May 17th, 2012, by Margie Doyle
“There is no future in neighbors fighting neighbors.”
It’s with a sad and resigned feeling that I quote these words from my mentor, Pat Pomeroy, who with her husband Wes, raised four daughters, was Broker-Owner of Coldwell Banker Orcas Island, and a major contributor to United Way of San Juan Islands.
I say this on the eve of the joint County Council/Planning Commission meeting for a public hearing on the Fish and Wildlife portion of the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), which will take place in Friday Harbor on Friday, May 18 at 8:45 a.m. until 2 p.m. The hearing will be videoconferenced at the Orcas Library (where the public can comment) and it can also be viewed at http://sanjuanco.com/council/video.aspx
This hearing will deal with the “buffer” issue protecting wetlands, the bone of contention for many who are dead set against the CAO update. It’s important to keep in mind two factors:
1) Regulations proposed only apply to new construction
2) The county is taking a “customized” approach to buffers, where individual cases can be considered.
There has been much discussion of the use of “best available science,” and what exactly that means. Deep in our hearts we know that fish and wildlife need conservation from humankind’s two great failings: pollution and over-development.
We also know that part of our local, islands’ character is independence and personal expression – I’ll bet you can count on one hand the communities that have a cow for a Mayor or raised over $18 million to save a mountain, or that lost official transport when a ferry captain showed his house to his girlfriend.
Now, regarding the CAO update, we see that expression in cynical bumper stickers and heated public comment; while unpleasant, they remind us that while some people feel the powers that be are not listening, others have chosen to “drop out” with a bitter view of government and their neighbors.
Still others say we should just forget the whole thing. But most of us just want to finish the project of updating the CAO and move on to more important business in living the good life of natural beauty and personal freedom. The other over-arching characteristic of our island communities is our respect, care and compassion for our neighbors.
As we grow, so grows government, because government is us – the toad worker (I meant ROAD worker!), the records keeper, the tax collector, the land use planner, the teacher, the fire and rescue workers, the water and other utilities’ workers, and all the rest of us who pay income, retail, and business taxes.
And government changes lives from what we’re used to. Now kids not only must be seat-belted in cars, but they must have special seats – “In my day” babies sat on mom’s or siblings’ laps and kids scrambled like kittens all around the vehicle. But today, there are fewer deaths and injuries, thanks to seat belts.
It doesn’t help local policy- and rule-makers’ case when the implementation of their decisions is biased or ill-informed. That gets to the question of leadership and motivation.
Enforcement is dictated by complaints in our county: them’s the rules. Permitting can be slow and random. There will always be exceptions and mistakes.
And no good deed goes unpunished. No great idea is not dogged by nay-sayers. It takes great personal strength to remain true to one’s vision when criticisms become personal, heated and defensive. It also takes great personal strength to persist reasonably when power to enforce becomes the controlling rationale, and a reasonable exception is called for.
And in governance, there is a bottom line, not based on money, but on principle and vision. A leader, a “decider,” will make some unpopular decisions for the good of all in consideration of the vision.
The CAO update process has taken vast amounts of county government time, effort and money. In the end, enforcement will depend on the ability of neighbors to work with neighbors before taking their complaints to an official level, even more than on protection of nature or the right of personal expression.
And for that, we are inordinately fortunate. As the CAO update process drags on, we are forgetting the way to work together, and instead becoming entrenched in our “sides.”
It is time to move on, make some decisions about this long-delayed process, and turn to other issues in our quest for “the good life.”
In this county, we are so incredibly fortunate to have vast personal freedoms and profound natural resources. We all want to protect and enjoy that. While some enjoy a good debate, others just want to putter, plan and protect as a private citizen. Both are good motivations, but when the debate delays decision, it is time to move on.
Moving on may mean the next step will be to employ the lawyers and judges to fight the CAO update in the courts, but wouldn’t it be nice if we could just come to case-by-case consensus?
We are the government, and we can only achieve that vision if we also remember that we are still neighbors, and not just faces in the crowd.
Margie Doyle
May 17th, 2012 |
May 15th, 2012, by Margie Doyle
Updated May 15 at 9 p.m.
Friday, May 18 at 8:45 a.m. in Friday Harbor-videoconferencing at the Orcas Island Public Library, from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
From Ingrid Gabriel, San Juan County Council Clerk
The San Juan County Council will conduct an Early Start Special Meeting on Friday, May 18, 2012 in the Legislative Hearing Room, 55 Second Street, Friday Harbor beginning at 8:45 AM. Agenda items include:
- San Juan County Council and Planning Commission joint public hearing on an ordinance amending the Critical Area provisions of the San Juan County Code. The ordinance addresses Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas.
