Search for New County Manager Enters Public Participation Phase in Early May
In total, the job posting yielded 39 applications from around the country.
San Juan County is moving forward in its interview process for a new County Manager which will culminate with a community meeting in each district on May 6 and 7. The job posting yielded 39 applicants from around the country that have been screened and vetted via a variety of steps including resume reviews, video interviews, and written responses.
The County’s core hiring committee which consists of the Human Resources Director, Interim County Manager, and the Council have been working with the recruitment firm Strategic Government Resources (SGR) to narrow the applicant pool. During the April 16 Council meeting, Council selected the finalists who are invited to participate in the final interview phase.
The selected finalists are invited to in-person interviews as well as a community meeting in each of the three districts on Monday and Tuesday May 6 and 7. During these community meetings, the public will have the opportunity to meet and learn about the candidates via a moderated Q&A. The exact times and locations of community meetings are still being finalized and the public will be notified of further details as soon as possible.
The final round of interviews will be conducted by panels comprised of Council members and other elected officials, County staff, and board members from various County committees. The County Council is the ultimate hiring body for the County Manager position.
Currently, San Juan County’s Health & Community Services Director, Mark Tompkins, is serving as the Interim County Manager and the County’s Parks and Fair Director, Brandon Andrews, is serving as the Interim Assistant County Manager.
LAME DUCKS SHOULD NOT CHOOSE THE COUNTY MANAGER
San Juan County Manager, Mike Thomas retired in February. The three member SJ County Council immediately appointed Mark Thompkins as the interim manager during the search for qualified candidates is made. Mark is qualified and up to the task of the duties of the manager, but he has clearly stated that he does not want the job permanently. He has also agreed that he will fill in until the right candidate is found.
The County Manager is a key position in providing an accountable and responsive government through effective, efficient and economical administration in accordance with the County Charter, the Washington State Constitution and other applicable federal, state, and local laws as well as County policy. Protocol is that council members are to establish policy and expectations with the manager who will communicate and oversee the staff to implement that policy. In order to do that he must work closely and be compatible with the elected council members.
Two incumbents on our three-member county council have stated they will not run for re-election. Cindy Wolf announced publicly that she will not run and Christine Minney has reportedly told several people that she does not intend to run. And yet, a three-member council with two “Lame Ducks” plans to hire a county manager.
County Manager is the most important decision the county council makes. It is vital to make sure the new manager will be a good fit for San Juan County and can work well with ALL of the council members. In order to hire the right person for the job, the three council members must be in sync about their expectations for the manager. The final decision for hiring should be made after the election when the two new board members can join the remaining incumbent to interview finalists and make a consensus decision about a county manager who will be best for San Juan County.
Cindy and Chritine, I urge you to do the right thing and defer the decision on County Manager to the newly elected council members who will take office in January 2025.
That’s my two cents worth. What's yours?
Minnie Knych
San Juan County Publishes Revised Engagement Guide for Reviewing OPALCO’s Proposed Solar Project
SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA April 15, 2024 – UPDATE: San Juan County’s Department of Community Development (DCD) is postponing the public hearing examiner meeting for OPALCO’s Bailer Hill micro-grid and battery installation project while waiting for all additional information requested of the applicant on March 28, 2024. The future hearing examiner meeting date is to be determined (TBD).
Written public comment will continue to be accepted by the department, however the Hearing Examiner will not be able to open the record for verbal public testimony on April 24, 2024. Once DCD receives enough information to complete SEPA determination and continue with the review process, a new hearing date will be published where verbal testimony will be accepted.
Why is the hearing postponed?
DCD initially published a notice of application (with the expected Hearing Examiner Meeting date) on March 12 and 13. On March 28, DCD staff requested additional information from OPALCO based on comments received as of March 12, third party review received as of March 18, and recent SEPA review findings.
Between Wednesday, April 3 and Friday, April 12, OPALCO and DCD discussed reasonable timelines and procedural requirements related to the initially scheduled hearing date. OPALCO and DCD agreed to postpone the hearing without a specific rescheduling date while OPALCO gathers documentation in response to all items raised in the March 28 correspondence.
How does postponing impact public engagement?
