Ocean Shores says Ecology out of touch with reality - July 13, 1999
By Jenny Lynn Zappala, Daily World Writer, The Aberdeen Daily World
OCEAN SHORES - The City Council went on record Monday as strongly opposed to the Department of Ecology's proposed amendments to the state's shoreline management master program.
Ocean Shores has joined several other Grays Harbor communities in protesting the amendments.
If they stand, the amendments would restrict development within 100 feet of any shoreline, including waterfront development in Ocean Shores. Since Ocean Shores is laced with canals and features prime coastline, the amendments will impact most of the city.
"You could put up a dog house if you were lucky," Councilman Peter Jordan said last night. "It makes no provision for reality."
In the resolution adopted by the council, the city also objects to inland communities drafting amendments that will effect coastal areas the most, said Jordan and Councilwoman Terry Veitz.
"We have to get all the players at the table," said Veitz.
No one from Grays Harbor County or other coastal counties was represented by the draft authors, Jordan said.
According to the resolution, "The City Council of the City of Ocean Shores is in full support of proper shoreline management and protection of our environment. We find the proposed rule-making amendment process to be flawed and beyond authorized scope and authority. Therefore we oppose implementation of these guideline amendments."
Councilman Jordan said the resolution is actually not strong enough.
"If (the amendment) is implemented, we are in deep trouble," Jordan said.
Ocean Shores is not alone in its annoyance with the amendments. Grays Harbor County, Pacific County, Westport, Raymond and South Bend have also passed similar resolutions. Aberdeen and Lewis County are considering such action.
Officials underestimate local anger
"They (Ecology officials) have exceeded their legal authority over this and I think they underestimated how angry people are," said Dan Wood of Hoquiam, Western Washington field manager for the Washington Farm Bureau.
Wood is coordinating a public rally set to begin at 5 p.m. Thursday prior to the public hearing at Montesano City Hall on the proposed amendments.
"We want to get the message out that this is unacceptable," Wood said Monday. "It looks like they want to regulate the property without paying for it. It will put farmers out of business. It will put timber owners out of business."
"Everybody is going to be hit by this. There isn't a place in Grays Harbor that these rules will not apply."
Mayor Harriette Hodgson and other Ocean Shores City Council members invited everyone to attend the rally and public hearing.
Sue Patnude, director of community development for the city, cautioned residents to offer constructive criticism before sparking a blanket protest. Jordan also stressed the importance of participating in the upcoming public hearings.
There was no public comment.
"I guess that means we'll all be there," said Hodgeson.
In other business
The City Council passed a $1.3 million bond measure to pay for the Weatherwax property, a 160-acre piece of land straddling Duck Lake.
The city intends to purchase the land to preserve an aquifer on the property as a water source.
Ocean Shores residents questioned council members about how the land would be used and the debt paid.
"There are lots of ideas, but nothing has been decided," said City Manager Jack McKenzie.
Part of the debt could be paid by selling 30 to 50 building lots on the east side of the property, but that isn't final, said McKenzie.
The bonds, sold in $5,000 increments, will mature in three years, giving the city time to finance the purchase.
"I think some of this should have been considered beforehand," said Luretta Brewer of Ocean Shores.
The council authorized an extension of an additional $2 million line of credit from SeaFirst Bank to finish the waste treatment plant.
The city had hoped to sell waste water treatment plant bonds this summer, but an unrelated suit has driven up the price of the bonds.
Four Ocean Shores property owners from Seattle have sued the city in regard to the utility billing method.
The city will delay the bond sale until the suit is mediated, said Gordon Hey, the city's finance director.
There was no public comment.
The council also retained the services of Foster, Pepper & Shefelman for $6,000 to provide legal services regarding water resources. The firm will examine the existing rights and what it will take to secure any future water rights.
The council also heard a second reading of two amendments concerning raises for council members and the mayor. It would be the first raise since 1985.
If the proposal is approved, compensation for council members will rise from $100 a month to $350. The mayor's compensation would rise from $350 to $500 a month. The raise only applies to officials elected or re-elected after the amendment is adopted.
Jenny Lynn Zappala, a Daily World reporter, can be reached at 532-4000, ext. 132, or at jzappala@thedailyworld.com
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