LWVSJ Observer Corps; SJC County Council June 27, 2023

The Council recognized the service of Barbara LaBrash who will retire this week after 30 years of service with County in mental health services.

In public comment: Victoria Parks of Orcas urged the County to put upgrades to Dolphin Bay Road in the County 6-year Road Plan. Tom Starr of SJI asked the Council to push state leaders on ferry issues. James McCubbin, Friends of the San Juans, asked for support for their docket request to remove a loophole in B&B regulations that could allow evasion of vacation rental caps.

At the public hearing on easements for the Douglas/Bailer Hill Road Project citizens spoke in favor of the current road centerline vs. shifting to the center of the right-of-way; one spoke against adding shoulders. Public Works said construction easements from property owners would be voluntary, were not for the contractor’s use but to allow the county to integrate road verges and replace fencing and that the project needs to work in the existing right of ways.

A public hearing to amend the county ordinance on dangerous dogs was set for August 8.

The WSU Extension Service updated the council on the Master Gardeners’ Program a, the Agriculture Program and the rapidly expanding 4-H Program.

A County planner reviewed the two text and three map requests on the 2023 Annual Docket for changes in code or comprehensive plan designations, and the process. The text amendments are requests to change code regarding B&B licensing and one on Mineral Overlay requirements. All three map requests were on Lopez Island. The Community Development staff will review the requests and come back to Council with recommendations.

The Island Oil Spill Association (IOSA)updated the Council on its new strategic plan. Their new Headquarters on Port property will be complete this fall. Brendan Cowan previewed proposed updated language in the interlocal agreement between the County and IOSA.

The Council designated Jane Fuller to represent Council on SWISS subcommittees for Broadband, Transport and Mental Health, and Cindy Wolfe to vote in the National Association of Counties election. They approved seven appointments to advisory committees. They approved submitting a grant application for funding or a project on School Road on Orcas Island and considered amending the future employment model for the County Health Officer.

Council members noted the successful State Transportation Committee meeting in the County on July 21 that will result in recommendations to the state on county transportation issues. The Council will work on a joint meeting with the Town Council this year.

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.