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.

Friday Harbor Port Commission regular meeting of Jan. 24

Mechanical contractors Apollo Solutions Group made a proposal for facility improvement measures, solar array installation and electrical vehicle charging stations, including costs. A 30% federal tax credit could be available for this project.

The commissioners approved the Business Moorage Policy covering the Port’s commercial moorage at Spring Street Landing. It includes the flexibility to put some larger boats in the main marina to expand commercial boat capacity. They approved the Saltwater Farm lease amendments to change address information, lease terms and clarified access along Weber Way for their facilities. They approved the Salty Paddle Lease agreement. The commissioners approved the proposed location for the penny press machine on Port property with proceeds going to Fish for Teeth. Executive Director Todd Nicholson outlined the property parcels that will be advertised for July proposals. All available parcels will be on the website.

Commissioners discussed a proposal to allow a vending machine for sardines and other marine items on Port property. They were concerned about the visual impact of the machine. The Port would be compensated either by profit sharing or a rental agreement. A contract would include restrictions on feeding marine life. Nicholson will provide pictures and a draft agreement for the commissioners to review.

The Town of Friday Harbor asked the Port to give a presentation to their Arts Commission on Feb. 14. They will discuss including one of the Port commissioners on the FHAC. The commissioners would like to review the town policy to see if the Port might adopt something similar.

Commissioner Barbara Marrett reported on the work of the Climate and Sustainability Committee, which will review the transportation element of the comprehensive plan at the next meeting. They discussed planning for electrification, focus groups and outreach, and analyzed the current Comprehensive Plan and fire prevention advice.

The $7 million electrification grant is on hold due to state budget shortfalls. Funds may be released in April or May. If not, this will severely curtail the Port’s ability to complete projects and could increase future expenses. The 1.5 million grant the county will be using was outlined to supplement interisland transport service. Nicholson will share some proposals the Port could put forward.

Friday Harbor Town Council regular meeting of Feb. 6

The agenda was amended to postpone the update on Purple Lane to Feb. 20. The mayor made a statement in recognition of Black History Month. He read a proclamation of a Day of Remembrance on Feb.19 marking the forced removal of Japanese Americans from the west coast to internment camps in 1942 including two families from Friday Harbor, the Saokas and the Uyetsukas.

Joe Pasic, the new wastewater treatment plant manager, and Mikey Barringer, a new employee in the public works department, were introduced to the council. The Council approved an ordinance on vegetation maintenance, updating the definitions and the list of prohibited vegetation nuisances. The town clerk announced that there would be a joint meeting of the San Juan County Council and the Town Council of Friday Harbor on March 12 from 9 a.m. to noon, location yet to be determined. The Town Council will hold its retreat on March 27 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Council Chambers. They will discuss design standards, food trucks, stormwater issues on Rose Land, and pedestrian crossing issues.

Planning Director Ryan Ericson listed items in a set of interim design standards to put in place for six months while final updated design standards go through the usual planning commission and public hearing process. This would be a simple checklist of standards as opposed to guidelines, which are more flexible but more time-consuming to approve. Items to be included are porches and recessed entries, modulated styles, lighting, signage, balconies, awnings, landscaping and retaining natural topography.

Ericson showed drawings of plans submitted for condos on the First Street site where earlier the Moby hotel had been planned. The developer plans to sell them all and to manage any. There will be a 50/50 split between those requiring year-round occupancy and those requiring permanent occupancy and those that can be short-term rental. The Historic Preservation Board has approved the design.

The developers for the Guard Street plot recently rezoned multifamily submitted their plan for 38 townhouses. They will submit the permit requests soon. The project will be completed quickly, with the units built off-site and trucked in.

Administrator Denice Kulseth said the county invited the town to take seats on the Homeless Taskforce; Ericson and council member Richard Geffen will fill those slots. The city managers’ association is monitoring the legislative session bills of interest to local governments and opposing cuts to public works funding. The town hopes to have enough funding to contract for the new wastewater treatment plant later this year.