LWVSJ Observer Corps | County Council December 2-3, 2024

||| FROM NECIA QUAST for LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS |||

On December 2, the environmental stewardship department updated the Council on plans for replacing the temporary culvert on Killibrew Lake Road with a fish compliant one. There are two alternate designs, one with a nine-day full closure of the road and one with a 45-day period of a single bypass lane. They have FEMA funding and will be presenting the plan to the public and then tendering for bids for both designs in 2025.

The Council got an update on the Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District (LSWDD). Unlike other taxing districts, it is under direct control of the Council and managed by its board. The LSWDD space adjoins public works land creating issues and it needs more space. In negotiating various items, it emerged that some current practices did not comply with code. County staff and the LSWDD negotiated a new draft agreement which the Council is reviewing from both sides.

Council members reviewed the various boards, commissions and committees they sit on in view of the coming turnover of two council members.

The council held five public hearings for items of business that were reviewed at recent meetings. They adopted an ordinance updating the rules of procedure for the council; approved the third 2024 budget amendments; approved annual and six-year Capital Improvement Plans; approved the mid-biennium review and update of the 2025 budget; and adopted an ordinance cancelling prior years’ unclaimed warrants. They approved modifications of a letter to tribal governments referencing the planned tribal engagement framework for approval at a future meeting.

They briefly discussed state legislative priorities with their lobbying firm, including legislative changes to allow solar installations on landfill and allow lodging tax funds to support sustainable tourism management. They adopted a resolution for San Juan County to join the Northwest Clean Air Agency.

The Conservation District updated the Council and asked for their support for proposed legislation to remove limits on conservation district rates for low population counties. The rates provide 3.5% of the district’s budget, the bulk of which is from tied grants. That small amount is their only discretionary funding. The district has tripled the number of projects and clients served and quadrupled the acres served. They have lengthy waitlists for their services to landowners, including helping create farm and forest management plans. They are an adjunct campus for Western Washington University providing practical training for conservation students.

Negotiations with the Sheriff’s Guild are wrapping up. The county has hired a new safety and risk manager and will be recruiting a new human resources director.

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.