Written public comment opened on March 13 and continues to be accepted for this project (see comments submitted as of April 3, 2024). Please continue to send public comments to
Anyone expecting to make verbal public testimony for this project on April 24, 2024 will need to wait until the hearing is rescheduled. Project documents will continue to be posted for public review using the links and references in this news flash (below).
How will I know when the hearing is rescheduled for?
Once outstanding requests for additional information have been sufficiently addressed, a new notice will be published in print as required by County Code. This news flash post will also be updated help the public keep apprised of this ongoing review process.
An updated Summary of Important Information and Resources is available at the bottom of this news flash. Also, the original release has been corrected regarding what ‘SEPA’ stands for. ‘SEPA’ is an acronym for State Environmental Policy Act.
Cindy Wolf to Not Run for Re-election
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your District #2 County Councilor for the 2021-2024 term. After giving careful thought to some recent family health news, I have made the hard decision not to run this year. I am committed to doing the Council’s work well for the remainder of my current term, but my values are family first and that is where my time and energy need to go given the current circumstances.
We’ve done a lot of good work together in a few short years:
– putting in vacation rental caps.
– providing funds to our non profit partners that will provide over 100 units of affordable housing.
– structuring climate resilience into the County organization’s thinking by creating a Climate and Sustainability Committee that brings Citizen Experts, county staff and community partners together.
– Creating a Department of Environmental Stewardship that captures hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants each year for nearshore habitat restoration, innovative solid waste management and boater education.
– hiring a professional Communications Coordinator who has vastly improved our website interface and community outreach.
– building skills for strong working relationships with the Tribal governments whose citizens have ancestral ties to these islands and waters.
– making sure the County workers are paid at hourly rates comparable to their regional counterparts. After all, if you want to have a healthy local economy, it sure helps if your largest employer pays a fair wage.
This is just part of what we have accomplished together and I am proud to be at the table. I look forward to 8 more months of good work on your County Council.
Kind regards,
Cindy Wolf
Orcas Island
Ask a scientist: Are human-derived hormones like estrogen harming fish in Puget Sound?
By Jeff Rice
Original Posting Here
Thousands of different chemicals are flushed into Puget Sound every day through wastewater treatment plants, but some of these chemicals may cause more harm than others. Relatively benign compounds like caffeine and sucralose are found alongside cancer drugs and synthetic hormones that can disrupt the development and breeding of fish and other wildlife.
Scientists at the Puget Sound Institute are working to prioritize these contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) with an eye toward gauging which of these poorly understood chemicals are the most harmful and which should be targeted for further investigation. A recent study, in collaboration with researchers at Western Washington University, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians has identified 57 high priority CECs for further monitoring and research. Many of the chemicals on the list are synthetically derived but researchers also identified a prevalence of naturally occurring hormones that humans create in their own bodies. Among these are estrogens (like 17 beta-estradiol) which primarily originate from females but are excreted by all humans.
In studies published last year by the Puget Sound Institute in collaboration with the Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program, researchers found that concentrations of some estrogen hormones measured in English sole from Puget Sound matched concentrations previously shown to affect endocrine function. Traces of estrogen were also found in Chinook blood plasma in levels that raise worries about the potential effects on these endangered salmon.
San Juan County to Appeal Town of Friday Harbor Decision to Shut Off Water at Fairgrounds
San Juan County will appeal the Town of Friday Harbor’s decision to shut off water to the San Juan County Fairgrounds at the regularly scheduled March 21, 2024 Town Council meeting. Withholding water from the Fairgrounds would end all current uses of the space including Island Rec programming, vaccine clinics, 4-H events, event rentals, the Emergency Operations Center for the County and Town, music and theater performances, County office operations, and more. ... Read on
An Open Letter to the American Psychiatric Association Regarding the Publication of Gender-Affirming Psychiatric Care
On November 8, 2023, Gender-Affirming Psychiatric Care was released by the American Psychiatric Association’s official publishing house.
We the undersigned strongly support the following Open Letter to the APA. Our letter calls on the APA to explain why it glaringly ignored many scientific developments in gender-related care and to consider its responsibility to promote and protect patients’ safety, mental and physical health.
On Dec 28, 2023, this Open Letter was sent to the leadership of the APA, asking for a substantive response. We invite you to sign below to support our continued efforts to demand medical and mental health excellence from the APA.
