LWVSJ Observer Corps*: Friday Harbor Town Council, June 1, 2023
The Town recognized the work of the Water Department in installing new smart meters at all 1422 town water-connected residences. They have installed most of the more complex commercial connections with 65 remaining, which they will complete this year. The smart meters produce 15-30 alerts per day, which allows leaks to be quickly located and fixed.
Public Works attended a Transportation Improvement Board workshop on project funding. In the next cycle they will favor road maintenance and restoration projects vs. capital projects. Some priority Town projects may not meet TIB criteria. The Council will review and update priority road projects in the 6-year Transportation Improvement Plan at the June 15 meeting.
The Council approved standard street lights for the Nash Street project. They awarded the contract for the Nash Street improvement project. They authorized a task order for the design of Malcolm St. sewer improvements to connect a line to the main that connected to a disused main in decades past. They accepted the emergency repairs made at 125 Spring Street.
The Friday Harbor Arts Commission has one open position. The 2023 Poetry Garden Project is complete. Most past plaques were moved to the Sculpture Garden. They considered a public art plan but decided to stick with guidelines. The Welcome Pole proposal is tabled while the Port decides on a competing proposal.
The Council heard a report on the Employee Wellness Program which met Well City standards for the eighth year and achieved a strong 58% participation rate. The Council rescinded the mandatory covid vaccination requirement for town employees and volunteers.
The Town Administrator said the town and county need to develop a plan to support stranded vsistors in case of ferry cancellations and delays as the tourist season arrives. They need to get the WSF to contact the Administrator on evenings and weekends, so that the town can take steps to extend public restroom hours and make other services available through community groups.
In other updates: a food truck survey is out for public response; on June 7th a labor practices issue will go to mediation; on June 8, the town staff will meet with county staff about Fairgrounds water usage. On January 12 there is a meeting with various potential funding for the new sewer project, which will be the town’s most expensive project to date. On June 15 County Council member Minney plans to attend the Town Council meeting.
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.