LWVSJ Observer Corps*: Friday Harbor Town Council, August 17, 2023 The Town Council observed a moment of silence for the town of Lahaina, Hawaii.

The Public Works director reported that the sewer reconnection on Malcolm St. was complete. The Town got a grant from their insurance company to refurbish the crosswalk across Front Street at the corner by the ferry landing. The town has gotten rumble strips which will be installed at traffic circles on Spring Street. They have and will install signs regarding pickleball at Cahill Park. The Department is reviewing existing standards and will propose updates and additions for the Council’s consideration, possibly including standards for alleys, pocket parks, handrails. The Department is reviewing an upcoming street project for Marguerite; one area of review is the turning radius at the intersection with Park given its use by school buses.

The Council reviewed and discussed options regarding crosswalks on Tucker Street with a view to access Linde Park given increased pedestrian traffic along and across Tucker. They looked at the issues posed by the intersections at University, Marble/Larson and Harbor/MacDonald. Under state law any intersection is a legal pedestrian crossing unless marked with a “Do Not Cross” sign (as at Larson, for example.) As such McDonald/Tucker is a pedestrian crossing with ramps, although it lacks street markings. No location is ideal from a safety standpoint but given the need the Council asked the Public Works director to draw up a plan for a more visible crossing at the Harbor/McDonald Tucker location, including measures to help slow traffic. This will be reviewed at the September 7th or 21st meeting. The Council intends to continue to consider possible crossing options or enhancements at the other two locations.

The Town Administrator reported they had applied to the Transportation Infrastructure Board for a pavement preservation grant of about $1000k for crack sealing.

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.