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.

SJI Fire District regular meeting of March 25

The Interlocal Agreement with San Juan Island Emergency Medical Services was terminated on March 1. Fire District #3 has asked to negotiate new terms for balance and a fair relationship. This termination has caused some misunderstandings between the two agencies. The Commissioners asked that the calls the Fire District are responsible for are made clear to the Hospital District, perhaps at a joint Board Meeting. These responses are listed in a Memorandum of Understanding and include CPR, any hazard and rescue operations, i.e., to safely access and remove a patient where EMS has need of their skills and tools. A Marine Response agreement is still in place. Chief Monin reviewed the history of the ILA in his attempts to renegotiate the terms.

Commissioner Warren Appleton asked whether the Board could be doing more committee work, such as a budget committee to look at efficiencies and strategic planning. Dwight Colley and Warren Appleton were reappointed as chair and vice-chair for 2025.

The district purchased a used Chevy Brush engine for $25K for Stuart Island West. It will need some repairs. A Volunteer Standby Incentive program is rolling out in May and will help with staffing needs. An Apparatus Committee is looking into the use of a quint that serves a dual purpose of an engine and a ladder truck.

Chief Noel Monin will prepare a draft Strategic Plan for the Commissioners to review. At that point, the public will be invited to comment. Comments can be sent to Commissioner Colley.

SJI School District Board regular meeting of March 26

The SJISD Career and Technical Education Director, Liz Varvaro was awarded the Washington Industrial Technology Education Association’s Administrator of the Year. In the School Showcase, Principal Rod Turnbull presented Middle School Happenings. Seventh grade had a field trip to the Klondike Museum in Seattle, doing part of the trip on Amtrak. The eighth grade has been working on poems, and two students read their poems to the Board. The Homeroom Academics program is in its trial phase where students focus on math and English in two homeroom periods per week. Initial results are positive.

Fire Chief Noel Monin presented revised site locations for a fire station on Stuart Island. The Board agreed to move forward on a long-term lease agreement. Superintendent Woods and board chair Barbara Bevens attended a Washington State School Directors’ Association small school assembly where they discussed what they provide for students with other small school districts. The SJI district stood out in what is offered to students.

The Student Body representative reported that local scholarships are open for seniors to apply by April 23. Last year, 42 scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors. The student-teacher basketball game raised $18,000, and the seniors won. A surge dance was held featuring casual dress and a Western theme. Key Club took part in cleaning the Food Bank and committed to doing this once a month.

Aileen Howe presented an update on the Highly Capable Student Program which includes universal screenings of second- and fifth-grade students. The Board approved the annual plan for the program. The district has received the bids for the levy-funded capital project of residing Friday Harbor Middle and High School, and the Board will meet on April 1 to review and approve the successful bid.

Under a district policy on Workforce Secondary Traumatic Stress, a districtwide workforce mental health committee has been created and will report to the Board annually. The Board will review the report next month. Fiscal Director Jose Domenech presented enrollment and budget numbers to date. Total school district enrollment is 787, and the budget is on target. The Board continued to review and update board policies.

TJ Heller gave a legislative update. Senate Bill 5263 on more funding for special education may be boosted by funds, and House Bill 5992 may add funding for materials, supplies and operating costs. The budget is still some way from being finalized. The legislative session could be extended.

The April board meeting has been moved to Tuesday, April 29.

County Council regular meeting of March 31

During public comment, eight residents gave input on the climate element of the Comprehensive Plan. One welcomed wildfire planning. One bidder on emergency interisland passenger service spoke about his bid. An attorney expressed concern about a lack of transparency and response to questions about the proposed Public Works facility on Shaw Island.

The Conservation District gave a presentation on the updated County Wildfire Protection Plan, which was drafted with input from 20 agencies and partners. The draft is now out for public input on the Engage site. While 78% of dwellings are in forest areas, the overall risk of wildfire in the county is low, with grasslands presenting the highest risk. The plan has a lot of focus on removing excessive fuel in overstocked forest land.

The Council approved a letter of support for an Orcas project Congressional funding request. The Council supported moving forward to leasing a part of a County-owned gravel pit to a private contractor on Waldron Island to address residents’ requests to source gravel locally. Council member Fuller informed the councilors that Gov. Ferguson would visit the county on July 14 with a focus on ferry services issues.

In the legislative update, the Council heard the operating budget is taking shape, but House and Senate versions of the transportation budget are far apart. The tax system should become more progressive. They plan to shift 3% of revenues from the operating budget to transportation to fund culvert projects. The bills lifting the 1% property tax cap and allowing solar arrays on landfills are still alive. Money for San Juan ferry asks is in the budget, but the Senate amendment could suspend ferry advisory committees.

Community Development staff reviewed the housing and capital facilities elements of the Comp Plan; both have been out for public review since February. The Housing Element will look at permitting and code barriers, allow tiny home communities and perhaps pre-approved plans. The Capital Facilities Element covering solid waste, community water and sewage facilities, plus schools, parks, libraries, ports and government facilities has minor updates.

The Climate Element of the Comp Plan focuses on climate resiliency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is affecting water supply, sewer and stormwater systems, roads and marine facilities and increasing wildfire risk. Developing local energy supply will be important and thus removing barriers to alternate energy production. The County has received 843 responses giving feedback about the Climate Element. The full report is on the Engage site.