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 School Board, regular meeting of July 26

Superintendent Fred Woods welcomed band teacher Gregory Schuh, and paraeducator Randi Schuh to the district.

Several capital projects are being completed this summer at all three schools and they hope to complete all repairs before school begins. The SJI School District will have a booth at the fair and would like members of the board to be available to work a shift.

The Board reviewed funding sources for projects throughout the year and approved a new roof for the middle school.

Jose Domenech gave a short review of the month’s budget, which was on target. Student enrollment for the school year was 768, as projected.

The Board approved the 2023-24 school budget and a new 3-year contract for Fred Woods.

The Board discussed and approved several minor changes in language for school administrative policies.

The Board will make a trip to Anacortes to attend meetings with our legislators on Aug. 11. The 2023-24 board meeting schedule was approved.

Friday Harbor Town Council regular meeting of Aug. 3

The Town recognized the service and importance of the parking enforcement officer. The Town Council settled on September to tour the Water Department.

The Council approved a letter to Washington State Ferries. Before sending it, the Town will contact other parties, including the County Council, the ports, school districts, public hospital districts, and chambers of commerce among others to see if they want to sign on to a joint letter. The letter will also be published in the press.

The Community Development chief noted that the Browne’s renovation project was near completion. Ernie’s Cafe is planning a renovation. Foundations will be poured later in August for construction on the second Spring Street lot razed by fire. The Town Council will review the covenants on the two still-unbuilt lots at the next meeting.

The Port may seek a variance for more permanent business space on the main dock currently allowing temporary kiosks.

Administrator Denice Kulseth raised the issue of the defunct rain garden, either rebuilding it or removing it, making the corner ADA compliant, and possibly siting a rain garden in a more functional location. She met with state Department of Ecology representatives who toured the wastewater treatment plant and talked to them about funding options for a new plant and what can come from state sources.

Multiple buildings in town were tagged with graffiti the night of Aug. 2, including the Toy Box, Madrona Cellars, China Pearl, Bluewater, Sundries, Coldwell Banker and town dumpsters.

The Town repainted their affected property and reported the events to the Sheriff’s Office. It was suggested the same video cameras used to identify the Spring Street arsonist might have captured the perpetrator.

The Town will be reviewing the provision of water to plots outside of town and sales to bulk water sellers to clarify policies, legal responsibilities and the impact on water supplies and water treatment capacity. They will communicate to the County policies and limits on water provision beyond town boundaries.

A Tucker crosswalk will be added to a future agenda.