Eat and learn
at fire station
Strawberry Point residents are invited to a community dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at Taylor Road Fire Station. Along with the burgers and brauts will be some serious business.
A dozen families will speak about learning forestry and small woodland stewardship in their neighborhood. There will be information about free recycling of plastics used in farming and gardening.
Speakers will present information on a shoreline assessment that’s part of a project to restore riparian and marine habitats in Strawberry Point. Another community project to improve rainwater retention at their Silverlake Fire Station will be described.
In addition, folks can sign up for upcoming workshops on bluffs, manure management, farm planning and septic tank inspections.
To RSVP, leave a message at 678-5111, ext. 6069.
Stormwater manager hired
The Coupeville Town Council approved a $9,900 contract with the Porter Group to manage the town’s stormwater activities project, which is funded through a grant with the Department of Ecology.
The business was selected because it is also providing management services for the town’s reclaimed water feasibility study, according to information provided by the town of Coupeville.
Councilmember Ann Dannhauer tried to amend the contract and include union membership in the list of factors the Porter Group cannot discriminate against.
The amendment seemed to catch officials off guard.
“I’m not sure of the concern since it’s a one-person corporation doing the work,” Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard said.
“I don’t have a problem approving the contract,” Councilman Bom Clay said.
No council member would second Dannhauer’s amendment and the vote to approve the contract was unanimous.
Informal opinion due next month
Officials for the Port of Coupeville will learn next month whether they can provide further protection for the land surrounding the Greenbank Farm.
The port is seeking an informal opinion from the state Attorney General’s Office about whether a port district can give up its development rights to a property and have it protected by a conservation easement.
Port Executive Director Jim Patton presented a letter during Wednesday’s commissioners’ meeting from the Attorney General’s office stating that the informal opinion will be ready sometime in mid to late September.
In addition to the informal opinion, Patton said there are plans to meet with attorneys concerning whether the proposed conservation easement would affect the value of the bonds the port is currently paying off for the Greenbank Farm.
