There wasn't much on the agenda for this week's public meeting which was an evening meeting. All three commissioners were there for the entire meeting.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee:
I spoke yet again on this issue as a follow up to last week's decision by the Board to fund all other event requests except for Harmony Hill. But Harmony Hill is not the real issue. The real issue is that Mason County doesn't have a set of clear criteria that they apply consistently to all requests. I asked the Board to begin now fixing the decision process.
I also pointed out to Commissioner Lynda Ring Erickson that while she sits as a trustee to the Shelton Mason Chamber of Commerce, she leaves the impression that there is the appearance of a conflict of interest. To this she said that had I done some research I would find that she is not involved in any Chamber money decisions. Obviously Lynda missed the point. She could have simply abstained from voting to send dollars to the Chamber and the Joint Tourism Board. That would have kept the LTAC decision in the open and relieved her of conflict in her roles and relationships. She must not understand what the appearance of a conflict of interest means. Even Tim had pointed out to her in a commissioners briefing earlier in the month that by sitting on this Chamber she could compromise her vote on LTAC decisions.
But the good news is that after the meeting Ross told me that he's calling for a meeting of the LTAC and that they will begin looking at fixing the process.
Crime in the County:
A local father who lives near Arcadia Point made an impassioned plea for more law enforcement as he shared that his daughter was found crying at school because she is so scared. He told the commissioners that recently there have been several homes broken into in his neighborhood with over $36K in stolen property to include 14 guns. He made it clear that their job one was public safety and that if they didn't get things fixed they would not be reelected. He went on to say that at times there are only three deputies on duty in the county. He sure gave the commissioners their marching orders. Tim Sheldon went a long way toward defusing the tension in the room as he spoke to the father.
Let's see what happens over the next few months. Will the commissioners reallocate money to the higher priority of public safety?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Briefings - Feb 22
Here's a quick summary of the county commissioner briefings. All three commissioners were there for all the briefings. Impressive. Will this make up for not being able to hold a public meeting on March 9 because Lynda and Tim are otherwise engaged or out of town?
1. Central Operations:
"Duties absorbed from eliminated positions", the subject of a handout was discussed. When the commissioners eliminated or fired the Budget Director (Ione Siegler), Human Resources Director (TJ Martin), and the Central Operations Director (Betty Wing) positions, it apparently didn't occur to them that at least some of the duties still needed to be performed. First on Feb 2 Bonnie Capp (HR Assistant) asked to be paid for work above the duties her salary is based on. Later the commissioners agreed that she should be compensated for this work. Now Diane Zoren is asking to be paid as a lead worker. Tim said he disagreed with Bonnie's request and while he appreciates what Diane does, he doesn't know where the money will come from to pay her. Lynda said that she will look for the money in the budgets and that if they cannot pay Diane for doing lead work then she should stop doing this work.
Having watched how the county works now for more than a year, what I'd like to see is the commissioners take a step back and figure out what needs to be done to run Central Operations and Human Resources. What duties must be done? And then I'd like them to come up with a plan on what the county can afford. What level of duties or services can the county afford? Isn't that what you and I are forced to do with our after tax dollars?
Effective Feb 19 Mike Carnavole resigned from the LTAC. Ross mentioned that Kitsap County will be changing their process and did Tim and Lynda want to make similar changes. To this Lynda said just because Kitsap is making changes that doesn't necessarily mean that Mason County needs to make changes. Kitsap's change will not allow representatives who receive grant funding to sit on the LTAC as it decides how to divvy the dollars up. It appears that some of the problems we are seeing in Mason County regarding LTAC is common throughout the state. We also have a "tight knit group of people often looking out for their own financial interest with very little or no public oversight."
2. Public Works:
Representatives from Washington State Department of Transportation were there to listen to the commissioners as they start to prepare the Johns Prairie/State Route 3 Intersection Proviso. This document apparently will be provided to the legislative members and committees for planning purposes and of course funding. DOT is looking to wrap this up by June 30, 2010.
A scary thing happened in this meeting Tim and Lynda were agreeing with each other. For posterity I noted during the meeting this quote from Lynda, "Tim and I are on the same page." The "same page" is that they both want the Proviso from DOT to cover more than just the intersection. They want to have a connector between Highway 101 and State Route 3.
Tim suggested that DOT should see Manke so that there can be a land swap and that DOT should work with him. Also Tim says that ADAGE has told him they are willing to help pay for the infrastructure needed to accommodate their intended facility. Tim said ADAGE expects to generate up to 200 trucks per day of traffic at this facility. Appearing then to be wearing his Senate hat, Tim urged them to make sure the plan was affordable.
Expect to hear soon of a DOT lead meeting with all stakeholders to include local businesses, PUD 3, port, city, and tribes to discuss the John's Prairie/SR 3 intersection which morphed into the SR3/Hwy 101 Connector.
