News-Times
LIVING: Shakespeare finally comes to Whidbey A12
Whidbey
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013 | Vol. 114, No. 32 | www.whidbeynewstimes.com | 75¢
Council re-signs ‘expensive’ Weed six more months By JESSIE STENSLAND Staff reporter
Oak Harbor’s well-liked but expensive interim city attorney will continue on the job for at least another six months.
Oak Harbor City Council unanimously approved a contract extension last Tuesday night with Grant Weed, an attorney with the the Snohomish law firm Weed, Graafstra and Benson. Under the terms of the contract, the city will pay Weed a retainer of $6,400 a month for 40 hours of work. He’ll earn $170 an hour for any work beyond the 40 hours. City Administrator Larry Cort said Weed cost the city an average of $18,654 a month over the past 10 months. That equates to about $222,000 a year. “You are just so darn expensive,” Councilwoman Tara Hizon told Weed. City leaders have few options. After Mayor Scott Dudley fired two city attorneys during the first six months of his administration, the city has had difficulty finding See WEED, A8
Recycling kicked to the curb in a 2-1 county vote
Preserving history
By JUSTIN BURNETT Staff reporter
Forever fund awards record grants for 13 Central Whidbey properties By JUSTIN BURNETT Staff reporter
A community-driven program aimed at preserving historic buildings in Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve kicked off its third year with some recordbreaking funding. Reserve officials announced the award of $100,000 from the Ebey’s Forever Fund to 13 property owners on Central Whidbey. That’s the most money paid in a single year. It’s also the largest number of recipients in a single year. “It’s fantastic,” said Reserve Manager Mark Preiss. “Of course we’re tickled.” Some of the most recognizable buildings getting help this year include the 1934-built Comstock Barn, located near the intersection of Engle and Hill roads; the Captain Whidbey Inn, built in 1907; the old San de Fuca Store, off State Highway 20; and the old county Courthouse, 1855, located along Madrona Way.
The work to be done will vary by project, but they generally include repairs ranging from roof replacement and stabilization work to deck replacement and general maintenance. Though still relatively new, the program has grown quickly in popularity and effectiveness. In its first two years alone, the program assisted 17 property owners and raised nearly $130,000 in donations for contributing structures. That success is evidence as alternative funding programs which leverage community support are not only effective but are a demonstration of the public’s commitment to historic preservation, said Preiss. “Clearly, they recognize the importance of community involvement in these heritage resources.” “The money raised speaks for itself,” he said. The program began in late See EBEY’S FOREVER, A8
Photo by Justin Burnett/Whidbey News-Times
Central Whidbey farmer Don Sherman sits on his tractor in front of the barn his grandfather built nearly 80 years ago. The aging structure recently got an overhaul thanks to the Ebey’s Forever Fund.
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The Island County commissioners delivered a bit of irony this week when they killed a curbside recycling program on Earth Day. The board hammered the final nail into the coffin of the controversial program aimed at bringing curbside service to Langley and unincorporated areas of Whidbey Island. The vote Monday was 2-1. Republican commissioners Kelly Emerson and Jill Johnson voted to end the planned service while Commissioner Helen Price Johnson, a Democrat, voted to continue it. The vote effectively rescinded an ordinance the board adopted in December. “Shame on you,” chanted Coupeville resident Paula Spina loudly, moments after the vote to end recycling service. Though the meeting was not yet finished, the mantra was picked up by others in the room, drowning out any possibility of further action. Approximately 50 people attended the hearing. After the room was cleared, heated discussion among those on opposite sides of the issue continued in the hallway. Monday’s public hearing and the subsequent vote took place during the board’s first regularly scheduled evening meeting. Curbside recycling was under discussion for the past five years. A previous See CURB, A11
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While holding her baby, Ryan Lipstein, a teacher at Oak Harbor High School, speaks in favor of curbside recycling Monday.
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