Just in --
STEM creative space modular structures, a new construction collaboration spear-headed by Orcas resident Matthew Maher, will be having an Open House on Schaefer Stretch today, at 5230 Orcas Road from noon to 5 p.m.
Stem is described as a new concept in creative space, integrating the elements of a design studio and production shop.
Stem is producing a variety of modular structures that "enables people to flourish," according to their business brochure. Stem is "committed to providing options for clients interested in having quality, well designed spaces at affordable prices."
Beyond the initial concept of modular auxiliary spaces, Stem is currently in the
product development stage of one of modular living spaces, from affordable housing units to high-end retreats.
For further information, call 360-622-6303.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Property assessments revised downward
This week the County Assessor, Charles Zalmanek, sent out postcard notices of revised property evaluations to several homes in the neighborhood just west of the Orcas Airport.
Our property's value had gone up almost 70 percent from its previous assessment three years ago, with the land assessment increasing by over 100 percent. Like many islanders, we moaned and marveled at the increase, but we didn't comment within the 30-day comment period. So we were surprised to get a notice that the valuation had decreased by nearly $27,000.
In a call to Zalmanek, he explained "Sometimes in the process with concerns about value, we learn information that we hadn't previously known that can impact a neighborhood... for example a sale or a sale price is incorrectly stated."
John Kulseth, the county appraiser who'd calculated the value of properties in our neighborhood, said that when three nearby property owners commented on their valuation, it was determined that a sale in the neighborhood hadn't gone through, resulting in a $400,000 change. The county assessors felt that properties nearby should be adjusted downward. (Please see further explanation from John Kulseth posted in the comments.)
With over 1,000 properties assigned to each appraiser, "There's a whole bunch of different pieces that come together in assessments," Kulseth said. The 30-day comment period "gives us a chance to re-evaluate what we may have missed. We hope that property owners will call."
In our case, we benefited from the activism of our three neighbors who called the assessor's office to challenge the valuation.
Zalmanek said he misses the days when he was out in the field doing appraisals. "That's the fun part of the job."
Our property's value had gone up almost 70 percent from its previous assessment three years ago, with the land assessment increasing by over 100 percent. Like many islanders, we moaned and marveled at the increase, but we didn't comment within the 30-day comment period. So we were surprised to get a notice that the valuation had decreased by nearly $27,000.
In a call to Zalmanek, he explained "Sometimes in the process with concerns about value, we learn information that we hadn't previously known that can impact a neighborhood... for example a sale or a sale price is incorrectly stated."
John Kulseth, the county appraiser who'd calculated the value of properties in our neighborhood, said that when three nearby property owners commented on their valuation, it was determined that a sale in the neighborhood hadn't gone through, resulting in a $400,000 change. The county assessors felt that properties nearby should be adjusted downward. (Please see further explanation from John Kulseth posted in the comments.)
With over 1,000 properties assigned to each appraiser, "There's a whole bunch of different pieces that come together in assessments," Kulseth said. The 30-day comment period "gives us a chance to re-evaluate what we may have missed. We hope that property owners will call."
In our case, we benefited from the activism of our three neighbors who called the assessor's office to challenge the valuation.
Zalmanek said he misses the days when he was out in the field doing appraisals. "That's the fun part of the job."
Thursday, December 11, 2008
"Share the Pain" says Ferry Advisory Committee Chair
San Juan County's Ferry Advisory Committee Chair, Ed Sutton, sees a bleak future for any progress on the ferry financing issues that have plagued Washington State Ferries for years.
Although the 2007 State Legislature tasked WSF, the Transportation Commission and legislators with formulating a model for long-term ferry financing by the 2009 Legislative session, with the downward trend in the economy, it looks as if a plan for stable funding for the ferry system will be moved to the further down the line in the state budget.
Sutton says, "We all need to participate in helping solve the problem. The solution is so complex, but we can't continue to do business as usual in difficult times. "
Sutton proposes that the level of service in the San Juan route be trimmed with fewer sailings, in particular the late night sailings, which "chew up expense dollars without adding any revenue."
