LUDLOW VILLAGE COUNCIL
General Meeting Minutes
May 1, 2008
The meeting was convened at 3:00 p.m. at the Bay Club.
Present: Bill Browne, Don Clark, Adele Govert, Tom McCay, Jack McKay,
Dean Mosier, Larry Nobles, Frank Siler, Chris Whitehurst (SBCA rep).
Absent: Gene Carmody, John Cragoe, Lynn Gauché, Stan Kadesh.
Mea Graham served as Recording Secretary
Larry Nobles called the meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. and ensured that there was a quorum. Approximately 50 persons were in attendance
MSP to approve the minutes of the April 3, 2008 General meeting (all ayes).
Jack McKay spoke of the action taken at the PLVC executive meeting whereby PLVC will contribute $1500 towards legal expenses in conjunction with the PLA and the SBCA to combat the Iron Mountain Quarry decision.
Speaker: Puget Sound Energy
Bert Valdman, Chief Operating Officer of Puget Sound Energy provided an update on area projects, the opening of PSE’s new office in Port Townsend, and PSE’s merger.
He described his job as having three operating priorities – getting it done, managing costs and resources, and planning for the future. He mentioned that the rise in cost for materials for business, an increase in the level of investment in infrastructure and an aging system have prompted the recent request for a rate raise.
Because PSE has a shortage system, they purchase power on the wholesale market, but need to build and own their own power plants. Currently, 2 wind farms (power sufficient for 100,000 homes) and 3% of generation base is from wind; solar technology is not as advanced as wind, but there are some solar assets with whom PSE is working. Renewables are a large part of the PSE portfolio for the future.
On the topic of outages: With reference to his reliability metric – operationally it is as important as reliability over cost. Home based businesses are 9 % of PSE customers. Outages are caused here by vegetation. Plans are underway to install underground feeder cable from Port Gamble to Port Ludlow underwater; routing (Paradise Bay Rd, Andy Cooper Road to Teal Lake Village is projected; Tala Shores would remain as it is present; a proposed tree wire project on Oak Bay Road (Covered conductor – much larger- will improve the situation for birds and branches); a new substation in Chimacum. System redundancy will enhance the current service.
As the former CFO for PSE, he shared the need for investments for the next five years: a 43% equity return is permitted of the $5 Billion needed in next 5 years. Pension funds as a group of financial investors are looking to invest their capital in PSE’s growth
All this information can be found in Good for Washington PSE handout March 2008
In response to questions raised re substation readiness, tree cutting, natural gas, nuclear, wind, rate increases that will result as contracts expire; he named the three major concepts under which PSE will operate as an individual utility: generation, transmission and distribution.
Community Reports
Port Ludlow Associates – On behalf of Diana Smeland, Paul Wolman GM of the Heron Beach Inn reminded all of the Hearing for Ludlow Cove 2 has been moved to July 11 at Beach Club at 2 PM, and the meeting on Ludlow Bay Village will be heard July 22.
He mentioned the current offerings for Mother’s Day at the local eateries and the new menus that have been introduced. The Marina store is now serving hot dogs and ice cream
Report on the Iron Mountain Quarry Appeal – Dave Armitage raised concerns of IMQ permit involving truck traffic on #104 to the end market, the channel noise level from mining will be long term noise from 104 since the sound will travel once they remove the timber and a ridge of rock (currently blocking the sound from Shine and Rt #104;, this wind channel could carry dust abrasive to cars; sound will travel very readily through the channel, potential damage to aquifer – it could be breached accidentally, storm water storage water could become contaminated and damage the aquifer.
As a response: PLA. PLVC Village Council and SBCA have joint legal action ongoing. He described the two actions of appeal open to Port Ludlow residents: legal process and the permitting process; community – donate money; mobilize the golfers, hikers, villages, experts, bird watchers. (see attached model Appendix 1)
Village Council Iron Mountain Legal Fund has been established to start the process and continue the battle. Dave Armitage’s small group of Peter Graber, Suzanne Graber, and himself has as its intent one face, one focal group, talking to lawyers with respect to legal timing, strategies, etc. rather than segmented groups. They intend to have a single voice to send out clear loud messages and keep Iron Mountain Quarry (IMQ) as far as away from here to maintain our quality of life, house prices, health issues.