- Approval of San Juan County Council’s May 8, 2012 minutes
- Discussion of county administrator transition.
The agenda and related materials may be obtained 3 days prior at the County website at www.sanjuanco.com/council/default.aspx or at the Council offices during each business day between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For more information please contact the Clerk of the County Council at (360) 370-7470.
Interested parties are encouraged to attend and submit written or oral comments. Written comments submitted prior to 8 a.m. May 17 will be copied for the Planning Commission and Council members.
If written comments are submitted after 8 a.m. May 17, or at the hearing, please provide 20 paper copies. In addition, videoconferencing for the purpose of public comment will be available at the Orcas Island Public Library only, from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. The meeting will be live streamed at http://sanjuanco.com/council/video.aspx.
The proposed ordinance:
- revises the list of maps used to identify FWHCAs;
- modifies definitions of terms;
- adds a section on applicability;
- identifies types of FWHCAs;
- adopts provisions associated with the use of maps; revises the classification system to meet current state requirements; establishes protection standards including standards for aquatic FWHCAs including streams, lakes over 20 acres in size and marine shorelines, as well as upland habitats and specific species;
- revises the process for nominating species of local concern.
State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Review
An Environmental Checklist for the proposed amendments was reviewed, and it was determined that adoption of the proposed regulations will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment, and an environmental impact statement is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). Under WAC 197-11-340(2) a Determination of Non-Significance was issued on May 1, 2012.
Comments on this determination must be submitted by May 16, 2012. Following a final decision this determination may be appealed with the underlying action to Superior Court or State Boards as provided in RCW 36.70A, RCW 90.58, and RCW 36.70C. For appeals to Superior Court, the appeal period is 21 days and for appeals to the Growth Management Hearings Board, the appeal period is 60 days.
May 15th, 2012 |
May 14th, 2012, by Margie Doyle
From the San Juan Islands Conservation District
Soil Challenge: Two Categories!
1) Spring 2012 – Follow-up Testing
This category of testing is limited to those who submitted samples to be tested in the Fall of 2011 and showed deficient fertility. Limit one test per landowner. Only 20 tests in total for this category for the Spring testing will be sent to the lab.
Cost is $5 per test for shipping and handling. The San Juan Islands Conservation District (SJICD) will provide cost share for the additional $34. We have limited funds for this category so first in, first served! The Test Request Form may be downloaded from our website – www.sanjuanislandscd.org.
2) Spring 2012 – New Testing
Testing for those who DID NOT TEST in the of Fall 2011. Limit one test per landowner. Cost is $39 per test. The normal cost is $59 for this test and agronomist recommendations. Our original Fall testing deal was not offered by the lab this time and this is the best deal we could get! The Test Request Form may be downloaded from our website – www.sanjuanislandscd.org.
The Challenge
- Have you ever tested your soil?
- Have you made changes since last fall?
- How fertile is your soil now?
- How does it compare with previous tests?
- Other landowners?
The only way to know if you are managing your soil well is to begin with a soil test. Results are emailed to you and the best improved results will be posted at the San Juan County Fair!
How to Participate:
- Soil samples must be taken between May 15th – June 21st.
- Re-tests should be from the same area testing in Fall 2011.
- New tests should be from an area of interest that is in production or will be this year-for example, a pasture, a market garden, or an orchard.
- Drop-off samples, test request form & check at the San Juan Islands Conservation District, 540 Guard Street, Friday Harbor, WA or WSU Extension Office, 221 Weber Way, #LL, Friday Harbor.
Make checks made payable to San Juan Islands Conservation District. All samples will be sent to AgSource Cooperative Services Laboratory. The same lab will be used for all tests. Results will be emailed and presented at the 2012 San Juan County Fair in August.
Deadline for Spring Soil Sample Submissions – June 21.
Sponsored by AgSource Cooperative Services Laboratory, Umatilla, Ore., The San Juan Islands Conservation District, Friday Harbor, Washington State University, San Juan County Extension.
For more information, call 360-378-6621 or visit the office at 540 Guard Street, #150 in Friday Harbor, check our web site at www.sanjuanislandscd.org or email us at info@sanjuanislandscd.org
May 14th, 2012 |
May 14th, 2012, by Margie Doyle
From San Juan County Department of Emergency Management
Learn about the assessments of wildfire risk and the wildland urban interface of San Juan County. Discuss YOUR priorities for how our community can best mitigate these risks.
