Submitted by teh League of Women Voters

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 regular meeting of Oct. 23

Faber Construction presented a feasibility study for an EMS Building expansion to accommodate current and future ambulances and crew. The proposal includes a third ambulance bay, extension of existing bays, second floor addition of a fourth sleeping room and storage, and a heat pump. No zoning changes are needed but approval would be needed to expand the road entrance. Spring/summer construction is preferred, taking an estimated six to seven months, and coordination to avoid affecting EMS operations. The estimated cost is $1.5 million. As a public works project, the district would issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) and accept the lowest bid. In public works projects contractors must comply with prevailing wage rates and other state laws.

Director Tina Smith reported the Village at the Harbor will be at full capacity as of November 15, with waitlists for studio and one-bedroom units. The Medicaid units are full. Staffing is down, with travelling specialists still needed. The roof was temporarily repaired after the August storm damage. Remodeling continues, creating a dedicated medical office and updating five remaining rooms.

Chief Nathan Butler reported EMS is beginning its state audit. Property tax funds are coming in. After bargaining with EMS union, updated benefits from the Public Employee Benefits Program (PEBB) will be available. EMS participated in honoring sheriff deputies for bravery in rescue during an August car fire accident.

Commissioner Frazer discussed the purpose and goals of the PHD Board. The board will hold a strategic planning meeting soon.

The Board passed resolutions to establish PEBB benefits for EMS; to establish HSA accounts for employees; and to sell small surplus items. They approved a new PHD organizational chart.

Superintendent Butler introduced a draft 2025 budgets for Village at the Harbor, Village at Home, EMS; and PHD administration. There will be a special meeting on November 8 to discuss budget issues and spending priorities. The November regular meeting is scheduled for November 20 to accommodate the Thanksgiving holiday.

County council Oct. 28 and 29

The county climate coordinator updated the council on climate action planning including the newly required climate element for the next comprehensive plan update. The climate element will lay out goals and policies and the Climate Action Plan will have strategies and actions. The goals are resilience and mitigation while equity issues were identified as a gap in the existing plans. A vulnerability assessment that looks at exposure, risks, preparedness and responses is underway. With public input the county has identified water resources, transportation and mobility, and buildings/energy infrastructure as the three focus areas.

The council completed their review of the county code on council procedures and set a public hearing for Dec. 3.

On Oct. 29 Orcas, the Council recognized November as Native American Heritage Month. During public comment, one Orcas resident spoke in appreciation of council plans for the framework for tribal engagement on the agenda and asked for more time for public input. During discussion Council member Wolfe noted that the framework sets policy for intergovernmental engagement as opposed to wider social and cultural engagement. As the framework will set policy to allow county staff to begin discussing with tribal governments how to manage their intergovernmental relationships, they questioned whether it was more appropriate to simply approve the policy or pass a formal resolution. They postponed their decision to Nov. 5 to allow for further consideration.

The county budget analyst did the third quarter budget review. Revenues and expenditures were running very close to target and end year revenue is expected to be at or very slightly above the budget. The real estate excise tax is running significantly behind budget but interest significantly above budget.

The council did a second touch on property tax levies that are scheduled for an upcoming public hearing. The council approved the resolution for a local state of emergency with ferry service. The Department of Health and Community Service is beginning work with the Department of Commerce to manage the grant for supplemental services from the Governor’s office and had a meeting with stakeholders to understand the challenges facing water taxi services.

The Council toured county facilities on Orcas.