Latest news from Blaine City Council

from The Northern Light: December 22, 2022-January 4, 2023

by Point Roberts Press

s Trumpeter Charlie Porter and saxophonist Nick Biello perform during Pacific Arts Association’s Christmas

concert at the Blaine community pavilion on December 19. The event collected donations for Blaine Food

Bank while event-goers mingled and listened to the musicians. Photo by Molly Ernst

OBITUARIES

Gary Allen Oderkirk

March 1946 – November 2022

In loving memory of Gary Oderkirk, 76, who passed away peacefully in Bellingham at the Whatcom Hospice House in November, 2022. Gary was born in North Bend, OR to Merna and Earl Oderkirk, the second child next to his sister Carol, and grew up in Roseburg, OR. After graduation, he went to university in California to pursue a career in aeronautics. He worked his way up in the industry to being a deputy project manager for Boeing in California, where he lived and raised his family.

When he retired, he settled in the Semiahmoo Resort area to be near family and friends and to enjoy golf, boating and the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest.

Gary is preceded in his passing by both his parents. He is survived by his wife, Judi; sister Carol Hoefferle; son Jeremy and daughter Erika. He wished to have his ashes spread in the beautiful waters of Semiahmoo Bay.

Rest In Peace Gary. You will be missed and always remembered.

City council approves shoreline construction contract, among others

B y G race M c c arthy

The latest news from Blaine City Council’s December 12 meeting.

The Blaine City Council meeting started with a presentation from the Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County. Presenters Jim Kyle, Debbie Granger and Dan Tucker informed council on the coalition’s achievements, such as starting the new Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship Program, and Blaine-specific projects it has helped, including facilitating stakeholder meetings on the web locker building and sawtooth dock.

Drayton Harbor Oyster Company co-owner Mark Seymour followed the coalition’s presentation with a discussion on port and marine waterfront development and aquaculture ideas. Seymour told council there was potential to build an eco-tourism platform in Blaine, such as oyster farm and bird watching tours, or through a marine science center on Drayton Harbor. “This speaks back to getting people to stay in Blaine to have activities to pursue throughout the summer,” Seymour said. “We have willing individuals and partners and expertise to really pull this off but we need a bit more help and conversation to see what direction to go.”

Council approved the city enter a construction contract for the Marine Park Shoreline Reconstruction project near Blaine Marine Park Playground and Lighthouse Point Water Reclamation Facility. In effort to stabilize the shoreline, the project will remove broken concrete and debris along 600 feet of the Blaine Marine Park shoreline, replacing it with sand and boulder materials. The project, which will also create beach pockets and headlands, will prevent erosion and create a safer shoreline, according to city documents.

Whatcom County’s Premium Services Inc. bid $598,300 for the project, which was nearly $186,700 less than the project engineer estimated. The city received a $500,000 state grant to fund the project and the remaining amount is fully funded in the city budget.

Council moved voting on a tax-increment financing (TIF) study agreement for east Blaine from the consent agenda to an action item to allow councilmembers to discuss the item before approving it. The agreement was approved 6-0, with councilmember Rhyan Lopez absent.

TIF, which the state legislature passed in 2021, would allow the city to collect money from expected increases in property tax revenue from an east Blaine area to pay for public infrastructure, such as street, water and sewer. The city will pay Stowe Development and Strategies $50,000 for a study and recommendation report on using TIF financing. East Blaine developers Skip and Katie Jansen, of JIJ Corporation, and Ken Hertz, of Blossom Management, will contribute $25,000 each to the study, which will be formally accepted by council on January 9.

“We’re seeing reasons why it’s not developing,” interim city manager Dave Wilbrecht said. “It’s expensive and difficult to get utilities to these properties so this is a mechanism to help move those utilities forward.”

After council discussion on the downtown revitalization project, Wilbrecht told council he would bring back a revised plan focusing on safety issues in January. This came after council members questioned whether fully funding the proposed $620,000 downtown revitalization engineering design and construction contract would be the best use of city money.

“We’re going to focus on the street, trees, sidewalks and curbs where there’s trip hazards and other problems and that’s the other package we’ll come back with,” Wilbrecht said. He said the city will try to bring back the plan with KPG Psomas, the company the city originally considered to do the engineering design services and construction oversight. Council was slated to approve the contract in September and has pushed the vote several times.

Council unanimously approved a $80,000 feasibility study for the Bell Road grade separation project. David Evans and Associates will conduct the study to support future grant applications for designing and constructing an overpass grade separation at the Bell Road and Peace Portal Drive intersection, according to city documents. The study will look at preliminary design aspects, including the project’s cost estimates, schedule, traffic impacts and utility additions.

Scott A. Lawson

November 16, 1960 – December 13, 2022

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

Family Owned and Operated Since 1929!