We are a group of clinicians, educators, and researchers committed to treating every patient with respect and compassion while upholding excellence in medical and mental health care. We seek an unbiased scientific investigation and discussion of the harms and benefits of all types of care offered to those with gender related distress. We have grave concerns about the American Psychiatric Association’s GAPC textbook. Until those concerns are addressed and the textbook’s errors corrected, we call on the APA for its withdrawal.
San Juan County Appoints Acting Health Officer While Search Begin
San Juan County Council appointed Dr. Herbie Duber as the County’s new acting Health Officer. Dr. Duber is the Washington State Department of Health Regional Medical Officer for Northwest Washington. In this role, he supports the development of healthcare policy and programs across the state and serves as a key liaison between local public health in Northwest WA and the Department of Health.
“Dr. Duber’s CV speaks for itself,” said Councilmember Cindy Wolf in reference to his extensive medical experience. “Having watched him at the Board of Health, I’m very comfortable appointing him.”
Responsible for maintaining the health and wellness of the community, the County’s Health Officer works with local organizations such as schools and medical centers, to ensure the health and safety of county residents. The Health Officer conducts outreach programs and provides counseling and education on various health topics.
Dr. Duber will serve as the acting Health Officer as the County recruits a permanent replacement.
“I feel we are very fortunate to have him in this interim position,” said Council Chair Jane Fuller before approving the motion to appoint Dr. Duber.
Dr. Frank James, the outgoing Health Officer, announced his resignation after 31 years of service at the March Board of Health meeting. Dr. James’s last day as Health Officer will be Apr. 20, 2024 and his years of service will be recognized at a future date.
Contact: Kyra Jahanfar, Program Coordinator – Emergency Preparedness & Communications,
About San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services
San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services is responsible for community and environmental health, mental health and substance abuse programs, senior services, affordable housing projects, and more. The department has staff and offices on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1777/Health-Community-Services.
Scientists have proposed two new species of killer whales which are currently considered a single species
Scientists have proposed two new species of killer whales which are currently considered a single species. Bigg’s killer whales (seen here), also known as transients, would be designated as Orcinus rectipinnus and resident killer whales as Orcinus ater. Photo: Copyright Melissa Pinnow, used with permission
By: Christopher Dunagan
Originally Posted Here
A scientific paper, published on March 27th, spells out the unique physical and genetic characteristics that should make each group a separate species, with the proposed scientific names Orcinus ater for residents and Orcinus rectipinnus for Bigg’s.
Since the 1970s, scientists in the Puget Sound region have been studying the differences between two types of killer whales: the so-called residents, which eat salmon, and the Bigg’s or transient killer whales, which eat seals, sea lions and other marine mammals. Even though the two groups of whales have different behaviors, vocal calls and social structures — along with distinct body styles and genetic traits — the two types are still considered a single species, Orcinus orca.
In fact, killer whales in every ocean of the world are grouped together as a single species. Until now, scientific discussions and debates have yet to resolve whether any orca population or group is different enough to be declared its own species.
This single-species convention could soon undergo a decisive change, thanks to advanced genetic techniques used to discern evolutionary patterns. Following years of study and consideration, scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have proposed two new species of killer whales, Orcinus ater for residents and Orcinus rectipinnus for Bigg’s.
Douglas/Bailer Hill Rd Power Planet
Rebuttal-Land Bank, Skoog, Brast, Azous
The January 10th issue of the Journal included an excellent letter of opinion submitted by Mark Fishaut, titled Moving forward with the Land Bank (LB). Mark noted the Town to Zylstra Lake Trail (TZLT) fiasco as reason for review of the entire LB operation. The January 24th issue of the Journal included three rebuttals. Jim Skoog wrote “the mysterious Zylstra Lake Trails fiasco has absolutely nothing to do with the Land Bank”. Cynthia Brast wrote “The mysterious Zylstra Lake Trail was NOT a Land Bank project” and “The Land Bank is completely transparent with their purchases and finances”. Amanda Azous wrote “The Conservation Land Bank did not promote or pursue the Zylstra Lake Trail project”
Now look at pages 3, and 24-27 of San Juan County Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas Plan 2023-2028;
SJCP_Plan_Design_PublicReviewDraft-101022
Seven members of the LB Commission are listed on Page 3. LB Director Lincoln Bormann is listed as a member of the Planning Team.
