LWVSJ Observer Corps* Notes Friday Harbor Port Commission, June 14, 2023

The Commission approved the Rules & Regulations, and Liveaboard Agreements for all three marinas.

Susan Toch introduced her non-profit Partnership, an environmental coalition promoting projects on working waterfronts.  They would like to partner with the Port in some projects. They want to donate a 26’ sailboat  to the Port as a floating educational resource.  The Commission will add it to the agenda at the June 28th meeting.  

The Commission appointed Steve Carlton as the Interim commissioner for District 3 to serve in the position vacated by Victoria Compton. He will be sworn in at the next meeting.

The Commission amended Friday Harbor Agreement # 22-008 increasing the contract from $100,000 to $250,000 due to additional engineering work and a new contractor.

The Commission agreed to the lessee of Ernie’s Café’s request to build an 18’ x 20’ foot structure adjacent to Ernie’s Cafe for cold storage.  The Port will not have any cost,  but will review the plans.

The Commission reviewed recent fire training exercises which were a success. No foam was used.  The Fire Department needs to notify the public in a more timely manner. The  Fire Department insurance was increased and the Port was named an additional insured on all policies.

Tami Hayes gave a comparative marina update on guest moorage boat nights for the last three years. Shoulder season rates were eliminated leaving high and low season rates. A new $10 non-refundable reservation fee generated substantive revenues. Impounded boats were reviewed; two boat owners are owed after their boats were disposed of. There are 4 vendor booths on the dock that can be rented by the day or month.  Rock the Dock will be  July 4th.

The Executive Director reported that painting at Jackson Beach will be  next week and  that the Shipyard Cove parking lot was chip-sealed. At the airport, a taxiway project will start  soon, and several other projects are in the permitting process.

The Commission has gotten a lot of positive feedback on airport operations. The toilets at Jackson Beach by code will have a floor one foot above the base foot elevation with a ramp for access.  At the next meeting the commission will discuss provisions for short-term workers and affordable housing and the impact on the Port.  The Director will ask the Town to remove a dying tree at Waterfront Park.

Jason from Port tenant Essential Sailing presented the sustainable aspects of their business including possibly eliminating hazardous and toxic chemicals at the shipyard. They use a biocide free, high solid fouling release coating called Silic One which could remove all monitored chemicals at the shipyard. The product has had success in Europe and Florida; this would be a test site for the Pacific Northwest.  They face staff housing problems. They have ongoing a boat salvage project, repurposing many parts. He would like to renew their lease  this winter.

*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.