: $20,000 For Study Of Department

Interim Director Matt Zybas

The interim CD&P (Community Development & Planning) Director presented an up-date report to the BOCC last Tuesday on his department. Director Zybas told the Board that it was his intent to hire a consultant to come into the department and determine if there were ways to improve it. He estimated the cost to be in the range of $15,000.00, and believed the Department budget would support the expenditure, partly because he had decided not to replace the now vacant position of Deputy Director.

Commissioner Miller suggested to the Board that this would be a good time for the Commissioners to come up with a set of "goals and objectives" for the Department. After a brief discussion it was decided to have a work session on the matter. Mr. Zybas encouraged the Board to act quickly, so that the consultant could incorporate the Boards work into the review of the department, and include in the study any recommendations for implementation of the goals and objectives. Because of the proposed input by the Board, Mr. Zybas estimated the cost of the consulting work would now be closer to $20,000.00

Commissioner Miller also reminded the Board that there are ongoing financial issues for the County, and they needed to be cognizant of this as they make decisions. She then noted in passing that any changes made to the Department as a result of the report will cause the consultant to "take the heat", and not the Director.

Commissioner Ranker congratulated Mr. Zybas for his ability to have quickly turned around the department from what it was, to what it is today.

Commissioner Lichter inquired if an application for a new deck on a house is placed in the same pile as all other building permits, or was there some way to issue the easy ones before the time consuming ones were processed. Mr. Zybas told the Board the Department was working on coming up with a method to speed up the processing of permits.

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FH To Lose 2nd Ferry Slip

Ferry Advisory Meeting in FH on Thursday

Friday Harbor will not have a second ferry slip. WSF Director Mike Anderson announced in a press release that "the ferry system cannot afford or justify the additional cost of $5-7 million that would be needed to convert the temporary slip to a permanent operating slip.

Mr., Anderson and his entourage had come to Friday Harbor to attend a Ferry Advisory Meeting, and released a statement at the meeting that listed the reasons for the decision, which, to no ones surprise, were based on budget constraints.

According to Anderson, the issues involve not only the cost of removal of the existing, and construction of the new, but also goes to the issue "that the town's current infrastructure does not support the second slip as a viable service slip.", He pointed out that because of the problems of traffic flow, it takes three times as long to unload a ferry in Friday Harbor, as it does in other terminals.

And the future outlook? In his closing statement he held out the possibility for a second slip: "We are certainly willing to revisit the need for a second slop in the future as we solve the unloading issues at this terminal.".

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BOCC Concerned On Use Of Rifles

Sheriff Cumming & Dave Zeretzke

A Staff Report entitled "Safe Shooting" was presented to the BOCC by SJC Administrative Services last Tuesday, June 14. The report was generated out of a concern expressed by citizens, and former Commissioner John Evans, that the time may have come to restrict the use of high powered rifles in San Juan County. In short, the report informed the BOCC that they have limited ability to enforce or restrict what type of guns are used in San Juan County.
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$1.8M Public Works Land Purchase

Blue Line Shows Subject Property
As reported in The Guardian in May, the BOCC will be purchasing land just north of the Friday Harbor town limits. The land is near the new Carlson Commercial park development, and is some of the only land left on San Juan Island where commercial development can be placed. The County Assessor has assigned a value of approximately $21,000.00 per acre to the property, and according to a Resolution (#61-2005) passed by the BOCC, the County will be paying $66,667 an acre for the property. When the Public Works director was asked about the disparity in value, he would not comment except to say some of the $1.8M of the purchase price was not directly related to the land cost.
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Land Bank Expands Crescent Beach Preserve

Land Bank Photo
The Land Bank has announced the acquisition of 10 acres and 450 feet of shoreline at Crescent Beach, Orcas Island. This purchase expands the Land Bank's Crescent Beach Preserve, adding conifer forest, wetlands, a potential off-road parking area, and possibilities for future trail connections. The land was purchased from Scott McKay for $890,000 and included settlement of a longstanding shoreline property dispute. $700,000 was paid at closing, with an option for the remaining $190,000 to be paid for in land of equal value in lieu of cash.
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Rhea Miller To Resign In July

PRESS RELEASE FROM MILLER

(BOCC photo) Commissioner Rhea Miller will be resigning her public office as of July 31, 2005.
The Democratic Party will appoint a replacement for Miller. The replacement will have to be from District 3. Historically the party will go to the public and ask for anyone with an interest to put their name forward, and then the party will interview, and then a replacement will be appointed by the BOCC. The replacement will serve out the remaining term, and then they could run for election. The press statement from the BOCC follows:

"Life's opportunities do not always coincide with elected terms of office," stated Commissioner Miller. "I have been honored to serve in public office for 10 1/2 years. It's been an incredible experience. I have given it all I have to offer. I now need to take advantage of new opportunities coming my way."