Auto & Residential Glass

Celebrating 90 years! Bellingham 1512 N. State St. (360) 734-3840 To Our Canadian Friends

Lynden 407 19th St. (360) 354-3232

2011 Large Business of the Year SEPTEMBER: Louis Auto Glass Louis’ The Only Validated Auto Glass Company in Whatcom & Skagit Counties. ouis’ Spring Special! We Guar antee Your Safety with every windshield purchased and installed Dinner on Us and a Can of Glass Cleaner Windshield Replacement Rock Chip Repairs Free Pick up & DeliveryBELLINGHAM Free Loaner Cars LYNDEN 1512 N. State St. • 360-734-3840 Mt. Vernon 407 19th St. • 360-354-3232 1721 E. College Way (360) 424-9759www.LouisAutoGlass.com

We regret to announce the passing of Scott Lawson, 62, on December 13, 2022. Scott passed away with his wife Susan at his side. Scott was predeceased by his father, Iver, and is survived by his much-loved daughters,

Kallie and Melissa; son-in-law, Ian; his mother, Diz; brother, Brent; sister, Cari; as well as a nephew and two nieces. At Scott’s request, there will be no public services.

Counseling and Personal Coaching

Transformational Hypnotherapy co-creating rapid change for personal growth

Evelyne L. Hendricks BA, LHT 360.739.5606 evelynehendricks@gmail.com

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DINING GUIDE

Great Authentic

Mexican Food 277 G Street • Downtown Blaine All ages welcome! Burgers • Fish & Chips • Salads • Sides Proud supporters of the Blaine Community!Enjoy Huge Savings with U.S. Prices www.louisautoglass.com

Must present ad for special. Not valid with any other offers. Expires June 30, 2014. Formerly 1st Propane of Whatcom County

Keep Full Service • Budget Payment Plan • Tank Installation & Rental Modern Equipment • Safety Checks • Locally Owned & Operated 360 332-3121 2163 Nature’s Path Way • Blaine Fill your bottles - Easy RV access

Dec. 6, 12:22 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Birch Bay-Lynden Road and Portal Way. Dec. 6, 7:28 p.m.: Alarm audible on Portal Way, Custer. Dec. 6, 8:31 p.m.: Overdose on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Dec. 7, 7:39 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Portal Way. Dec. 7, 9:53 p.m.: Theft on Salish Road. Dec. 7, 1:21 p.m.: Theft on Tidal Way. Dec. 7, 2:42 p.m.: Harassment on Harborview Road. Dec. 7, 4:25 p.m.: Death investigation on Castlerock Drive. Dec. 7, 6:09 p.m.: Theft on Alder Street. Dec. 7, 7:03 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Sunburst Drive. Dec. 8, 8:45 a.m.: Trespass on Birch Bay Square Street. Dec. 8, 10:40 a.m.: Sex offender registration on Loomis Trail Road. Dec. 8, 11:04 p.m.: Shots on Birch Point Road. Dec. 9, 7 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Haynie and Giles roads. Dec. 9, 11:08 a.m.: Sex offender registration on Kickerville Road. Dec. 9, 3:15 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Birch Bay Drive. Dec. 9, 5 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Dec. 9, 8:58 p.m.: Shots on Birch Point Road. Dec. 10, 10:25 a.m.: Landlord tenant dispute on Jackson Road. Dec. 10, 4:56 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Canoe Court. Dec. 10, 5:48 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Castlerock Drive. Dec. 11, 1:37 a.m.: DUI on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Suspect arrested. Dec. 11, 10:42 a.m.: Theft on Giles Road. Dec. 11, 1:06 p.m.: Vehicle prowl on West Badger Road, Custer. Dec. 11, 4:06 p.m.: Shots on East Street. Dec. 11, 12:37 p.m.: Mental health issue on Surf Place. Dec. 12, 10:42 a.m.: Theft on Giles Road. Dec. 12, 6:20 p.m.: Landlord tenant dispute on Bay Road. Dec. 13, 9:25 a.m.: Hulk vehicle on Clamdigger Drive. Dec. 14, 8:05 p.m.: Trespass on Shintaffer Road. Suspect arrested.

poLiCe reports

Dec. 9, 10:08 a.m.: Harassment investigation on Peace Portal Drive. Dec. 12, 8:36 a.m.: Vehicle crash on Sandwood Lane. Dec. 13, 3:47 p.m.: Juvenile problem on H Street. Dec. 13, 6:18 p.m.: Missing person on Clyde Street. Dec. 14, 5:59 p.m.: Welfare check on H Street. Dec. 14, 8:34 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Bayview Avenue. Dec 14, 9:11 p.m.: Auto theft on 2nd Street. Dec. 14, 11:46 p.m.: Domestic dispute on A Street. Dec. 15, 3:12 a.m.: Behavioral health issue on E Street. Dec. 15, 10:32 a.m.: Death investigation on D Street. Dec. 15, 2:59 p.m.: Trespass report on E Street.