On Mar 1 DOT will be back to discuss the Belfair Bypass. Tim made a point during the meeting to mention Lynch Road/Hwy 101 dangerous intersection. Nary a word was mentioned by Ross Gallagher who has this intersection in his district. My takeaway on Ross Gallagher is that he is not looking out for the people of District 3. He confirmed this yesterday when he hardly spoke a word during the DOT meeting.
3. Finance Committee:
Property tax statements are at the printers and will be mailed to us soon. On March 1 the Treasurer will begin accepting payments. Discussion ensued on where the county stands so far as the status of cash on hand. All county staffs and electeds have been asked to curtail nonessential spending to get through the next few months because cash is so low. As of January monthend cash on hand was $2M. Recall the Treasurer estimates on average that she needs around $3M each month to keep the county liquid. Another quote for posterity - Lynda said this about the cash on hand, "It's low but it's a pattern." How true since they spent all of the reserve in years past with their "eyes wide open". Some of us still have a memory unlike some of our electeds.
We appear to be closer to replacing the ancient county-wide financial software. They have about $100K for a down payment on the new software but will need to borrow the balance which is estimated at $270K. Contracting process should begin in two to three weeks. The replacement of the old Computech system is long overdue.
Interfund loan policy was also discussed. The county has six interfund loans outstanding all with varying interest rates. The Treasurer asked for standardization of the rates and that there needs to be a resolution in place to either establish or amend the rates if the decision is to revise them. Lynda wants a list of all the interfund loans and the current interest rates. There was agreement that interfund loans would not exceed three years and that they will standardize the interest rates to the State Pool Rate plus 2% which today would be around 2.28%.
4. Utilities:
Puget Sound Partnership will be filming in our area March 2 and March 4.
Belfair Waste Water Treatment Facility construction is moving along. I believe I understood this correctly that for change orders in work being done by the contractors Emmett Dobey and Tom Moore will come to the BOCC for approval when a change exceeds $150K but I didn't hear what the time frame was that they had in mind. Another quote for posterity from Emmett Dobey, the project is "on time and on budget".
1. Central Operations:
"Duties absorbed from eliminated positions", the subject of a handout was discussed. When the commissioners eliminated or fired the Budget Director (Ione Siegler), Human Resources Director (TJ Martin), and the Central Operations Director (Betty Wing) positions, it apparently didn't occur to them that at least some of the duties still needed to be performed. First on Feb 2 Bonnie Capp (HR Assistant) asked to be paid for work above the duties her salary is based on. Later the commissioners agreed that she should be compensated for this work. Now Diane Zoren is asking to be paid as a lead worker. Tim said he disagreed with Bonnie's request and while he appreciates what Diane does, he doesn't know where the money will come from to pay her. Lynda said that she will look for the money in the budgets and that if they cannot pay Diane for doing lead work then she should stop doing this work.
Having watched how the county works now for more than a year, what I'd like to see is the commissioners take a step back and figure out what needs to be done to run Central Operations and Human Resources. What duties must be done? And then I'd like them to come up with a plan on what the county can afford. What level of duties or services can the county afford? Isn't that what you and I are forced to do with our after tax dollars?
Effective Feb 19 Mike Carnavole resigned from the LTAC. Ross mentioned that Kitsap County will be changing their process and did Tim and Lynda want to make similar changes. To this Lynda said just because Kitsap is making changes that doesn't necessarily mean that Mason County needs to make changes. Kitsap's change will not allow representatives who receive grant funding to sit on the LTAC as it decides how to divvy the dollars up. It appears that some of the problems we are seeing in Mason County regarding LTAC is common throughout the state. We also have a "tight knit group of people often looking out for their own financial interest with very little or no public oversight."
2. Public Works:
Representatives from Washington State Department of Transportation were there to listen to the commissioners as they start to prepare the Johns Prairie/State Route 3 Intersection Proviso. This document apparently will be provided to the legislative members and committees for planning purposes and of course funding. DOT is looking to wrap this up by June 30, 2010.
A scary thing happened in this meeting Tim and Lynda were agreeing with each other. For posterity I noted during the meeting this quote from Lynda, "Tim and I are on the same page." The "same page" is that they both want the Proviso from DOT to cover more than just the intersection. They want to have a connector between Highway 101 and State Route 3.
Tim suggested that DOT should see Manke so that there can be a land swap and that DOT should work with him. Also Tim says that ADAGE has told him they are willing to help pay for the infrastructure needed to accommodate their intended facility. Tim said ADAGE expects to generate up to 200 trucks per day of traffic at this facility. Appearing then to be wearing his Senate hat, Tim urged them to make sure the plan was affordable.
Expect to hear soon of a DOT lead meeting with all stakeholders to include local businesses, PUD 3, port, city, and tribes to discuss the John's Prairie/SR 3 intersection which morphed into the SR3/Hwy 101 Connector.