Rhea Miller is currently in her third term as County Commissioner. "More than anything I have wanted to keep our communities healthy by supporting our working people, whether through resources for childcare and families, the owner-builder code, affordable housing, skate parks, the mobile processing unit, or water catchment. I have tried to listen and be fair, and yet make firm decisions - to hold the whole."

As a Commissioner she gained a national reputation for her work in making San Juan County the first jurisdiction to successfully ban jet skis. She has been recognized for her leadership on resource protection on "Good Morning America Sunday" and "CBS Sunday Morning." She was the keynote speaker for the national gathering of the Natural Resources Conservation Service in 1997. She serves as the Governor's appointee to the Puget Sound Council and served on the State and Federal Long Term Oil Spill Risk Management Panel. She was asked to testify for the Federal Ocean Commission and was a panelist at the Governor's Forum for a response to the Federal Ocean Commission Report. She has served on the Board of Directors for the North Sound Mental Health Administration for her 10 1/2 years and is proud to have succeeded in securing the Human Services Building in the former Windermere Building. She has also been the liaison for the County with the surrounding Tribes.

Commissioner Miller will be leaving for New Zealand on August 2nd at the invitation of the Waitaha, an indigenous people of New Zealand. A New Zealand agency has offered an expense paid trip and honorarium in November to conduct workshops on affordable housing and alternative techniques on building. There has been renewed interest in her book within the scientific community. She will also be accompanying the Waitaha in the Americas at a date yet to be announced.
Commissioner Miller recommends that the choice of her successor take into consideration several factors:

1) be a strong presence - able to walk into any state office or any Congressional office or speak to any Department Head or Elected Official as a strong advocate for our citizens
2) be a quick study - already steeped in community matters
3) have the ability to listen to and relate to the broad spectrum of our community - to be a good steward of this community
4) be dedicated to quality of life consistent with our citizens' vision statement
5) be dedicated to maintaining families and diversity within our community
6) be dedicated to the protection of our natural environment
7) be fiscally responsible
8) support appropriate economic development that sustains our agriculture, forest, and marine resources

Commissioner Miller expresses deep gratitude for her experience as an elected official in this wonderful County. She has great confidence in the remaining members of the Board of County Commissioners and the successor of their choice.

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What A Place For A Fire!!

Photo by Jack McKenna

Quick thinking and action by a citizen who pushed the car with his truck away from the gas pumps, and response from the Fire Chief and store owner, averted what started out as having the potential to have put Friday Harbor back on the Seattle evening T.V. news... for the wrong reasons.

What could have been a major disaster, ended up as a lost car and a ruined vacation for tourists who lost their car to a fire early Sunday morning. When the owner of the car stopped at the Little store, a fire broke out in their car as it sat between the gas pumps and the wall of the store. According to Jack McKenna, bystanders reported that the car seemed to explode. McKenna said "I can tell you that there was a strong smell of hot electrical insulation prior to the big whoosh. The car was under the awning, with flames washing the wood above, but a customer with a truck in line behind pushed it clear to the position you see in the pictures". One of the store clerks saw black smoke coming out of the engine and ran to get Bob Wingate, the owner of the store, who was working in the office. Bob ran out to the car with a fire extinguisher, and found, of all people, Fire Chief Bob Lowe working on the fire with bottle fire extinguishers. Chief Low had been driving past when the fire broke out. Bob and Bob kept the fire from spreading to the gas pumps and the building while they waited for a full response from the Fire Department. When the fire trucks showed up, they were able to put out the fire, and then did a check of the building roof to be sure the fire had not migrated from the car to the roofing material.

One of the family members said this was their first time to Friday Harbor, and that they were not likely to forget the trip; and then added "Love the people here!". Roche Harbor sent a bus to pick up the family, but Nate Mauldin already had them packed up in his car and ready to go. The reason they had stopped at the Little Store? Their car was overheating and they were looking for water.


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$50,000 For Ball Fields, But Planning at Impasse?

File photo
Don Galt Ready to Break Ground But School Board Gets Nervous.
If your for, or against, proposed ball fields, mark your calendar for a community meeting next week, Thursday, June 16th, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the high school library. The SJI School District wants to hear from the community on:.

• How much does the community want additional athletic fields?
• How can we resolve the issues about access?

For sometime now, San Juan island resident Don Galt has been organizing and obtaining both work and money commitments from San Juan island citizens to build a number of ballparks and playing fields. The fields are to be constructed on public property owned by the school district, and are to be used for both the community and the school district.

