Submitted by The League of Women Voters Observer Corp. The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization, encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to promote public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.

SJC Public Hospital District #1 regular board meeting, Nov. 20

The commissioners approved scheduled subsidy agreement payments to the Family Resource Center, Prevention Coalition and Mount Baker Planned Parenthood.

Cascade Renewables, technical consultants for solar panels and storage batteries, presented a study for the EMS building and the Village at the Harbor for solar power to protect in natural disasters supplementing the current gas-powered generators. Solar storage would operate as redundancy for alternate power and an autonomous source depending on output and use. Output is lower in winter with higher use, and higher in summer with lower use. The estimated cost for the EMS building is $170,000 to $300,000.

Superintendent Nathan Butler reported the Public Hospital District has been working on the state audit. Because the PHD includes several components, the state auditing fee is higher than in past years. They are engaged in year-end planning for 2025 scheduling, payroll and staffing. EMS Chief Bishop is working on a full year’s training program, with possible collaborative training with the Fire Department. Finances are in good shape, with October a low point because property tax revenues aren’t received fully until November.

Village at the Harbor is at full capacity. Evan Perrollaz, director of Home Care Services, said the Village at Home program continues growing, with 130 hours of care provided last month.

After a special meeting on Nov. 8 to review and discuss 2025 budgets, the commissioners approved resolutions accepting 2025 budgets for PHD #1 (including Village at the Harbor and Village at Home) and EMS. The commissioners approved resolutions to set Village at the Harbor rates, tax levies for PHD #1 and EMS, and certification of tax levies to the state Department of Revenue for PHD #1 and EMS.

The commissioners approved signing the Fix the Washington State Ferry System petition to restore reliable ferry service from ferry-dependent communities.

Friday Harbor Port Commission regular meeting of Nov. 22

The commissioners approved the Skytrails condominium lease for 10 years with an option to renew it for 15 years. The tenants will replace the roofing and siding or propose alternative options.

A potential lessee has expressed interest in the C Hangar joint lease units. The interested party is projecting spending around $1 million on tenant improvements, some of which can be done while hangar construction is ongoing. The commissioners support possible pilot and aircraft maintenance skills training as part of the proposed business. A covered walkway or other access to the C Hangar from the parking lot and necessary security measures will be addressed at a future meeting.

The commission agreed the executive director can approve the December bills. There will be no regular commission meetings in December.

At the request of the Kiwanis Club, the Port agreed to support the Pig War Picnic on the Fourth of July next year. Instead of funding the Rock the Dock celebration, the Port will look at offering a shuttle service via van from the main dock to the fairgrounds and will consider a financial contribution to the picnic.

Four staff members have undergone or are scheduled to attend Coast Guard training to maintain required transportation worker credentials. The County has a local representative for the Department of Natural Resources derelict vessel program and the port staff are being educated in how to identify and take care of derelict vessels.

The employee handbook was updated; new sections cover after-hours security issues, health care benefits, leave of absence and sick leave. The handbook is available electronically.

The commissioners reviewed plans for the new Port office headquarters including updates to the interior configurations. The commissioners have at least six months to make decisions on appearance via choices on windows, roofing, siding etc.