LWVSJ Observer Corps*: Friday Harbor Town Council, August 1, 2024

The mayor was absent; Council Member Geffen chaired the meeting. The Council recognized ten years of service by Streets Department Head Justin Nibler. During public comment a citizen requested Council support for addressing problems with intrusively bright streetlights on Nash Street.

The Council approved rezoning request #81, changing a parcel on Guard Street to multi-family residential. The Council approved an interlocal agreement with Island Rec.

The Community Development Director informed the council that he would bring forward a proposal to include both sides of Web Street in the downtown core and in the town historic district. The department would also propose a new ordinance on accessibility (ADA) issues and would do a session on general planning issues.

The Administrator reported that the Town had achieved the outstanding level for Wastewater Treatment in 2023, which had been made possible by closing the RV dumping station. She reported that she had decided to postpone rate study to determine a cost recovery price for bulk water sales, as it would be cheaper to roll it into the next rate study scheduled for 2026, though rates would be increased in September by the inflation index.

In a meeting with state representative Ramel, she made a plea to protect public works funding from being raided for other needs as local governments depend on these funds for major projects. They are looking at putting a solar installation on a closed landfill owned by the town. She is looking at a county proposal to join the regional clean air monitoring organization and wants to understand what the cost/benefit analysis would be for town businesses.

The town administrator will meet next week with the new county manager. The Economic Development Commission is doing a career youth workshop that will promote trades among other career paths.

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.