"How is it we have better service in January than in May?" Sutton asks. "It doesn't make sense to do what you've always done until someone says 'Stop!'"
Governor Chris Gregoire's preliminary budget is scheduled to be published Dec. 18
Although the 2007 State Legislature tasked WSF, the Transportation Commission and legislators with formulating a model for long-term ferry financing by the 2009 Legislative session, with the downward trend in the economy, it looks as if a plan for stable funding for the ferry system will be moved to the further down the line in the state budget.
Sutton says, "We all need to participate in helping solve the problem. The solution is so complex, but we can't continue to do business as usual in difficult times. "
Sutton proposes that the level of service in the San Juan route be trimmed with fewer sailings, in particular the late night sailings, which "chew up expense dollars without adding any revenue."
"How is it we have better service in January than in May?" Sutton asks. "It doesn't make sense to do what you've always done until someone says 'Stop!'"
Governor Chris Gregoire's preliminary budget is scheduled to be published Dec. 18
Council adopts $51,592,880 budget for 2009
The San Juan County Council adopted its 2009 budget to the tune of $51,592,880 including all funds – by a vote of 5 to 0 with Council Member Gene Knapp abstaining, according to County Communications Manager Stan Matthews.
Approximately $14 million of the total budget is the so called “County Current” budget which funds the day-to-day operation of the county. That budget is $220,000 dollars less than last year’s operating budget.
While most county departments took budget cuts and approximately 10 percent of the
work force will have reduced hours, several cuts in services that were proposed in the preliminary budget were avoided in the budget as adopted.
Most notably, the parks department will attempt to obtain grant funds and work with
volunteers to keep day parks and restroom facilities open. The Health and Community Services Department hopes to be able to continue some of its immunization programs, and some funding for the program that provides transportation to senior citizens for medical and essential services has been restored.
Tuesday, Dec. 9, the Council did reject a final appeal from the County Assessor to restore funding for a full time appraiser’s position that was being cut to half time. Council Member Knapp told the Council that the employee now in the position would probably leave if full time employment wasn’t provided and expressed concern that appraisal work that could generate as much as $300,000 in tax revenue could be jeopardized by the reduction. However his motion failed to win the necessary four votes to restore the funds.
This was the next-to-last regular meeting of the current Council. Two newly elected
members will be sworn in on Jan. 12. After the adoption of the budget, Council Member
Rich Peterson told his colleagues, “Very early on, the new council ought to get really, really serious about taking a levy lid-lift to the public.”
The County is limited to a one percent annual increase in revenue from taxes on existing property without voter approval. Flat property tax revenue, in conjunction with falling sales tax income, has forced the County to rely more heavily on user fees and reduced services.
Peterson concluded his remarks by saying, “This wasn’t easy and none of us enjoyed it, but I think there is a whole lot of it coming, unfortunately.”
Auditor Milene Henley and Administrator Pete Rose have warned the Council that more
cuts could be required before the end of next year, if sales tax revenue declines further. The 2009 budget as adopted includes a cash reserve of $1.27 million; approximately $230,000 less than Auditor Henley had said was the minimum desirable level.
A spreadsheet with a comparison between the 2008 and 2009 County budget follows.
Detail of the 2009 San Juan County Budget is available on-line at:
www.sanjuanco.com/docs/Adopted2009budgetdetail.pdf
Approximately $14 million of the total budget is the so called “County Current” budget which funds the day-to-day operation of the county. That budget is $220,000 dollars less than last year’s operating budget.
While most county departments took budget cuts and approximately 10 percent of the
work force will have reduced hours, several cuts in services that were proposed in the preliminary budget were avoided in the budget as adopted.
Most notably, the parks department will attempt to obtain grant funds and work with
volunteers to keep day parks and restroom facilities open. The Health and Community Services Department hopes to be able to continue some of its immunization programs, and some funding for the program that provides transportation to senior citizens for medical and essential services has been restored.
