LWVSJ Observer Corps*: Friday Harbor Town Council, May 2, 2024
During public comment two people spoke in support of the upcoming library levy lid lift that will be on the August ballot. As part of the consent agenda the Council passed a resolution adopting the findings, conclusions, and the decision regarding the San Juan County appeal of the town administrator’s denial of the appeal of the town’s notice of violation related to water usage. The Council passed a resolution regarding developing a design guide for downtown pocket parks after removing it from the consent agenda for discussion.
The Council considered and approved the Visitor’s Bureau request for an amendment to their contract with the town to allow the bureau flexibility in the timing of its advertising funds and approved an additional $20,000 for a spring ad campaign to boost summer bookings which are running significantly below last year’s. They noted the importance of tourism to the town’s economy and tax base.
The Public Works department reviewed the priority array and Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan. The Marguerite project will be completed this year. The Council noted the importance of the transport tax that provides revenue for the road fund especially for work in residential neighborhoods that do not qualify for state funding. They set a public hearing for the 2025-2030 transportation plan for June 6.
After an executive session, the Council announced that town clerk Amy Taylor will be departing, and Jennifer Krembs will become the new Town Clerk. They amended the budget to allow the incoming clerk to shadow the outgoing clerk for one month.
The town administrator said conversation was ongoing with the county regarding water and the county is helping the town find ways to fund the fourth water filter and is helping to look for funding for the wastewater project. She is talking to OPALCO to see if they would be interested in doing a solar panel project on the transfer station site. The town plans to repair the tilework in the public restrooms hopefully before Memorial Day.
The council plans to put getting the town spruced up for the summer season on a future agenda, covering items such as removing graffiti, updating signage, ensuring vacant premises are kept up and plans to require fencing around the vacant lot on Spring and First. There is a move to form a business association focused on the town’s appearance. The town administrator will contact the Port to see if they can work jointly on some parts of the town along the waterfront.
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.