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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995/02/23 - Lower Hood Canal CWD LOWER HOOD CANAL CLEAN WATER DISTRICT FEBRUARY 23, 1995 ATTENDANCE: Mary L. Faughender, Commissioner William O. Hunter, Chairperson Mary Jo Cady, Commissioner The Lower Hood Canal Clean Water District special meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.by Chairperson William O.Hunter at the Mary E.Theler Center in Belfair,Washington. There were approximately 120 citizens in attendance. HEARING- 1995 ASSESSMENTS The Clerk read aloud the notice of hearing to consider the 1995 assessments for the Lower Hood Canal Clean Water District. Cmmr. Cady/Faughender moved and seconded to go into executive session for no more than ten minutes to discuss items which came in today. Motion carried unanimously. C-aye; F-aye; H-aye. Chairperson Hunter introduced the County staff, advisory board, and Commissioners. Don Melvin, State Department of Health was present and was introduced. Mark Tompkins noted the 1995 assessment recommendation: 1) Larger/Multiple Connection on-site sewage system be assessed $250.00 per system. 2) Publicly owned parks with RV connections be assessed$450.00 per park. 3) Tideland parcel be assessed$26.00 per parcel. 4) Structures connected to an on-site sewage system that do not meet definition of #1 or #2 above be assessed $52.00 per on-site sewage system. Larger on-site sewage system means any system with a design flow of greater than 3,500 gallons per day and not regulated with an NPDES permit. Multiple connection on-site sewage system means any system with more than one dwelling unit connected into one septic tank. Tidelands mean any parcel with tidelands whether in part or wholly tidelands. Robert Beard-Questioned if the assessment will continue for three years then specialized people will check the system after which would be billed to the owner. He is not supportive of this concept as it will be financially hard on the working and retired people. He felt there could be an incentive to the owners if they could deduct the assessment for their property from their income tax. Mary Arnold - S. Mission Lake Road - Didn't believe they have a'choice and if they are required to upgrade she would not be able to financially afford this as she is responsible for her spouse in the convalescent home. Dorothy Logg-Dewatto -Noted she has put in a$3,300 septic system, large drainfield, etc. Her taxes went up 60%this year and she should rather not pay. She is retired and has had an unfortunate dealing with a business person who took her money and did not fulfill his obligations, while she was meeting the County's regulations. LOWER HOOD CANAL CLEAN WATER DISTRICT FEBRUARY 23, 1995 - PAGE 2 Cec Dungan - River Road, Tahuya - He is going back to work after retirement. He asked about the flood situation. There seems to be more concern about water washing everything away than the sewage. Charlie Bennett-NE 11651 North Shore Road-He has been at his residence for over thirty years and has not had any problems with the oysters. They appear to be clean and sellable. He believed the water quality to be a state problem and not a County problem. He read that half the shellfish revenue comes from Hood Canal. If this is true he felt the whole state should participate in the clean up. He commented there has been a lot of discussion about Lynch Cove and the pollution problems. He questioned what is being done. Reference was made to an article about the Belfair State Park which is closed to shellfish harvesting. He discussed at length that the mud and dirt in the water doesn't appear to have harmed the oysters on his beach. He was not aware of anyone who has become ill because of his oysters. He asked for a response to written questions he has directed to the County. Jim Keck-Tahuya River Valley-Asked why systems need to be inspected again after approved. He commented he paid fees nine months ago along with$2500 to put in County approved septic system and drainfield. There is no reason to believe the system could fail. If it didn't fail within six months he felt he should be exempt from paying inspection fees. He felt there should be some way to equalize the fees for those who have recently paid for a system and inspection. Donald R. Daly- Tiger Lake - Is retired on disability and has had his system checked. He didn't believe the $52 fee is necessary. They have already paid a fee to have their septic systems put in. If his system fails he will take care of it without the assessment fee. Elaine Hensley- Belfair - New owner on Belfair Highway. They have put all they have to obtain their home. They don't have extra money to pay year after year. She felt that the method used to obtain clean water is what is in dispute. She stressed this is a community which thrives on visitors which frequent the areas. There is no way to collect revenue from the people who are also polluting the waters. She does not support the fee as it appears it does,not reflect the total usage of the water. Bill Quigley-Referred to the Lower Hood Canal Watershed Plan-He addressed four areas: 1) overall quality; 2) on-site sewage systems 3) groundwater protection. He expressed he was not supportive of a permanent program and asked who would pay for this. Vern Rutter - Tahuya River Road - Noted he supported the Lower Hood Canal Clean Water District - He pointed out the County had no choice but to form a district and raise fees to take action because the County signed a consent order with the state. He understood if the County had not signed a consent order all of the development within the north end of the County would have been shut down. Secondly, he believed they are