Minutes of the Port Ludlow Drainage District
Discussion of Proposed South Bay Annexation
PLDD Commissioners present: Leland Amundson, Walter Cairns, James Laker
PLDD Engineer Consultant: Nancy Lockett
Guests present: Richard Regan, Mel & Katie Smith, Bud Kerns, Marion Belite (Port Ludlow Associates (PLA) representative)
South Bay Drainage Annexation Committee present: Tom McKay, Sharon Walker, Connie Wilkinson, Miriam Villiard, Gary Moore
Objective: Mr. Tom McKay, a South Bay resident, who with six other South Bay residents (some of whom are listed above) formed a seven (7) person committee in February of 2009 to address concerns they’ve had with drainage maintenance issues and the future of South Bay Drainage. This committee (referred to within these minutes as SBDC) requested this meeting with the Port Ludlow Drainage District (PLDD) Commissioners to address what issues may arise concerning drainage in South Bay, and what process would have to be followed to become annexed to the PLDD.
SBCD: Could you give us a general overview of your opinion as to what information we should disseminate to our community?
PLDD: To correct some misinformation that unfortunately was emailed to many residents. For North Bay, construction costs as well as maintenance costs are included in assessments. South Bay residents would be paying for maintenance of South Bay properties only, with a small overhead, probably comparable to what you now pay. We (the PLDD) would assume responsibility for overseeing these areas. Areas that don’t have as many drainage issues will not be assessed at the same rate as those that do. You have to get enough support (50 % of membership) either by petition with signatures verified by Jefferson County or by Jefferson County election, which can be a more expensive process. The areas of annexation would have to be contiguous. Once either process is complete, the PLDD would vote on whether to accept you.
SBDC: Would Jefferson County pay for a ballot election?
PLDD: There is a fee; to be paid by the PLDD which if the vote carried would be sustained by the PLDD, which would then be added to your assessment the following year, approximately $4,500.00.
SBDC: If we have 50%, how would we then proceed?
PLDD: Our engineer would outline annexed area so that the county would know the exact areas.
SBDC: On the MPR (Master Planned Resort) map there are waterways dividing the areas, would they need to abut?
PLDD: Yes. The connection is narrow between North and South Bays.
SBDC: If PLA joins, would that be possible?
PLDD: Yes
SBDC: If PLA comes in and the golf course is included, it would touch almost every property.
SBDC: How would properties be assessed?
PLDD: The golf course has a drainage pond and they basically take care of it themselves. Richard Regan (former PLDD Chair) offered this response: In North Bay, different zones are assessed differently, for example five (5) acre plots drain into other 5 acre plots so they are assessed at a lower rate, which is then reviewed every 5 years.
SBDC: Water from the golf course, Highland Drive and Greenview, drain down by gravity to ponds, through Jefferson County ditches, under roads and into the bay. If there is any contamination is the point of origin then responsible? Jefferson County said they’re responsible for ditches, not what goes into the ditch?
PLDD: When it gets into county ditches, they’re responsible. An example of this happened at Swansonville Road, Jefferson County took care of it. Jefferson County right of ways could be included into the annexation proposal.
SBDC: Can some areas opt out?
PLDD: Yes, but remaining areas need to be contiguous.
SBDC: So, by petition we could still not be able to carry through?
PLDD: By petition it’s no small undertaking. North Bay was funded by the county. The county bore the cost if the ballot failed. A bond was posted by the North Bay Homeowners Association.
SBDC: How do we start a ballot?
PLDD: You must obtain a legal boundary description, then a voters list. You will want to contact the Jefferson County Auditor.
SBDC: We could get an idea of who would be interested if we obtained it by petition…we at one time asked for a response, and of those that responded they leaned more toward annexation, they wanted us to continue looking at this issue. The petition process might be a good indication of what our membership wants.
SBDC: What is your range of assessments here in North Bay?
PLDD: There is a major difference here, variables are based on impervious surfaces, and our older infrastructure with construction costs figured in. The 2009 assessment for a house on a lot was $89.00, for ¼ acre (vacant) the assessment was $29.00, ½ acre was $62.00.
SBDC: People remember what happened in North Bay and see it negatively; they need to see the benefits.
PLDD: South Bay was built to Storm Water RCW’s; North Bay was not.
SBDC: Are Storm Water Laws likely to tighten in the coming years?
PLDD: Yes.
SBDC: Predominately, the reason to annex the PLDD would be having a professional entity oversee our drainage. Do you have a list of what would be provided?
PLDD: We would have Gray & Osborne Engineering give us a list of what needs to be done, this would occur after you would adopt the PLDD. The areas that would be responsible for more drainage issues would be assessed at a higher rate. Your assessment would be included onto your Jefferson County Tax Assessment.
SBDC: Some villages claim there are no problems. What services would be done for residents by the PLDD?
PLDD: Good question, any problems that would arise would be taken care of. In the future, water quality will get more important. Also, confined space entry, if something happens (i.e. an accident) Homeowner Associations are responsible, professionals are qualified to assume those risks without fear
SBDC: Thank you all for your time and your willingness to speak with us and address our concerns.
PLDD: You’re very welcome. We recommend that you speak with Donna Eldridge and the Jefferson County Planners about the RCW’s, and check the Port Ludlow Today website for names.
The July 11, 2009 Port Ludlow Drainage District, South Bay Drainage Annexation Committee Discussion Meeting adjourned at 11:26 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted: Approved: Approved:
James Laker Walter Cairns Lee Amundson
Secretary Commissioner Chairman &Treasurer