On Mar 1 DOT will be back to discuss the Belfair Bypass. Tim made a point during the meeting to mention Lynch Road/Hwy 101 dangerous intersection. Nary a word was mentioned by Ross Gallagher who has this intersection in his district. My takeaway on Ross Gallagher is that he is not looking out for the people of District 3. He confirmed this yesterday when he hardly spoke a word during the DOT meeting.
3. Finance Committee:
Property tax statements are at the printers and will be mailed to us soon. On March 1 the Treasurer will begin accepting payments. Discussion ensued on where the county stands so far as the status of cash on hand. All county staffs and electeds have been asked to curtail nonessential spending to get through the next few months because cash is so low. As of January monthend cash on hand was $2M. Recall the Treasurer estimates on average that she needs around $3M each month to keep the county liquid. Another quote for posterity - Lynda said this about the cash on hand, "It's low but it's a pattern." How true since they spent all of the reserve in years past with their "eyes wide open". Some of us still have a memory unlike some of our electeds.
We appear to be closer to replacing the ancient county-wide financial software. They have about $100K for a down payment on the new software but will need to borrow the balance which is estimated at $270K. Contracting process should begin in two to three weeks. The replacement of the old Computech system is long overdue.
Interfund loan policy was also discussed. The county has six interfund loans outstanding all with varying interest rates. The Treasurer asked for standardization of the rates and that there needs to be a resolution in place to either establish or amend the rates if the decision is to revise them. Lynda wants a list of all the interfund loans and the current interest rates. There was agreement that interfund loans would not exceed three years and that they will standardize the interest rates to the State Pool Rate plus 2% which today would be around 2.28%.
4. Utilities:
Puget Sound Partnership will be filming in our area March 2 and March 4.
Belfair Waste Water Treatment Facility construction is moving along. I believe I understood this correctly that for change orders in work being done by the contractors Emmett Dobey and Tom Moore will come to the BOCC for approval when a change exceeds $150K but I didn't hear what the time frame was that they had in mind. Another quote for posterity from Emmett Dobey, the project is "on time and on budget".
Friday, February 19, 2010
Petition to Fund Harmony Hill LTAC Request
In the spirit of "never give up", there's a petition circulating throughout the county. It says in part: "We the undersigned ask the Mason County Board of County Commissioners to fund the Harmony Hill grant request for 2010 Lodging Tax dollars. Because the 2010 process did not provide a consistent application of reasons for what was funded and what was denied, we believe Harmony Hill should be funded at this time."
Help me to show that it's not just one voice demanding fairness in the LTAC process. If you are interested in signing this petition, please drop an email to "brendahirschi@comcast.net". I'll get a copy of the petition to you so that your voice can be heard also.
Help me to show that it's not just one voice demanding fairness in the LTAC process. If you are interested in signing this petition, please drop an email to "brendahirschi@comcast.net". I'll get a copy of the petition to you so that your voice can be heard also.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Public Health Department Wants to Telecommute
Just when you think you've heard it all, I recommend that you attend a County Commissioner briefing or public meeting.
Yesterday Vicki Kirkpatrick asked Lynda and Ross to approve her proposed telecommuting policy. There was a lot of talk about reducing our carbon foot print by reducing travel time for her staff.
What makes this really hard to swallow for this tax paying citizen is that the Mason County Department of Public Health in response to a League of Women Voters' question last fall responded that this department's employees do not have performance standards. The Public Health staff's performance had not been reviewed and rated within the past year. To be fair Public Health wasn't alone in stating that there was not a performance review system in place. Kudos to the Superior and District Courts for having reviewed and rated their staffs but the courts were the exception within the county.
But back to my point, how could a department head ask to allow her staff to telecommute when the employees have no performance standards?
When the two commissioners pushed back on this request at the briefing, Vicki allowed that telecommuting would only be done with employees who enjoy a "high level of supervisor/employee trust". I heard her use the word "accountability" over and over on Tuesday but last fall when asked about performance standards she responds that her employees have none and she's waiting on HR to provide guidance.
Here's where I think as citizens we need to raise the bar on our elected officials. We need to hold them accountable. Now would be a good time for the county commissioners to get all departments to put in place performance standards for all employees falling under their operational control. The commissioners hold reviews of the department heads but do not require them to review and rate the department staffs.
I'm hoping that if the League of Women Voters asks that question again this fall they will be told that all employees' performance is being rated and reviewed by their supervisors. This should not be put off but should be given a top priority by our county commissioners.
Yesterday Vicki Kirkpatrick asked Lynda and Ross to approve her proposed telecommuting policy. There was a lot of talk about reducing our carbon foot print by reducing travel time for her staff.
