My neighbors, husband and I wish to thank Councilman Rick Hughes for taking the extra time to drive Dolphin Bay Road, review its current road conditions, and meet with residents who live on the 1.7 mile portion of Dolphin Bay Road under review.  I am grateful to all the councilmen for unanimously voting “Yes” to continue with the planned chip sealing of Dolphin Bay on Tuesday February 4 and supporting the priority of safety.  It was clear that the Public Works Department intends to protect the rural scenic nature of this road by simply chip sealing with no center line or unnecessary changes in road width and character.

Further, I really appreciated participating in the process of attending a council meeting. There were a total of 12 residents of Orcas, including one of its younger citizens, who came and were able to speak because of the established process of allowing any and all citizens the opportunity to express their opinions during the citizens’ access time.

Finally, thank you Sounder for ensuring that you included voices and perspectives on both sides of this issue around chip sealing Dolphin Bay.  To my neighbors concerned about increased speeds,  I have personally committed myself to watching my speedometer carefully in order to not exceed posted speed limits the entire length of Dolphin Bay.  It will be a good practice in restraint for me.

And, for all of those who signed the petition, do remember that a full two miles of Dolphin Bay from Beatrice Lane to White Beach Road will remain unpaved and probably will remain that way forever.  Too few residents live on that portion of the road or drive it on a daily basis, and it would be extremely costly for the county to bring that portion up to standards for paving.

Moriah Armstrong

Orcas Island