||| FROM NECIA QUAST for LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS |||
The council held public hearings and approved ordinances to add members to the county Law and Justice Council; to amend sections of the code regarding recreation and fair advisory boards; and create a pathway to allow existing vacation rentals in Eastsound to conform with permitting requirements.
The grants administrator updated the council on grant activity. The county is working on the final report for the federal ARPA grants received during the Covid epidemic but expects delays closing out the grants due to administrative uncertainty in federal offices. They have adopted the standard administrative rate versus using the more complex formula. The coordinator has been reviewing grants policy and will recommend amendments.
The budget office began to review proposed first quarter budget amendments including updating the beginning cash numbers, supplemental allocations to reflect new revenue and programs, and adjustments to budgeted spending. The budget committee recommended against some requested staff reclassifications, to allow a broader look at how to handle the disparities raised by the 32-hour workweek for some positions. The public hearing for budget amendments will be held on May 13.
The council approved moving forward with a proposal to lease public works land on Decatur to OPALCO for a community solar installation that is under tight deadlines to use its grant funds. A public hearing was scheduled for May 20. The council agreed to a proposal to formally designate five county roads on Lopez as primitive roads which are not paved or maintained. Public works updated council on the negotiations over leasing a gravel pit to Waldron residents.
The Council approved the lease of the Sutton Transfer Station from the Town of Friday Harbor. The council agreed to the county manager’s recommendation that Greg Sawyer and two other facilities department staff who attended state coroner training take on the in-house coroner services. Mark Tompkins said all three emergency water transport contracts were signed with two running and Anacortes passenger services starting April 18. Shaw is not covered due to lack of a dock. The county will look at reimbursing Shaw residents for private services through transportation vouchers.
The Council approved noticing $2.5 million available from the Home Fund for affordable housing projects and approved low-income rental subsidies for 25 islanders. A survey on the Engage page seeks residents’ input on the ferry schedules.
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.
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