By Mayor Nancy Conard

I’d like to introduce you to some of the new faces at Town Hall:

Bridget Smith is our new planner, and is also handling some of the work regarding building permits.

Bridget has been on board since May 28. She has a bachelor’s degree in architecture, from University of Oregon, which will serve her well in working with the Historic Preservation Commission and our local residents processing building permits in Ebey’s Reserve.

She has both public and private experience, having worked for the City of Shoreline as Building Official, and in private practice in a variety of positions which included project management, plan check, code compliance, short plats and building within critical areas.

Her problem solving skills, systems analysis and focus on process will help us to improve our internal procedures and increase our efficiency.

She has a passion for sustainability and has been involved in many organizations and assumed leadership roles around the topic, as well as in emergency preparedness, green building and low impact development.

Bob Snyder, our building official, recently accepted another position with another municipality.

Bridget has assumed responsibility for responding to requests for information and coordination of permit applications. Plan checks and building inspections are being contracted to Island County Building  Department.

Bridget is in the office Tuesday-Thursday, and may be reached at planner@townofcoupeville.org

Jesse Lynn has joined the Utilities Department, replacing Paul Knight, who accepted a position with another utility district.

Jesse is a long time resident of the island, graduating from Oak Harbor High School and Skagit Valley College. His past experience in residential and commercial construction and underground utilities are assets in his new position.

Jesse works with Paul Vinsant operating the water and sewer utilities.

Stephanie Rogers joined our Maintenance Department. Another long time Whidbey Island resident, Stephanie’s experience with Island County Road Department in a similar position means she has quickly come up to speed on our town procedures. She joins Dan Dalton in the maintenance department.

In addition to these new additions, Kelly Riepma was recently promoted to public works superintendent.

She came to the town with good skills and has honed them further in the last six years.

She works very well with William LaRue, public works director, Greg Cane, Town Engineer and Bridget Smith.

All of these folks work together as a team to serve the residents of Coupeville in areas of public works, utilities and community development.

At the end of the month, we will be welcoming a new Town Council member.

Pat Powell ran unopposed to fill the position previously held by Larry Cort, and was elected. Many of you may know Pat from her role as executive director of the Whidbey Camano Land Trust.

Pat has extensive experience in land protection, grant writing, and natural resource and land use planning and management.

Nancy Conard is mayor for the Town of Coupeville.