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.
Friday Harbor Port Commission regular meeting of July 25
Evan Hiatt is a new staff member working in the maintenance department and on landscaping projects. He is interested in learning electrical work. The commission discussed apprenticeship programs available in the Pacific Northwest. The port installed a new touchless door opening system at the airport with grant funds.
The commission approved the Saltwater Farm lease amendment with an updated legal description to include a parking area and the amended site plan. The port decided not to consolidate all inflation increases to the new August Consumer Price Index data, but new leases and renewals going forward will be based on the August CPI rate.
The commission discussed a proposal to install a Pilot Honor Wall display at the airport using a slide show/audiovisual format. Staff will investigate the feasibility of the project. The executive director asked if the commission was interested in replacing the current posters at the airport with a scrolling display screen. It could feature more than pilot bios, such as information on the whale, art and historical museums, and it could promote local businesses and leaseholders. Commissioner Goodheart will talk to the pilot community about the idea.
Commissioners were asked to review the draft newsletter and to contribute an article for the upcoming Port 75th anniversary celebrations. Suggestions included information about Jensen’s and Shipyard Cove and the port’s accomplishments in recent years. Articles are due Aug. 15. The celebration will be on Sept. 6 from noon to 4 p.m.
Kyle Gropp reported that public feedback on the shuttle service during the Pig War Picnic on July 4 was positive.
The commission discussed grant funding sources, including for electrification and PFAS clean-up to address contamination from “forever chemicals” at port facilities and adjoining areas. The funds can be combined and used for projects that support job creation, like the proposed new travelift, which will require environmental cleanup and compliance with tide level restrictions. The commission’s goal is to maintain and expand the marine working waterfront. The port is exploring new ways to manage stormwater at Jensen’s and the new shipyard facility. Topics for future discussion are reviewing passenger facility charges, electric vehicle charging stations and pursuing a grant to build a new breakwater in Shipyard Cover to support fuel facilities.
SJI Fire District regular meeting of Aug. 12
After a positive performance review, the Commission approved a 15% salary increase for Chief Noel Monin in line with similar positions in the County. The 2026 Budget process is underway. Commissioners’ input is due by Sept. 9.
The district is using Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing, a program that allows public agencies to save time and money with prenegotiated, competitive contracts, to help with the bid process to buy an aerial truck. Chief Hartzell described a proposal to purchase a new on-site multifunctional training prop costing between $120K to $250K. It could support a wide range of realistic drills. It would be installed at headquarters but could be moved onto a future training ground. The commissioners approved moving forward on the plan. The district will buy a used Type VI Fire Engine for $25K with an additional skid package for $5K. With this purchase, equipment can be moved around to outer islands as needed.
The Stuart Island West Contract has been signed, and the architectural design for a station will go out to bid. The School District will need to approve design and placement. The Length of Service Award Program, which was mothballed years ago, was dissolved, and the district will begin distributing the remaining contributions. Any remaining balance will go into the reserve fund, which currently stands at $1 million.
The district is on call on the State Mobilization Rotation Plan through Washington State Patrol. A part-time system administrator position is opening soon. Lieutenant Tom Eades is retiring after 37 years. Look for an October ceremony.
