by MARK ST.J. COUHIG
Sequim Gazette
The Sequim City Council has come up with a plan to solve the issues surrounding Fair Weather subdivision in Sequim.
At its Monday meeting the council authorized City Attorney Craig Ritchie to offer Fair Weather residents and lot owners $35,000 toward the completion of the subdivision’s interior roads, which are privately owned.
Robin Auld, president of the Fair Weather Lot Owners Association, said he’s “delighted to hear of the council’s action,” but said he must receive the approval of his board before he can agree to the settlement.
“We should know in a few days,” he said. “I’m very optimistic.”
The funds will be drawn from a $138,000 bond purchased by Sequim developer Gerald Engler, who walked away from the incomplete subdivision in 2006.
Current contractor estimates suggest it will cost $61,000 to complete the interior roads and another $58,000 to bury utility lines and put in sidewalks along the bordering edge of West Sequim Bay Road.
An additional $63,500 is needed for widening the southern half of West Sequim Bay Road along the edge of Fair Weather.
The bond, which was reduced by more than $700,000 with the permission of a former Sequim city engineer, is insufficient to accomplish all of the needed work.
The lot and home owners in the subdivision blamed the city for the lack of funding.
Ritchie said the balance of approximately $100,000 would be held in reserve until the city is ready to widen West Sequim Bay Road.
In addition, the lot owners and residents in Fair Weather Phase 2 would be required to bring the frontage of Phase One along West Sequim Bay Road up to city standards, with the $100,000 to be used for that purpose.
“The frontage requirements for Phase One are being guaranteed by Phase Two,” Ritchie explained.
Ritchie said it’s possible the remaining funds can be used to leverage a grant, in which case those in Phase Two “wouldn’t have to do it at all,” Ritchie said.
Most importantly, Ritchie said, the settlement will ensure the “public” portion of the project is completed.
“The public is more concerned about that,” he said. “We think it works out for everyone.”
Reach Mark Couhig at mcouhig@sequimgazette.com.