What makes this really hard to swallow for this tax paying citizen is that the Mason County Department of Public Health in response to a League of Women Voters' question last fall responded that this department's employees do not have performance standards. The Public Health staff's performance had not been reviewed and rated within the past year. To be fair Public Health wasn't alone in stating that there was not a performance review system in place. Kudos to the Superior and District Courts for having reviewed and rated their staffs but the courts were the exception within the county.
But back to my point, how could a department head ask to allow her staff to telecommute when the employees have no performance standards?
When the two commissioners pushed back on this request at the briefing, Vicki allowed that telecommuting would only be done with employees who enjoy a "high level of supervisor/employee trust". I heard her use the word "accountability" over and over on Tuesday but last fall when asked about performance standards she responds that her employees have none and she's waiting on HR to provide guidance.
Here's where I think as citizens we need to raise the bar on our elected officials. We need to hold them accountable. Now would be a good time for the county commissioners to get all departments to put in place performance standards for all employees falling under their operational control. The commissioners hold reviews of the department heads but do not require them to review and rate the department staffs.
I'm hoping that if the League of Women Voters asks that question again this fall they will be told that all employees' performance is being rated and reviewed by their supervisors. This should not be put off but should be given a top priority by our county commissioners.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Interfering Pesky Citizens - Part 2
Here's what happens when you go to a Board of County Commissioners meeting and ask questions.
Today I was treated rudely and called out of order and made to be quiet. That's how you are treated when Ross Gallagher chairs the Board. To make matters worse both Ross Gallagher and Lynda Ring Erickson allowed Ken Wilson (a private citizen and member of the LTAC) to berate and lecture me as I tried to ask my questions. They both sat there silently letting Ken Wilson spout off that I was out of line to ask these questions at this point in the decision process.
I've spent countless hours studying this process attempting to discern how the decisions were being made as to what events get funded or denied. Since Jan 5 I've attempted to communicate to the Board that there is a problem with how these dollars are being distributed because there are not clear criteria for evaluation nor is there any consistency in the decision process. On Jan 18 I provided a memo to the Board with details of my analysis and a list of questions. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee met on Jan 26. The public was not allowed to ask any questions at this LTAC meeting.
So today Lynda and Ross (Tim was absent) voted to approve the LTAC's Jan 26 recommendations with two changes. They added $1000 each to the Anna's Bay Choir and the Harstene Island Community Choir. No funding was provided for Harmony Hills. The LTAC reason for denying funds to Harmony HIll stated that "event is scheduled in peak season". This is a clear example of the inconsistency that I mentioned above. The Board of County Commissioners approved five other events that fall in the peak season May through September but refused to fund Harmony Hill.
We've got a problem in Mason County. Any ideas you have about how to fix this problem of non-responsive government at the local level would be greatly appreciated. I'd love to hear from you.
Today I was treated rudely and called out of order and made to be quiet. That's how you are treated when Ross Gallagher chairs the Board. To make matters worse both Ross Gallagher and Lynda Ring Erickson allowed Ken Wilson (a private citizen and member of the LTAC) to berate and lecture me as I tried to ask my questions. They both sat there silently letting Ken Wilson spout off that I was out of line to ask these questions at this point in the decision process.
I've spent countless hours studying this process attempting to discern how the decisions were being made as to what events get funded or denied. Since Jan 5 I've attempted to communicate to the Board that there is a problem with how these dollars are being distributed because there are not clear criteria for evaluation nor is there any consistency in the decision process. On Jan 18 I provided a memo to the Board with details of my analysis and a list of questions. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee met on Jan 26. The public was not allowed to ask any questions at this LTAC meeting.
So today Lynda and Ross (Tim was absent) voted to approve the LTAC's Jan 26 recommendations with two changes. They added $1000 each to the Anna's Bay Choir and the Harstene Island Community Choir. No funding was provided for Harmony Hills. The LTAC reason for denying funds to Harmony HIll stated that "event is scheduled in peak season". This is a clear example of the inconsistency that I mentioned above. The Board of County Commissioners approved five other events that fall in the peak season May through September but refused to fund Harmony Hill.
We've got a problem in Mason County. Any ideas you have about how to fix this problem of non-responsive government at the local level would be greatly appreciated. I'd love to hear from you.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Interfering Pesky Citizens
Oh those pesky citizens who are asking questions about how the tourism dollars are being spent.
Below is an excerpt from the CEO, North Mason Chamber of Commerce - Frank Kinney's desperate email to all of his associates.
"The North Mason Chamber and the Shelton-Mason Chamber (functioning as the Joint Chamber Tourism Advisory Council) have been managing tourism promotion for Mason County since 2007 with funding from the dedicated lodging tax on lodging guests. There is a movement underfoot to interfere with this effort to bring tourism money into the county."
Now we're not just pesky but we're interfering also. It must be the questions we've asked about how this money is being spent.
