LWVSJ Observer Corps: Friday Harbor Port Commission May 10, 2024

A citizen expressed concern regarding hygiene given residue left from dog owners who pick up after their dogs at the marina and the beach park. Signage was recommended to direct dog walkers to a specific location. Staff will come up with some proposals to mitigate this problem.

The commission discussed the Jensen building lease with ESI. The two-year lease with ESI expired in January 2024 and is now on a month-to-month basis. ESI has given the Port notice that they would leave if they could not negotiate a long- term lease. Following complaints regarding ESI’s business practices, their inability to pay bills on time, and their lack of communication with Port staff, the Executive Director has recommended leases with ESI be terminated at the end of June. The Commission’s priority is the boaters and ensuring there are service vendors available in the Port after ESI leaves.

The commission agreed that the Verne Howard P Hangar Land Lease could be transferred into an LLC for the purposes of estate planning.

The commission agreed to the request from Oystertale Restaurant to move to a month-to-month lease. Barbara Marrett proposed a 2% fee for hangar reconstruction to support the financial viability of the airport. The Executive Director will analyze the proposal and bring it back for further discussion on a future agenda. Gib Black suggested possible revenue options and fundraising to upgrade the Netshed facility for the Sailing Club.

The staff reported that the first quarter budget is on track. The state’s audit report will be published on the Port website and this will give a detailed overview of the financials.

*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

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