The planning committee would like to provide the opportunity for meaningful discussions among community members and local, state, and federal government representatives regarding their priorities for local fire protection and land management.
Public input is being sought to better understand the vulnerability of County residents, businesses, and resources to wildfire. The purpose of this plan is to promote awareness of the countywide wildland fire hazard and propose workable solutions to reduce the wildfire risk.
- Shaw Island – May 21st 5:30 pm at the Community Center
- Friday Harbor – May 22nd 5:30 pm at 1011 Mullis street
- Waldron Island – May 23rd 11:00am at the Post Office
- Orcas Island – May 23rd 5:30 pm at 45 Lavender Lane, Eastsound (Meet & Greet 4 pm – 5 pm)
- Lopez Island – May 24th 5:30 pm at 2228 Fisherman Bay Road
These public meetings will address the Community Wildfire Protection Plan and Wildfire Risk Assessment being developed for San Juan County. The planning committee is working on:
- Mapping the Wildland Urban Interface in San Juan County.
- Improving public awareness and educating the public about wildfire risk.
- Evaluating strategies for landowners to lessen wildfire potential.
- Addressing areas of inadequate fire protection.Recommending risk mitigation projects.
These meetings are open to the public and will include slideshow presentations by wildfire specialists and local personnel working to develop these plans.
For more information on the Community Wildfire Protection Plan and the Wildfire Risk Assessment, contact your local Fire Department or Brad Tucker with Northwest Management, Inc. at (208) 883-4488 ext. 123
May 14th, 2012 |
May 13th, 2012, by Margie Doyle
As a concerned citizen and property owner in San Juan County, this CAO has been driving me nuts. As I think about it and observe the document coming to completion, I am left with a few thoughts.
Let me state out right that I oppose this ordinance for a number of reasons, mostly because the Best Available Science is so subjective and no one has been able to definitively show that there really is a problem! The Growth Management Act states the CAO should be updated if there is a need or problem. This document is full of too many “could be”, “maybe”, “most likely”, “probably”, and assumptions that if this, this, and this is present most likely this will happen (I might add that there is no “base” science data for wetlands for example, to compare to when specifically talking about the San Juan Islands.
It blows my mind that the wetlands from maps in 1993 have increased when we compare the maps of 2010. Do they multiply?) That is like saying everyone should where a protective helmet all the time because you “may” get hit with a baseball. Or everyone should have hard rubber tires because you “probably” will run over a nail at some time and get a flat. Sounds ridiculous doesn’t it. The real question should be why did we opt into this in the first place when there was no problem? I wasn’t around when this was passed but I can guess that the County Council who voted for this were environmental “greenies” who would rather save a tree or frog and stifle growth, then to think about the socioeconomic and property rights of human beings. Last time I read the Constitution I don’t remember life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for plants and animals. There is a solution to this but it is not the current intrusive CAO. Read more…
May 13th, 2012 |
May 12th, 2012, by Margie Doyle
From the Orcas Island Library
If you have passion, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to champion the Orcas Island Public Library please keep reading.
The Orcas Island Public Library is seeking a new trustee to complete a term ending at the end of 2012, with possible reappointment for a five-year term beginning on January 1, 2013. The Board is composed of five members charged with overseeing the Library’s planning, services, policies, and expenditures.
Serving on the library board requires a talent for teamwork, along with a belief in the culture and tradition of public libraries. Candidates should have a commitment to public services, intellectual freedom, equitable access, strong print and online collections, independent learning support, and maintaining a community forum for sharing ideas.
When you serve as a Trustee you and your colleagues work together as untiring and innovative advocates for the Library’s mission. We grapple with intellectual and interpersonal challenges, and in this process learn more about ourselves. It has been my experience that working together with this diverse group of talented people creates meaningful connectedness to the Library staff and patrons.
If interested in serving as a Library Trustee, please contact Library Director Phil Heikkinen at 376-4985 or pheikkinen@orcaslibrary.org; and/or Board President Alan Lichter at 376-5595 or crossweave@centurytel.net.
The Library will begin reviewing applications on May 25.
May 12th, 2012 |
May 12th, 2012, by Margie Doyle
Dr. James Murray, Professor of Oceanography at the University of Washington will address the collision of rising demand for oil with the inelastic supply including increases in production of non-convention oil sources in his presentation “Peak Oil”, Monday May 21, 7 pm at the library meeting room in Friday Harbor. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the San Juans. Contact Ann Jarrell 378-4939.