getting a bargain if they considered what it would cost to take a more permanent action such as a sewer. It Would cost approximately$30,000 - $40,000 per household. There are some alternatives which could possibly be discussed. He stressed if people want to live in the beautiful area they need to share in the expenses. Chairperson Hunter-Interjected there is a low interest loan available to upgrade their septic systems.The loan is administered through a bank. Jim McPherson-Expressed frustration with rising fees. He stressed it seems there is no limit on the clean water district assessment fee. The cleaning up of the water is mainly for shellfish and salmon. He felt the indians should pay 50%of the fees as they own 50%of the shellfish and salmon in the County and the residents systems which fail should pay to bring them up to what it is supposed to be. LOWER HOOD CANAL CLEAN WATER DISTRICT FEBRUARY 23, 1995 - PAGE 3 Don Ahrens-Noted he does not support this. He felt this issue should have been put to a vote. He expressed he also has concern about the water. He would have liked to have more input in the process. He questioned the equity in testing. It appears it is towards private homes and the elderly and seems to be bypassing the commercial aspect. He commented the Hood Canal is an international waterway which is an extension of the pacific ocean way. He was not supportive of cleaning up the Canal since it is a federal problem. It is like asking the people on the coast to clean up the Pacific Ocean. Chairperson Hunter added there currently is legislation which would change the law presented by Mr.Sheldon so people would have a vote when there is a closure. He encouraged people to testify on it. Bill Krytes-Tiger Lake-He encouraged people to comment on the legislation to enable the local residents to have more input. Bill Quigley-Commented Representative Steve Fuhrman,Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee needs to be called regarding HB 2018. If this issue passes they have the right every three years to abolish or fund the program. Elaine Manheimer - Union River Basin Protection Association - Are supportive of this action because they understand it was mandated by the State. They have been working long and hard to get some clean water into Hood Canal. This is an attempt, a start. She agreed the will of the people should prevail. At this point in time the Clean Water District is asking to continue the fees and something is being done in the watershed. Jack Kimbal-Belfair Street-Expressed frustration with the service. He was told to cave in his system and fill in with dirt which is conflicting with other information he has read. He asked that the newsletter list who to contact in case of a problem. John Moore - He commented that he and his neighbors were flooded out after they had culverts placed. Mary Roosendaal-North Shore Road-He researched to determine what was driving the tax record. In 1976 his taxes on his parcel were $158.16; In ten years it increased 607%; In the last ten years it has gone up an additional 161%to a total of$1,470/year. In taking a closer look at the components of the tax over the last ten years he noted the hospital portion increased 639%; Counties portion 172%; state school 160%; library 146%; fire 123%; port 140%; local school 183%. He commented they don't want new or additional programs; they would like better management of the existing programs. Joe Huxford - He hoped the legislation goes through to demolish the clean water district. The citizens have asked for a cap. They were told it could be one year. The program is so new it is undetermined what the future is on it. He again stressed they would like to vote on the clean water district. Chairperson Hunter - Noted this was projected to be a three year program. Bill Quigley- Questioned if this year's budget has $200,000 surplus. He asked for a copy of the budget. Irene Davis-Stressed the purpose of the Clean Water District is to clean up the Hood Canal. She commented she hasn't heard a positive proposal for cleaning up the Canal,which is what they all want to do. She expressed willingness to pay$52 or a reasonable fee to do something positive towards cleaning up Hood Canal. They are not asking the federal or state government to do this for us. The people should be willing to do something to improve the community. LOWER HOOD CANAL CLEAN WATER DISTRICT �. FEBRUARY 23, 1995 - PAGE 4 Jeannette Blackwell- South Shore - She questioned who is involved in the clean up and who is exempt. The Union River is polluting and pasture land. She believed everyone who works or plays in the area should take part in cleaning up the water. Richard Edwards - He commented every fall when winter rains come the river turns brown. He expressed concern about the clear cuts of timber. He expressed his willingness to spend$52 to get issues up and running. He believed everyone needs to be involved. He personally joined the advisory committee to participate. Reggie Loveland - Belfair Highway- Commented he has a fourplex which he was recently assessed$500. He tried to compare it to a fair assessment which would be ten individual homes. The Board noted they would have someone at the Clean Water District to contact him. The Board expressed appreciation for people coming out and voicing their opinions. Cmmr. Cady added the Clean Water Districts have been a learning process which unfortunately has not gone real well. Cmm"r. Faughender/Cady moved and seconded to close the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. due to no further business. Respectfully Submitted, Rebecca S. Rogers LOWER HOOD CANALCWATER DISTRICT William O. Hunter, Chairperson M.L. Faughend , Commissioner Mary dy, o s loner