A large monetary boost was given to the project when Mr. Galt recently received a check for $50,000 dollars from a donor who wishes to remain, at least for the time being, unknown. But if this was a boost, the brakes were gently applied by the school district when it became concerned about possible opposition to the project.

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Veterans and Motorcycles: A Fund Raising Weekend

Events Planed to commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

Motorcyclists To Ride to San Juan to Honor Service Members. On May 30th there were Hundreds of thousands of Vietnam veterans who gathered at the Pentagon for the annual Rolling Thunder Ride to support and honor veterans, and now San Juan Island will become the destination for a smaller gathering of veterans on motorcycles. The weekend events have been planned as a way to share and honor the veterans who served in the Vietnam War, and to raise money through a silent auction, dinners, and other activities. The Proceeds will benefit The Wounded Warrior Project, Homeless Vets in the Northwest and the local American Legion Military Museum.

Check below for a schedule of events that will include guest speakers and a commemorative & moving sunset ceremony to honor those who did not come home.
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$162,000 Unexpected Yearly Expense For School

SJISD Issues Statement: Go to end of story below to access it

The San Juan Island School District (SJISD) will be paying $13,500.00 a month ($162,000.00 a year), in unbudgeted money, to provide special education for one student, who will receive their education out of state.

The problem is the result of good laws with unintended consequences. Some years ago Washington state passed a law that forbids the "confinement" of a minor except for criminal offenses. Mental or physical disabilities that require 24 hour care count as confinement in Washington, and some other states, but not in all states. Washington state also requires the State to fully fund "basic education" for all students of the state.

The unintended consequence of the two laws results in students who are found to require 24 hour care cannot receive an education in Washington. As a result, the local district that they are enrolled in has to pay for their housing, care and education, in a state that does allow the 24 hour care necessary to provide an education, as the Washington State Constitution requires.

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Island Housing Solutions Summit

Attendees listen to a presentation on affordable housing
A "Island Housing Solutions Summit" organized by Larry Soll, Ralph Hahn, and Lee Sturdivant attracted approximately 60 citizens to come out of a sunny Saturday and into a meeting room to discuss the current state of affairs, and the problems that can result from a lack of "affordable" housing. The group was told that one of the causes of the problem is directly related to the inflation rate of property, which is due to the influx of buyers who have more money ("urban based incomes") than the local working residents, and are willing to pay higher prices.

The meeting started at noon and ran to late afternoon, and consisted of talks and power point presentations on the rising cost of home ownership in the San Juans, the need to keep a diversity community, how programs in other communities have provided affordable housing, the advantages and disadvantages of capping the amount of profit one can achieve by owning and selling a house provided under various programs, and how a Housing Bank could solve the problem. And then the floor was open to public input on the presentations.

By the end of the day it was the general consensus that the group would explore a proposal to put a measure on the November ballot to set up a new County committee that would be based on the existing Land Bank model of taxing real estate sales. The proposal would place a ½ % tax on the purchase price of real estate. The money raised would then be used in some yet undefined manner (perhaps a Housing Bank) to provide, or assist, certain members of the community to buy or rent affordable housing. Additional meetings are planned to work out the details; and/or come up with new ideals and proposals.

Paul Losleben of the Orcas Research Group was one of the presenters, and stated: "Our intent in presenting our ideas is to stimulate public discussion, including observations of issues that we may have overlooked. The important thing is to work together toward solutions".

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Questions on Amsbaugh & Shaw Departure

One of the conditions of the agreement between the County and LaFarge that must be satisfied prior to the purchase of the LaFarge gravel pit, and the adjoining LaFarge beach that was created to provide storage for the sand and crushed rock that the company exported, was the completion of a reclamation plan for the property. In order for the reclamation to be completed, all necessary forms and permits must be obtained to do the reclamation, and then the County must inspect and approved the project as having been completed as per the permits. This approval is accomplished by the County CDPD (Community Development & Planning Department) signing a form known as an SM-6. Without a signed SM-6, the Department of Natural Resources will not approve the reclamation as being completed. If the County buys the property prior to the reclamation work being completed, the required work, and accompanying costs, will become a County responsibility.

When Francine Shaw was the Deputy Director of Planning, she kept a phone log of her calls, where the date, who called, and a note of the content of phone calls were recorded. The pages are bound in the book and are sequentially hand dated. When the Guardian came into possession of a photo copy of one of the filled out pages that spanned from the 5th of May to the 8th of May, we called Shaw to ask about a notation made by her on May 5th. The log entry stated Alan Lichter had called her, that the subject was "SM-6", and under notes was written: "say LaFarge will pull out of deal w/San Juan County if we don't sign SM-6" Shaw confirmed that the copy was from her phone log, and that the note referenced a statement made to her by Commissioner Lichter. In a phone interview with Commissioner Lichter, he said he had "no recollection of having said that". He said that he had called Shaw, but only to ask her general questions about the LaFarge project.

