EDITORIAL: As spring comes, island faces serious change, challenges
Published 1:30 am Tuesday, May 2, 2017
It may be hard to believe, but it’s May and spring is in full force even if the weather may have its own ideas. And while this thawing period between winter and summer is widely regarded for the symbols of new life brought forth by sprouting flowers and blooming trees, this year, spring has also represented new beginnings of sorts for the island, as a whirlwind of important issues have sprung to life.
From the conversations about a pool cover and the potential severing of a long-term agreement at the Vashon Park District, to a passed bond at the school district and serious staffing issues at the fire department, there is a lot for islanders to digest. With that in mind, The Beachcomber has compiled this non-exhaustive list of issues worth following in the coming weeks and months.
1. The Vashon Pool cover. It’s been six months since the Seals swim team first approached the Vashon Park District (VPD) board with its proposal to foot the bill to construct a temporary inflatable bubble over the Vashon Pool. After much discussion and research about what the numbers would look like if the pool were to be operated year round and whether VPD can afford staffing and operating costs, discussions have stopped, pending the outcome of this second important issue.
2. The commons agreement between the park and school districts. For more than 20 years, VPD has been paying the school district each year in return for use of the school district’s facilities. Recently, the VPD board decided the agreement does not make sense and has been in talks with the school district about why the agreement exists at all. At a recent meeting, VPD made it clear it no longer wants to pay the fee, and school district superintendent Michael Soltman offered the solution of the school district taking over scheduling and fee collection at both organization’s facilities. VPD would serve as merely an entity to perform maintenance on VPD facilities. VPD held a meeting after press time Tuesday night to discuss the issue further.
3. The school bond. After many years of trying, a bond has been passed to fund multiple projects at island schools, including the construction of a new track and field. Planning work is underway and major construction is set to occur during the summer of 2018.
4. Changes at Vashon Island Fire & Rescue (VIFR). With the department’s transition to the greater South King County Medic One system, VIFR lost some firefighters and is facing a volunteer shortage. New firefighters have been hired, but are not expected to come on board until next month. In the meantime, concerns have risen over whether the department has enough staff. The firefighter’s union has spoken up bluntly, stating that the department’s lifesaving duties are being jeopardized by the fact there are not enough firefighters to ensure their own safety.
