Local government

Categories: Links | MC Public Hospital District #2 | Stormwater

Deputies Spread Thin in the Thick of North Mason (12/26/2007)

Mason County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Heilman enjoys the freedom of his job. He can roam within 961 square miles of rugged terrain, along pot-holed and often muddy roads, within thick forests and aside vast coastlines. And his agency is small and less-specialized when compared with Washington's more urban police departments, giving him the opportunity to do a wide variety of law enforcement. "You get to do more investigations, follow through on them, good, bad, or indifferent," Heilman said. But with that freedom often comes isolation. CLICK HERE FOR AN AUDIO SLIDE SHOW ABOUT THE CHALLENGES OF RURAL LAW ENFORCEMENT IN MASON COUNTY. web.kitsapsun.com/1newsroom/slideshows/MasonDeputies/index.html 071226-ks-mc Deputies Spread Thin In North Mason

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Bremerton and Allyn port commissioners Partner on SR 3 Corridor Plan (1/21/2006) by Barbara Clark, Sun Staff

Bremerton and Allyn port commissioners have forged a partnership to promote economic development and recreation in the area from Gorst to North Bay. All six commissioners signed the legally non-binding resolution Thursday at the Allyn port building. The pact vows to help shape a vision for the "Estuary to Estuary" corridor along Highway 3 linking Kitsap and Mason counties. www1.kitsapsun.com/bsun/local/article/0,2403,BSUN_19088_4405369,00.html  060121-ks-2 Ports Partner On Sr3 Corridor Plan

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Counties, Ports Form Alliance to Study Area Highways. Traffic, safety at center of 2-county effort led by the Port of Bremerton (1/3/2006) by Barbara Clark, Sun Staff

The Port of Bremerton is spearheading a two-county effort to make Highways 3 and 16 less congested and safer. A proposed Kitsap and Mason counties corridor study would focus on Highway 3 from Kitsap Way in Bremerton to Highway 101 south of Shelton, and Highway 16 from Gorst to Purdy. The result would be a 20-year plan listing projects by priority. www1.kitsapsun.com/bsun/local/article/0,2403,BSUN_19088_4359010,00.html  060103-ks-counties-ports Form Alliance

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01/05/09: Though tap water is one of the lowest cost commodities, especially in the US, it is also one of the most essential by Investor's Business Daily

Many pleaces in the U.S. have water-delivery infrastructures that are aging and, in many cases, overburdened. The Environmental Protection Agency says bringing the nation's water system up to standards by 2019 will require $500 billion beyond current spending projections. Privatization of public water continues to stall across the U.S. as consumers refuse to relinquish voting control over their water supplies. Customers ingest only 3% to 4% of the residential water delivered. More than half of the water flowing to homes is used outdoors, for watering lawns, washing cars and filling swimming pools. Membrane filtration and ultraviolet radiation treatment are gradually replacing the traditional chemical-based treatments that are more costly and questionable in terms of public health. Water meters are also moving toward the 21st century. New digital models can be remotely monitored, significantly reducing meter-reading costs. Rates could rise as much as five to ten times higher in certain areas within the next few decades. At a time when the economy turns down, people can cut back on a lot of things, but water is not usually one of them. Attitudes toward the value of water and privatization of water are changing, albeit slowly. Hybrid public/private agreements are pioneering future possibilities for the industry. Technology is cutting costs per unit to procure, treat and deliver water. Wells, treatment facilities and pipes are high-ticket expenses and don't make for flashy political debates. Lack of investment, coupled with a rapidly growing population, is pressing many water agencies into desperate corners. The crisis could drive more municipalities to outsource or even sell their water utilities... www.investors.com/editorial/IBDArticles.asp?artsec=23&issue=20090102  090105-ibd-aging Water Delivery

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Links

Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA)

The Association serves as the hub that networks all ports in a cooperative effort to share information and address issues such as our global economy, international trade and regional economic development. WPPA provides leadership on trade, freight mobility, environmental concerns and other issues related to port development, management and operation. The full-time WPPA staff of six supports tremendous participation in its activities by commissioners and staff of our port districts. www.washingtonports.org/

