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Sequim residents raise HOA irrigation billing concerns; opposition voiced to large Westbay project
Summary
During public comment June 22 Sequim residents from Aspen Creek HOA urged the council to rescind proposed back billing for irrigation meters shut off at owners’ request and asked that the prior practice of not charging standby fees continue; another resident voiced concerns that the proposed 600‑home Westbay development would favor outside investors and offer little affordable housing.
Several community members spoke during public comment at the Sequim City Council meeting on June 22 about irrigation meter billing and an upcoming large housing proposal.
Gary Bingch, who identified himself as an Aspen Creek HOA resident, said he and other lot owners had repeatedly asked the city to shut off seasonal irrigation meters and had been told in person years ago that doing so would eliminate ongoing charges. He urged the council to continue the prior administrative practice of not charging standby fees on irrigation‑only meters when they are shut off and to cancel any back‑billing demands for prior years.
"We would call on the city council and the administration to continue the policy of not charging standby fees on irrigation only meters during shut off periods and negate any and all prior years fee demands," Bingch said.
Nelson Paige, another Aspen Creek HOA resident, reinforced those points and said the HOA had not been warned of standby back charges; he said his HOA's potential liability had been described to him at roughly $5,400 and that some larger HOAs might face back charges in the tens of thousands. Both speakers cited SMC 13.92.070 as the municipal code section that gives the city manager authority to administer standby fees equitably.
Later in public comment, Chuck Weber criticized the conceptual Seabbrook/Westbay 600‑home project, raising concerns that opportunity‑zone financing and LLC ownership structures would primarily benefit outside investors, provide minimal affordable housing, and could harm Sequim's downtown and existing short‑term rental and lodging businesses. He asked for clearer cost‑benefit analysis and greater transparency in the planning process.
Council took no immediate action on the comments and staff indicated they are continuing a deeper review of the HOA irrigation billing issue.
