At last night’s council meeting, Mayor Dean Bunkers said he is seeking mediation to open labor contracts with the Teamsters, regarding 29 clerical and public works employees.

He said he has filed an Unfair Labor Practice complaint, and that finding dates for mediation has been a challenge.

“The clock is ticking,” he said. “I planned on being in negotiations with these two contracts by now.

“With the council’s assent I’d like to get a letter out with a 30 day notice of additional layoffs or furloughs.”

Council gave Bunkers assent to send this letter.

No. 1: Mayor Dean Bunkers asked for, and received, the go-ahead from council to write a letter to the Teamsters, warning them of more City layoffs or furloughs.

No. 2: Art Wuerth, the new financial director, gave a presentation showing that as much as another $8 million will be needed (on top of the previously stated $32 million) to complete the Street LID. This could translate to another 20-25% in payments; as an example, he said that a $200,000 home might pay an extra $1,175 for the Street LID. It all depends on finance rates and, of course, actual, final costs.

Details to follow.

Last week, the North Coast News asked readers (and visitors to northcoastnews.com) how Mayor Dean Bunkers did, on his first year in office. Your answers, via voicemail, e-mail and on-line postings at northcoastnews.com:

I did not know him before he became mayor. What I have seen of him is excellent. He concentrates on listening and understanding instead of being judgmental.

Ocean shores is fortunate to have a man of his dedication and his competence.

-Norm Schut

We believe that Mayor Bunkers has done very well in his new job.

We are impressed with how smoothly he handled the transition to a new form of government for Ocean Shores.

-John and Catie Clark

This time last year, Ocean Shores chose Dean Bunkers as its first elected “strong” mayor.

It’s been quite a first year, for Bunkers:

•Leading a new “open government,” with more public participation during City Council meetings

•A controversy over his $99,600 salary 

•A budget crisis, which led to eight layoffs

•Landing $6 million (half as a grant, half at a 1 percent loan) for a new water treatment plant

Ed Koch, as mayor of New York, was famous for asking everyone he met “How am I doing?”

Well, how is Mayor Bunkers doing?

Post your answer below. (Or email tscanlon@northcoastnews.com.)

Answers will be printed in next week’s North Coast News.

Email from Mayor Dean Bunkers:

“The City of Ocean Shores was notified on Monday, the 23^rd, that we had been selected for stimulus funding assistance for improvements to the City’s proposed new water treatment plant by the Department of Health.  The initial City request was for $5,800,000 and we were granted nearly $3,000,000.  The City was ranked number 27 out of 347 applicants.  In fact, we were the last project to receive funding from the available $38,500,000.

“ This initial funding list is only a draft and it is possible that we may not receive the funding or the priority list may change.  The Department of Health is taking comments on the draft until Monday, April 6^th.  This is an opportunity for the citizens of Ocean Shores to show support for improving our drinking water.  I am requesting that citizens support this funding opportunity by sending comments, stressing the importance of good drinking water to our local economy and to the greater Grays Harbor area, to:

 Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water, ATTN: Kitty Weisman, POB 47822, Olympia, WA  98504-7822

Phone   (360) 236-3116 FAX:   (360) 236-2252 Email:  kitty.weisman@doh.wa.gov

“ My recommendation is to send comments by email.

 Sincerely, Dean Bunkers”

Mayor Dean Bunkers is the guest right now on 1450 AM’s “Coffee Talk.” He just said the Roundabout and sidewalk projects likely will be deferred, unless stimulus money comes through to fund Ocean Shores’ portion of it. “I don’t have the money for it,” he said. “Our hope is we’ll be able to get some of that stimulus money and be able to move ahead.”

I can think of a few business owners who hope the Roundabout doesn’t happen this summer. (Could there be worse timing, from a business perspective, than to have a major construction project in the middle of summer?)

Bunkers also said Ken Mercer just booked a square dance group into the Convention Center, and that they are expected to draw 1,200 people.