Parks board continues water negotiations

Modifications continue on the contract between Annapolis Water District and the South Kitsap Board of Parks and Recreation as both parties appear to be fostering open discussion and negotiations.

According to Larry Walker, the chair of the South Kitsap Parks and Recreation Board of Commissioners, things couldn’t be better.

“Things are going,” Walker said. “We’re making progress. Negotiations are continuing.”

Walker reports that although only one physical meeting has occurred between representatives of the two boards, messages are constantly being exchanged.

“(Parks Commissioner Charlotte Garrido) and I have had one meeting (with Annapolis representatives) face to face and we’ve done some discussion there and have basically passed notes back and forth since then. When we get close to an agreement, when we have some good, hard numbers, then we’ll go ahead and convene both boards,” Walker said.

Walker said that as soon as a new contract has been drawn up for approval of the Parks Board, the public will be notified and anyone interested in hearing the board discuss the matter among themselves is welcome to attend the meeting.

“There’s no real requirement for a public hearing,” Walker said, since the subject is a contract between two entities. “We’ll have our discussion in the public eye.”

However, Walker said he has no guess on when the new contract will be completed.

“I couldn’t really give a good, hard guess on it right now,” Walker said. “(But) it’s a very good relationship so far. The way we’re going about this process is the most expedious way possible.”

Walker also said the search for a new commissioner is on track.

“We’ve got four people to interview,” Walker said. “The latest we will be interviewing is Jan. 8.”

Walker said the new commissioner will likely be seated at the board’s regular meeting on Thursday, Jan. 13.

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