The public is invited to a screening of the Brian Malone documentary “Patriocracy”, Tuesday May 22 at 7 pm, at the Commons on the Friday Harbor Laboratories (FHL) campus. A non-partisan presentation of the current hyperpolarization and dysfunction in government and possible solutions are discussed by well-known personalities such as Senator Alan Simpson (ret.) and Bob Schieffer (CBS) among others. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the San Juans. Contact Ann Jarrell 378-4939.
May 12th, 2012 |
May 12th, 2012, by Margie Doyle
By Stan Matthews
County Website and Communications Manager
On Tuesday, May 8, the San Juan County Council voted unanimously to place a three-tenths of one percent sales tax increase proposal on the August 7 primary election ballot. Revenue raised from the tax would be used to protect existing law enforcement, court and public safety services as the County faces continuing cutbacks.
In County Administrator Pete Rose’s latest report on the County’s finances, he projected that – without new sources of revenue – County revenue would fall short of the level needed to just maintain services at the previous year’s level for each of the next six years.
More than 43% of the County’s operating budget is spent supporting District and Superior Courts, the Prosecutor’s office, probation, emergency services dispatch and the Sheriff’s office. In sending the proposed sales tax increase to the voters, the Council earmarked the new revenue to insure that substantial cuts do not have to be made to those budgets.
The Friday Harbor Town Council voted to support the tax, for its purposes, on April 26. It plans to use its share of the tax revenue for public works projects as well as criminal justice and public safety projects.
The wording of the question to be placed on the ballot will be:
“The San Juan County Council adopted Ordinance No. 8-2012 concerning the imposition of a sales and use tax for criminal justice and public safety purposes. This proposition would increase the sales tax in San Juan County by three-tenths of one percent (.003) to be used by the County to protect existing criminal justice and public safety services including law enforcement, prosecution, public defense, courts, probation, victim services, jail, and dispatch services, and by the Town of Friday Harbor for Criminal Justice and public safety purposes and public works projects.”
Voters will be asked to mark either the “Approved” or “Rejected” box on the ballot.
A copy of the adopted ordinance placing the measure on the ballot is available on the County website at: http://sanjuanco.com/council/ordinances.aspx
May 12th, 2012 |
May 11th, 2012, by Margie Doyle
At a special meeting held at Orcas Landing this afternoon, the San Juan County Council decided upon Robert Jean as the interim County Administrator.
He will step in for County Administrator Pete Rose, whose resignation takes effect June 8.
Jean, from University Place, south of Tacoma, Wash., comes to the position after many years of experience in city management, most recently in Lake Forest Park, Wash., where Rose will become City Manager. Jean served as City Manager of University Place from 1995 to 2010, and of Puyallup, Wash., for three years before that.
Jean’s appointment came after interviews with two other candidates. Following the last interview today during an executive session, the Council discussed their selection in an open meeting, as required by law. After some discussion they voted unanimously to offer the position to Jean.
Council Chair Patty Miller said that upon Rose’s announcement of his resignation, the Council directed Human Resources to solicit resumes for an interim administrator. They hope that Jean will be able to come on board before Rose leaves, so that there can be some overlap. It is unlikely the council will recruit a permanent administrator before the November election, Miller says.
She added that the county considered replacing Rose in the interim with county staff; but the uncertainty of the time commitment required away from their current jobs prevented any from applying for the administrative position.
May 11th, 2012 |
May 10th, 2012, by Margie Doyle
The San Juan County Council will conduct a Special Meeting on Friday, May 11, 2012 at the Orcas Landing, 8368 Orcas Road, Orcas Island, beginning at 3 p.m. and ending at 4:30 p.m. The single agenda item is an executive session pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(1)(g): Evaluation of Qualifications of Applicant(s) for Public Employment.
The Council will be interviewing a candidate for the position of interim County Administrator.
Following the executive session, the Council will convene a regular session to discuss selection of an interim County Administrator at approximately 3:45 PM.
For more information please contact the Clerk of the County Council at (360) 370-7470.
May 10th, 2012 |
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Sir: I could not agree with you more and I applaud you for your thoughtful comments. It did occur to me that every newly elected group in the San Juans feel it essential to contribute more restrictive plans – I guess it makes them feel that they have done something! Some things do not need more “doing” Thanks for thinking!