Join Our Mailing List
DISTRICT 1 NEWS
July 2013 

Greetings,   

There is some breaking news I want to share with you, and a reminder of an upcoming meeting.

 
Emersons Agree to Pay Fine
and Resubmit Wetland Study
  
 

Finally, the drama may be over. Let's remember this all began in 2010  when the Emersons chose to add on to their building without a necessary permit. They got caught. Then they chose to blaze a new path in their reaction rather than follow the established appeal process in place for all citizens in Island County.

 

The self-inflicted wounds of permit denial and enforcement orders were a direct result of those choices by the Emersons.  So it is unfortunate that it took 2.5 years and a failed lawsuit (which cost taxpayers over $50k and countless hours of staff time) to finally resolve this issue.

 

Late last week the Interim Planning Director negotiated the following settlement with the Emersons:

  • The Emersons agree to pay the intial enforcement order of $5,000 for "unpermitted construction."
  • Their appeals of both the permit denial and the supplemental enforcement order were withdrawn, so 80% of those filing fees will be refunded to the Emersons.
  • The supplemental enforcement order of $500/day is waived with the understanding that the Emersons agree to go back and follow the regular permitting process and:
    • Submit a wetland investigation from a QUALIFIED   specialist following Department of Ecology practices.
    • Take appropriate steps if there is a wetland found, and proceed with the regular process as they could have done in 2010.

The Agreement clearly states: "Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as a waiver by the County of any permit requirements applicable to the Emersons' construction activities."

 

The County is always working toward compliance in any enforcement action. The Emersons' situation is no different in that respect. Hopefully the next steps can be completed without further drama and we can all move on.

Law and Justice Levy

Our local Law and Justice programs are stretched to meet our community's needs. Though small steps have been taken over the past two years to begin restoring positions, there is not capacity within existing resources to adequately address the growing need. A Law and Justice levy is being considered by the Commissioners as a possible ballot measure in November. Here is a link to the document. 
  
 A public meeting on this topic will be held at 7 pm, July 10 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland. 
I am interested in hearing your thoughts on what Law and Justice services are important for you and if you would vote for additional funding to support them.
Have a safe and glorious Independence Day!
 
Please feel free to contact me anytime with ideas, questions or concerns.
 
 
It is an honor to serve you,

 


Helen Price Johnson
Island County Commissioner, Dist. 1

[email protected] 

(360)679-7354

PO Box 5000

Coupeville, WA 98239