May 19 - 25, 2022
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Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer
IN THIS
ISSUE
Blaine man convicted for sexual abuse, page 3
Vacation rental hosts ask county to review possible regulation
Custer post office sees two crimes, page 5
Safe boating week, page 8
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Track and field clears district championship
By Ian Haupt
(See STRs, page 2)
s Mayako Pereira vaults in the 1A district championship meet at Lynden Christian High School on May 13. Twelve Blaine track and field athletes and two relay teams are slated to compete at bi-district championships in Granite Falls Thursday, May 19 and Saturday, May 21. Read more about Blaine sports on pages 6 and 7. Photo by Molly Ernst
Port commissioners vote on moorage model By Grace McCarthy Port of Bellingham commissioners unanimously voted 3-0 to update the port’s moorage model that will increase slip rates over the next four years. New rates will go into effect July 1. The moorage model will allow the port to plan for large projects and operational expenses without bond financing. It is expected to increase the port’s cash flow from almost $895,000 in 2023 to more than $6 million in 2026. The vote was originally set for April 19 but was pushed to the May 17 meeting because of port advisors’ concerns that the earlier date didn’t allow for much public input. However, the port heard little testimony to the updated rates during its subsequent meetings. Port commissioner Michael Shepard said he thought he’d hear from more members of the public and thanked the
port’s marina advisory committee (MAC) and Working Waterfront Coalition for providing recommendations in support of the proposal. “I think part of the reason why we didn’t have as much public input is all of the information that was put out there is justification that it was a no brainer,” commissioner Ken Bell said. Commissioner Bobby Briscoe said he didn’t want to raise rates but he also didn’t want to kick the can down the road for future commissions to make bigger increases to keep up with inflation. MAC chairperson Paul Burrill thanked the port for allowing extra time for public comment. The moorage rate model, which should be reviewed every four years, was slated to be updated in 2018 but was delayed until port staff had better Squalicum inner harbor renovation project cost estimates.
New rates will go into effect July 1 and then will be increased April 1 in the following years. Moorage rates will increase 3 to 6 percent annually, depending (See Port, page 2)
INSIDE
About 10 Whatcom County residents voiced their concerns on proposed amendments to Title 20 zoning to regulate shortterm vacation rentals (STRs) in a Whatcom County Council advisory public hearing May 10. The hearing was intended to gauge public interest on whether such proposed amendments are needed and supported by the public. Council made no action on the ordinance. Most speakers either asked council to reconsider imposing regulations or to send the amendments back to the planning commission for further review. Many identified themselves as STR hosts and some called the regulations a “slippery slope.” They also said regulation could hinder the county’s tourism industry and public access. Council first took up the issue of STRs in 2014 after receiving complaints from neighbors abutting STRs. Under Whatcom County Code, vacation rentals are allowed wherever single-family dwellings are permitted. Council has discussed the issue in committees a dozen times so far beginning September 16, 2014 through March 8, 2022. Since initial discussions, Washington state Legislature has implemented its own set of regulations revolving around taxes, consumer safety, platforms and liability insurance. Three speakers supported the regulations in their current state. Birch Bay resident and The C Shop co-owner Pat Alesse said some STR owners fail to pay taxes on their units and that regulations could help enforcement. He also said he had horror stories of STRs if councilmembers wished to hear them off record. A Glacier resident said the area has had an influx of STRs since the pandemic and regulations would help sustain the local environment and economy, as rising prices have pushed out the local labor force. Birch Bay resident and host Kelvin Barton said the rules on vacation rentals have changed a lot over the years and recommended council have the planning commission review the amendments. He said
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ThisFLYERS Week’s
Rite Aid
STUDIO TOUR “CALL FOR ARTISTS”
The Blaine Art Studio Tour is excited to announce that they are re-opening the “Call for Artists” to include Semiahmoo Resort for the May 28 and June 25 self-guided art studio tours.
APPLY BY MAY 24 AT: www. blainebythesea.com/arttour