Submitted by the League of Women Voters

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

Port Commission Jan. 12

For 2024, Rich Goodhart will be President, Gib Black will be Vice President and Barbara Marret will be Secretary. The bylaws will now reflect that the meetings are now held on the second and fourth Friday of each month at 10 a.m. Harbormaster Tami Hayes reported 2023 write-offs were $5,800.00.

The Veregy Energy Efficiency Report analyzed all energy and water use at port-owned facilities. Lighting was the largest use; the airport terminal was the heaviest user. Veregy recommended upgrading lighting, converting to LED lights, and using timers and occupancy sensors for lighting where possible, low flow water fixtures, converting the Port fleet to electric vehicles, and participating in Opalco’s net metering program. Black will work with OPALCO to find the most productive way for the Port to reduce energy costs and the best investments in net zero energy measures. The Commission requested a deeper look at using a bio-digester at a later meeting.

The Commission is ready to move forward with a lease of the Netshed to the Sailing Foundation. If the Port enters a cost-sharing agreement with the Foundation to maintain the building, they could offer fundraising ideas for the Sailing Foundation to cover their cost share.

Hayes reported that the number of boat nights dropped in the last few years due to COVID-19, fuel prices and inflation, and may not recover fully until 2025. Revenues from the frequent floater program offset the costs of the new software program to facilitate online reservations. Passenger vessel revenues have dropped off as the Clipper has not been visiting Friday Harbor. Other companies such as American Cruise Lines and Lindblad are expanding their schedules and hope to get more port time in Friday Harbor.

There has been an increase in boats impounded since COVID-19 and the purchase of the shipyards. Vessels are impounded for non-payment of moorage fees with some needing to be destroyed in the boatyard. Some vessels were sold to offset funds owed to the Port with these funds now going into the Derelict Vessel Program. In April there will be a new program run by the Department of Natural Resources for disposing of boats under 34 feet.

The live-aboard status is full in Shipyard Cove and Jensen’s. There are year-round spaces available in the main marina. Besides the 4th of July event, the Port is considering an event at Jackson’s Beach this summer for locals and operators. Next year is the Port’s 75th anniversary and the Port may host a large gathering for the community to celebrate this milestone.

For the next meeting, Todd Nicholson, Executive Director, will have concept proposals for the airport properties. The Gathering of the Eagles would like to make a presentation and discuss an event for their arrival by canoe in late May.

County Council workshop and regular meeting of January 22-23

At the Jan. 22 workshop and Jan. 23 regular meeting, the Council conducted a retreat to plan and prepare for 2024. They approved appointments to the SJI Library Board, Lopez Village Planning Committee Human Services Advisory Board, and the Lopez Solid Waste Committee. They approved council members’ committee and board assignments and the 2024 calendar.

The final 2023 balances closed this week, and the Council will review balances, the 2024-2025 biennial budget, and outstanding budget requests on Feb. 6. The County will need to closely manage the very tight 24-25 budget and limit budget amendments. The County will renew major contracts in 2024 including the Friday Harbor solid waste lease, the Lopez solid waste lease, the Visitor Bureau, and municipal court services. A working group will track and negotiate contracts.

The County will have a new process to implement plans and projects, align them with policy and include coordination and communication. The County will clarify communication guidelines for staff and members of boards and commissions and improve communication with citizens.

The County building profile will change as it acquires a new building, loses leased space at Orcas Senior Center, sells the Compass Health building, a public works building on Spring Street to the Conservation District and on Lopez to the solid waste utility. In 2024, they need to decide whether to renovate or rebuild to address courthouse seismic and safety issues.

Human Resources will do a compensation study and track implementation issues with the 32-hour workweek. They have seven applications for the Community Development Director job and the County Manager job will be posted soon, as will the process for filling it. Mark Thomas and Brandon Cadwell will act as Interim County Manager and Interim Assistant County Manager.

The County will form new working groups to coordinate key issues including the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update, Sea Level Rise, and Transportation. The County will do an interim code update to fix conflicting pieces of the building code. Transportation, especially ferries, and broadband access are key issues in regional forums and the state legislature. The council is working with their lobbyist to track and advocate for bills impacting ferries and education in the short legislative session.

Major initiatives and projects in 2024 include studies on the impact of ferry service disruptions and the possibility of passenger-only interisland service; seeking a federal grant for Agate Beach; a community conversation on Bailer Hill Road and the possible Zylstra Trail; next steps for Killibrew Lake Road; compiling public comment on the Destination Management Plan; renewing the Land Bank and updating its acquisition process; a community health improvement plan; the Argyle Project will move forward with a lease signed soon with the Home Trust.

SJC Public Hospital District #1, regular meeting of Jan. 24

Dr. Fishaut, island pediatrician, reported on autism spectrum disorder. Due to better diagnostics, incidence has gone from 1/150 in 2000 to 1/36 in 2020. Current SJI School District rate is 1/33, 13 students, but that is an undercount. There are limited resources for diagnosis and treatment, and early diagnosis is essential. Care is expensive and has insurance barriers. Both SJISD psychologists can do diagnostic testing. Supervisor Butler noted that EMS has done training on the autism spectrum. Dr. Fishaut revisited his previous report on fentanyl, with overdoses continuing locally. Most of the product now comes from Canada.

Superintendent Butler reviewed 2023 at EMS. It was a successful first year with station-based EMS personnel, with the best year for fast response. They now have use of a power stair chair, an improved radio system, and an electric truck. They continued to administer Narcan on calls. Chief Bishop noted that the cardiac arrest survival rates are well above the average, and SJIEMS has been recognized by the American Heart Association. They did field training for new EMT personnel. The Community Paramedicine Program served 178 patients.

Village at the Harbor Director Tina Smith, appointed as permanent Director, brought supervisory staff to the meeting, including Kelcy (quality control), Melissa (staff), Jill (executive assistant) and Hope (dining room supervisor) and gave an update on 2023. The Village is fully staffed for the first time, due to better pay and benefits. Staff engaged in hospice training, with several residents in hospice. A big change was the addition of five Medicaid beds. Executive A new dedicated employee addressed deferred maintenance in 2023 at the Village. They replaced obsolete hot water tanks and remodeled the interior with better features, new furniture, lighting and paint.

The Home Care Program is nearing rollout, with Ingrid Gabriel as Coordinator and licensing expected soon.

Steve Wambsganss, Financial Director, made the complicated changeover from county to in-house management of payment and payroll functions. Steve is working on a 501 C3 fundraising organization as part of the SJI Community Foundation to benefit Village at the Harbor.

The Commissioners approved a new Code of Ethics and elected officers for 2024: Anna Lisa Lindstrum Chair; Gail Leschine-Seitz Vice Chair; Rick Fraser Financial Officer. A resolution establishing the start time of regular meetings at 4 p.m.