Submitted by the League of Women Voters

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 Port Commission regular meeting of Sept. 13

San Juan EDC staff thanked the Commission for continued Port support of EDC programs and presented the past year’s accomplishments including business debt relief resources, technical assistance and startup support. EDC courses included merchant mariner training and a high school trades survey course. A tech initiative works with the county to give immediate access to employment on completion of the courses. Port support is a cornerstone of these programs. The EDC works closely with port tenants in advocacy and community building. They asked for funding for the next year; with locally raised funds, the EDC can access matching grant funds from the State.

The qualified low bidder, Mascott Equipment Company, was awarded the Airport Infrastructure Grant and the Aircraft Fueling System Equipment contract. The Port accepted the Washington State Commerce Grant to upgrade the transformer for EV charging stations, put metered fast charging units in front of the office building and add more level 2 chargers. They will be available to the public. On Oct. 25, the commissioners will tour the IOSA headquarters building procured with Port support.

The commission reviewed the Blake Marine LLC Chandlery lease and approved a 5-year lease. Their operations will start in November and offer chandlery and electronics services, a showroom and store. They will be looking to lease additional space along the breakwater to expand their business.

The commission discussed 2025 tariffs leading up to the budget season when they set the tariffs for next year. Shipyard Cove is at 85% of FH and Jensen’s is the same as FH. For 2025 the Executive Director Todd Nicholson recommended applying the 3.1% CPI and 20% as an upcharge for covered and premium moorage. Outstanding in the tariff schedule is the C Hangar which is six months from being available to rent as the Port waits for a grant to remodel the hangar. It will be offered at a reduced rate for a commercial business.

With Tami Hayes’ retirement, Jan Gresseth is the new Marina Manager. She gave an update on the new reservation system software which has gotten a lot of positive feedback. Of the twelve summer staffers, three qualified for Port scholarships. Jan reviewed boat nights; January – July was almost identical to last year, but August was down 22%. There is a full list for winter moorage.

The commissioners thanked the ED for the press release regarding the $7 million electrification grant and suggested a press release about the scholarships offered through the Port.

SJI School Board regular meeting of Sept. 25

New school board member Melanie Hess was sworn in.

A member of the public representing The Initiative for Boys and Men gave board members the group’s report on the status of boys and men in Washington state, which includes policy recommendations. He noted education was a key area of the report and recommendations focused on ways to improve school attendance and outcomes for boys.

Superintendent Fred Wood reported that the district’s request for state funding to support capital projects made the state list but ranked low in priority. Nonetheless getting on the list was an achievement. Noting recent public comment on the need to replace school siding, he said that after the levy passed there is a considerable lag before the tax is collected and transferred. They will begin the bidding process shortly and expect to complete the project next summer. They are still wrapping a few final repairs to Start School. All principals have reported a good start to the new school year.

The Student Body representative also reported a good start to the school year with a helpful freshman orientation and great participation and sign-ups during the recent Club Fair. Coming up on Oct. 8 is College Fair Day and Homecoming on Oct. 11.

The principals reviewed the updated mid-point results of their school improvement plans with most categories showing improved outcomes and in nearly all cases well exceeding state averages. In most cases they are now meeting or exceeding pre-Covid numbers and Woods noted that the 2024 graduating class was the last class to have spent any high school years doing remote learning. Woods did the report for Griffin Bay that managed to get notable improvements in attendance during the year.

The League observer departed the meeting before it concluded and was not present for final portions.