News and Insights
Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 20-28.14: The Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act
On December 8, 2020, Governor Inslee issued Proclamation 20-28.14 (the “December 8th Proclamation”), extending the requirement to conduct virtual meetings through January 19, 2021. The most recent Proclamation applies in all counties, regardless of what phase the county is in, unlike the last Proclamation. Summary In short, the extension continues [...]
New Subcontractor Listing Requirement for Structural Steel and Rebar Installation Work
“Bid shopping” is the practice of disclosing a subcontractor’s bids to its competitors to negotiate a better deal. On public works projects, when bids are shopped after the general contractor’s proposals are submitted to the owner, the windfall from the cost-cutting is enjoyed by the general contractor. Washington’s public works [...]
Update: Effect of Governor’s Orders on Suspension of Public Records Act – Extended to May 11, and Open Public Meetings Act Suspension to May 31, 2020
On May 4, 2020, Governor Inslee extended the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order through May 31, 2020. On May 5, 2020, Governor Inslee issued Proclamation 20-28.2 which extended certain statutory waivers and suspensions until May 31, 2020, except for RCW 42.56.520(1) – the “prompt response” requirement of the Public Records [...]
My Commercial Tenant has Filed for Bankruptcy. Now What?
As we are all now too aware, circumstances, whether health or financial, can change rapidly. In addition to impacting our personal lives, global events can impact drastically what was an otherwise productive business relationship. One example of the turmoil that can result from such an upheaval for a commercial landlord [...]
Knowing the Waters – “Best Practices” for Use of Executive Sessions Allowed Under the OPMA
By Frank Chmelik of Chmelik Sitkin & Davis P.S. – August 2019 This month’s focus is on the “best practices” for use of executive sessions allowed under the Open Public Meetings Act (“OPMA”). There is an important change in law related to the discussion of real estate matters [...]
Knowing the Waters – Changes to the Port District “Economic Development” Statute
By Frank Chmelik of Chmelik Sitkin & Davis P.S. – July 2019 This month’s column focuses on a change to RCW 53.08.245 – the port district “economic development” statute – that expands the ability of port districts to provide workforce development. Since 1911, the legislature has looked to [...]