Submitted by the LWVSJ Observer Corps

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization encourages informed participation in government. A recent initiative, 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 Sept. 14

Citizens Access:

• A citizen raised concerns about reduced parking spaces caused by the trash compactor near the Yacht Club. Port said a recycling center will be built shortly and a few additional parking spaces will be released.
• A citizen again urged the Commission to end fees for EV charging at the airport.

Grant Requests:

• Three community organizations presented grant requests for next year’s budget. The Chamber of Commerce requested $6k for July 4th fireworks; the Economic Development Commission requested $19k for local trades training programs; Friday Harbor Labs requested $3.3k for elementary school water quality testing of water in the port areas.

The Commission authorized the port director to execute dock manufacturing interlocal agreements with other jurisdictions.

Two contracts were amended to pay for costs additional costs that have been covered by a surety.

The Commission agreed that the port staff could build the draft budget with four additional positions to cover manufacturing and construction activity.

The Commission discussed proposed adjustments to tariffs and lease rates of return. Decisions will be made at the next meeting on Sept. 28 which will be at 2 pm.

A policy planning workshop was scheduled for 12: 00 Oct. 11 to cover Lease and Greenhouse Gas policies.

Staff reports:

• The Hangar A roof work will be done in-house by port staff at a fraction of the cost of the lowest outside bid. Construction will begin shortly on the Main Marina Recycling Center.
• A plan to replace four vehicles with EV has been canceled due to a lack of available EVs which are in short supply. The Maintenance report was postponed.
• Leasee A1-Marine requested a chance to discuss ways to get more office space at the port property they occupy.