News and Insights
OPMA and PRA COVID-19 Requirements Rescinded Effective June 1, 2022
Tired of reminding speakers that they are trying to talk while “on mute” during a public meeting? For the past two years, there have been several emergency proclamations issued by Governor Inslee under the Proclamation 20-28 series mandating certain requirements for municipal agencies subject to the Open Public Meetings [...]
Open Public Meeting Act – An Update
The Governor signed HB 1329 into law on March 24, 2022, and most of the law took effect immediately. The law revises the Open Public Meetings Act, RCW 42.30. The more important revisions to the OPMA include the following: Recordings. Agencies are encouraged to stream meetings or to have [...]
Knowing the Waters – Interlocal Cooperation Agreements
By Frank Chmelik With COVID-19 case counts beginning to subside, more businesses and governments are starting to operate as usual. This return to “normal” activity has inspired this month’s column on “interlocal cooperation agreements.” Washington law (chapter 39.34 RCW) allows governments to use this powerful tool to join to [...]
Updated Mask Requirements for Large Outdoor Events
On Monday, September 13, 2021, the State Secretary of Health has issued Order 20-03.5 which adds the requirement for people to wear face coverings when at outdoor events or gatherings attended by 500 or more people regardless of vaccination status. The Department of Health also strongly recommends that everyone [...]
Knowing the Waters – Commissioner Compensation
By Frank Chmelik This month we look at the port commissioner compensation and the 2020 amendment to commissioner compensation statute - RCW 53.12.260. We think this amendment requires a close look and perhaps a resolution before year end.[1] I freely admit I am a paid paranoid. Now that I [...]
Knowing the Waters – Resolutions That Govern the Transaction of Business by Port Commissions
By Frank Chmelik This month we will take a look at the resolutions that govern the transaction of business by port commissions. Like many issues raised in this column, hopefully, this discussion will prompt a review of old policies and perhaps adoption of new policies. Adopting a Resolution Governing [...]
OPMA and PRA COVID-19 Requirements Rescinded Effective June 1, 2022
Tired of reminding speakers that they are trying to talk while “on mute” during a public meeting? For the past two years, there have been several emergency proclamations issued by Governor Inslee under the Proclamation 20-28 series mandating certain requirements for municipal agencies subject to the Open Public Meetings [...]
Knowing the Waters – Interlocal Cooperation Agreements
By Frank Chmelik With COVID-19 case counts beginning to subside, more businesses and governments are starting to operate as usual. This return to “normal” activity has inspired this month’s column on “interlocal cooperation agreements.” Washington law (chapter 39.34 RCW) allows governments to use this powerful tool to join to [...]
Updated Mask Requirements for Large Outdoor Events
On Monday, September 13, 2021, the State Secretary of Health has issued Order 20-03.5 which adds the requirement for people to wear face coverings when at outdoor events or gatherings attended by 500 or more people regardless of vaccination status. The Department of Health also strongly recommends that everyone [...]
Knowing the Waters – Commissioner Compensation
By Frank Chmelik This month we look at the port commissioner compensation and the 2020 amendment to commissioner compensation statute - RCW 53.12.260. We think this amendment requires a close look and perhaps a resolution before year end.[1] I freely admit I am a paid paranoid. Now that I [...]
Knowing the Waters – Resolutions That Govern the Transaction of Business by Port Commissions
By Frank Chmelik This month we will take a look at the resolutions that govern the transaction of business by port commissions. Like many issues raised in this column, hopefully, this discussion will prompt a review of old policies and perhaps adoption of new policies. Adopting a Resolution Governing [...]
Knowing the Waters – Elections and Public Facilities
By Frank Chmelik, Peter Ruffatto and Allison Beard Well, it’s that time of year – you are thinking summertime, boating and barbeques – we lawyers are thinking election season. As the election season is upon us, local government officials and employees are regularly faced with making decisions about election-related [...]