Island County Diking District 1 commissioners will meet for the first time this week in a new venue in Freeland.

The regular monthly meeting will be 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5 in the conference room of Edwards & Associates, 5492 S. Harbor Ave.

At their last meeting, the commissioners hired the Freeland firm to handle administrative work for the district beginning in February.

The firm will be paid $40 hour to keep district records at its office, handle phone service and clerical work and provide a space for public meetings.

Diking commissioners had been meeting in the Bayview office of their chairman, Steve Arnold. The commission meets the first Thursday of each month.

On the agenda Feb. 5 will be an update on the search for someone to inspect and maintain the grounds, outfall pipes, tide gates and pump system, Arnold said. Commissioners, who in the past have informally taken care of these tasks in the past, have advertised for bids.

Commissioners also are expected to finalize contracts for the district’s recently installed pump, which has created controversy among some residents of the district.

They say assessments for the $430,00 pump project are inequitable, and that the device may cause environmental damage and may in fact not even be needed.

Meanwhile, applications are still being accepted from those interested in filling the unexpired vacancy on the commission left by Bob Kohlwes, who resigned earlier this month.

Arnold said only one application has been received so far, from John Shepard, who owns property in Olympic View and on Sunlight Beach and is among the disgruntled property owners demanding that the operation of the diking district be suspended.

Island County commissioners expect to make an appointment on Monday, Feb. 9.