County continues public hearing on Whitby Island sewer franchise transfer to date uncertain

The Board of Island County Commissioners on July 22 continued a public hearing on the proposed franchise renewal and transfer for Abdullah and Catherine Bafizada's sewer distribution system (PW2024-0209) to a date uncertain after the county engineer requested more time for review.

Ed C., identified in the meeting as the county engineer, told the commissioners he requested a continuance "to allow for review of the franchise terms." A motion to continue the public hearing to a date uncertain was made, seconded and approved by the commissioners present.

Why this matters: franchise agreements govern private sewer or distribution systems operating across county rights-of-way or serving multiple parcels; the continuance indicates staff need additional time to review terms discussed in a prior work session. The county did not adopt or amend the franchise at the July 22 meeting.

Details: the item was referenced by project number PW2024-0209 and described in the meeting as a septic system on Whidbey Island belonging to Abdullah and Catherine Bafizada. Commissioners said the continuance reflected updates requested during a work session and did not set a new hearing date.

Outcome: motion to continue public hearing to date uncertain; motion passed by voice vote (all present voted in favor). No formal approval or transfer was recorded at the meeting.