Tomorrow, February 16 at 9 am , the Board of County Commissioners has the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee recommendations on the agenda under "other business". In his email Mr Kinney implored his business buddies and associates to write letters and emails or make calls to the commissioners in support of his pet projects which help to keep his salary fully funded. Yes, the lodging tax dollars help to pay Mr Kinney's salary - about 25% of it to be exact.
The commissioners optimistically expect to have this all wrapped up by 10 am so they can move on to the briefings they missed because Monday was a holiday. Maybe, just maybe they'll come to their senses and fund all the events (including Harmony Hill) since it's been a purely subjective process thus far with no clear and consistent criteria for evaluating each request. If so, the meeting could be wrapped up quickly.
Check back for the next posting. I'll let you know how it goes.
Below is an excerpt from the CEO, North Mason Chamber of Commerce - Frank Kinney's desperate email to all of his associates.
"The North Mason Chamber and the Shelton-Mason Chamber (functioning as the Joint Chamber Tourism Advisory Council) have been managing tourism promotion for Mason County since 2007 with funding from the dedicated lodging tax on lodging guests. There is a movement underfoot to interfere with this effort to bring tourism money into the county."
Now we're not just pesky but we're interfering also. It must be the questions we've asked about how this money is being spent.
Tomorrow, February 16 at 9 am , the Board of County Commissioners has the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee recommendations on the agenda under "other business". In his email Mr Kinney implored his business buddies and associates to write letters and emails or make calls to the commissioners in support of his pet projects which help to keep his salary fully funded. Yes, the lodging tax dollars help to pay Mr Kinney's salary - about 25% of it to be exact.
The commissioners optimistically expect to have this all wrapped up by 10 am so they can move on to the briefings they missed because Monday was a holiday. Maybe, just maybe they'll come to their senses and fund all the events (including Harmony Hill) since it's been a purely subjective process thus far with no clear and consistent criteria for evaluating each request. If so, the meeting could be wrapped up quickly.
Check back for the next posting. I'll let you know how it goes.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
"THIS IS MASON COUNTY" QUIZ NO. 1
Please post your answers numbered 1 through 8 as a comment on this blog or email the answers. The deadline for this first quiz is February 28--Answers will appear on March 2. Winners of this contest will receive an "I Know Mason County" Award. Thank you for participating.
1. Choose the most overused meaningless word heard in Mason County Board of Commissioner briefing sessions.
A. Strategic
B. Conversation
C. Opportunity
2. Choose the phrase that best describes the relationships among Mason County Commissioners.
A. Silent treatment
B. Feigned tolerance
C. Mutual fluffing
3. Choose the phrase or word that best describes the overall political culture of Mason County.
A. Stand back and let the big dogs eat
B. Grudge politics
C. Stealth politics
4. Mason County Commissioners can change their salary/compensation package by enacting a county ordinance?
A. True
B. False
5. Match the following actual utterances with one of the Mason County Commissioners -- Gallagher, Ring-Erickson, Sheldon.
A. “public records requests are a beautiful thing” ________________
B. “it just hasn’t been part of the conversation” ________________
C. “I’ve always wanted to do that" ________________
D. "the public's not mandated" ________________
6. Name the person who first made famous the phrase, “no bag limit on criminals".
____________________
7. What have we not heard lately? Choose all that apply.
A. "Mason County is the fastest growing county in the state."
B. "We are spending county reserves with our eyes wide open."
C. "The newspaper is no longer our friend."
1. Choose the most overused meaningless word heard in Mason County Board of Commissioner briefing sessions.
A. Strategic
B. Conversation
C. Opportunity
2. Choose the phrase that best describes the relationships among Mason County Commissioners.
A. Silent treatment
B. Feigned tolerance
C. Mutual fluffing
3. Choose the phrase or word that best describes the overall political culture of Mason County.
A. Stand back and let the big dogs eat
B. Grudge politics
C. Stealth politics
4. Mason County Commissioners can change their salary/compensation package by enacting a county ordinance?
A. True
B. False
5. Match the following actual utterances with one of the Mason County Commissioners -- Gallagher, Ring-Erickson, Sheldon.
A. “public records requests are a beautiful thing” ________________
B. “it just hasn’t been part of the conversation” ________________
C. “I’ve always wanted to do that" ________________
D. "the public's not mandated" ________________
6. Name the person who first made famous the phrase, “no bag limit on criminals".
____________________
7. What have we not heard lately? Choose all that apply.
A. "Mason County is the fastest growing county in the state."
B. "We are spending county reserves with our eyes wide open."
C. "The newspaper is no longer our friend."
Biomess in Mason County?
ADAGE is building a biomass plant in Florida just as they hope to do here in Mason County. Check out the following website from a Florida community fighting this same project:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2s5nQuh5Vs&feature=player_embedded
This is happening everywhere in the US right now. 400 known incinerator projects are proposed across the country.