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Port of Dewatto

The Port of Dewatto was formed in 1927 and is one of 76 public port districts in the State of Washington. The port district is located on the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula in North Mason County. Hood Canal is the front door and it overlooks the Olympic Mountains and Olympic Peninsula. Dewatto is a recreational port with a natural and primitive campground on the Dewatto River. The campground is within walking distance of beautiful Dewatto Bay. There are many possibilities for outdoor sports and water activities, while preserving the natural beauty and rural character of the area. dewattoport.com/

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Knowing the Waters--Basic Legal Guidelines for Port District Officials by Robert F. Hauth

Table of Contents: I. Basic powers-the distribution and exercise of governmental powers II. Basic duties, liabilities and immunities of officers III. Potential conflicts and ethical guidelines IV. Prohibited uses of public funds, property or credit V. Public works and competitive bidding requirements VI. Sales of Port property VII. The Open Public Meetings Act of 1971 VIII. The Open Government Act-public records-freedom of information-privacy IX. Immunities from Tort liability X. Safeguards and precautions Conclusion: To borrow another nautical term, the purpose of this publication is to assist port district officials to navigate a safe course and avoid certain trouble areas most frequently encountered by municipal officials. Although it is meant to be comprehensive, it does not necessarily include all statutes and regulations, or case law, that possibly may apply. Furthermore, as indicated at the outset, the law frequently changes with new enactments and interpretations; even legal interpretations may vary depending upon the facts of a particular case. Therefore, it is important to develop a healthy working relationship with the various offices and other sources of help available to you. Do not hesitate to seek information and advice, especially on legal matters. The result may make the difference between a smooth passage and a disaster; between success or failure in asserting a claim or defense, particularly when the good faith of the official may be an issue in the lawsuit. www.washingtonports.org/downloads/knowingthewaters.pdf

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Kitsap County parcel search

As part of the County Land Information System, users can zoom in on the county parcel map to find desired parcels, or enter a street address or a tax account number to find information on a specific property. kcwppub3.co.kitsap.wa.us/website/parcelsearch/

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Kitsap County Government

Kitsap government information and services

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Constitutional authority of Port Districts

Title 53 RCW PORT DISTRICTS: RCW 53.04.010: Port districts authorized -- Purposes -- Powers -- Public hearing. Port districts are hereby authorized to be established in the various counties of the state for the purposes of acquisition, construction, maintenance, operation, development and regulation within the district of harbor improvements, rail or motor vehicle transfer and terminal facilities, water transfer and terminal facilities, air transfer and terminal facilities, or any combination of such transfer and terminal facilities, and other commercial transportation, transfer, handling, storage and terminal facilities, and industrial improvements. Article VIII, section 8 of the Washington State Constitution authorizes the use of public funds by port districts in such manner as the legislature may prescribe for industrial development or trade promotion. "The use of public funds by port districts in such manner as may be prescribed by the legislature for industrial development or trade promotion and promotional hosting shall be deemed a public use for a public purpose, and shall not be deemed a gift within the provisions of Section 7 of this Article. [AMENDMENT 45, 1965 ex.s. Senate Joint Resolution No. 25, p 2819. Approved November 8, 1966.]" RCW 53.08.260: Park and recreation facilities. A port district may construct, improve, maintain, and operate public park and recreation facilities when such facilities are necessary to more fully utilize boat landings, harbors, wharves and piers, air, land, and water passenger and transfer terminals, waterways, and other port facilities authorized by law pursuant to the port's comprehensive plan of harbor improvements and industrial development. NOTES: Harbor improvement plan: RCW 53.20.010. RCW 53.08.270: Park and recreation facilities -- Approval of other agencies. Before undertaking any such plan for the acquisition and operation of any park or recreational facility the proposed plan therefor shall be first submitted in writing to the director of the parks and recreation commission and to the governing body of any county or municipal park agency having jurisdiction in the area. The state director and/or such county or municipal park agency shall examine the port's proposed plan, and may disapprove such proposed plan if it is found to be in conflict with state or local park and recreation plans for the same area. If such proposed port plan is disapproved the port district shall not proceed further with such plan. If the state director or the governing body of the county or municipal agency does not respond in writing to the port within sixty days, it shall be deemed that approval has been granted.

