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Jan Paul, Shelter Bay board of directors treasurer since July 2023, announced her resignation in a way that was as surprising as it was low key at the end of the monthly board meeting last Wednesday, April 17, at the organization’s clubhouse.

Without naming individuals, she cited a pattern of problems, including being disrespected and untrusted, saying, “Unfortunately, during my time as a board member, I feel that I have been only a ‘placeholder’ with no ability to function as a board member should. It has become increasingly apparent over the course of my tenure that I have no role other than to fill a spot. I have privately attempted to communicate concerns which resulted in angrily being dismissed.

“I had promised the community I’d do the best I could. It was not possible,” said Paul. “I have tried my best to represent the Shelter Bay Community Inc., yet I have been barred from doing that.”

Paul began by praising the finance committee, saying “working with this incredibly competent group of people is what kept me on this board as long as I have been here. There is mutual trust, respect, support, communication and honesty among the members of this group resulting in excellent work products.

“I have every confidence from what I have seen that our financial health is good. I’m not leaving because of that. I’m leaving because of interpersonal reasons and my belief that I cannot talk to or be heard by the board.”

Paul resigned, with deep regrets, the next day.

Her statement brought a stunned silence to the meeting.

An outpouring of support and gratitude then greeted her from half the board members as well as community residents as she left the building and then later on social media. She said she received many personal phone calls and emails expressing regret at her departure.

Nancy Shimeall, secretary pro tem, spoke over Zoom at the meeting. “I am very discouraged about Jan’s resigning from this board … . Her resignation speaks volumes about how this board needs to work on communication and supporting each other. Having different opinions or viewpoints should not be met with anger and being squelched. I want to apologize to Jan on behalf of the board. I hope others will reach out to you.”

Earlier in the meeting the board passed a $7,587,564 operating budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year starting July 1.

Major funding is the lease payment of $4,270,656. Operating expenses, including administration, staffing and committees, is $1,730,054.

The marina budget is $612,273, sewer is $362,398 and water, $612,273.

A capital improvements budget of $3,015,433 also passed. Bank stabilization will be a major project, at $757,704, depending on permit costs. Over one million dollars is allocated for the water utility system.

President Rod Proctor said the board and the Swinomish tribe, after assessing the need for a land survey, presented a plan to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, hoping it will approve a survey before completing the new lease agreement. Proctor said lot boundaries do not resemble the property owners’, a problem the BIA has never resolved.

Shelter Bay Community, Inc. now has nine board members, of which three have been appointed. Since January four members have resigned, one taking another position within the community. Paul had been appointed last summer after another board member’s resignation.

Meet the board member candidates at a town meeting on Thursday, April 25 at 5 p.m. Elections are at the annual meeting in May. There are some 1,800 residents and over 900 property lots in Shelter Bay. Only property owners vote.

Copies of the agenda and budget are available online and at the Shelter Bay club house office.

The pool is now open. Check with the office on hours as they are subject to change.

It was a pleasure to hear kids playing in the recently opened outdoor pool on a pleasant sunny evening.