Fire District Board of Commissioners: Still No Separation Agreement with Daniels

The emerged from executive session Tuesday, Aug. 23 with nothing to report on negotiations between the fire district and former chief I. David Daniels.

Board president Tim Osgood said the commission would probably discuss the issue in executive session again at the next regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 6.

Commissioner Kevin Coughlin said the board is working to resolve the issue thoughtfully. The board has met at least three times in executive session on the separation agreement.

Daniels has been on paid administrative leave since Aug. 9 when the board voted unanimously to enter into negotiations. Reasons for Daniels' departure are unclear. Daniels did not answer Patch’s request for an interview after he left the district.

Commissioners did release a statement Aug. 10 stating, “The Woodinville Fire & Rescue District Board of Commissioners commends Chief I. David Daniels for working tirelessly and successfully to meet the goals and objectives established by the Board since Chief Daniels was hired in January 2010. He has taken thoughtful action to address numerous challenges and significant changes prompted by annexations and resulting reductions in revenue. He also has assembled a superlative executive team to manage the District’s administrative affairs.”

Daniels’ 19-month tenure in Woodinville has been rocky almost from the start, culminating July 19 when International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2950 announced a  in the chief.

The board appointed , who had been serving as deputy chief, interim chief until a new chief is named.

Osgood said the board will not begin the search for a permanent fire chief until an agreement is reached with Daniels. The former chief’s contract () runs until Dec. 31, 2013, and pays him $160,000 annually.