INSIDE: Doris for a day ... Island Life, A11
Record South Whidbey
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012 | Vol. 88, No. 69 | www.SOUTHWHIDBEYRECORD.com | 75¢
Skaters may get trial run in Langley By JUSTIN BURNETT Staff reporter
A bid to lift a city-wide ban of skateboarding in Langley and allow the activity in residential areas nearly rolled to stop last week. Following a string of concerns from the public at the City Council’s regularly scheduled meeting, the council appeared on the verge of scrubbing the proposal altogether for reasons largely related to safety. A last minute recommendation from the crowd, however, swayed the council into agreeing to consider an alternative ordinance that outlines a temporary trial period and strongly encourages the use of helmets. Langley Mayor Larry Kwarsick, a proponent of the original proposed rule changes, said in an interview Tuesday that he had no qualms with the council’s decision. “I think it’s a good compromise,” Kwarsick said. The proposal first went before the council earlier this month at the behest of Police Chief Randy Heston. He believes the current rules, which ban the use of skateboards, scooters, roller skates or any human-powered devices other than bicycles, are just too restrictive. He proposed loosening the city’s regulations to allow such devices in residential neighborhoods around the city. They would still be restricted from commercial areas, such as downtown. The proposal received a relatively positive reception during its first pass before the council as none voiced opposition to the proposal. Councilman Jim Sundberg even questioned why business zones were not also being included. As Heston was not present to answer questions, the council agreed to table the issue until its next meeting. Council members Bruce Allen and Rene Neff were also out of town. The following meeting saw much more debate and concern. Allen was particularly worried about the proposal, saying he’s seen skateboarders flying down city streets at “120 mph.” “It’s not safe,” he said. Neff voiced similar concerns. She said she recently watched a skateboarder riding down a Langley street at speeds that made her nervous. “He was going like a bat out of hell,” she said. However, she said she isn’t adamantly against skateboarding and asked whether the ordinance could be modified to require the use of helmets. Heston said he didn’t think the city could go that far, that it’s a matter that
Ben Watanabe / The Record
Jon Beck examines sunken screws in the bay door at South Whidbey Fire/EMS Bayview station. Asbestos was recently discovered in the ceiling and walls, delaying some upgrades and repairs to the aging fire station.
Aging fire truck junked as budget woes continue BY BEN WATANABE Staff reporter
safety on the part of the riders and the public. Others worried about potential property damage, such as dented cars. The proposal wasn’t without public support, however. Second Street business owner Callahan McVay argued on behalf of the new rules, saying that skateboards are commonly used as a means of transportation. He also said that today’s youths are a receptive group and would be willing to prove their responsibility with some self-policing, if given the chance. For those who might slip through the
In a most unceremonious way, the old aerial apparatus from the Bayview fire station is now a junker at Island Recycling in Freeland. The elevated hose stream truck was the only engine of its kind on South Whidbey. Though not the kind with a ladder and a bucket for high rescue, it was built to douse flames higher than two stories. At more than 30 years old, however, its repair costs began to burden the $2.3 million budget for South Whidbey Fire/EMS to the tune of $16,000-$18,000 annually over the past few years. “It just got to a point where we couldn’t afford to fix it,” said Fire Chief Rusty Palmer. The inability to repair or upgrade equipment and stations is a common problem and frustration for the South End’s firefighters. Over the past two years, South Whidbey Fire/ EMS has cut $1.6 million from its expenses — a mechanic, fire engines, delayed station upgrades — and led the three fire commissioners to seek a 15-cent levy increase this November. Now, South Whidbey’s fire protection district, from Freeland to Clinton, relies on an agreement with the Oak Harbor Fire Department for its aerial apparatus. In an emergency, it would take more than 30 minutes for the ladder truck to reach the South End, if it’s available. Admittedly, there is only a handful of buildings taller than two stories. “We don’t have a lot of those buildings,” Palmer said. “Often times we need the truck for the extra reach.” Deputy Chief Jon Beck said frontline pumpers like the aerial apparatus have a service life of about 15 years. South
See Skateboarders, A6
See Fire, A6
Justin Burnett / The Record
Langley resident Jonas Anderson, 15, rides at South Whidbey Parks and Recreation’s skate park just outside Langley. The City Council is considering lifting a city-wide ban and allowing skateboarding in residential areas. would be better handled by parents. He did assure the council that the proposed ordinance changes are not a free license for dangerous behavior and that he would be keeping an eye on things. Putting other people in danger would not be tolerated and would be met with swift action, he said. Police would be empowered to levy $80 citations and they wouldn’t be afraid to get out their pens. “If they are skateboarding in a negligent manner, they are going to get some paperwork,” Heston said. Several members of the audience also voiced concerns, repeating fears of