LWVSJ Observer Corps*: Friday Harbor Town Council, April 18, 2024

After two executive sessions, the Council approved motions to holdover the expiring transfer station lease to the county on a month-to-month basis while they finalize a new lease and for the mayor to approve the county’s new contract with Lautenbach as transfer station operator. The council approved an ordinance raising refuse service fees to counterbalance increased tipping charges they must pay for recycling and solid waste.

The Community Development director asked the council about formulating an ordinance to provide for a hearing examiner to handle appeals that the town council does now. The council asked the director to provide more background information on this proposal, which would not apply to variance or conditional use requests. This will have no impact on the existing direction to appoint a hearing examiner for the Holliwalk issues.

The Visitors Bureau reported the reduced number of visitors to the county so far this spring, and summer bookings running 15-40% below normal at this point for lodging, whale-watching, biking, kayaking, weddings, and other activities. Lower tourism visits appeared last August due to concerns about ferry reliability. Lower visitor numbers will impact sales tax revenue. The Visitors Bureau requested $20k in additional LTAC funds for an ad campaign to counter travel concerns. The council asked for additional information and plans to discuss this further at the May 2 meeting.

The Council deliberated on the appeal regarding the water use violation issued to the San Juan County Fairgrounds. The Council voted unanimously to uphold the notice of violation. They noted a persistent pattern of the county ignoring town concerns about water use at the fairgrounds; their priority to protect their water supply for provision to town residents; and their willingness to work with the county to review and provide what is necessary and appropriate. The council directed staff to prepare a finding of facts and conclusions of law and the decision. During public comment the County Parks and Fair director requested the council to extend the notice of cutoff for two months to allow conversations about allowable use and time to prepare for reduction or cutoff of water service.

The public works director reviewed with council a resident’s requests for changes to the Marguerite project and the council concluded that the request could not reasonably be accommodated within the existing town rights-of-way and the current project requirements.

An existing sales tax that supports transportation improvements is expiring and the town needs to decide when they wish to bring a new levy request before the voters. The Conservation District is improving the wildfire readiness of the town watershed.

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.