Report by Blaine Police Department

CrossWord

ACROSS

1. Chop up 5. Ones who utilize 10. Sings with closed lips 14. South American hummingbird 15. Serves as a coxswain 16. Liquor distilled from coconut or rice 17. Spur 18. Senile 19. Tanzanian people 20. Cruel 22. Boxing’s “GOAT” 23. Yokels 24. London soccer team 27. Chinese chess piece 30. Supervises flying 31. 007’s creator 32. Shaft horsepower (abbr.) 35. A spider makes one 37. Liquefied natural gas 38. Opaque gem 39. Brazilian palm 40. Periodical (slang) 41. You might step on one 42. Marvin and Horsley are two 43. Partner to cheese 44. Unpleasant smell 45. Field force unit (abbr.) 46. Fashion accessory 47. Cool! 48. Time zone 49. Songs to one’s lover 52. German river 55. Go bad 56. Sword 60. Very eager 61. Leaf bug 63. Italian seaport 64. Napoleon Dynamite’s uncle 65. Member of Jamaican religion 66. Large wading bird 67. Carries out 68. Eternal rest 69. It holds up your headwords

DOWN

1. Not low 2. Small water buffalo 3. A mark left behind 4. Archaic form of have 5. Fiddler crabs 6. Popular Hyundai sedan 7. Deport 8. Making over 9. Midway between south and southeast 10. Arabic masculine name 11. Type of acid 12. Popular 1980s Cher film 13. Outdoor enthusiasts’ tools 21. Chinese city 23. “Star Wars” character Solo 25. The bill in a restaurant 26. Old, ugly witch 27. Burn with a hot liquid 28. To claim or demand 29. “A Doll’s House” playwright 32. Involuntary muscular contraction 33. Pea stems (British) 34. Double or multiple fold 36. No longer is 37. Lakers’ crosstown rivals (abbr.) 38. S. American plant cultivated in Peru 40. Cloth or fabric 41. Flanks 43. Disfigure 44. Angry 46. Baltic coast peninsula 47. Large, flightless birds 49. Plants of the lily family 50. Medieval Norwegian language 51. Polio vaccine developer 52. Not soft 53. Exchange rate 54. Voice (Italian) 57. Baseball’s Ruth 58. Famed guitarist Clapton 59. Take a chance 61. Wife 62. Elaborate handshake

ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

tides

December 22-28 at Blaine. Not for navigation.

49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W

DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT

Th 22 5:40 am 10.0 10:13 am 7.7

2:43 pm 9.8 10:34 pm -2.9 Fr 23 6:28 am 10.6 11:15 am 8.0

3:27 pm 9.8 11:20 pm -3.4 Sa 24 7:14 am 11.0 12:13 pm 7.9 4:15 pm 9.6 Su 25 12:06 am -3.4 8:00 am 11.1

1:11 pm 7.7 5:07 pm 9.2 Mo 2612:54 am -3.0 8:46 am 11.0

2:13 pm 7.1 6:05 pm 8.5 Tu 27 1:40 am -2.1 9:28 am 10.8

3:21 pm 6.3 7:13 pm 7.6 We 28 2:30 am -0.8 10:08 am 10.6

4:29 pm 5.2 8:37 pm 6.7

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of December 1218, 0.1 inches of precipitation were recorded. The 2022 year-to-date precipitation is 31.8 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 47°F on December 12 with a low of 16°F on December 18. Average high was 39°F and average low was 24°F.