Tuesday, Dec. 9, the Council did reject a final appeal from the County Assessor to restore funding for a full time appraiser’s position that was being cut to half time. Council Member Knapp told the Council that the employee now in the position would probably leave if full time employment wasn’t provided and expressed concern that appraisal work that could generate as much as $300,000 in tax revenue could be jeopardized by the reduction. However his motion failed to win the necessary four votes to restore the funds.
This was the next-to-last regular meeting of the current Council. Two newly elected
members will be sworn in on Jan. 12. After the adoption of the budget, Council Member
Rich Peterson told his colleagues, “Very early on, the new council ought to get really, really serious about taking a levy lid-lift to the public.”
The County is limited to a one percent annual increase in revenue from taxes on existing property without voter approval. Flat property tax revenue, in conjunction with falling sales tax income, has forced the County to rely more heavily on user fees and reduced services.
Peterson concluded his remarks by saying, “This wasn’t easy and none of us enjoyed it, but I think there is a whole lot of it coming, unfortunately.”
Auditor Milene Henley and Administrator Pete Rose have warned the Council that more
cuts could be required before the end of next year, if sales tax revenue declines further. The 2009 budget as adopted includes a cash reserve of $1.27 million; approximately $230,000 less than Auditor Henley had said was the minimum desirable level.
A spreadsheet with a comparison between the 2008 and 2009 County budget follows.
Detail of the 2009 San Juan County Budget is available on-line at:
www.sanjuanco.com/docs/Adopted2009budgetdetail.pdf
New buildings in Eastsound
While we wait for whatever arises just east of the Washington Federal Savings and Loan Bank, construction has begun on a new state liquor store at the corner of Prune Alley and Rose Street, where the double-wide Pyewacket trailer used to be.
The new Windermere building, just north of the old Templin residence in Eastsound, is now scheduled to open in mid-January. When that happens, the former Gudgell Properties Real Estate office will vacate its waterfront property underneath Christina's Restaurant. In its former life, it was the Wine Company. Plans are for a pub to move into the space.
The new Windermere building, just north of the old Templin residence in Eastsound, is now scheduled to open in mid-January. When that happens, the former Gudgell Properties Real Estate office will vacate its waterfront property underneath Christina's Restaurant. In its former life, it was the Wine Company. Plans are for a pub to move into the space.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Vierthaler comes up with the answers
The wonderful thing about travel within San Juan County is that it's usually so communal, as I experienced two days ago when I traveled from San Juan to Orcas Island. I went upstairs on the Evergreen State and started chatting with Paul Vierthaler.
He told me that, when he screams at the television upon hearing federal bailout news, one of the things he suggests is this resolution of the mortgage foreclosure crisis:
Establish a program to re-issue mortgages from sub-prime, interest-only or adjustable rate, to a 30-year fixed mortgage. This would stabilize and benefit the homeowner, the bank and the local, national and global economy, whereas current credit, payment and foreclosure processes harm the homeowner, the lending institution and the economies.
Vierthaler noted that the auto industry has reached a saturation point, and that Anericans don't need to produce or purchase a new car at the rate which the automakers have been producing them.
If we're really interested in fixing some of these problems, let's utilize our brains and energy to implement solutions rather than fixing blame or playing victim.
Vierthaler also suggested that the federal government allow the motor companies to fail. His reasoning is that the companies' assets will then be bought up by viable business interests, whereas bailout or "rescue" funding to the existing companies will only further the mismanagement that has led to multi-million dollar executive pay, unsustainable benefits and continued corporate welfare.
It is too easy to claim irresponsibility for solutions due to the complexity of the problems. We must start wherever we can, take in information and civil arguments, and create a climate where solutions are viable.
A couple of years ago, when I questioned Washington State Ferries' decision to go forward with revamping the Anacortes Ferry Terminal to the tune of $119 million, I was told that the decision had been made and the plan was going forward. That was before the 2007 legislative session, wherein lawmakers mandated that WSF's income and expenses be more closely scrutinized. If questions can't be satisfactorily answered, maybe they should continue to be asked.
