Meeting Recap | Community members discuss County’s potential purchase of Decatur Island property

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

The County’s potential purchase of a Decatur Island property was discussed at a community meeting last week and during today’s August 19 Council meeting. Many community members provided comment during both meetings, providing valuable feedback for the County’s ongoing due diligence period. 

Background

On June 24, the Public Works Department entered into a purchase and sale agreement (PSA) for the acquisition of 458 Davis Beach Rd for the list price of $750,000. The 0.8-acre waterfront parcel and residence are adjacent to the County’s only developed public marine facility on the island – the barge landing – providing an opportunity to plan for future public needs. The PSA provides an opportunity to engage with the community; it does not provide authorization to purchase the property.

Community Meeting Review

Public Works Director Colin Huntemer and Councilmember Jane Fuller, accompanied by other County staff, held the meeting on Tuesday, August 12 at the property of interest. Approximately 40 residents attended the meeting to ask questions, provide feedback, and learn about next steps. 

During the Tuesday community meeting, Councilmember Fuller and County staff asked residents for their opinions and ideas regarding the property’s usefulness to better serve the transportation needs of Decatur Island residents. 

Some community members expressed interest in expanded parking (short and long term), increased circulation for maneuvering boats and trailers, the possible addition of a dinghy dock or pier, a location to collect and haul refuse and recycling, and the opportunity to widen the ramp. Community members also discussed adding a shelter for water taxi riders to use during inclement weather.

Other residents raised concerns about increased traffic, the loss of island character to development, parking enforcement, and the cost of purchasing the property. Staff noted that a recently adopted ordinance now provides for the ability to install signage with monetary penalties for parking violators and that enforcement will continue to be the responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office.

Some residents were concerned about the condition of existing County roads and asked about planned maintenance. Staff shared that outer island road maintenance includes use of a road grader, additional gravel, backhoes, and lignin to maintain the roads.

Documents received by the County related to the property are public records and can be accessed here: 

• 2025 Purchase and Sale Agreement
• Critical Areas Map
• FEMA Map
• Garage Inspection
• House Inspection
• Topo Map

The group discussed how a future site plan could be developed should the County Council approve the purchase of the property. Several next steps would occur including: 

• Additional community conversations. Residents would be invited to lend their voice to the shaping of the facility for their current and future needs.  
• Outreach to local operators. County staff would engage with local water taxi providers and barge operators to solicit feedback. 
• Council would need to add an agreed upon project to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) in order to place it on the Public Works Department’s list of future projects. From there, County staff could begin designing the project.  

Next Steps

The potential property purchase was discussed again during the August 19 Council meeting where Council determined that further conversation is necessary before making a decision. Council has scheduled a special meeting to continue deliberations on August 26, 2025. Find the meeting link and the agenda here: 

Council will return to Decatur on September 9 for a regularly scheduled Council meeting.

Contact: Colin Huntemer, Public Works Director, colinh@sanjuancountywa.gov   

About San Juan County’s Public Works Department    

San Juan County’s Public Works Department constructs and maintains county roads. The department offices are located at 1609 Beaverton Valley Rd, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Public Works Department, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/277/Public-Works.