Attorneys for Kitsap County and the Kitsap Rifle and Revolver Club met Tuesday with mediator Bill Joyce at the Washington Arbitration and Mediation Service in Seattle, to reach a negotiated resolution before the trial.
Because the contents of what were discussed in mediation are confidential, Brian Chenoweth, the gun club’s attorney, said he could not disclose specific information, but said that the parties made progress toward reaching a resolution of the matter and more work needs to be done. The two sides agreed to request the current trial date of March 3 to be moved back to allow more time to negotiate a possible settlement. If a settlement can be reached, it could take 30 to 60 days, Chenoweth said.
“The club looks forward to continued cooperation with the county to resolve the dispute over the club’s operations and property,” he said Wednesday.
Joyce is a lawyer from the Seattle firm Salter Joyce and Ziker, who has worked in environmental and regulatory matters.
In September, Kitsap County Prosecutor Russell Hauge filed the lawsuit against the Seabeck gun club for alleged nuisances after neighbors of the range filed complaints.