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

MC Public Hospital District #2

06/22/10: MASON COUNTY PUBLIC HOSPITAL DISTRICT #2 MEETING MINUTES

Board: Herb Gerhardt, President;; Kaye Massie, Financial Officer; Ray Stutz, Secretary; Peggy VanBuskirk; Bev Wendell. Superintendent: Dr. Wallace Volz 100622-mcphd2 Meeting Minutes

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Stormwater

11/06/08: Stormwater Tops List of Problems Preventing a Healthy Puget Sound by Christopher Dunagan

Asked to name the greatest threats to Puget Sound, David Dicks, executive director of the Puget Sound Partnership, said stormwater must be ranked first, followed closely by the loss of habitat. Most of the stormwater pollution comes from small amounts of oil and petroleum products from automobiles. But toxic metals account for about a million pounds annually. Such metals include zinc from roofs and chain-link fences as well as copper from automobile brakes. The Puget Sound Partnership calls to action every level of government, every homeowner and every business manager to turn things around, Dicks said. See a copy of the Action Agenda at www.psp.wa.gov/downloads/DRAFT_ACTION_AGENDA_2008/Draft_action_agenda.pdf www.kitsapsun.com/news/2008/nov/06/stormwater-tops-list-problems-puget-sound/?partner=RSS  081106-ks-stormwater Tops Problems To Puget Sound

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Jun 2008: Smaller Counties Push for Their Own Stormwater Rules (6/21/2008)

A coalition of Western Washington counties may pool their resources to develop stormwater rules that would be less onerous than those imposed by the state, according to Kitsap County Commissioner Josh Brown. "We want a better stormwater manual, but we don't think adopting the King County manual is the way to do it," Brown said following a meeting last week with county officials from several "coastal counties." www.kitsapsun.com/news/2008/jun/21/smaller-counties-push-for-their-own-stormwater/  080621-ks-smaller Counties Want Own Stormwater Rules

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Jun 2006: Stormwater: A People Problem. Reducing stormwater pollution is essential to saving Puget Sound (6/11/2006)

Stormwater has become one of the hottest topics for the Puget Sound Partnership, a high-level committee formed by the governor to reverse the decline of Puget Sound. Government officials at all levels are struggling to find a solution to stormwater pollution without bankrupting the region. www1.kitsapsun.com/bsun/local/article/0,2403,BSUN_19088_4766844,00.html  060611-ks-stormwater-a People Problem

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Jun 2006: Reducing stormwater pollution is essential to saving Puget Sound, officials say, and local studies may point the way (6/11/2006) by Christopher Dunagan, Kitsap Sun

Stormwater has become one of the hottest topics for the Puget Sound Partnership, a high-level committee formed by the governor to reverse the decline of Puget Sound. Government officials at all levels are struggling to find a solution to stormwater pollution without bankrupting the region. The source of stormwater pollution is so widespread (literally) that one cannot point a finger of blame — unless it is pointed at everyone who lives and works here. ... Higher costs for land push developers and cities toward innovative stormwater solutions. www1.kitsapsun.com/bsun/local/article/0,2403,BSUN_19088_4768024,00.html  060611-ks-stormwater-a People Problem

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

May 2006: Kitsap County: Countywide Stormwater Fees Could See Increase (5/20/2006)

Rural homeowners in Kitsap County will see their annual stormwater fees increase from the current $50 to nearly $70 over the next four years, under a proposal to be presented Monday to county commissioners. The proposed fee increase, which affects only properties in unincorporated areas, will go to a public hearing before the county commissioners at 10 a.m. Monday at the county courthouse in Port Orchard. www1.kitsapsun.com/bsun/local/article/0,2403,BSUN_19088_4714140,00.html  060520-ks-countywide Stormwater Fees-increase

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