Do we want an incinerator in Mason County? Is there any difference between the plant in Florida and the proposed plant in Mason County? What would we do to bring 25 to 30 permanent jobs into our county?
We need more information and we need to be involved in this decision process. We saw how quickly the local water agreement was approved. Hopefully that won't happen as the permits for this plant go through the approval process. Let the commissioners know that we need information provided and then we need an opportunity to ask questions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2s5nQuh5Vs&feature=player_embedded
This is happening everywhere in the US right now. 400 known incinerator projects are proposed across the country.
Do we want an incinerator in Mason County? Is there any difference between the plant in Florida and the proposed plant in Mason County? What would we do to bring 25 to 30 permanent jobs into our county?
We need more information and we need to be involved in this decision process. We saw how quickly the local water agreement was approved. Hopefully that won't happen as the permits for this plant go through the approval process. Let the commissioners know that we need information provided and then we need an opportunity to ask questions.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Secret Meetings and Echo Chambers
"Secrecy is largely antithetical to well-run public institutions - not because those institutions are run by people with nefarious aims but because working in an echo chamber never produces the best results." News Tribune, Feb 2, 2010.
I read this and thought about the Interlocal Water Agreement among the port, city and PUD3. As mentioned previously in this blog, the staffs of the three entities developed this water agreement behind closed doors. Port Commissioner Hupp allowed that this agreement could never have been done had it not been done in secret meetings by their staffs. I wonder if there were any echoes in those meetings. At the joint meeting on Friday, Jan 29, I was sure hearing the same language being used by the commissioners of the port, city and PUD3 as they congratulated themselves on a job well done.
Now we read this week that the city approved the water agreement on Monday, Feb 1. The following day the port and PUD3 approved the agreement. The echoes have reverberated throughout the community. It is agreed upon by all parties.
As the News Tribune article referenced above went on to say, rarely is good public policy fashioned behind closed doors. What our elected officials are overlooking is that the public voice can be used to their advantage. But only when it is allowed to be heard in open meetings. While the city, port and PUD3 spent several weeks developing this water agreement secretly, once this agreement was shared with the public, it took the port, city and PUD3 just a week to approve the document.
The public still holds the ultimate opportunity to have our voice heard. Let's be sure our voice is heard on election day. Who knows maybe our voices will echo throughout this county.
I read this and thought about the Interlocal Water Agreement among the port, city and PUD3. As mentioned previously in this blog, the staffs of the three entities developed this water agreement behind closed doors. Port Commissioner Hupp allowed that this agreement could never have been done had it not been done in secret meetings by their staffs. I wonder if there were any echoes in those meetings. At the joint meeting on Friday, Jan 29, I was sure hearing the same language being used by the commissioners of the port, city and PUD3 as they congratulated themselves on a job well done.
Now we read this week that the city approved the water agreement on Monday, Feb 1. The following day the port and PUD3 approved the agreement. The echoes have reverberated throughout the community. It is agreed upon by all parties.
As the News Tribune article referenced above went on to say, rarely is good public policy fashioned behind closed doors. What our elected officials are overlooking is that the public voice can be used to their advantage. But only when it is allowed to be heard in open meetings. While the city, port and PUD3 spent several weeks developing this water agreement secretly, once this agreement was shared with the public, it took the port, city and PUD3 just a week to approve the document.
The public still holds the ultimate opportunity to have our voice heard. Let's be sure our voice is heard on election day. Who knows maybe our voices will echo throughout this county.
Public Policy in Action
The Feb 2 BOCC meeting was a lesson in civic engagement and public policy application.
1. Annette McGee scored again on making her point that the county commissioners cannot legally delegate to the Director of Public Works their responsibility so far as the opening of bids and the award of contracts for county roads. (see my Jan 20 blog posting "Taking the Public Out of County Business"). Ms McGee pointed out that RCW 36.77.030 requires the BOCC be in charge of the bid opening process. I'd think she might know what she's talking about having served as the Chair of the Washington County Rural Arterial Board.
Ross Gallagher offered that the Board has involved the public when they allowed us to take part in the TIPCAP and shared with us through a public hearing their annual road plan. According to former County Commissioner Annette McGee state law requires another step that cannot be delegated to staff.
2. But the big show was the public hearing on the annexation of a development into the Belfair Water District. The issue in a nutshell here is that Belfair Water District commissioners had proposed for county approval to annex a neighborhood less one piece of property - the Waggett household. (You know I couldn't make this stuff up.) Belfair Water District Commissioner Phillips charged that Mr. Waggett was a "serial harasser". The commissioner further stated that he was doing this simply to protect the staff of the water district from a harassing customer. Mr Waggett stated that he was a retired manager and that he couldn't tolerate sloppy work. When he asked questions of the water district, that's when he got in trouble with them.
