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 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 April 11

A member of the public reported reckless behavior by a new float plane company when landing and taking off in the inner harbor. The Federal Aviation Administration imposes a duty on all float planes to avoid boats. The executive director will relay the feedback to the company in question.

The Commission approved the Leon Environmental contract change order to meet new ecology guidelines from the Washington Department of Ecology. The original estimate for the remedial investigation feasibility study was based on a negotiated work plan but multiple changes to the ecology team, and new requirements and testing outside the original scope of work, increased costs significantly. Most of the $780K increase is for ecology-related expenses, and some is for permitting. Changing consultants at this juncture would be worse. They may contact the state port association to look at making a united case about the impact on ports in the state of these frequent, costly changes.

The Commission awarded the low bidder of six, MEM Enterprises, the $1.9 million contract for the South Apron Extension and the Aircraft Fueling System Site Development. The Port got a Washington State Department of Transportation Grant of $95K for the project which reduced the Port’s out-of-pocket expenses by about 50%. They awarded the sole bidder MEM Enterprises the contract for the Lift Station Pump replacement at 204 and 271 Front Street. This new system will align with the Town of Friday Harbor’s pump systems, allowing for shared parts.

A joint meeting with the Port and the Town will be scheduled in July. They decided to stick with the existing white and gray color scheme for Hangar 80. A commissioner suggested reviewing the “Music in the Park” $14,000 annual expenditure to assess its benefits and explore alternatives as it has remained the same for 20 years. They discussed topics for the July Port newsletter, Articles proposed one introducing Kyle Gropp and succession planning, the Port’s 75th anniversary, focusing on the airport and a possible “A Day in the Life” of a port employee.

The executive director discussed modifying the lease policy to a “first-come, first-served” approach due to a changed economic environment with low leasing interest. New properties would be advertised for three months before accepting proposals. This will be an action item for a future meeting.

Executive director Tod Nicholson addressed litigation between Friday Harbor House, the Legion and the Port: He will schedule a meeting with Endurance, the insurance company, to determine coverage. The Port wants a definitive letter from the insurance company as to their position. If coverage is denied, they want to consult with their attorneys or another party to review the coverage decision.

SJI Public Hospital District regular meeting of April 23

Superintendent Butler reported the Peace Island Medical Center subsidy payment has gone up 25% in the last few years, per the inflation escalator clause in the contract. The Orcas Public Hospital District #3 levy lift passed, as did the Anacortes PHD levy (Island Hospital). The Village at the Harbor is working to fill nine vacancies that have occurred since January. It takes one to two months to fill a vacancy; the Village is now at 75% capacity. The emergency medical services had a record number of calls for March compared to the same time in previous years. The Village at Home will continue to operate with part-time employees and currently has 11 active clients and 215 billed hours.

There is a high-priority need to repair the EMS building septic/sewage system, which currently has use restrictions. They are working with the Town of Friday Harbor and Orcas Sewage to repair and replace certain elements. They will address the funding for this in the July budget revision. They approved the purchase of Life Pak 35 (defibrillator) and a new ambulance. They discussed future EMS building expansion.

The Village at Harbor is investigating purchasing the land it sits on which is currently leased. The building needs roof repair.

The joint project for housing health care workers on PIMC land is a long way off. In the near term, it is more feasible to look at buying existing property and converting it to long-term rental housing.

The commissioners requested PHD staff to draft a new capital improvement plan and put together proposals on how to meet funding gaps; to purchase the land under Village at Harbor; expand the EMS building; to purchase housing for health care workers; engage in talks with PIMC about the subsidy; and one on options for future funding through a ballot measure.