Coming up

Holiday Festival of the Arts: Through December 24, 10 a.m.–7 p.m., 1411 Railroad Avenue, Bellingham. Sponsored by Allied Arts of Whatcom County. Info: alliedarts.org. Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, December 22, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Christmas movies and music. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Music at The Vault: Friday, December 23, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: Tea Seas Trio. Info: thevaultwine.com. Christmas Worship Services: See ads on page 6. Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, December 29, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Lord of the Rings. Info: thevaultwine.com. Music at The Vault: Friday, December 30, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: JP Falcon. Info: thevaultwine.com. New Year’s Eve at The Vault: Saturday, December 31, 4–10 p.m., 277 G Street. Five course tasting menu plus optional wine pairing and craft cocktails. Live music with the Jami Templeton band at 8 p.m. Reservations required at 360/392-0955. New Beer’s Eve Redneck Masquerade: Saturday, December 31, 6–10 p.m., Gateway 1890 Taphouse & Grill, 429 Peace Portal Drive. Special and regular menu, live DJ and dance floor, New York countdown, giveaways. Info: gateway1890taphouse-grill.com. Ring of Fire and Hope: Saturday, December 31, 7 p.m., Birch Bay waterfront. Celebrate the end of 2023 and enjoy watching Birch Bay encircled with red flares. This year, the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce is offering reusable LED flare available for purchase while supplies last and complimentary biodegradable flares available December 29 and 30 12–4 p.m., December 31, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Birch Bay Visitor Center, 4819 Alderson Road, suite 103 and December 31 4–7 p.m. at Beach Cat Brewing Company. Sponsored by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. Info: birchbaychamber.com. 40th Annual Polar Bear Plunge: Sunday, January 1, noon, along the Birch Bay waterfront. Warming tent will be available with on-site registration, costume contest and t-shirt sales at Beach Cat Brewing Company, 7876 Birch Bay Drive. Sponsored by Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. Info, preregistration and t-shirt preorders at birchbaychamber.com. Marine Navigation Course: Wednesdays beginning January 11, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Bellingham Technical College. Learn how to use traditional piloting skills in the new age of electronic navigation. Info: seo@boatingisfun.org. Sponsored by the Bellingham Sail and Power Squadron. Weather Boating Class: Thursdays beginning January 12, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Bellingham Technical College. Learn basic weather knowledge for safer and more enjoyable boating. Info: seo@boatingisfun.org. Sponsored by the Bellingham Sail and Power Squadron. Basic Boating Knowledge Course: Tuesdays beginning January 17, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Bellingham Technical College. This course qualifies for Washington State Boater Education Card. Info: seo@boatingisfun.org. Sponsored by the Bellingham Sail and Power Squadron.

Ongoing

Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Delivery options available. Info:360/332-6350 or blainefood@hotmail.com.

The Bridge Food Distribution Program: Fridays 3:30–5 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome. CAP Clothing Bank: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon and Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. 508 G Street. The Community Assistance Program clothing bank is now located in the basement of the CAP Center providing free clothing and linens. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap.org or 360/392-8484. The Bridge Clothing Bank Boutique: Open Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m, The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Donations by appointment, call 360/366-8763. Meals on Wheels Frozen Meals: Thursdays 11:30 a.m.–noon, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up five frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040.

Meals on Wheels Hot Lunches: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Suggested donation of $5 per meal ($8.50 if under 60) or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040.

Friends of Birch Bay Library: Meets second Mondays. 6:30 p.m., Birch Bay Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. Info: friendsofbirchbaylibrary.org. Friends of Blaine Library: Meets third Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Find out the latest library news at this monthly FOBL Board of Directors meeting. All members and guests are welcome to attend. Info: blainelibraryfriends.org. Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) Meetings: Tuesdays 6:30–8 p.m., CAP Center, 508 G Street, Blaine. A support group for parents of adult children dealing with addiction, but open to anyone (18 or older) seeking to learn a better way to help an addicted love one. Evidence-based, structured curriculum and peer support at no cost. Info: palgroup.org or email Bev and Dave at wamillards@comcast.net. Alaska Packers Association Cannery Museum: Open Saturdays and Sundays, 1–5 p.m., 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Free, donations welcome. Info: 360/371-3558.

Birch Bay Book Club: Wednesday, January 18, 4 p.m., Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. January title is Cold Millions by Jess Walter. Info: klia1@mac.com.

Blaine Book Club: Friday, January 20, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. January title: The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey. Info: Kelly at 360/305-3637. Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at noon, women’s meeting Mondays at 4 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ basement, 855 4th Street. Info: 208/750-8772 or shannonsessions2020@gmail.com. Blaine Arts Council: Meets second Thursday, 6:30 p.m., at Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Info: blaineartscouncil.org.

Holiday lights, decorations from around the neighborhood

Blaine and Birch Bay residents have spread holiday cheer with decorations in their homes and neighborhoods. Here are five people who responded to The Northern Light’s request for holiday submissions.

s A pandemic Christmas tree features a masked Santa, Santa getting vaccinated, a roll of toilet paper, a bottle of hand sanitizer.

Photo courtesy Jennifer Plombon s Space M-144 in Birch Bay Resort, 8080 Harborview Road.

Photo courtesy Dan McDaniels

s 8255 Beach Way Drive in Birch Bay. Photo courtesy Jim Fortin

s The crab pot Christmas tree on H Street Plaza.

Photo courtesy Gary Tomsic

s 9676 Delta Line Road in east Blaine. Photo courtesy Jo Skinner

Rules ...

From page 12 ing that might actually be what you originally meant. Also, while I recommend it, I’m not confident the law requires you to signal in a roundabout.

Despite the confusion about signaling, roundabouts are far safer than other intersections. Compared to traditional intersections, they reduce overall collisions by 37 percent and fatality collisions by 90 percent. In a roundabout, or any other imperfect driving situation (and isn’t that most of them?), have patience, communicate the best you can to other road users and be kind.

Doug Dahl is a manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.