LWVSJ Observer Corps: County Council April 16, 2024

||| FROM LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS |||

During public access time three citizens spoke asking the county not to approve the 23 permits requested for two parcels on Lampard Rd which currently have a stop work order posted. Friends of the San Juans urged the council to ask DCD to review a loophole in the B&B rules that is being exploited in the case of these permits.

The Council passed the set of three 2024 budget amendments that had been reviewed at previous council meetings. The Council declared May 15 as Law Day and the courts have planned activities with county high schools that day to highlight the importance of laws in a democracy. The County adopted Start by Believing proclamation to support those who experience sexual assault. The proclamation notes that in the last year 179 cases were reported to county law enforcement. Citizens report only a fraction of occurrences as they fear they will not be believed. The council appointed Regional Medical Officer Dr. Herbie Duber as the interim County Health Officer.

The Council approved the renewal of the contract with Lautenbach to handle removal and recycling of solid waste on San Juan Island. The Environmental Stewardship Department is negotiating the renewal of the transfer station lease with the Town of Friday Harbor. The Council approved the Climate Resiliency Planning Framework that will inform the work on the new required comprehensive plan element. The Council approved the Environmental Stewardship Department to submit its grant request for salmon recovery funds for the Jackson Beach restoration project. Environmental Stewardship has done the conservation credit calculations and gave assurances that they could provide the needed mitigation for the barge landing construction and would work closely with Public Works to ensure they are available for the permitting process.

The Public Works Department reviewed its proposal for updating the County Code Chapter 10 on Vehicles and Traffic, which includes adopting the state model traffic code, and giving the County engineer the authority to set regulations for parking, marine facilities, and miscellaneous traffic matters. Both the sheriff’s office and many members of the public support the proposed updates. The Council will review a draft and hold a public hearing with the goal of updating the code for the summer season. The County will review a required update of the Public Works Contracting and Procurement Code to include a few voluntary amendments by July 1.

The Council authorized the Public Works Director to use public works funds as earnest money for property acquisition. The Council authorized the County Manager to negotiate the sale of its share of the Orcas Senior Center, which is exercising its purchase option.

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.