[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6329038,"mediaKeyId","2316566-5c7c7ff1409fddd448c83bb9fc97b72e","parentId",2316566,"title","Parks and trails committee proposal fails 4-4 after heated debate over volunteer oversight","audioSeconds",1041,"startMs",4621000,"endMs",5662000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316566-5c7c7ff1409fddd448c83bb9fc97b72e&start=4621&end=5662","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316566-5c7c7ff1409fddd448c83bb9fc97b72e/thumbnail_4621000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6329038/Sudden-Valley/Whatcom-County/Washington/Parks-and-trails-committee-proposal-fails-4-4-after-heated-debate-over-volunteer-oversight","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329038-028a95cb86cebaabffe5c190bf95d1d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011036&Signature=fhIbqtc3L8twXq5C8unkG3qjH~Ck7OAJU3YxL0qc5-~64JPVmTNoJBv6VvnD3otFFEx4ewBmZIvko9DjDRgj~iZYZViRt~KaEpe0BMnEKrB4IRful6PpIX10vErWeh1QApPXilsfbo6BTjjv8MivHTPOLUc92XkkEnR4zOJ4~84A-PAxrGzzzTU7iJ3RL-iP9tXDcUIS8IIMKz9fZrC5eiSINRd9ua47XfBuhicEUt-cxHoiteqVghblDjmYHuO~SyA4CTW5WTqnDilL4-jVK4lfSRlE2voYjDuWHL5JJvwToqGJCLHfpzDypNsMMEwgTeh9-a~LF~sr5NQdZyqi0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sudden Valley, WA","date","2025-02-15T09:42:12.623Z","article","A proposed 2023 Parks, Trails and Recreation ad hoc committee failed on a 4-4 vote after extended discussion about volunteer oversight, permitting and the association's prior experience with volunteer-led projects.

Proponents, including Director Linda, said volunteers can provide valuable input, identify priorities and help organize community work days, but opponents warned that past volunteer activities led to unpermitted trail work, inconsistent record-keeping and projects that created legal or maintenance liabilities.

\"No committee in 2023 is needed to recommend park or parks or trails work,\" one director said during public debate, citing an earlier history in which volunteers directed projects that did not meet required permitting or maintenance standards. The director urged that staff, not an ad hoc committee, manage volunteer programs and that any volunteer work be supervised and coordinated by SVCA staff to ensure proper waivers, permitting, and long-term maintenance funding.

Other directors urged clearer limits in any committee charter. One board member noted the draft resolution included language intended to prevent committees from entering into contracts or committing the association to funding, and said those limits should prevent recurrence of prior problems.

After debate on the deliverables, authority limits and the role of staff oversight, the board voted. The tally was four in favor and four opposed; the motion failed.

Ending: Board members asked staff to continue development of a trails master plan and to coordinate public input through the existing engineering work by Impact Design rather than creating an ad hoc committee this year.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Sudden Valley BOD Meeting 05/11/2023","oneSentenceSummary","A resolution to create a Parks, Trails and Recreation ad hoc committee failed on an evenly split vote after board members expressed concerns about volunteer-run projects, permitting and prior unpermitted trail work.","taxTitle","Sudden Valley, Whatcom County, Washington","taxId",72059,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6329043,"General manager updates members on marina reorganization, access problems and pool season",917,519000,1436000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316566-5c7c7ff1409fddd448c83bb9fc97b72e&start=519&end=1436","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316566-5c7c7ff1409fddd448c83bb9fc97b72e/thumbnail_519000.jpg","/articles/6329043/Sudden-Valley/Whatcom-County/Washington/General-manager-updates-members-on-marina-reorganization-access-problems-and-pool-season","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329043-654fd2b4a11ab1636045a9ece8503914/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011036&Signature=LEx2EJ-ZVJj80v884FgW5t-25emqmP9-o1Bb3prTYjGf5LSEpCDUocFhthz8fkLdt0KKAFnQjSOIf2fBpMe~e~t5TyhgnoH4hOI1xJQ1kkSLQ4FUibhMbRTrkdEUe0t9TygWGpu-9-tz1yoSjok2qtdnqmTbKjf60hsqzN87rBsQvYmG9O8fsicwCRyeZ7IzdaNesH7BhDWCH0VOEaNycFQ7nQ6ROS0TUY24dUNOGjzDTmkohHfN68yL~OigxOSBzMNqBw-hZeMgqdzw72FoQOtbVVaAWaT5Ql7~NyhFTDa4U8pkBHsb2Rpksce5oo9bVyhqwuTwkow6~gsIbW0vWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sudden Valley Community Association general manager provided a broad operations update covering marina reorganization, pool openings, and several capital projects.

