Submitted by the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization that 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.
County Council regular meeting of Dec. 15
The Council heard about a study of the environmental impact of vessels in the County. Aerial surveys of County waters of 16 popular mooring locations from May to September counted 10,196 boats outside marinas, peaking in July and August. Boats anchoring on the seabed are a major source of damage to the marine habitat, impacting salmon. The study results will inform efforts to reduce the loss of habitat, which is higher in San County than the rest of Puget Sound.
The Council heard about the Sound Defense Alliance’s study on noise impact from Whidbey Naval Base’s Growlers, whose deployment on Whidbey violates the Navy’s own rules. The noise far exceeds levels allowed for commercial aircraft and has serious impacts on physical and mental health, and childhood learning in affected areas.
The Council heard the results of an eDNA study paid for by salmon recovery funds, revealing the presence of various fauna in the county and near inland waters, with a focus on salmonids. They confirmed the presence of salmonids in expected places and identified additional locations used by the fish. They found only one location with invasive pike. Beavers were found on all four main islands.
The information technology chief introduced the draft Artificial Intelligence Policy. The policy limits the County system to using only Microsoft Co-Pilot, which keeps its information contained and not exposed on the internet. It blocks generative artificial intelligence applications. There are helpful AI tools for making small routine tasks more efficient, while their efficacy for other uses is evolving and needs close attention. There was a discussion of issues related to AI note-taking applications. An interdepartmental working group tracks issues and makes recommendations.
The Environmental Stewardship Department reviewed possible revenue-generating strategies given the funding challenges they expect in maintaining their programs due to cuts in federal and state grants. The Council approved taking part in an Oil Response Working Group in the joint U.S.-Canada Islands Trust organization.
County Council regular meeting of Dec. 16
The Council met the Land Bank’s Beaverton Trail project manager, Rachel Dietzman. They approved an engagement letter to tribes for the Climate Action Plan. They approved the third set of amendments to the 2025 budget. They approved another bid round for the sale of surplus gravel on Waldron Island. The Council set a public hearing for Feb. 10 on conveying a well and utility easement on a Land Bank property on Orcas. The Council approved allocating $12K for cold weather shelter programs and asked the Housing Advisory Committee to recommend the allocation of filing fee funds between rental assistance and shelters. Communications Director Erin Andrews presented the two-year report on the impact of the 32-hour work week. The change was made to address County budget constraints in meeting prevailing wage rates and has saved the County nearly $2 million. It reduced staff turnover and sick leave use. Open positions have attracted more local and non-local applicants, reducing the time to fill vacancies. Hours worked were reduced by 13%, while showing satisfactory levels on performance indicators. Most employees cited improved work satisfaction, but exempt employees, including most managerial staff, reported that it had increased their workloads. A working group is addressing these challenges. There is a lot of outside interest in how it works here. The report link: https://www.sanjuanCountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/34062/32HWW
The Council discussed County participation in activities for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, dubbed America 250. The Council agreed to a 2026 Fair theme in line with the event, to prepare a proclamation that reflects the County charter, and to have programming on a Day of Civic Engagement on Sept. 17. They declined to partner with the America 250 state commission.
The Council reviewed 15 docket requests and removed 12 from the approved work list. Council will decide on the remaining three at the County retreat. Most of the requests removed are or will be addressed as part of other ongoing updates. Requested reviews for the Eastsound and Lopez Village sub-area plans will be scheduled after a planned 2026 Code Review, including use tables. Interested parties should send specific code issues to codeupdate@sanjuanCountywa.gov. The Council agreed to go forward and add only items to the docket work list for which there would be staff capacity to do in 12-18 months.