Those pesky citizens asking questions are the bane of the elected officials existence. I did get some great quotes for posterity.
"It's either a blessing or a burden of public office that you don't get to choose the citizens you represent." And better yet, "As elected representatives we have the responsibility to be public servants and that means we are servants of the public." These quotes were from two of our county commissioners.
Bottom line is: the BOCC denied the request from the Belfair Water District.
In my mind I'm drawing some connections between Number 1 topic above and Number 2 that follows. I hope my expectations aren't getting over blown. It is a new year though.
1. Annette McGee scored again on making her point that the county commissioners cannot legally delegate to the Director of Public Works their responsibility so far as the opening of bids and the award of contracts for county roads. (see my Jan 20 blog posting "Taking the Public Out of County Business"). Ms McGee pointed out that RCW 36.77.030 requires the BOCC be in charge of the bid opening process. I'd think she might know what she's talking about having served as the Chair of the Washington County Rural Arterial Board.
Ross Gallagher offered that the Board has involved the public when they allowed us to take part in the TIPCAP and shared with us through a public hearing their annual road plan. According to former County Commissioner Annette McGee state law requires another step that cannot be delegated to staff.
2. But the big show was the public hearing on the annexation of a development into the Belfair Water District. The issue in a nutshell here is that Belfair Water District commissioners had proposed for county approval to annex a neighborhood less one piece of property - the Waggett household. (You know I couldn't make this stuff up.) Belfair Water District Commissioner Phillips charged that Mr. Waggett was a "serial harasser". The commissioner further stated that he was doing this simply to protect the staff of the water district from a harassing customer. Mr Waggett stated that he was a retired manager and that he couldn't tolerate sloppy work. When he asked questions of the water district, that's when he got in trouble with them.
Those pesky citizens asking questions are the bane of the elected officials existence. I did get some great quotes for posterity.
"It's either a blessing or a burden of public office that you don't get to choose the citizens you represent." And better yet, "As elected representatives we have the responsibility to be public servants and that means we are servants of the public." These quotes were from two of our county commissioners.
Bottom line is: the BOCC denied the request from the Belfair Water District.
In my mind I'm drawing some connections between Number 1 topic above and Number 2 that follows. I hope my expectations aren't getting over blown. It is a new year though.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Meetings to Consider Attending
Today PUD 3 will consider approval of their water agreement with the city and port at 10 am in the PUD 3 conference room. The port will also meet to consider this agreement at 2 pm today. The Port of Shelton Commission meets in their chambers at the port's office at 21 West Sanderson Way.
This agreement was worked out secretly and now it appears the elected officials are wasting no time getting it approved.
On Feb 8, 10 am to noon Department of Ecology will provide a briefing in response to the Squaxin Island Tribe petition regarding the John's Prairie Creek water level. The briefing will be at the Civic Center. Apparently Department of Ecology has five options they are considering in response to the Tribe's petition.
This agreement was worked out secretly and now it appears the elected officials are wasting no time getting it approved.
On Feb 8, 10 am to noon Department of Ecology will provide a briefing in response to the Squaxin Island Tribe petition regarding the John's Prairie Creek water level. The briefing will be at the Civic Center. Apparently Department of Ecology has five options they are considering in response to the Tribe's petition.
Monday, February 1, 2010
A Mixed Bag
The county commissioners briefings on Feb 1 are highlighted as follows.
1. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Finally a commissioner listened to us. Ross presented the LTAC's recommendations from last Tuesday's meeting and added his proposed changes. Ross wants to fund Harstene Island Community Choir ($2.5K), Anna's Bay ($3.8K) and add $2K to the Rodeo. The LTAC had recommended $3K for the Rodeo but Ross would give them $5K total. To this Lynda says, "We know you like rodeos, Ross".
Ross doesn't like Harmony Hills' Summer Fest as much though unfortunately. He recommends denying the Summer Fest any funds as did the LTAC but I sure haven't heard him or the LTAC provide a consistent and credible reason for denying Harmony Hills' grant request.
LTAC 2010 funding will be placed on the agenda as "Item 10. Other Business" either next Feb 9 or Feb 16. At that time the public is supposed to be allowed to ask questions and provide testimony prior to the BOCC making their decision. I say "supposed" because they can decide to not let us speak since it isn't a public hearing. Keep your eyes and ears open for this to go on the agenda.
2. ADAGE. Tim announced that on Thursday, Feb 4 from 1 to 3 PM the senior executives from ADAGE will hold a dog and pony show at the Port of Olympia with the governor in attendance. They will be displaying equipment from their John Deere alliance. Tim very cleverly offered to Lynda that if she is available she might like to introduce the governor at this meeting. On the spot, she cleared her calendar. Yes, she will be available to introduce the governor. As a private citizen I'm just hoping that she still follows through on an earlier promise to hold public meetings with the citizens of Mason County on ADAGE prior to approving the construction of this plant. (see earlier blogs for more info on ADAGE)
3. Human Resources/Budget & Finance Position. The commissioners held a closed door executive session today to review the 12 or 15 applicants they've received for this combined position. My question is how can they hire when others can't?
