AROUND THE POINT

The Point Roberts fire department and Delta emergency services have formalized a partnership that’s been around for years. “The only agreement we’ve had has been verbal – kind of a gentleman’s agreement,” said fire district 5 chief Bill Skinner.
At their April 13 meeting fire district commissioner signed a formal mutual aid agreement with the corporation of Delta, setting out how their emergency services would respond if there wasn’t enough local manpower or equipment to deal with an emergency, and vice versa.
“This has been a work in progress for two or three years,” Skinner said. “I think it’s good to have the agreement because it lays out the responsibilities of the parties.”
The agreement stipulates that Delta is covered by the Point Roberts fire department’s insurance when they are acting on their behalf on the Point and sets out conditions under which Delta could withdraw or not commit their resources. “The fire chief can withdraw resources if the scene is unsafe or if those resources are needed,” Skinner said.
The agreement also includes a schedule of payments to reimburse a responding department. Skinner said it was unlikely Point Roberts would ever need to help out in Delta and that local emergency services have traditionally only called on Delta once a year or less.
In other fire department news, commissioners have decided to ask the state auditor for an extension to further investigate findings in a recent draft auditor’s report questioning the oversight and control of the Wellness Clinic.
The Wellness Clinic board, with representatives from the Pioneer Group, the fire department and the Interfaith Health Center runs the clinic and the fire commissioners just approve a voucher for clinic
expenses.
“It’s not supposed to be that way,” Skinner said following a meeting with auditors. “We need to be in control of the Wellness Clinic financially and the clinic board can act as an advisory group.”
At a special meeting April 25 commissioners agreed to ask for an extension and gather more information about clinic administration and grant funding, seek legal advice and then respond to the finding.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) has approved a rate increase for the local garbage hauler.
At their April 27 meeting commissioners of the state regulatory agency approved a revised application for an increase from Point Recycling and Refuse. “Overall the company had asked for a 37.4 percent increase and the dollars worked out at 32.6 percent,” said WUTC vice president for transportation and water Gene Eckhardt.
The garbage company had asked to increase the cost of a weekly 32-gallon can from $15 to $21.81. In response to staff recommendations the increased rate was revised to $18.50 for that level of service. The new rates are effective April 29.
Eckhardt said his agency reviews utility company rates based on the cost of providing the service. “The company is entitled to recover reasonable costs and earn a reasonable return,” he said.

This year the annual field day at Point Roberts primary school is for more than primary students. “This year’s big twist is that everyone is invited,” said parent teacher organization (PTO) president Linda Hughes.
On Thursday, May 26, the PTO sponsored field day will start with a community picnic at noon. “Everyone should bring a blanket and their picnic lunch. PTO will provide drinks and fruit and freezies and ribbons for every participant,” Hughes said.
The activities begin at 1 p.m. with the traditional Parade of Wheels. “Here the children ride or walk their decorated bikes, wagons, scooters, and other wheeled devices. They go all around the school and parade out into the field and back as the opening ceremonies to the sports events. Imagine the popping flashbulbs,” Hughes said.
Following the parade the games begin and all primary-aged kids can participate, whether they attend the school or not. “We usually have a variety of sports activities that the children rotate around the field in groups to participate in,” Hughes said.

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