Shortly after Shaw's employment was terminated, Shaw made a sworn declaration to the law fire of Gordon & Thomas, in which she stated that in the week of May 4, LaFarge representatives met with her and Mr. Amsbaugh (the former Director of CDPD), and "pushed us..to sign off on the SM-6 form."

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Memorial Park Redux

Michael Bertrand
Town of F.H. Land Use Administrator

At the regularly scheduled Thursday meeting, The Friday Harbor Town Council received a staff report for a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit to renovate Memorial Park; a process that was fairly well underway by the time the Land Use Administrator presented the Staff analysis and recommendation of approval for the project to the Council. After testimony and discussion, the Town voted unanimously to approve the latest plan for Memorial Park -and a few new proposals for the waterfront area as well- proposed by the Town, for the Town.

Any proposed changes to the park has generated strong interest and input from the community, and a letter from the Women's Study Club helps to illustrate just how watchful the community can be. President Van Camp reminded the Council that their group was "instrumental at the outset (1914) in establishing our historic and beloved Memorial Park", and then goes on voicing strong support for the new plan approved for the park. Everyone from military veterans, which is after all, the whole point of the park, to the various protectors of historical sites in Friday Harbor, has had an opinion on what, if anything, should be done to the park. In general the consensus has been to simply leave it alone, or at the most, adjust the boundaries just a bit to allow better traffic flow.

After a number of false starts, backfired votes and new proposals, it appears the community and the Council have got it right. The draft proposal has been approved with support from all involved, and is now being fine tuned for formal approval by the Town. The park boundary will be moved four feet to the southwest, and modest improvements made, to include new benches, and an arbor.

As part of the renovation, the Port is expected to become involved in the project by providing funding for a ramp that will allow easy access from the existing shoreline sidewalk, down to the lower level that leads to the piers next to the Downriggers restaurant and to the public building at the end of the pier. This addition -if it happens- will also have an arbor and trees, and is seen as a "magnet" to bring people to the shoreline.



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SJI Students Honor Their Principal

Middle School Assembly in the Turnbull Gym
Students assembled on Friday to celebrate Court Bell's retirement after 37 years in education, including 7 years as Principal of Friday Harbor Elementary School and 7 years as Principal of Friday Harbor Middle School!

A day of respect for Court Bell started with a School Assembly in the Turnbull Gym, went to a Community Potluck in the FHMS Commons, and ended with a Presentation, and a community sharing of pictures for a scrapbook and favorite Court Bell stories. The Principal will be missed.

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Volunteers Needed for Memorial Triathlon

Lend a helping hand and volunteer for a few hours Saturday June 18 for the 9th Annual Jon Pettingill Memorial Triathlon. Volunteers are needed along the racecourse to point bikers and runners in the right direction, to hand out water, and assist with parking. Special skills are not needed, just a willingness to be part of this great island event. If you have a few hour to spare the morning of Saturday June 18 and call Sally Kerr at Island Rec, at 378-4953. Proceeds raised from this event help to support children's scholarships and learn to swim program.
Contact Sally Kerr, Recreation Director
(360) 378-4953
www.islandrec.org

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Art Days At Sculpture Park

Westcott Bay Institute Photo

Saturday, June 4th from 10-4pm

Art Days is a series of free family oriented art events happening at the Westcott Bay Reserve Sculpture Park, every Saturday from Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend. Local Artists lead children and their parents through a hands-on art activity. On June 4 the activity is Cardboard Creations.

Bring the whole family to the Sculpture Park at Roche Harbor and join in a fun filled art making experience.
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Land Bank Seeks Input On Cady Mountain

A revised draft stewardship & management plan is available for public review, and comments are being accepted through June 15, 2005.

The Land Bank has revised the draft Management Plan for a Cady Mountain property that will soon be open to the public. After input from the public, and in particular from neighborhood residences and members of the Trail Committee, the Land Bank made revisions to address the concerns expressed at the public meetings. (Previous Story)

The Cady Mountain property is accessed by a problematic private road that has required expensive upkeep and maintenance due to the steepness and underlying bedrock; conditions that have resulted in winter erosion problems.

Some of the provisions in the Management Plan (Link to Plan) include monitoring the usage of the road with car counters, and monitoring the Land Bank property with trail monitors. The Land Bank will also investigate "alternative access possibilities". Copies are available form the Land Bank office, 378-4402
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