LWVSJ Observer Corps:* Friday Harbor Port Commission, June 28, 2023

Susan Toch followed up on a request to partner with the Port seeking complimentary mooring site for their 26’ vessel, Partnership, to use as a floating educational resource. Susan met with the Executive Director to narrow down the cost/benefit for the Port. The commission will table this for a future discussion once a detailed proposal is worked out.

The Commission swore in Steve Carlton as the Interim commissioner for District 3.

The Executive Director updated the Commission on legal costs covering counsel on product warranties, the Shipyard Cove settlement agreement, and the recent fire training exercises. The Commission approved Precision Approach Engineering, which already has a successful working relationship with the Port, to supply engineering services to the Airport for the next five years.

The Commission approved complimentary moorage for 3 days in July to the Coast Salish Youth Challenge Paddle.

The Executive Director got approval to execute a year-to-year terminal counter lease for Backcountry Aviation once they have met the minimum commercial aviation operator standards and have all insurances.

The Commission discussed the solar requirements for those seeking to extend their leases. The Port is developing a clearer policy given that transformers could be overwhelmed in some cases. They will consider a requirement to target net zero in electric consumption through a combination of energy efficiency and solar generation that matches the Ports internal requirement. Lessees would be able to meet their net zero requirement with any combination of solar panels, improved insulation, replacing propane heat with heat pumps and other energy efficiencies. They plan to set a final policy in the next few months. The policy would not affect the master plan.

The Port Auditor reviewed the budget with wages and benefits versus revenue confirmed at a holding level of 40%.

The Executive Director reviewed the completion of the new toilets at Jackson Beach, which are now open to the public. The travelift pad has been repaired and will be working next week. They need to decide the future routing of access roads to the boatyard, and improvements to Jensen’s parking. With input from the Citizen’s Advisory Committee the aim is to have recommendations for review by the end of August/September.

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.