LWVSJ Observer Corps: Friday Harbor Town Council June 15
Mayor Jackson read a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth, a celebration of the de facto end of slavery in the U.S., when two years after the Emancipation Proclamation it reached Texas and freed 250,000 African Americans there. It is now a federal holiday.
County Council member Christine Minney reported the county is evaluating solid waste facilities. A new website, EngageSanJuan.com, provides updates on county projects. They are engaged on the Friday Harbor to Zylstra Lake trail project. $3.5 million were distributed for 4 affordable housing projects with funds from the voter approved tax on home sales. Council was not informed about the ferry issues on Sunday of Memorial Day and will join the Town to work with WSF to not repeat this.
County Fire Marshall Chad Kimple presented fire data for last year. Call volume was about 60% medically related and 40% fire related. They are working on an agreement to allow county fire to investigate fires in the town. The new fire boat is going into service.
Port of Friday Harbor executive director Todd Nicholson reported that a new airport taxiway will encompass part of the old animal shelter property. They are building tiny home village rentals near Skagit Valley college. New hangers are in the final stages. Construction will begin soon on a multi-use industrial building to meet local demand on the old stationary store property..Chip seal paving around Jensen shipyard is complete and the rebuild of the Shipyard Cove barge landing is underway. Port and Town discussed a proposal for a new flagpole on Front Street.
Public Works Director Jesse Douglas-Seitz presented the 6-year transportation plan for 2024-2029. Nash Street planning work is done. Other projects in the plan are: paving for the balance of Mullis Street to town limit; Wabash update; extension of Missing Mountain Road to allow double trailer trucks coming from Shipyard Cove to turn onto Pear Point Road; projects for Grover Street east and west and Rose Street. The council passed the Plan but will hold a session to review and set priorities.
Town Administrator Kulseth suggested the Town consider requiring a sewer inspection at the time of sale to ensure homeowners understand they are responsible for the sewer line from hook up at main sewer to their home. Town staff met with the Chamber of Commerce and Sheriff’s office about July 4th. The Town talked to WSF about Memorial Day issues. WSF will contract with a shuttle service to move crews to address crewing issues and promised more timely communication when issues arise. Town is evaluating their ability to borrow. Bids for the wastewater treatment plant upgrade were extremely high.They will revise the design to reduce costs. The Town is working with the County on water use at the fairgrounds and other properties grandfathered on town water.
*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.