During the Council meeting on Monday, Dec. 9, San Juan County Council discussed recent community feedback regarding the proposed update to the Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District interlocal agreement. Based on public sentiment and the desire to strengthen the working relationship with the LSWDD managing board, the County Council, which also sits as the governing body for the LSWDD, discussed approving a three-month extension of the existing interlocal agreement while a longer-term agreement is discussed.

“The consultations have not been robust as they should have been,” said Council Chair and District 3 council member Jane Fuller. “I care a lot about this facility and have been involved in discussions over the last two years about how to support its sustainability and growth into the future. There is absolutely need for further conversation and relationship building with the LSWDD managing board.”

Background

The existing LSWDD interlocal agreement is set to expire at the end of 2024 after already receiving a one-year extension. As the governing body for the LSWDD, the County Council must adopt a new interlocal agreement to maintain services at the Lopez Dump. The governing board also annually adopts a budget for the LSWDD.

There is no intention on the part of the County to take over the Dump or its operations, nor is there any intention to alter the terms of the San Juan County Code Chapter 8.12, specifically Article III, that remains the basis upon which the new draft interlocal agreement has been developed.

Currently, the proposed changes to the agreement seek to: address safety and noise concerns at the facility; ensure the facility’s continued compliance with County Code and state law; and support the managing board’s interest in expanding the Take-It-Or-Leave-It to an adjacent parcel

“The proposed agreement seeks to support public safety and access to existing Public Works facilities on the property, but we understand the need for additional conversation,” said County Manager Jessica Hudson. “We are pleased to revisit and explore other solutions with the LSWDD managing board as we collectively work towards an updated multiyear interlocal agreement.”

Next steps

Discussions to formally extend the interlocal agreement are expected to continue at an LSWDD managing board meeting on Friday, Dec. 13 at 9 a.m. and a special council meeting on Monday, Dec. 16 at 9 a.m. (https://sanjuancowa.portal.civicclerk.com/).

The County is eager to work with the LSWDD to develop an agreement that is acceptable to the governing body and the managing board. In the meantime, extending the contract for three months will allow operations to continue while the agreement is negotiated.

The County has received valuable community input and is grateful for the continued interest in the long-term success of the LSWDD.

“This is a valuable partnership that must serve the Lopez Community for years to come, and the County team is committed to fostering positive working relationships,” said Chair Fuller. “We are of the same entity, and together, the governing body and the managing board of the LSWDD must work to provide safe, efficient and responsible disposal services for Lopez Island.”

Questions? Watch the Dec. 9 Council discussion on the County website (https://sanjuancowa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2713/files/agenda/5115). Watch the Dec. 2 presentation to Council on the County’s website (https://sanjuancowa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2712/files/agenda/5095). Read the County’s brief about the LSWDD and view presentation materials (https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31353/LSWDD-County-Council-Brief-12224).

For more information, contact Hudson at jessicah@sanjuancountywa.gov.