He told me that, when he screams at the television upon hearing federal bailout news, one of the things he suggests is this resolution of the mortgage foreclosure crisis:
Establish a program to re-issue mortgages from sub-prime, interest-only or adjustable rate, to a 30-year fixed mortgage. This would stabilize and benefit the homeowner, the bank and the local, national and global economy, whereas current credit, payment and foreclosure processes harm the homeowner, the lending institution and the economies.
Vierthaler noted that the auto industry has reached a saturation point, and that Anericans don't need to produce or purchase a new car at the rate which the automakers have been producing them.
If we're really interested in fixing some of these problems, let's utilize our brains and energy to implement solutions rather than fixing blame or playing victim.
Vierthaler also suggested that the federal government allow the motor companies to fail. His reasoning is that the companies' assets will then be bought up by viable business interests, whereas bailout or "rescue" funding to the existing companies will only further the mismanagement that has led to multi-million dollar executive pay, unsustainable benefits and continued corporate welfare.
It is too easy to claim irresponsibility for solutions due to the complexity of the problems. We must start wherever we can, take in information and civil arguments, and create a climate where solutions are viable.
A couple of years ago, when I questioned Washington State Ferries' decision to go forward with revamping the Anacortes Ferry Terminal to the tune of $119 million, I was told that the decision had been made and the plan was going forward. That was before the 2007 legislative session, wherein lawmakers mandated that WSF's income and expenses be more closely scrutinized. If questions can't be satisfactorily answered, maybe they should continue to be asked.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
EPRC Open House greets public Dec. 8
Members of the public swarmed the various community agencies at the Eastsound Planning Review Committee's Open House on Dec. 8.
Snippets of information heard while browsing the various displays were:
* Stormwater -- The county's stormwater utility will undertake two projects in Eastsound next year (2009). Improved drainage from the Mount property (approximately behind the Seaview Theater to the Outlook Inn) to the outfall into East Sound on the beach by the Outlook, will be undertaken, and due north, at the opposite end of the Orcas Island "neck," the outfall at North Beach will also be addressed. That outfall will be impacted by the 10 new houses being built off Mt. Baker Road by OPAL.
* County Development and Planning -- CDPD Director Ron Henrickson said that the Growth Management Hearings Board decision on the Eastsound Sewer and Water District Capital Facilities Plan is expected within the next week. Henrickson also said that there will be two hearings on the affordable housing element of county compliance with the Growth Management Act in January. Henrickson again expressed the opinion that failure to be in compliance may result in an order of invalidity, which would halt new development.
*Eastsound Sewer and Water District continues to explore the use of land adjacent to its facilities off North Beach Road, in the eventuality that its treatment facilities will expand.
* Orcas Pathways continues to work with the County Land Bank to develop a trail from Crescent Beach to Buck Park, and proposes a trail along Enchanted Forest Road.
*Eastsound Water Users Association has purchased land near the north end of Blanchard Street as a possible desalinization plant. EWUA is monitoring wells in Eastsound to determine capacity and quality of the Eastsound aquifer, from which half of our drinking water comes. EWUA also has an agreement with the Orcas Island School district whereby the school can use up to 75 gallons per minute of water, or four million gallons, until EWUA needs that water.
* Land Conservation District offers advice to property owners as to the best way to develop private land, taking into account water resources and topography.
Snippets of information heard while browsing the various displays were:
* Stormwater -- The county's stormwater utility will undertake two projects in Eastsound next year (2009). Improved drainage from the Mount property (approximately behind the Seaview Theater to the Outlook Inn) to the outfall into East Sound on the beach by the Outlook, will be undertaken, and due north, at the opposite end of the Orcas Island "neck," the outfall at North Beach will also be addressed. That outfall will be impacted by the 10 new houses being built off Mt. Baker Road by OPAL.
