||| FROM SAM GAILEY, SPECIAL REPORT TO THE ORCASONIAN |||
The Eastsound Water Users Association held a listening session this week as the organization continues to face internal disputes, leadership concerns, labor-related tensions, and questions from members about transparency and governance.
At the start of the meeting, the board stated that the session was intended for listening rather than debate, and that board members would not respond to public comments in real time.
During the public comment period, several EWUA members expressed concern about what they described as deepening division within the organization, low employee morale, and a loss of trust between members, staff, and leadership. A recurring request from speakers was that the board approve an independent third-party investigation, mediator, or arbitrator to review grievances and help address ongoing conflict.
One member said they had been speaking with the board for several months about polarization and competing narratives within EWUA and called for an outside investigation into staff grievances. Others echoed that concern, saying the organization appeared to be struggling to provide consistent leadership and needed help from an independent mediator.
Multiple speakers described the workplace environment as stressful or toxic, with one member saying there was “no safe place” for employees to file grievances. Another said operators were not being respected or heard, while others said poor working conditions had persisted for years. Several members specifically urged the board to listen to the system operators and take their concerns seriously.
A former EWUA employee said she had left the organization five years ago because of dysfunction and also supported bringing in a third-party mediator. Another speaker, who identified as a former board member, said that while the general manager had recently suggested the organization was doing well, he disagreed and believed an outside investigation was necessary.
Several speakers also raised concerns about transparency and board accountability. One member said trust in the association had been damaged and accused the board of operating in secrecy. Others said the membership had a role to play in improving the situation, but that an independent process was needed to rebuild confidence.
The final public commenter said they understood the complexities of running the water association, but believed it was time for the board to listen closely to the operators.
Following the public comment period, board members offered brief responses.
Board member Madeline Danielson thanked speakers for their comments and said she supported a third-party investigation, adding that she wanted to help rebuild trust within the organization.
Board member Jim Nelson said he appreciated the civil tone of the discussion. He said that, from the board’s perspective, arranging an investigation would be complicated. Regarding calls to hire a new general manager, Nelson said he felt the current general manager had not yet had an opportunity to respond to the allegations. Nelson also stated that he was mindful of the concerns raised, but the organization’s problems would not have a simple solution and emphasized that everyone involved was “on the same team.”
Board member Leith Templin said she was concerned about the situation, but believed the board had already investigated the allegations. She said the board was trying to protect the membership and noted that certain members’ or personnel information could not be shared publicly.
Board member Vaughan Ploegar said he believed the board was doing “a pretty good job,” but hoped for improvement and said the board would continue listening to complaints.
After the board members spoke, an audience member asked that, if a third-party investigation or arbitration process is approved, it include past employees who may have left EWUA because of internal complaints or workplace issues.
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
Thanks Sam…
Equivocation by the Board over the question of engaging a third-party neutral investigator is astonishing.
The Public Comments expressed by MEMBER-OWNERS of EWUA were unequivocal: DO IT and DO it NOW…the Board has been dancing around the subject for months while the Association’s certified operators continue to walk out the door to get away from what they describe as a “toxic workplace”.
So… if 3 out of the 4 board members who spoke refuse to initiate or support an independent outside investigation, what recourse do members and employees have? What paths can be taken? Kudos to Madeline Danielson for supporting the investigation and seeking to rebuild trust. I hope she is not the lone voice in the wilderness.
I want to know what we can do right now to protect and back up the operators before more quit or are forced out. I want to know what happens to all those who left under intolerable conditions after they had been trained to know what they are doing and have specialized skills.
Is anyone investigating how to go municipal rather than private? Do state laws or audits give any backup or recourse to members and employees ? I support the idea of the investigation including testimony and reparation for all past employees who quit or were forced out, going back to the time this first started.
If there is nothing to hide then the board and general manager should welcome an open and thorough examination of the issues.
Are there citizen minutes about the latest meeting or would someone can give me a verbal recap of what transpired at the meeting.? I am reading back because I missed a lot here on the Orcasonian, After being so thoroughly disgusted by the meeting I attended, I couldn’t stomach another one. I regret not keeping up and attending the latest meeting. Please contact me.
THIS from May 21. (comments closed; unfortunately I hadn’t been reading here enough). I have no other words except: Heartbreaking. Disgraceful.
I stand with all past and present Operators. It’s time to take this to Olympia and to the AG. I am so sorry this has kept happening to all of you.
I miss Paul Kamin.
On another subject: I’m still trying to find out what the new Clark Well that was built without member input will do environmentally to the surrounding properties and the wetland watershed in general. Was any kind of study done or required, such as a NEPA or SEPA report? As rampant deforestation continues within the Urban Growth Area, it may appear as though there is endless surface water in winter but these same flood zones become drought zones in summer, increasing fire risks and water shortages. The Clark Well should not be used until these questions are addressed and straight answers given – as well about the intention to ‘sell the extra water for revenue.” I doubt that aligns with the stated purpose of EWUA in the Governance page on the website, which states in the first paragraph:
“Eastsound Water is a member-owned cooperative. Eastsound Water acts through an elected Board of Directors, which manages the affairs of the cooperative. All revenues are used to provide water to Members within the service area while maintaining and operating the system in compliance with applicable legal standards.”
A lot is packed into that first paragraph! The Board manages ALL the affairs of the cooperative – in compliance with applicable legal standards. What are they? EWUA Board; please cite those laws by number here so we can look up the applicable laws.
Read this, back in March, about penalties for violations that put the crew in danger and the membership’s health in danger due to poor water quality:
https://theorcasonian.com/eastsound-water-cited-for-repeated-safety-violations/
At the meeting I attended where questions were asked about the Clark Well, there was talk about selling the water from that well to raise revenues. – that raised some flags. To whom? Who decides? This would seem to be in direct conflict with the stated purpose of supplying the membership with water. We’re headed into a super El Nino which brings with it serious drought. I question the legality and efficacy of that kind of thinking.
On the Clark Well financial concerns:
https://theorcasonian.com/letter-to-editor-crisis-at-eastsound-water-users-association/
Thank you, Cory Harrington for your tireless work on all of this and for speaking out and getting attention on these issues.
The letter from May 1 consolidates the many serious concerns and violations. I wish I had been able to add my name to the list, and do so now. I apologize to the Operators that I did not attend the meeting or keep up.
A merger with Eastsound Sewer is the only way we can move toward the municipal water system that EWUA now needs to be. I agree that the GM should immediately be removed or on leave without pay. An interim GM should immediately replace the current GM for starters.
https://theorcasonian.com/letter-to-editor-crisis-at-eastsound-water-users-association/
.
I apologize: forgot the link for the Operators’ editorial from May 1.
https://theorcasonian.com/eastsound-water-operators-speak-out/