HomeMy WebLinkAbout042125 email - LTAC Proposed BylawsALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Good Morning
I ask that you do not approve the LTAC Bylaws without a working session with the LTAC Board, either existing or a new board. Ensure LTAC bylaws are created and approved by LTAC members
themselves, not imposed externally.
This document has some real flaws especially in regards to combining TCC and LTAC. Both are managed by BOCC and may be a conflict if the same Commissioner sits on both boards as the
chair. TCC should be independent and carry no more weight than any USER of LTAC funds. Per RCW 67.28.1817, the LTAC’s role is clearly defined as an independent advisory body. It must
operate free from undue influence by other committees—especially those whose composition or oversight falls under the direct control of the Board of County Commissioners.
What are the hours of the LTAC Coordinator? Is this a full-time position? Historically the County has charged a small amount to pay for staff. Is that what is envisioned here?
It is extremely frustrating that Greg continues to say that LTAC did not follow the County’s memo. The LTAC Board had already agreed, along with Greg as the Chair, that we would not
make any changes until after the current RFP process was complete. Then the memo was produced, not on the agenda on Friday, not on the agenda Monday morning, put only put forth in
the afternoon with no one aware of it until after the BOCC voted to approve. This is not transparency and probably was done that way to eliminate public comment. How is this transparent
and ethical?
Some additional concerns:
* All LTAC positions were vacated after the 2024 funding cycle, with no reappointments posted. Appears retaliatory. Creates perception of punishment for not complying with BoCC direction.
* BoCC is proposing new bylaws for LTAC instead of empowering LTAC to develop their own. Undermines LTAC autonomy. Bylaws should be proposed by LTAC members, then ratified by BoCC.
* Major structural changes proposed via “workshop” and internal draft resolutions. Lacks proper public notice, stakeholder engagement, or transparent policy-making.
* The new bylaws require members to “disclose” COIs but still allow participation. Weakens safeguards. RCW 42.23 requires recusal when a conflict arises. Stronger conflict policies
and independent ethics review mechanisms should be implemented.
* The issues above point to a systematic power shift:
* From a multi-stakeholder advisory process → to centralized BoCC control.
* From community-based decision-making → to top-down mandates.
* This restructuring effort lacks balance, transparency, and legal prudence in several areas
Conclusion & Recommendations: We urge the BoCC to halt implementation of the proposed LTAC restructuring and initiate a collaborative process that includes:
* LTAC-led development of its bylaws
* Independent review of governance changes by a neutral third-party
* Public workshops with robust industry participation
* Codified ethics and COI rules with recusal requirements
* Broader and more diverse appointment processes
These changes will help rebuild trust, ensure legal compliance, and deliver a more balanced, community-informed approach to tourism governance.
Respectfully,
Diana
Diana Smeland
President
The Resort at Port Ludlow
Westharbor Homes
Olympic Water & Sewer
Port Ludlow Associates, LLC
70 Breaker Lane
Port Ludlow WA 98365
direct: 360.437.8342
office: 360.437.2101
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<https://www.facebook.com/portludlow> <https://www.instagram.com/theresortatportludlow/> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/resort-at-port-ludlow> <https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g
58685-d268335-Reviews-The_Resort_at_Port_Ludlow-Port_Ludlow_Washington.html> <https://www.yelp.com/biz/fireside-restaurant-port-ludlow>
<https://www.facebook.com/westharborhomes> <https://www.instagram.com/westharborhomes> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/westharbor-homes> <https://www.houzz.com/pro/westharborhomes/westha
rbor-homes>
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