by MARK DETRAY

ORS Executive Director

Good news, folks: the permit for cleaning up the fire site at the Orcas Transfer Station was obtained during the last week of March and the work was carried out on April 1 and 2.  Crucial to the effort was Ray Brogi, who provided his time and dump truck for the mere cost of fuel; Island Excavating, which provided an excavator and masterful operator, Tim Holmes, at a significantly discounted rate; San Juan Sanitation, which provided containers and trucking for scrap metal at no cost; San Juan County, which provided disposal of debris at a 65 percent discount; and a two-person ground crew who volunteered their time.

The total cost of this initial cleanup effort came to $6,753.95. If you would like to contribute directly to covering this unanticipated cost, please contact me at mark.detray@gmail.com or 360-472-0177.

Orcas Recycling Services is working together with the county to chart the course ahead for creating a new reuse space that speaks to the needs of the community and meets all regulatory requirements; there is a lot of work ahead and we will keep you all posted as the details evolve and are finalized.

On other fronts, ORS and the county are making progress on the contract for ORS operation of the Orcas Island Transfer Station.  The two parties met on April 5 and agreed to a clarification and simplification of preparation priorities that will streamline and expedite the process of getting to the hand-off date (now tentatively set for June 1).

ORS will be hiring for two positions to staff transfer station functions.  These two jobs have been posted in local media this week; the positions will be open until filled.

Detailed job descriptions and applications can be obtained at Smith & Speed (Tuesday to Saturday) or on the ORS and The Exchange website www.exchangeonorcas.org.