Submitted by teh 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.

Port Commission regular meeting of Feb. 23

Nige Oswald President of the non-profit San Juan Island Sailing Foundation thanked the Port and said the SJISF wanted to continue to provide programs to the community and use the Netshed facility at Jackson Beach. The commission said that they would put this on the agenda for future discussion and decide how to handle insurance and other responsibilities.

Richard Grout asked about the lease policy he raised at the previous meeting. He asked if the Goodremont proposal and drawings had been available to the public and what obligation the Port had to post items for public comment.

The Commission reviewed the Goodremont proposal and site plan. Two commissioners opposed the proposed housing component on airport property. The Port will support the plan without housing and Brian Goodremont agreed. The issue will be continued until the next meeting.

The Commission approved Resolution 24-002 regarding the Lease Policy updates.

The Commission approved the authorization for the Executive Director to sign a purchase order from the county for the Barge Landing Road Engineering using both Commerce Grant and Port funds. The estimated cost is $75,000. The Executive Director was authorized to sign a purchase order with the county to supply a Waldron Island replacement float, estimated at $45,000 at the Orcas Landing Marine Facility and to be completed in 2024.

The Port of Port Angeles has expressed an interest in an interlocal agreement for Port of Friday Harbor to build for them 6 floats as part of a boat ramp. Drawings and details will be brought to the next meeting for further review.

The Port is determining a fair rental price for the IOSA headquarters. Considering that the Port and IOSA worked together to get grants and funding for the building, and their mutually beneficial relationship, the price should reflect both the fair market value and the community benefit that IOSA provides. The Executive Director will give options to the Commission to review and approve.

Barbara Marrett noted many Ports have diversified their business and referred to the situation of Pelindaba Lavender. She wanted to see if would be possible for the Port to purchase the land and lease it back to the business to save jobs. The Executive Director will conduct due diligence into the business and report back to the Commission.

The Commissioners applauded the new interpretive aquarium exhibit at Spring Street Landing. Dakota Creek is offering a well-respected apprenticeship program in shipping which is accepting applications now.

County Council regular meeting of Feb. 27

The Council adopted a resolution to purchase property at 545 Park St. from Banner Bank. The building will be renovated to provide office space for staff now working in unsafe buildings. After a public hearing, the Council approved selling property at 915 Spring St., formerly occupied by Public Works, to the SJI Conservation District. The funds will offset the cost of the Beaverton Valley facility. The Council approved the extension of an LTAC grant to the Lopez Island Grange.

Budget analyst Molly Foote reviewed the final budget results for 2023, in which revenue came in at $79.8 million, 92% of the budgeted amount and expenditure at $73.5 million, which was 69% of the budgeted amount. The ending cash was updated and used for the beginning cash for the 2024-2025 biennial budget, which had been cut to project cash reserves at the statutory minimum by the end of 2025. That leaves about $735k of spare cash to meet additional budget needs. The budget committee will provide the Council with a list of prioritized budget requests which the Council will review at the March 12 meeting.

Sheriff Eric Peter provided a review of operations for 2023, which covered the number of calls of citations and of arrests for misdemeanors and felonies and report on the use of force. Drunk driving is on the increase. The Sheriff’s Office has increased training, but faces serious staffing issues, especially on Orcas Island. Housing is among the serious barriers to attracting staff. Peter highlighted the litigation risk of inadequate jail facilities and the inability to closely monitor jail occupants at night.

The state legislative budget session is wrapping up. It appears that efforts to provide more funding for special education and for maintenance and supplies will move forward. For the ferries, there are significant differences between the Senate and House versions, with the House version providing less money for a passenger-only ferry study and without funds being earmarked for San Juan County. Now is the time to push for the Senate version in the budget reconciliation process.

Council member Wolf was in Washington with the National Association of Counties program and learned about how to advocate for earmarks. There may be possible federal funding available for ports to reduce emissions including by converting fleets to electric vehicles and money for solar panels on county buildings. The County will be interviewing applicants for the Director of the Department of Community Development. The County Administrator position is now being advertised and will close in early March.

SJC Public Hospital District #1, regular meeting of Feb. 28

Jack Estrada from Peace Island Medical Center (PIMC) presented a report for 2023. They have been short by two physicians recently but have new hires starting shortly. They saw increased demand for emergency room services but dropped physical therapy services on Saturdays due to low demand. The Medical Center is financially stable with the PHD subsidy and the Peace Health support. The Commission approved the 2nd half subsidy to PIMC.

Superintendent Butler reported they plan to move forward with healthcare workers’ housing in partnership with PIMC. Commissioners Frazer and Clary submitted a detailed PHD financial report. EMS taught a 10-day Wilderness First Responder class on Orcas. EMS January calls were at a record high. The Commissioners agreed to a joint special meeting requested by the SJC Board of Health to present their Community Health Needs Assessment.

Evan Perrollaz, Executive Director of Home Care Services, and Ingrid Gabriel, Coordinator reported that Village at Home received its home care license last week. Five types of home care services will be available, with a vehicle for shopping/medical appointment services. Clients will need to pay directly for services, but they will help them seek long-term care insurance reimbursement. The pool of qualified, vetted caregivers includes many who want to work part-time. The software system they have allows secure patient tracking of billing, communications, care plans and more. They will begin some employee training. Those taking online training courses can now use a skill testing site in the PHD office space. Commissioner Frazer wants to keep close watch for potential stress on PHD staff and finances given the new major housing and home care projects moving forward.

The Commissioners approved a resolution appointing Laura Jack as the Board Recording Secretary, replacing Steve Wambsganss who is now Financial Director. The Commissioners approved a new EMS policy allowing employees to accrue paid time off in months when they have taken family leave.

After an executive session under RCW 42.30.110 (1)(1), the Commissioners approved a settlement agreement with the Washington Attorney General’s office for a longstanding issue regarding Medicare payment claims in 2012-2015.