Editors note: A previous version stated that the Chamber of Commerce runs the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau. The two are different entities.
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 promote public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.
Friday Harbor Port Commission regular meeting of Nov. 8
The Commissioners reviewed the 2024 budget. Past commissioner and EDC Director Victoria Compton updated the Commission on EDC training courses and thanked the Port for their partnership. The Commission approved the property tax levy and adopted the Port of Friday Harbor’s 2024 Budget and Scheme of Harbor Improvements.
Jason Knott from Essential Sailing, which operates out of Jensen’s Shipyard, presented elements of their five-year plan to be a net zero polluter and eliminate toxic runoff. They use Silic One Bottom Paint which is better for the environment and increases fuel economy, and use vinyl wrapping around the hull of a boat instead of paint.
The Commission discussed a request from the San Juan Island Food Hub for a facility for dry, refrigerated, and frozen storage. Executive Director Todd Nicholson will work with them to explore potential locations for short-term options and a permanent solution.
Head of Marina Operations Adam Parrott reported on conferences attended, including speaking at four in the last year. He led discussions on marine industry electrification from a facilities manager’s perspective. The biggest challenge is the disconnect between the manufacturers and what marine facilities can make available to electrified vessels. The power required is not always available in the right dock locations and is used differently by permanent customers and transient vessels. The Port can allow vessels to charge at the commercial dock. Long-term planning is not easy due to rapid industry changes. Adam is a sub-committee lead on the county Marine Resources Committee and is working on a vessel disposal program and a derelict vessel turn-in event. He recommends reaching out to the marina’s derelict vessel owners. The piling removal at Jacksons Beach is complete.
The Commission is interested in partnering with other marinas to apply for a state grant to get appropriate electric stations in place.
Nicholson reported the boathouse demolition is complete and boat shed demolition is underway. Shipyard Cove barge landing replacement will start construction this month.
SJC Public Hospital District #1 regular meeting of Nov. 15
The meeting began by honoring retiring Director of Community Outreach Lainey Volk. During her 33-year career, she made major contributions to our county’s improved health, including the county to leading the nation in rural heart attack survival rates. She leaves a legacy of lives saved.
The PHD submitted an application for a home care services license and hopes to begin services in late January with a few current community medicine clients and a full opening in summer when facilities are complete. They may be able to accept Medicaid payments before the usual three-year waiting period for new providers. Village renovations are nearly complete. Three Medicaid rooms are now filled. Medicaid reimbursements are higher than expected. They are working with the Town on rezoning the Village to allow for expansion.
Financial balances are solid and PHD is managing cash to take advantage of high rates to earn more interest revenue. Full transition of financial management from the county is now projected for late spring. The Superintendent met with interim Fire Chief Monin, and a good working relationship is being established.
An internal survey indicated half the employees were interested in PHD housing with most interested in one-bedroom units but there was also a significant call for two- to three-bedroom units.
Looking at next year, they will welcome newly elected commissioner Rick Frazer to the Board. A new volunteer EMT class will start in January. There have been 18 applicants for 12 slots. The Board approved final subsidy payments and a raise for the PHD Superintendent.
Friday Harbor Town Council regular meeting of Nov. 16
The meeting started with an executive session on an enforcement issue. Regular business resumed with a proclamation of Nov. 25 as Small Business Saturday, recognizing the contributions of small businesses to the community. SJI Chamber of Commerce Director Becki Day presented budget requests and reports for the Chamber. Day announced that Friday, Dec. 1 will be the annual Lights Festival. The Christmas Tree located at Wells Fargo Bank dedicated in 1990 by the American Legion to all the MIA’s of the wars, will be lit, followed by cocoa, treats, singing, and a Santa visit at the Grange.
The staff of the EDC presented a budget request and an update on their extensive trades and business training courses and plans to increase programs with the high schools.
The Town held three public hearings related to the 2024 budget; passed an ordinance setting property taxes for 2024; voted on a sales tax for the Transportation Benefit District; and is holding the final budget hearing open until the Dec. 7 meeting. The Town did not collect all the tax allowed in 2022 or 2023 but will normalize collection in 2024.
Council authorized the installation of a crosswalk at the intersection of Tucker and Harborview. Council noted that those requesting a crosswalk on Tucker had sought one closer to Linde Park, but determined other proposed locations would not be safe given traffic conditions. They will issue a public message about why the Harborview intersection was chosen.
The Council updated the procurement policy to clarify confusing language, bring amounts covered in line with state law, and update position titles.
Administrator Denice Kulseth shared information from Washington State Ferries about their study encouraging walk-on passengers. The Town agreed to allow one of the parties rebuilding after the Spring Street fire to use a couple of parking spaces to temporarily stage construction materials to support the rebuilding effort.
