Public backs ban on docks

Public input on the city’s effort to amend shoreline rules in Blakely Harbor was overwhelmingly in favor of maintaining restrictions on new docks in the south-end waterway.

The bulk of input urged the city to adhere to existing shoreline rules barring new docks and that the greater good of the community and environment should be considered over the desire of a few waterfront homeowners.

The findings were presented to the City Council last Wednesday.

The council in late June authorized the payment of $250,000 to settle nearly a dozen lawsuits filed by Blakely Harbor property owners over a now-defunct moratorium on dock construction.

About $150,000 of the settlement would go to the claimants, while the remainder would provide improvement funds for Blakely Harbor Park. The settlement also stipulates that the council will consider code revisions allowing new “neighborhood docks” in the harbor.

Part of the city’s motivation for coming to terms with the claimants was to halt the hemorrhage of legal fees, which has cost the city over $200,000 during three years of defending the dock moratorium.

As stipulated in the agreement, the city must “consider” amending the ordinance, possibly allowing docks shared by four or more shoreline residences.

These docks must also meet federal, state and local regulations and gain approval from the state Department of Ecology.

The city hosted a legislative scoping meeting in early August to discuss the settlement, possible adverse effects to the environment and possible alternatives for developing docks in the harbor.

Five alternatives presented to the council last Wednesday included joint-use docks shared by six or more property owners, construction of one or two public docks or declaring the harbor a “marine conservation area,” barring all new docks or the expansion of over-water structures.

The public comment period, which ended late last month, leaned heavily on the no-new dock alternative.

Numerous comments stressed that the harbor was “uniquely pristine” for Puget Sound and should be conserved.

A large number of residents also told the city that new docks would harm views and adversely impact marine habitat, including sensitive eelgrass beds and young salmon.

City shorelines planner Peter Namtvedt Best is currently leading a study of the health of the harbor’s marine environment as part of a wider analysis of the five alternatives.

He plans to present his findings in late October, which will initiate another round of public meetings and presentations.

– Tristan Baurick

Dinner brings Gov. Gregoire

Gov. Christine Gregoire and former Gov. Mike Lowry will speak at the

23rd Legislative District Democrats’ annual Salmon Dinner Sept. 28 at Kiana Lodge in Suquamish.

The annual dinner is well attended by Democratic candidates, legislators and public officials. This is the organization’s major fund-raiser of the year.

A no-host bar reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30, featuring salmon donated by the Suquamish Tribe.

Tickets are $50 per person and reservations are required. Contact Martha Lynn-Johnson at (360) 405-1434.

Mysteries of septic revealed

Experts will reveal the mystery behind septic tanks at a meeting at City Hall 6:30-9 p.m. Sept. 19.

Learn how to maintain a healthy septic system, the warning signs of a failing system, tips on non-polluting yard care and how the Oysters for Salmon project is trying to help water quality in Eagle Harbor.

The meeting is sponsored by the city and the Natural Landscapes Project. See www.naturallandscapes.org.

Burdick added to state board

Gov. Christine Gregoire has appointed islander Susie Burdick to join her Committee on Disability Issues and Employment.

The committee advises the governor and Legislature on disability issues, initiates projects to address issues, and provides training and assistance to individuals and organizations.

Burdick is the CEO of the Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center, which is headquartered in Seattle. She also is the president of the National Association of Speech and Hearing Centers.

New boutique at the green

Winslow Green’s newest boutique, Rancho Winslow, will open at noon Sept. 15.

Owners Susan Pothoff and Deborah Echert invite the community to help them celebrate “the store of their dreams” from 5 to 8 p.m., with clogging and refreshments.

Housed in the former Fox Paw space, the boutique will offer products that embrace “a rustic, romantic lifestyle.”