Joanne reported that marina maintenance realigned dry-storage and parking areas and installed permanent markers to maintain the new layout. \"Additional dry storage spaces were created as part of this effort, and people on the waiting list will start to be contacted next week,\" she said. Staff said more than two-thirds of marina rental renewals have been returned and paid, and the rental-renewal deadline was announced as Friday the 12th.

Board members and residents raised concerns about maneuverability, conflicting traffic arrows, and illegal parking that can block access to dry slips. Joanne said the majority of new spots were created by removing shrubs and standardizing stall lengths, not by reducing circulation space. She said staff photographed boats during renewals, maintain a database and printed lists with owner contacts, and are establishing an account with the state Department of Licensing to look up ownership by license tag when needed.

Security procedures were discussed for summer congestion. Joanne said security will not tow boats but will contact managers who can reach renters; security can arrange towing of vehicles blocking rows. \"Residents who have problems getting to their boats or getting out of a slip should call security,\" Joanne said. Staff plan to cross-train administrative staff to help with marina operations during peak season, and cones will be made available for patrons to reserve dry-slip spaces temporarily.

Joanne also described resolved access problems: card-access failures to wet slips and boat launch were caused by poor internet at the marina and have been addressed with the IT vendor.

Pools and programs
The main pool cover has been removed, chemicals balanced, and the facility is in the multi-day process of heating; staff said the main pool will be ready for swim season on Memorial Day weekend and the quiet pool will open soon. Swim lessons will be offered at the SPCA pool and sponsored by the Whatcom Family Y; registration will be through the Y's website.

Other capital updates
Joanne summarized status of engineering and permitting for multiple projects: Impact Design completed most roadway and culvert inspections (95% complete), culvert C-315 construction is expected to start in August, the Barn 8 siding and covered-bridge replacement are in county permit review, the maintenance-shop remodel was submitted for permit, and the boat-launch-dock preliminary design and county shoreline permit are in hand with bidding anticipated in spring once permits are issued.

Ending: Joanne said staff will post department summaries and preliminary engineering estimates to the association website and will follow up with additional marina staffing and logistics information before peak summer weekends.

","SVCA’s general manager told the board that marina dry-storage was remarked to add spaces, card-access issues have been fixed, pools are being readied for Memorial Day weekend, and staff are preparing for a busy summer.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6329048,"Board approves roads, signs and pothole funding; HVAC change order approved; golf director retirement announced",714,3326000,4040000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316566-5c7c7ff1409fddd448c83bb9fc97b72e&start=3326&end=4040","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316566-5c7c7ff1409fddd448c83bb9fc97b72e/thumbnail_3326000.jpg","/articles/6329048/Sudden-Valley/Whatcom-County/Washington/Board-approves-roads-signs-and-pothole-funding-HVAC-change-order-approved-golf-director-retirement-announced","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329048-e092fe45c384889f8bcdaef7daaa71c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011036&Signature=ODURYBpEnvGwM1UpM0zvOzodcEJwJa6mIinZbK1QrgcogWze7ROp38H0IT0Fw6y90N1yXCkKn2N2veA-GPq2hHdPvH9gMaU0zwMrmV7RX4cH0Yq608EBpOinsCPPkAMAsRyB9-y~W8hcncOi~C2ATvs1gM4wUqwElcz1q~GNZDuwReoSRp0r7FHE5HVP4QY~fC50SCy3dfyLgJVN60RZ1ssofyyp37IY-fVFn8y3oAA~PbKTgJ7bZU8gj4E-9m8yvq62QnL04ZsYsnE~RHy~Z7hhodPTqAhFhK9pkd5-eaVmE6n58UncEocVTwica3UJWOep3AUjp3WFCUaE00WWCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its meeting, the Sudden Valley Community Association Board of Directors approved multiple capital allocations for roads and facilities, authorized a change order for Welcome Center HVAC work, and received a retirement notice from the long-time golf director.

