News and Insights
Chmelik Sitkin & Davis P.S. Welcomes Attorney Aaron T. Haynes
Mr. Haynes is a graduate of the University of Oregon School of Law, where he was a staff editor for the Journal of Environmental Law and Litigation, a Peer Reference Research Assistant, and a member of the Moot Court Board. He also served as an associate editor for the Oregon State Bar [...]
Frank Chmelik & Jon Sitkin selected to 2021 WA Super Lawyers list
Over the past thirty-seven years, from their offices in Bellingham the lawyers of Chmelik Sitkin & Davis have quietly built a reputation for responsiveness, professionalism, and quality service for business and government clients throughout Washington. The firm looks back with great pride at the team of skilled lawyers that [...]
Peter Ruffatto joins Chmelik Sitkin & Davis P.S. as a Principal
Peter Ruffatto is joining the Bellingham law firm, Chmelik Sitkin & Davis P.S., as a principal. Peter is a well-known municipal lawyer having worked as the Bellingham City Attorney since July 2012. Peter joined the City Attorney’s Office in 2003, where he worked in the areas of Labor and [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
January 2025 Knowing the Waters
Last month, at the Annual Meeting, WPPA honored an impressive list of new WPPA Life Members at Friday morning’s Awards Breakfast. Among the awardees was long-time WPPA General Counsel and author of Knowing the Waters – Frank Chmelik.
December 2024 – Annual Checklist
December is a month of making lists - holiday present lists, new year’s resolution lists, and the like. In keeping with the theme of making lists, this month’s column is an annual legal checklist of items that your ports should review annually.
November 2024 Knowing the Waters
On June 24, 2024, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) issued a final rule on how special purpose district governments, including Washington ports, must make their website content and mobile apps readily accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities.
New Open Public Meetings Act Notice Requirements
Earlier this year, the Washington Legislature passed SHB 1105, which updates the Open Public Meeting Act (“OPMA”) and requires public agencies to provide notice for public comment that includes the first and last date and time by which such public comment must be submitted in certain situations.
October 2024 Knowing the Waters
On June 24, 2024, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) issued a final rule on how special purpose district governments, including Washington ports, must make their website content and mobile apps readily accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities.
September 2024 Knowing the Waters
Knowing the Waters – This month’s column discusses what restrictions ports can put on persons attempting to access port property.
January 2025 Knowing the Waters
Last month, at the Annual Meeting, WPPA honored an impressive list of new WPPA Life Members at Friday morning’s Awards Breakfast. Among the awardees was long-time WPPA General Counsel and author of Knowing the Waters – Frank Chmelik.
December 2024 – Annual Checklist
December is a month of making lists - holiday present lists, new year’s resolution lists, and the like. In keeping with the theme of making lists, this month’s column is an annual legal checklist of items that your ports should review annually.
November 2024 Knowing the Waters
On June 24, 2024, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) issued a final rule on how special purpose district governments, including Washington ports, must make their website content and mobile apps readily accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities.
New Open Public Meetings Act Notice Requirements
Earlier this year, the Washington Legislature passed SHB 1105, which updates the Open Public Meeting Act (“OPMA”) and requires public agencies to provide notice for public comment that includes the first and last date and time by which such public comment must be submitted in certain situations.
October 2024 Knowing the Waters
On June 24, 2024, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) issued a final rule on how special purpose district governments, including Washington ports, must make their website content and mobile apps readily accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities.
September 2024 Knowing the Waters
Knowing the Waters – This month’s column discusses what restrictions ports can put on persons attempting to access port property.