LWV Observer Corps notes on public meetings
Published 1:30 am Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Submitted by The League of Women Voters Observer Corps, a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to promote public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.
San Juan County Council regular meeting of July 28
Council approved a letter to the community regarding recent hate speech and another to Gov. Ferguson regarding increased risk of shipping accidents and spills from new oil transportation projects, with copies to be sent to other concerned parties.
Council held a brief public hearing regarding the Land Bank Dolphin Bay Road Property on Orcas Island, followed by a public hearing regarding the siting of an Essential Public Facility on Shaw Island, with varied input from Shaw residents. That hearing was interrupted by a power outage and will be continued at the Aug. 4 Council meeting on Shaw Island.
County Manager Jessica Hudson reviewed major marine-related capital works projects that had been discussed earlier in order to prioritize requests for state legislative funding. She summarized the needs of the WSF Orcas terminal warehouse building, the public marine facility at Orcas Landing, including the pier and sheriff boat dock, which was partially closed due to storm damage, the Public Works facility at Mackaye Harbor on Lopez, and the needs of the Shaw Island ferry holding lanes. In anticipation of visits from the district’s legislators, Council agreed that the Orcas landing marine facilities should be prioritized for discussion, with the possibility of addressing the Shaw holding lanes as an ongoing need for future funding. Council members agreed that the $4million request for replacement of the pier and dock should be pursued as a priority for state funding in 2027.
Joe Vlach (Parks and Rec) presented options for keeping the Orcas Village Green open as a public space in light of anticipated budget cuts. Various models and concepts for cost sharing are being considered.
Council member Jane Fuller is working on planning for the transition of her roles with the Washington State Association of Counties, legislative steering committee and other appointments as she retires from her positions at the end of the year. She announced the adoption of a ferries act resolution by the National Association of Counties and hopes for advocacy for ferry support at the national and state levels.
Discussion of revenue options was postponed. Council will meet again on Aug. 3,4, 24 and 25, continuing discussion of fiscal cuts, revenues and considerations for the 2027 budget.
San Juan County Council regular meeting of Aug. 4
The San Juan County Council convened on Aug. 4, at 10:33 a.m. at the Shaw Community Center on Shaw Island.
Council member Fuller’s absence was excused.
The Council resumed a public hearing continued from last week on whether to develop a County construction yard for equipment storage, material disposal and outdoor burning on Shaw Island. After further public comment and Council deliberation, the Council unanimously approved placing the County facility at 1427 Neck Point Road.
The Council scheduled a public hearing for Aug. 25 at 9:15 a.m. to consider projects to be funded in 2027 through the Public Facilities Financing Assistance Program. The PFFAP Committee recommends including $500,000 for Port of Friday Harbor shipyard updates, $250,000 for Friday Harbor water treatment plant improvements and $25,000 for San Juan Community Theatre expansion planning.
The Council unanimously approved a one-year PFFAP grant extension to the Port of Friday Harbor Airport to accommodate FAA inspection delays.
The Council scheduled a public hearing for Sept. 8, at 9:15 a.m., to consider a second 2026 budget amendment.
Council member Justin Paulsen discussed a proposal to introduce designated ferry reservations for commercial vehicles.
The Council executed interlocal agreements for Public Works cooperation with the Town of Friday Harbor and with Eastsound Sewer and Water District.
Public Hospital District # 1 regular meeting of July 22
Village at the Harbor Director Tina Levasheff introduced Elise Johnson, the new assistant director, who started work on June 17 and took part in preparing the state survey report. A room at the Village is now used for community partners, such as physical therapy and hospice. There are two units open.
Evan Perrollaz, PHD deputy superintendent and Village at Home executive director: Village at Home is adjusting staff after the loss of two 24/7 care clients. Community Paramedicine has a full load. Regarding Village at the Harbor facilities, a contractor has been secured for the electric vehicle charging stations. Two additional doors will be upgraded for automatic handicap access.
Public Hospital District Superintendent Nathan Butler: EMS had a record call volume, 130 for June. Peace Island Medical Center is now designated a Level 3 Stroke Center. Maddy Harmon completed her paramedic training. The EMS development plan will be ready to present to the board next month. PHD: PHD is taking over social work from the SJC Department of Health, which eliminated this service due to budget constraints. PHD hired its social worker to start on Aug. 1. He will bring his existing San Juan Island cases with him, some of which overlap with Community Paramedicine cases. PHD is examining two parcels for possible workforce housing and program space/redevelopment. Financial performance is stable and operating within the budget.
Finance Committee report, Commissioner Rick Frazer: Reviewed the revised budget, noted that adding personnel results in a cost of salary plus 45% of that number for taxes and benefits.
New business: The commissioners approved a $20,000 grant for the operation of the Community Health Network, a countywide partnership of health care stakeholders that includes PIMC and other PHDs in San Juan County.
The commissioners reviewed Village at Home’s three-year development plan, noting that it included the future possibility of adding some home medical services to its current home care assistance services.
The commissioners approved the revised 2026 budgets through Resolution 26-624.
The commissioners and some staff participated in an executive session authorized under RCW 42.30.110(1)(b), “to consider the selection of a site or the acquisition of real estate by lease or purchase when public knowledge regarding such consideration would cause a likelihood of increased price.”