Page 24 lists 5 trail projects with Lincoln Bormann as the Key Contact for 4 of them. The LB is listed as a funding source. The 2nd listed project prescribes “increase long-distance trails and trail connections on all islands via cooperative agreements with landowners, with a target of 10 miles. Does this sound a lot like the TZLT project? It does to me and it doesn’t square with the statements of Jim Skoog, Cynthia Brast, and Amanda Azous or their assertions of transparency. Lincon Bormann is the Key Contact for four more projects on pages 25-27. Maybe the LB didn’t initiate the effort for federal funds for the TZLT but to say the LB had nothing to do with it, was not a LB project, and did not promote or pursue the project is disingenuous at best. LB fingerprints are all over trail development. After island residents and County Council soundly reject the TZLT the LB attempts to distance themselves from being a part of the TZLT. That’s the opposite of transparency. It’s a smoke screen that all can see through. And…It’s gonna resonate this November!!
Ron Whalen
San Juan Island
San Juan County’s Annual Hazardous Waste Round-ups this Spring
San Juan County is gearing up for its annual hazardous waste round-up collection events, providing our community with a crucial opportunity to safely and legally dispose of poisonous, flammable, corrosive, or other hazardous chemicals.
"Over the last six months, the Lopez and Orcas solid waste facilities have both experienced alarming incidents where hazardous chemicals interacted, leading to dangerous reactions and the temporary closure of the facilities. It is paramount that both residents and businesses prioritize responsible disposal of hazardous waste to prevent such unsafe situations," said Katie Fleming, Solid Waste Coordinator within the County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship.
Household collection events will be held from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the solid waste facilities on San Juan (May 4), Lopez (May 11), and Orcas Islands (June 1). An event will also be hosted on Decatur Island on June 15, with the location and time to be announced at a later date.
Pet of the Week
ABOUT
Origin: San Juan Islands
Weight: ~ 7 lbs
Personality: Intuitive, Mature For Her Age, Unique
Energy Level:Medium
Likes: Bold Eye Makeup, Costume Parties, Horoscopes
Dislikes: Balloons, Hair Balls, Sticky Things
Hi, I’m Pinkie! I was named because of my perfectly pink nose, but now that it’s also my favorite color, my name fits me in multiple ways. You can find me in Community Cat Room #3 at APS-FH, where I’ve been staying as of late. I was living in a home with so much love, but too many cats to sustain, so I was brought here along with five others; one of which was my son, who I’m happy to report has already been successfully adopted!
Between becoming a young mother, living in my last home, and now sharing a room at the shelter while we wait to be adopted, I’ve never been solo. Although I find comfort in the closeness of those I love, I’m also starting to explore what it means to be me, without others around. Who am I, what do I enjoy, and how do I feel, when I’m alone? These are all questions I’m working on figuring out now. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be happy in a home with other fur-family members, but I also think I might quite like being the sole recipient of my next human’s attention & affection.
More than anything, whether I am one of one, or one of a few, I want to be adopted into a home with a person(s) that allows me the time, space, support, and freedom to become all that I am meant to. In return, I promise to fill your life with so much love, companionship, fun, and fulfillment!!
Pet of the Week
Age: ~14 years old
Sex: Male
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Application:
https://www.apsfh.com/adoption-program/feline-application/
ABOUT
Origin: San Juan Islands
Weight: ~13 lbs
Personality: Artistic, Magnetic, Merry
Energy Level: My energy is dependent on my mood and the venue, but mostly I’m still quite active at my age
Likes: Caviar, Having a Reason to Dress Up, Sunny Days
Dislikes: Body Shaming, Critics, Red-Eye Flights
March 2024 “Volunteer of the Month” San Juan Island
Nancy Hodges
The Animal Protection Society - Friday Harbor (APS-FH) is pleased to announce Nancy Hodges as Volunteer of the Month for March 2024. Nancy, or “Nan” as most of us call her, has been volunteering at the Pet Food Pantry since October 2023. Since then, she has been a crucial and welcome addition to our crew of caring individuals that help those pets in need.
Call for Vendors and Entertainment at 2024 San Juan County Fair
The Fair provides a great platform and exposure for vendors and entertainers alike!… Read on
