Submitted by the League of Women Voters Observer Corps.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization, encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to expand public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.

Friday Harbor Town Council regular meeting of July 20

The Council affirmed Brian Carlson as a new member of the Town Planning Commission. The Council amended the ordinance on Lodging Tax Advisory Committee membership to create an alternate member to sit in the absence of a regular member. They approved Lori Stokes for the alternate position.

The Town will propose Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. for the joint meeting of the Town and County Councils. They will work on a list of issues to put on the agenda, including water use at the fairgrounds.

The Town is working on a letter regarding Washington State Ferries to raise concerns and make some requests and suggestions. Once they have an approved draft, they will circulate to the County and other entities to see if they wish to sign. They note that they heard the task force to work on the new ferry schedule has struggled. Its next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 13.

The Council amended the scope of work for Wilson Engineering contract on the Wastewater Treatment Project. As costs came in exceptionally high, they need to explore more options and alternatives.

Public Works reported that the Nash Street project is proceeding on schedule and that bids are coming in to do a small sewer reconnection on Malcolm Street.

The Community Development Director, Ryan Ericson, said changes in state law for Accessory Dwelling Units must be incorporated locally. They need to update the housing action plan to reflect population growth. They will seek a grant for the comprehensive plan update. The public survey on housing reflected the public sees a need for more affordable housing, including cluster housing, mixed residential/commercial use, more four-six unit and tiny home development. There was support for design guidelines.

A review of the Housing Needs Assessment showed that growth had been 1.68% versus the previously projected 1.4%. It outlined demographic information and changes in the town. To meet housing needs, 38 new housing units per year will need to be built over the next decade versus the current average of 22 units. For more info: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/9b370393c23b4a9a98fe3070b594247d.

Future agendas will cover the sale of town water and a request for a crosswalk on Tucker Ave. The meeting was continued to Tuesday, July 25 to award a bid for Malcolm Street sewer repairs.

SJC Public Hospital District #1, regular meeting of July 26

Housing for Healthcare Feasibility Study: Three representatives from Faber Construction/King Architecture presented a plan for four eight-plex apartments on a 10-acre parcel adjacent to EMS and PIMC for use as EMS/PHD/Village/PIMC employees’ housing. The project requires a zoning change from light industrial to multifamily residential, an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, Peace Health Inc. approval and FAA approval due to its airport proximity. The architecture style matches the EMS building and offers a mix of one, two and three-bedroom units, with a total of 32 units. Some larger units offer flexibility with lock-out bedrooms or expansion to dorm-style accommodations. This project can be done in phases; Phase 1 is site prep for all four buildings and completion of two, and Phase 2 the other two buildings. With a 2025 start time, Phase 1 estimated total cost is $11,312,500, and Phase 2 estimated at $10,350,000.

Tina Smith, Interim Executive Director of Village at the Harbor, and Jack Estrada, Chief Administrative Officer of PIMC, participated in the discussion. Village at the Harbor Expansion Feasibility Study: Faber/King Architecture then presented an analysis for a 20-unit expansion to the Village. There were no viable options using adjacent properties, and adding a second story was too expensive and complex. The best solution is an elevated structure above the parking lot and attached to the existing building. The additional units, plus office space and other support facilities, would add significant space and functions. Height restrictions, property footprint restrictions, and additional parking would have to be addressed by zoning change, variance, and other options. With a summer 2025 groundbreaking, the total estimated project budget is $10,488,000.

Financial Director Steve Wambsganss reported that revenues and expenditures were running as scheduled for both PHD and EMS. Transition from San Juan County control of financial matters to PHD continues, and he foresees total PHD independent financial operations by Jan. 1.

The Commissioners discussed sending a letter to state elected officials regarding the harmful impact of irregular ferry operations on islanders seeking essential medical treatment on the mainland.

The Commission approved a subsidy to the Family Resource Center for its medical-related programs of $30,000 for 2023 and 2024.

Medicaid at Village at the Harbor: Motion passed to execute the Medicaid contract and include the Medicaid Enrollment Policy, ending a long effort to include Medicaid residents at the Village.