Submitted by The League of Women Voters Observer Corps.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization, 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.

SJI Public Hospital District regular meeting of June 25

Karl Eastlund, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and Northern Idaho, has merged with Mt. Baker and now includes 14 health centers. Eastlund thanked the public hospital district for its support of the Friday Harbor Clinic, now operating with the County Health Department one day per month with a medical clinician. The biggest challenge is the potential defunding of Medicaid for Planned Parenthood services. The commissioners approved the half-yearly $22,500 subsidy for the Friday Harbor Clinic.

Superintendent Nathan Butler reported that the emergency medical services collective bargaining agreement was effective from Jan. 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2028. The commissioners approved the agreement with IAFF Local 3219. EMS ran a mass casualty drill June 21-22, overseen by Asst. Chief TJ Bishop, with a simulated explosion involving nine casualties. The Fire Department, an airlift and a lift flight aircraft participated. Peace Island Medical Clinic has transitioned to its new management organization. Superintendent Butler proposed moving Board minutes and resolution records from hard copy to digital records. Bishop reported that the EMS building sewage system replacement was completed under budget. The EMS and Fire Department have established a training relationship with multiple sessions scheduled over the summer. After trying the latest model, they do not plan to upgrade Life Pac units.

Tina Smith, Village at the Harbor director, reported resident turnover with four units vacant. With vetting, it can take six months to fill a vacancy. Staffing is up, with limited travelling staff. The Village could use a bigger van and an automatic door. Evan Perrollaz reported that Village at Home added a new client and staff member and is billing 400 hours per month. Medicaid funding will start on July 1.

The Commission is considering the revised 2025 budget. To assess future funding needs for EMS and other entities, the commissioners set a tentative special meeting date of July 10 for long-term planning. Butler and Board Chair Lindstrum met with PIMC Director Estrada regarding the proposed housing project and hope for a decision soon.

The commissioners approved Tina Pasic as the new board recording secretary.

SJI School Board regular meeting of June 25

Superintendent Fred Woods reported that the re-siding project is underway and should be completed on time. District staff are working to complete projects before summer vacation.

Fire Chief Monin presented the structure exhibit and agreement for the Stuart West Fire brigade to build a garage to house a fire truck on school property. Board member John Kurtz expressed concern about the monthly fee the Fire Department would pay versus the cost the school district would incur. Board member TJ Heller said the fee should be adjusted for inflation going forward. Monin said the start date and possession date would need to be adjusted. The board approved the agreement with the caveats noted. Superintendent Woods and Monin will negotiate a monthly fee to reflect the ongoing cost to the district.

Transportation Director Kraig Hansen reported that the highest number of bus riders in one day was 394, and the average number of riders was around 340 students per day. The district bought a new electric bus and a diesel bus using primarily grant funding and insurance reimbursement for a destroyed bus.

The board reviewed the enrollment for June and finance results through May. They reviewed and discussed the preliminary budget for 2025-2026. They plan to approve the final budget at the July 30 regular board meeting.

Board member Melanie Hess congratulated the high school staff for the wonderful graduation ceremony and acknowledged the local community’s outstanding financial support to graduating seniors. Board member Barbara Bevens stated that the board had received a suggestion for future graduation ceremonies, which she will share with Superintendent Woods.

The next board meeting was scheduled for July 30 at 5 p.m. in the library.