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 theLeague or its members.

San Juan Fire District regular meeting of Aug. 8

During the citizen comment period, someone asked why citizen comments were no longer recorded in the minutes of the meeting. Chair Frank Cardinale said he would look into the matter. The correspondence was a letter supporting a candidate for Fire Chief.

The commissioners approved payment of bills and payroll. One large expenditure was the production of the annual firefighters’ manual. Overtime had increased, largely because staff were filling in for those on vacation.

The commission discussed progress on the agreement with the Town of Friday Harbor for fire prevention services that Fire and Rescue #3 would provide to businesses. Businesses will receive advance notice of the inspections. The town will retain enforcement functions.

The financial situation is consistent with projections. The total income budgeted for 2023 is $2,611,700 while the actual income is $1,953,147 for seven months is 75% of what was budgeted above the target of 58%. Actual expenses were $1,213,132 vs $2,341,247 or 52% of 2023 total budgeted expenses, slightly below the 58% target. They received a grant that will offset some of the costs of the new fire vessel. There were no capital fund requests in this period.

Operationally, Fire and Rescue met minimum staffing needs last month. Travel time was normal. The staff engaged in a significant amount of all-hazard training. Fire and Rescue has reduced EMS calls, going only when it will not be redundant with other responders.

Fire and Rescue will participate in the County Fair. They will take responsibility for watering the horse arena in exchange for 80 admission tickets and free booths. This will save both the fair and Fire and Rescue funds.

Town Council regular meeting of Aug. 17

The Town Council observed a moment of silence for the town of Lahaina, Hawaii.

The Public Works director reported that the sewer reconnection on Malcolm Street was complete.

The Town got a grant from their insurance company to refurbish the crosswalk across Front Street at the corner by the ferry landing. The town has gotten rumble strips which will be installed at traffic circles on Spring Street. They have and will install signs regarding pickleball at Cahill Park. The Department is reviewing existing standards and will propose updates and additions for the Council’s consideration, possibly including standards for alleys, pocket parks, and handrails. The department is reviewing an upcoming street project for Marguerite; one area of review is the turning radius at the intersection with Park given its use by school buses

The Council reviewed and discussed options regarding crosswalks on Tucker Street with a view to access Linde Park given increased pedestrian traffic along and across Tucker. They looked at the issues posed by the intersections at University, Marble/Larson and Harbor/MacDonald.

Under state law any intersection is a legal pedestrian crossing unless marked with a “Do Not Cross” sign (as at Larson, for example.) As such McDonald/Tucker is a pedestrian crossing with ramps, although it lacks street markings. No location is ideal from a safety standpoint but given the need the Council asked the Public Works director to draw up a plan for a more visible crossing at the Harbor/McDonald Tucker location, including measures to help slow traffic. This will be reviewed at the September 7th or 21st meeting. The Council intends to continue to consider possible crossing options or enhancements at the other two locations.

Administrator Denice Kulseth reported they had applied to the Transportation Infrastructure Board for a pavement preservation grant of about $1000k for crack sealing.