LWVSJ Observer Corps: County Council May 16, 2023
The Council approved sending a letter to Governor Inslee and federal officials commending the cooperation on the Aleutian Island response. A citizen on Orcas asked for code enforcement of a business doing industrial operations in a residential area. The Council approved three ordinances amending the 2023 budget.
Inspire Washington gave a presentation on supporting Science and Tech, Heritage, and Arts programs in communities by removing barriers to access for a broader range of citizens and noted the opportunity to pass a 1/10 of 1% sales tax to support such access. The Council expressed interest but noted that tax fatigue was a significant issue in the county.
Council approved a request from the County/Superior Court Clerk to remedy a serious staffing shortage in her office to maintain mandated staffing for the courts by restoring 1.1 full-time equivalent staffing previously cut.
Paul Andersson of the SJI Conservation District addressed forest health. They need to update and implement the Wildfire Prevention Plan (WPP) and deal with excess biomass, possibly via a heat/power plant operated with Opalco. He highlighted the value of the Conservation Corps and its work. The Council approved moving forward with steps to update the WPP.
The Council approved moving forward with commissioning a scope of work on County building issues including possible new construction and remodels.
The Council discussed the Argyle Lots lease negotiations with the Home Trust. They approved a five-year lease renewable for 94 years; a mix of 50% low income, 50% moderate income. They asked that 30% of units be 2-3 bedrooms to house families; the County having right of refusal on some units for county staff; and some units be ready by 2025. The Council approved a limited Housing Fund round in 2023 for projects funded in 2022. They approved Health & Community Services to reinstate an Officer Manager position to cover the increased housing workload, paving the way forward on the affordable housing sales tax.
The Council approved the next steps in the Organics Waste Recycling Center Implementation Plan which include doing waste characterization for San Juan County and planning to acquire Enclosed in-vessel Systems for San Juan and Orcas Islands.
For the June 6 meeting, the Council scheduled a public hearing on a Rock Island communication easement for internet services on Lopez Island and to review allocation of unspent ARPA funds. The appointed members of the Fair Board and took steps to improve audio-visual issues at Council meetings.
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.