News and Insights
CSD Spotlight
Chmelik Sitkin and Davis P.S. is pleased to announce that Todd Egland has become a Principal, and Tim Schermetzler and Matt Paxton have become Senior Associates. Todd represents creditors in bankruptcy and collections matters, condominium and homeowner’s associations, and various clients in general business litigation. Todd practiced for thirteen [...]
Comings and Goings
~New Position Attorney Les Reardanz (R. Adm. Naval JAG Reserve) has recently made the decision to move on from practicing law at Chmelik Sitkin & Davis (“CSD”) to take on the role of General Manager of the Whatcom Transportation Authority. This change will allow Les to continue his career in [...]
Chmelik Sitkin & Davis P.S. Welcomes Attorney Sara Frase
Ms. Frase is a recent graduate of the University of Washington School of Law where she was the Associate Editor in Chief of the Washington Journal of Environmental Law and Policy. Ms. Frase received her undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University where she graduated with the cum laude distinction. During law [...]
Comings and Goings
~Retirement It is with excitement, gratitude, and blended feelings that we announce the retirement of one of our most tenured and devoted employees. Jenny Brumfield has been a Legal Assistant and now Paralegal for over twenty years with our firm. Jenny has decided that the time to retire has arrived. [...]
CHMELIK SITKIN & DAVIS HAS RE-OPENED
We are open for operations, subject to Phase 2 of Washington’s COVID-19 Safe Start Plan safety procedures. Here is a summary of our Phase 2 plan: Our front door shall remain locked, but we are available to meet with you in our office if you schedule a meeting in advance. [...]
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 [...]
Remote Working During COVID-19 Pandemic
Under Proclamation 20-05, employees who work for an essential business may continue to perform their duties at their normal worksite. Even so, there may be prudent business reasons, or in some cases legal requirements (e.g., with high-risk workers) to have some employees perform their work remotely. Businesses that have not [...]
Checklist for Business Restart under Washington SafeStart Phase 1 and 2
All Washingtonians are anxious to “Re-start” our lives. Businesses small and large will be on the forefront of re-opening Washington subject to certain requirements imposed by the SafeStart order. SafeStart Washington Phase 1 begins on May 5, 2020 and allows the following businesses to operate: essential businesses already open, existing [...]
Paycheck Protection Program Rules Need Monitoring
Late last week the IRS issued a rule that no deduction is allowed under the Internal Revenue Code for an expense that is otherwise deductible if the payment of the expense results in forgiveness of a covered loan pursuant to section 1106(b) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security [...]
Business Interruption Insurance for COVID-19 Claims
So, your business has shut down because it does not fall into one of the “essential” categories described by the State of Washington as it relates to the COVID-19 outbreak. Your company has business interruption insurance but your broker has told you that it will not cover your lost business [...]
Proclamation 20-46: High-risk Employee – Workers’ Rights
On April 13, 2020, Gov. Jay Inslee issued Proclamation 20-46 giving high-risk employees’ rights and protections related to the COVID-19 disease. High-risk employees are those identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at higher risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19, including those over 65 years of [...]
New Public Records Act Closure Letter Requirements
On April 11, 2024, the Washington State Supreme Court decided Cousins v. State, setting new criteria for how public agencies can sufficiently close public records requests to start the one-year statute of limitations under the Public Records Act (“PRA”).
April 2024 Knowing the Waters
In communities across the State, port districts are working on significant projects that benefit their communities such as expanding broadband service, marina improvements, development of marginal lands into business parks, to name a few.
Social Media Blocking
US Supreme Court Establishes New Test for When Municipal Officials Can be Sued for First Amendment Violations for Blocking of Persons from Social Media Accounts.
February 2024 Knowing the Waters
In communities across the State, port districts are working on significant projects that benefit their communities such as expanding broadband service, marina improvements, development of marginal lands into business parks, to name a few.
January 2024 Knowing the Waters
In communities across the State, port districts are working on significant projects that benefit their communities such as expanding broadband service, marina improvements, development of marginal lands into business parks, to name a few.
December 2023 Knowing the Waters – Santa Answers
It is a little-known fact that the Washington Public Port’s Association has a long standing interlocal agreement with the Greater North Pole Port Authority (“GNPPA”).
New Public Records Act Closure Letter Requirements
On April 11, 2024, the Washington State Supreme Court decided Cousins v. State, setting new criteria for how public agencies can sufficiently close public records requests to start the one-year statute of limitations under the Public Records Act (“PRA”).
April 2024 Knowing the Waters
In communities across the State, port districts are working on significant projects that benefit their communities such as expanding broadband service, marina improvements, development of marginal lands into business parks, to name a few.
Social Media Blocking
US Supreme Court Establishes New Test for When Municipal Officials Can be Sued for First Amendment Violations for Blocking of Persons from Social Media Accounts.
February 2024 Knowing the Waters
In communities across the State, port districts are working on significant projects that benefit their communities such as expanding broadband service, marina improvements, development of marginal lands into business parks, to name a few.
January 2024 Knowing the Waters
In communities across the State, port districts are working on significant projects that benefit their communities such as expanding broadband service, marina improvements, development of marginal lands into business parks, to name a few.
December 2023 Knowing the Waters – Santa Answers
It is a little-known fact that the Washington Public Port’s Association has a long standing interlocal agreement with the Greater North Pole Port Authority (“GNPPA”).