E-News

States Compete for Federal Testing Grant

Seattle Times, June 4 – Thirty-one states have banded together to compete for a federal grant to fund the creation of battery of new national academic tests. The federal government has agreed to award two grants of $160 million for tests based on new academic standards in reading and math. Washington State is one of the states in the group application.

Testing would be done online, comparable with national exams, and would be offered twice a year. The goal is to track student progress so teaching methods can be adjusted where appropriate. The high school tests would be designed for 11^th grade.

Washington State Boat Tabs Need Renewing

PDN, June 5. – Any boat with a 2010 decal need to renew their license to avoid a fine. To renew online, visit www.dol.wa.gov. Click on the “Skip a Trip, Go Online” box in the middle of the page. Then select “Renew” and “Vessel Decals.” Follow the directions. Credit or Debit card information is needed. To renew in person bring the WN number from the bow of the boat and last year’s registration to the Jefferson County courthouse, auditor’s office, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Port Installs Filtration System

PDN, June 5 – Port workers installed a concrete for a new, high technology storm-water filtration system developed by StormwateRx of Portland, Oregon. The system will filter out industrial toxins such as copper, zinc and lead and keep them from washing into Port Townsend Bay. The system was funded with $350,000 from the Department of Ecology and $150,000 from the Port. The system will be functional by October according to the grant agreement.

Quileute Days in LaPush

PDN, June 5 – The Quileute tribe will showcase its heritage during Quileute Days, July 16-18. The tribe welcomes tourists and locals who want to learn more about Quileute Culture. Quileute Days feature a baseball tournament, games, and a street dance. A parade will occur at noon on Saturday, July 17; a salmon bake will be held on Saturday and Sunday, July 18 until the fish runs out.

Local News

Clerical Error in
SBCA Information Packet

The Directed Proxy Form referenced the 2010-2011 Budget, dated June 4, 2010. The information packet contained undated copy of the “SBCA Fiscal Year 2011 Budget.” This is the correct statement as required by RCW 64.38.045. The title discrepancy was reviewed by legal counsel who advised that the error is trivial and no additional action is required by the SBCA board.

According to President Dan Meade, the SBCA official minutes note state that various documents, refer to the year ending June 30, 2011 as the 2010-2011 fiscal year, fiscal 2011, fiscal year 2011 or F20ll. These terms should be considered interchangeable. To clarify minutes for members, the board will attempt to standardize these terms in the future. There is no known legal distinction or penalty regarding this inconsistency.

 

In the SBCA proxy, Ballot Item 1, dated June 4, 2010 – the date refers to the date the budget was approved and mailed.

PSE-PUD Agreement to be Finalized

June 8, 2010, Port Townsend – Jefferson County Public Utility District (PUD) Commissioners, Barney Burke (Port Townsend), Ken McMillan (Kala Point), and Wayne King (Gardiner), may sign an agreement with Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to make PSE’s electrical system public. Under the binding definitive agreement Jefferson County would pay $103 million for PSE facilities. A special meeting has been set for 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10 at the PUD offices, 230 Chimacum Road, Port Hadlock for discussion and possible signing. The PUD can still pull out of the agreement if the financing doesn’t work. A full article appears in the June 8 Peninsula Daily News.

 

All IMQ SEPA Comments sent to Jefferson County may be read at this link.

The Pope/IMQ lawsuit against JeffCo's may be read at this link.