4. Hiring Freeze. Lynda asked that HR provide the county's policy on hiring during the current county wide hiring freeze. Tim stated that all elected officials must have BOCC approval prior to hiring even when they have the position in their approved budgets. Also at question was whether the elected officials could advertise for a vacancy without BOCC approval.
Now I'm going to editorialize. Because the Board's in the driver's seat, they can give themselves an exemption to the hiring freeze as they see fit. Examples are the above mentioned HR/B&F and the recently hired switchboard operator. What I'd like to see is some fairness applied by the BOCC. As we saw in 2009, they had one set of rules for their departments and another set of rules for the elected officials. That wasn't fair in 2009 nor will it appear even handed in 2010. Let's not get off to a bad start.
5. Noise Ordinance. The BOCC will be considering soon a change to Mason County Noise Ordinance (Chapter 9.36). The need for a change was recommended by the Economic Development Council, Matt Matayoshi so that the county can have racing events.
6. Marine Recovery Areas. This came up in the Public Works briefing today and is associated with the Storm Water Plan. Here's what I heard - the issue is the definition of what is considered a marine recovery area. Apparently about one half of Mason County is considered a marine recovery area. The commissioners want a briefing from Public Health, Public Works, Utilities and Planning to help them understand what this means to the county's homeowners, businesses, and the permitting process. More to follow on this I'm sure.
1. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Finally a commissioner listened to us. Ross presented the LTAC's recommendations from last Tuesday's meeting and added his proposed changes. Ross wants to fund Harstene Island Community Choir ($2.5K), Anna's Bay ($3.8K) and add $2K to the Rodeo. The LTAC had recommended $3K for the Rodeo but Ross would give them $5K total. To this Lynda says, "We know you like rodeos, Ross".
Ross doesn't like Harmony Hills' Summer Fest as much though unfortunately. He recommends denying the Summer Fest any funds as did the LTAC but I sure haven't heard him or the LTAC provide a consistent and credible reason for denying Harmony Hills' grant request.
LTAC 2010 funding will be placed on the agenda as "Item 10. Other Business" either next Feb 9 or Feb 16. At that time the public is supposed to be allowed to ask questions and provide testimony prior to the BOCC making their decision. I say "supposed" because they can decide to not let us speak since it isn't a public hearing. Keep your eyes and ears open for this to go on the agenda.
2. ADAGE. Tim announced that on Thursday, Feb 4 from 1 to 3 PM the senior executives from ADAGE will hold a dog and pony show at the Port of Olympia with the governor in attendance. They will be displaying equipment from their John Deere alliance. Tim very cleverly offered to Lynda that if she is available she might like to introduce the governor at this meeting. On the spot, she cleared her calendar. Yes, she will be available to introduce the governor. As a private citizen I'm just hoping that she still follows through on an earlier promise to hold public meetings with the citizens of Mason County on ADAGE prior to approving the construction of this plant. (see earlier blogs for more info on ADAGE)
3. Human Resources/Budget & Finance Position. The commissioners held a closed door executive session today to review the 12 or 15 applicants they've received for this combined position. My question is how can they hire when others can't?
4. Hiring Freeze. Lynda asked that HR provide the county's policy on hiring during the current county wide hiring freeze. Tim stated that all elected officials must have BOCC approval prior to hiring even when they have the position in their approved budgets. Also at question was whether the elected officials could advertise for a vacancy without BOCC approval.
Now I'm going to editorialize. Because the Board's in the driver's seat, they can give themselves an exemption to the hiring freeze as they see fit. Examples are the above mentioned HR/B&F and the recently hired switchboard operator. What I'd like to see is some fairness applied by the BOCC. As we saw in 2009, they had one set of rules for their departments and another set of rules for the elected officials. That wasn't fair in 2009 nor will it appear even handed in 2010. Let's not get off to a bad start.
5. Noise Ordinance. The BOCC will be considering soon a change to Mason County Noise Ordinance (Chapter 9.36). The need for a change was recommended by the Economic Development Council, Matt Matayoshi so that the county can have racing events.
6. Marine Recovery Areas. This came up in the Public Works briefing today and is associated with the Storm Water Plan. Here's what I heard - the issue is the definition of what is considered a marine recovery area. Apparently about one half of Mason County is considered a marine recovery area. The commissioners want a briefing from Public Health, Public Works, Utilities and Planning to help them understand what this means to the county's homeowners, businesses, and the permitting process. More to follow on this I'm sure.
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