Votes at a glance:
- Street signs: $31,084.16 allocated from the roads reserve to replace 191 damaged or missing signs; passed unanimously.
- Pavement markings: $39,321.29 allocated for center-line and main-road pavement markings; passed unanimously.
- Asphalt repairs: $397,155.10 allocated for asphalt delamination repairs (base bid 17,234 sq ft, with additive quantities); passed unanimously.
- Potholes/minor road repairs: $35,000 allocated for in-house pothole and minor road maintenance work; passed unanimously.
- HVAC Welcome Center change order: Board approved a $5,701.50 change order to the Mars Heating and Air Conditioning contract, bringing the project total to $47,976.31 and remaining below the originally approved $48,404 allocation; the motion passed with one opposing vote.
- Consent agenda: Adopted at the start of the meeting; included the NNE manual revision (approved on the consent agenda).

Roads and signage
The board reviewed a multi-part roads proposal. Staff said Impact Design completed roadway inspections and that 95% of culverts have been inspected. The board separately approved funds for sign replacement, pavement marking, and targeted asphalt repairs intended to address surface delamination across the association's road network. \"We propose to do as many asphalt repairs as we can to use up the balance of the road budget available this year,\" the general manager said, describing a plan to bid a base quantity and add additional work if budgets permit.

Potholes and minor repairs
Maintenance staff described switching to a rolling repair model for potholes, using cold patch as a temporary measure until weather allows hot-mix repairs. The board authorized the full $35,000 line item for in-house pothole and minor-road repairs to permit responsive maintenance throughout the season.

HVAC change order
Joanne, the general manager, explained that new components required by Whatcom County at final inspection were not included in the original contract. Mars Heating originally quoted $10,550 for the missing items; staff secured a negotiated 50% discount and requested a $5,701.50 change order. The total project cost after the change order is $47,976.31, which staff said is still under the original $48,404 budget approval. The board approved the change order; the roll call recorded one dissenting vote.

Retirement announcement
At the close of the meeting the board announced that the golf director — identified in the meeting record as having served for 13 years — will not seek to renew his contract at year end and intends to retire from golf-course management to develop a personal business. The board noted that Head Pro Kevin LeDuc and Turf Care superintendent Greg Wadden form a leadership team that will maintain operations while the association evaluates long-term options.

Ending: Staff will return to the board with contract documents and bid results for the roads/asphalt work as required by procurement rules, and will post the department reports and engineer estimates to the association website for member review.

","Directors allocated funds for sign replacement, pavement markings, asphalt repairs and pothole work; approved a $5,701.50 HVAC change order for the Welcome Center; and announced the golf director will retire at year end.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6329053,"Sudden Valley board approves $44,981 to replace golf-course irrigation controller",1374,1935000,3309000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316566-5c7c7ff1409fddd448c83bb9fc97b72e&start=1935&end=3309","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316566-5c7c7ff1409fddd448c83bb9fc97b72e/thumbnail_1935000.jpg","/articles/6329053/Sudden-Valley/Whatcom-County/Washington/Sudden-Valley-board-approves-44981-to-replace-golf-course-irrigation-controller","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329053-842ae0c306db0005f15d28d526ac735f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011036&Signature=jY7Ess9S2TyFoOKaR4k310ozLf7ZWO8TBTc3HhEU9Jh5sWkrJFzl6zrenm1w~IPminHZ0~ADgCKkKMCK5HVvnZ8G~GK~Aobcjdp1R4cbzYMAYKGj2272s9t~-z3bjO1t-Qe2vByCIpQAsyCcEo~gLlbeLQWSH73~FU1byv3WKOGHlIz5aGindCQ7-X1b9fY2FRqy18l1j7JSqt0YqVqIFbWYnrOR4UOQXQDX3~MJGdxhE4wZzZdp7tdDrbOoToaiZPDEKUFNW5VQ0WWnyv0hVZQE4yW~cihL3vaSgWfN8bREO6CB3iUniQ28noazh25NTa95sj4EbR98w9ji26JpYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sudden Valley Community Association Board of Directors approved up to $44,981.46 from the CERF capital fund to purchase and install a new programmable logic controller (PLC) for the golf-course irrigation system after a presentation from golf staff.

