June 2018
IN THIS
ISSUE
www.AllPointBulletin.com
Old appliance pickup a big success, page 9
Expanded NEXUS hours go into effect, page 10
FREE
Friends of the Library give update, page 19
ECRWSS PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 14 Point Roberts, WA 98281 Postal Patron Local
County council moves curb trash pickup mandate along B y P a t G r u bb
(See Council, page 6)
s With Mt. Baker on the horizon for the view, Tuesday, May 22 was a beautiful night to be racing in light winds off of South Beach.
Photo by Louise Mugar
Happy Birthday, USA: Celebrate Point Roberts-style By Meg Olson The United States of America will be 242-years-old this year and Point Roberts is throwing a party! Independence Day recognizes the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when the Congressional Congress declared the original 13 colonies to be a new nation. “Happy Birthday, U.S.A” is the theme for the annual Point Roberts Fourth of July
Parade, inviting participants to find all sorts of ways to celebrate the birth of our nation. The parade will start at noon at the foot of Gulf Road and run along Gulf and down Tyee Drive to the marina overflow parking lot. For more information or to volunteer to help out with the parade, contact Dee Gough at queenofcleanpointroberts@ gmail.com. Following the parade, Breakwaters Bar and Grill at the Point Roberts Marina will
Kiniski’s Reef Tavern celebrates its 30th anniversary By Meg Olson As Nick Kiniski finished up his 29th year as owner of Kiniski’s Reef Tavern last June, he had the iconic property on the market. It isn’t for sale anymore. “I changed my mind,” Kiniski said, preparing for a 30th anniversary party on June 30. I think I’d be lost if I sold it.” On June 28, 1988, having left a career as a professional wrestler, the then 27-yearold Kiniski bought the Point Roberts
waterfront tavern from Earl McNabb for $300,000 and hit town to take over on the busy Memorial Day weekend. “I was working behind the bar learning the till and I ordered a Pepsi and Earl charged me for it,” he said. “He told me to watch my pennies because they grow into dollars and I’ve always remembered that.” Back then, the big money was in gambling. “You couldn’t come in and spend $100 on beer in my establishment but you could spend $1,000 on gambling re-
ally quick,” Kiniski said. The pulltab business dwindled as more gambling options became available in Canada. With stricter enforcement of drinking and driving laws, Kiniski said Point Roberts taverns also lost their appeal as weekend party havens. Last year, with the help of manager Allison Calder, Kiniski transitioned to a family restaurant and undertook significant renovations: a new floor, new furniture, a (See The Reef, page 11)
have a day of festivities, culminating in a fireworks display. In addition to a barbecue there will be live music and lots of activities for kids. Organizers of the fireworks are collaborating with the local food bank again this year, raising funds for both causes and allowing tax receipts to be issued to donors. Between fireworks fundraising and other (See Parade, page 5)
Church . . . . . . . . . 8 Classifieds . . . . . 20 Coming Up . . . . . 17 Crossings . . . . . . . 5 Opinion . . . . . . . . 4 Seniors . . . . . . . . 16 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 12 Library . . . . . . . . 19 Sheriff . . . . . . . . .19
INSIDE
Proposed amendments to Whatcom County’s solid waste ordinance that would end curbside trash collection exemptions in Point Roberts took a step forward after county council unanimously moved to introduce them at its regular council meeting on May 22. The amendments also mandate “a minimum service level of twice monthly pickup of a 32-gallon can and source-separated recyclables” and places “the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) approved monthly service charge as a fee on the annual property tax statement.” The amendments were originally scheduled to be introduced at council’s May 8 meeting but it was referred back to the public works and health committee after council member Barbara Brenner raised concerns about not having enough public input and discussion before it went to a public hearing that would have taken place on May 22. Brenner made the motion to decline the introduction after hearing from residents who have raised concerns about the mandatory aspect of the proposed system along with other issues. “I feel there is pressure to do this thing and I don’t like that. If we go ahead and pass this ordinance, it’s going to put a burden on a bunch of people whether it’s necessary or not. I just don’t think it’s fair to put this burden on people without a lot of input,” Brenner said. The ordinance will now go to a public hearing on council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, June 5. The public works and health committee met earlier on May 22 to consider the amendment; although the committee is usually comprised of council members Tim Ballew, Brenner and Barry Buchanan, the entire council was in attendance. A small contingent from Point Roberts
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