* County Development and Planning -- CDPD Director Ron Henrickson said that the Growth Management Hearings Board decision on the Eastsound Sewer and Water District Capital Facilities Plan is expected within the next week. Henrickson also said that there will be two hearings on the affordable housing element of county compliance with the Growth Management Act in January. Henrickson again expressed the opinion that failure to be in compliance may result in an order of invalidity, which would halt new development.
*Eastsound Sewer and Water District continues to explore the use of land adjacent to its facilities off North Beach Road, in the eventuality that its treatment facilities will expand.
* Orcas Pathways continues to work with the County Land Bank to develop a trail from Crescent Beach to Buck Park, and proposes a trail along Enchanted Forest Road.
*Eastsound Water Users Association has purchased land near the north end of Blanchard Street as a possible desalinization plant. EWUA is monitoring wells in Eastsound to determine capacity and quality of the Eastsound aquifer, from which half of our drinking water comes. EWUA also has an agreement with the Orcas Island School district whereby the school can use up to 75 gallons per minute of water, or four million gallons, until EWUA needs that water.
* Land Conservation District offers advice to property owners as to the best way to develop private land, taking into account water resources and topography.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Orcas High ranks in top 12 Washington state high schools
Orcas Island School District Board President Janet Brownell reported the following news:
US News and World Report just released it's top high schools in the US. One hundred schools (out of 21,000) received a "Gold" medal. Orcas High received a SILVER MEDAL. To read more about it, go to http://www.usnews.com/sections/education/high-schools/ In Washington state only four schools were ranked with a Gold, 12 had a Silver. Only 46 total received ANY recognition. And we were the only San Juan county school ranked.
This is yet another recognition of that we know: we have a FANTASTIC public school system!
Here is some info from the US News and World report website: Best High Schools 2009 Search
U.S.News & World Report—in collaboration with School Evaluation Services, a K-12 education and data research and analysis business that provides parents with education data on schoolmatters.com—analyzed academic and enrollment data from more than 21,000 public high schools to find the very best across the country. These top schools were placed into gold, silver, bronze, or honorable mention categories.
Gold Medal:
Top 100 schools nationally based on the College Readiness Index
Silver Medal:
all other schools with a college readiness index of at least 20 but that are not ranked in the top 100 nationally
Bronze Medal:
either do not offer AP or IB or do not achieve a college readiness index of at least 20 but successfully meet the other two key performance indicator criteria
In Washington State:
* Gold Medal schools (4 schools)
* Silver Medal schools (12 schools)
* Bronze Medal schools (30 schools)
* Honorable Mention schools (0 schools)
Thanks for passing this information on to the rest of us, Janet!
US News and World Report just released it's top high schools in the US. One hundred schools (out of 21,000) received a "Gold" medal. Orcas High received a SILVER MEDAL. To read more about it, go to http://www.usnews.com/sections/education/high-schools/ In Washington state only four schools were ranked with a Gold, 12 had a Silver. Only 46 total received ANY recognition. And we were the only San Juan county school ranked.
This is yet another recognition of that we know: we have a FANTASTIC public school system!
Here is some info from the US News and World report website: Best High Schools 2009 Search
U.S.News & World Report—in collaboration with School Evaluation Services, a K-12 education and data research and analysis business that provides parents with education data on schoolmatters.com—analyzed academic and enrollment data from more than 21,000 public high schools to find the very best across the country. These top schools were placed into gold, silver, bronze, or honorable mention categories.
Gold Medal:
Top 100 schools nationally based on the College Readiness Index
Silver Medal:
all other schools with a college readiness index of at least 20 but that are not ranked in the top 100 nationally
Bronze Medal:
either do not offer AP or IB or do not achieve a college readiness index of at least 20 but successfully meet the other two key performance indicator criteria
In Washington State:
* Gold Medal schools (4 schools)
* Silver Medal schools (12 schools)
* Bronze Medal schools (30 schools)
* Honorable Mention schools (0 schools)
Thanks for passing this information on to the rest of us, Janet!
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