The PLC at the 17th-hole pump station has failed and needs replacement, Golf Director Brian Kerlock said. The board voted unanimously to authorize the purchase and installation at the meeting; the motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.

The irrigation system uses large pumps that move water between ponds serving the lower and upper holes, and staff said soft-start technology is important to protect pipes and fittings. \"One of the challenges with doing work like this is that we do not have a lot of options in terms of who can perform this work,\" Kerlock said, explaining contractors in Washington state provided three bids and the Watertronics PLC was recommended.

Greg Wadden, Turf Care superintendent, described the system and the reason for choosing the recommended panel. He said the Watertronics unit, priced at $40,010.41 in the bids, includes a butterfly valve that enables a slow start, reducing stress on a roughly 10-inch distribution line and the joints that have shown age-related wear. Wadden also recommended adding a soft-start motor controller at the Lake Louise pump station to achieve the same protective function there.

Board members asked about the risk of relying on a single local installer. Kerlock said there is one primary installer in-state but named contractors in Idaho and Oregon who could serve as a backup in an emergency, though with higher cost and response time. \"We don't have a written backup plan, but we know of two contractors out of state that if we were in a pinch would be available,\" he said.

Directors pressed staff on how long the course could go without irrigation. Kerlock and Wadden said the weather pattern would determine damage risk: in cool weather the course could withstand a week or two without irrigation, while a heat wave could cause significant damage in about six to eight days. Wadden outlined emergency mitigation: portable pumps or rented water tanks to prioritize watering greens first, then tee boxes and fairways.

The motion approved by the board read, in part, \"Move that the Sudden Valley Board of Directors approve an amount not to exceed $44,981.46 from the CERF fund for the purchase and installation of a new PLC for the golf-course irrigation system.\" The board voted unanimously in favor.

Speakers asked for clearer maps of the irrigation and golf course assets; staff said large \"as-built\" maps exist in the Turf Care building and that staff will work on scanned or digital versions for directors and the public.

The board also directed staff to pursue the upgrade without delaying other planned turf-care capital work, noting the replacement was unplanned and would be funded by reallocating planned capital for the Turf Care maintenance building and including a contingency.

The approval follows staff testimony that the existing system dates to the 1990s, with two 40-horsepower pumps at the 17th-hole station pumping roughly 900 gallons per minute each through the course's piping.

The board's authorization allows staff to contract for the replacement and the soft-start motor controller to reduce the risk of pressure surges that have previously caused cracked joints in the system.

Ending: Staff said they will obtain final contract documents and schedule the work; the board requested follow-up on contingency use and confirmation of backup-service arrangements should the recommended vendor be unavailable.

","Directors approved up to $44,981.46 from CERF to replace a failed programmable-logic controller (PLC) that runs the golf-course pump stations; presenters warned a failure in summer could cause widespread turf damage.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parks and trails committee proposal fails 4-4 after heated debate over volunteer oversight

General manager updates members on marina reorganization, access problems and pool season

Board approves roads, signs and pothole funding; HVAC change order approved; golf director retirement announced

Sudden Valley board approves $44,981 to replace golf-course irrigation controller