In response to questions from the floor, Al Scalf, Director of Community Development for Jefferson County, stated that if the legal action is not successful, then application may be made to the Court of Appeals, then Superior Court. On the permit side, Jefferson county storm water permit will trigger a SEPA review and conditional use permit review. No permits applications have as of now yet been placed. David Wayne Johnson would be the project planner. Scalf stated RCW 78.44 , Dept of Natural resources (DNR) permit review, Dept of Ecology permits are needed too where possible contamination of water, wastes are involved.. IMQ has not agreed to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Jefferson County is concerned how the diminishing asset doctrine may affect the comprehensive plan and the long term uses for our community.
This topic will be addressed again with SBCA Board tomorrow. IMQ made a pre-application conference for a storm water permit. DNR is the sole agency responsible for reclamation in surface mining. Operation of the mine is the County’s responsibility. DNR is responsible for surface mining reclamation plan review. Determination must be made of whether there is significant adverse impact or moderate? There are only three responses to the permit process: Approved, approved with conditions or denied.
Consult the Jefferson County DCE web page to study further:
Jefferson County regulation 18.20.240 and/or 18.30.070
And RCW 78.44
MSP to approve to Peter and Suzanne Graber be part of the ad hoc committee known as the Iron Mountain Litigation Task Force.
Community Reports:
Jefferson County - John Austin – county commissioner - thanked the community for efforts to control the damage done to our environment. He introduced the new permanent interim County Administrator Denny Richards (with background in law enforcement, city management, a 3rd generation Washington resident from Vancouver who currently lives on Fox Island,). He stated that he is aware of the issues that this county faces, and encourages all residents to contact him with concerns.
Fire District #3 – Chief Ed Wilkerson - no report
Treasurer’s Report: no report
Committee Progress Reports
Utilities Committee – Phil Otness and his committee found an error in OWSI statements sent to WUTC on April 10th asking for a temporary rate increase. This committee is concerned that the community has not been duly informed. Committee drafted a letter to the WUTC concerning the water portion of a resident’s bill and recommends that the PLVC send the letter to WUTC. The PLVC was assured that PLA had the opportunity to respond to the issues mentioned in the letter.
MSP to approve the wording of the Utilities committee’s letter to the WTUC to be sent over the signature of the council. (7 ayes, 1 nay)
Digital Village – Dean Mosier spoke about the continued meetings held with interested groups. He mentioned further concerns to be discussed with The Voice, and four town hall meetings are planned (2 at Bay Club, 2 at Beach Club, one each in afternoon and evening ). When asked about costs such as the upfront, one time charge, annual fee, and ½ person + equipment revenue projection starting in 2nd year, Mosier suggested that interested residents should go to the port Ludlow digital village web site to see specific sections on the website dealing with cost and FAQ’s, examples of club and village pages,etc.
Communications Committee – Jack McKay – no report
One Port Ludlow - Adele Govert announced a social for SBCA, PLVC, and LMC board members will be held June 11th at the Bay Club from 5:-00 -7:00 PM.
Other Committees with Important Updates
Steve Failla - Recycling of electronics will take place again this year during the month of August. The charge will be 40 cents per pound for all electronics; batteries at no charge. Mention was made of the valuable insert in this month’s Voice dealing with
disposal of unwanted materials, paint supplies and the like.
Old Business Decision/Vote on what fundraising events PLVC will support
v Phone Directory Planning deferred to workshop meeting
v Fun Fest 2009 Planning deferred to workshop meeting
v Fourth of July Fireworks deferred to workshop meeting
v Banners deferred to workshop meeting
New Business: None
Comments from the Floor
In response to Sue Ryan, it was announced that the bus shelters should be installed last week in May or first week of June.
Residents are encouraged to inquire at the Port Hadlock Postal Station for a possible drop box for drive up mail placement in Port Ludlow
Schedule of Future Meetings:
May Workshop Meeting – Tuesday, May 20th 3:00 PM – Bay Club
June General Meeting – Thursday, June 5th, 3:00 PM – Beach Club
Meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
Appendix 1
Appendix
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