Samstag resigns from Utility Advisory Committee

By RICHARD D. OXLEY
Bainbridge Island Review Staff Writer
October 24, 2012 · 2:08 PM

Randal Samstag, a longtime member of Bainbridge Island's Utility Advisory Committee, has resigned from his position.

At the end of a lengthy council meeting last week, Samstag took the podium and addressed the city council.

"I resign from the committee as of tonight," Samstag said.

Samstag leaves due to a conflict of interest that prevents him from contributing to sewer utility topics. With his skills and knowledge muted on the committee, he said he stepped down in order to weigh in as a private citizen.

Samstag quit an evening filled with discussion on an update to the city's sewer plan. The city council is considering a contract worth nearly $400,000 with Carollo Engineers to handle the update.

Samstag, however, works with Carollo Engineers and has recused himself from committee discussions in the past that involved the firm.

He said that since the city is contracting with Carollo, he would have to continue to recuse himself.

"The reason that I have value on the committee, it's because I have expertise in sewer systems," Samstag said. "I can better offer help to you as a private citizen."

At its meeting Oct. 17, the city council referred the contract with Carollo to the Utility Advisory Committee for review.

Contact Bainbridge Island Review Staff Writer Richard D. Oxley at roxley@bainbridgereview.com or (206) 842-6613.

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