
Friday Harbor Port Commission January 10, 2025
LWVSJ Observer Corps: Friday Harbor Port Commission, January 10, 2025
Matt and Maureen Marinkovich asked about putting a penny-press machine on Port property near the flagpole, with the revenues going to “Fish for Teeth” which provides dental care to San Juan Islanders who can’t afford treatment. They also would have a “Kings Receipt” drop box to generate 1% of the receipt value back to the non-profit. The commission is concerned about the aesthetics but are in favor and will discuss further.
Kyle Gropp reported on his new position as Port deputy director. Kyle worked at the Port before, and the team welcomed him back. He is working on grant management projects, the Port’s electrification grants, a Parks grant for hookups and pump out facilities. Kyle will represent the Port at the WPPA conference and will help with the Port newsletter.
The Commission elected Rich Goodheart as president for another year, Gib Black as vice president and Barbara Marrett as secretary. They reviewed the 2025 meeting calendar and set all meeting dates. These can be found on the Port website.
The port will confirm with Kiwanis that it will provide a shuttle service from the marina to the fairgrounds for the Pig War Picnic on July 4th. San Juan Transit will be available from 11.30am, when the roads open after the parade, until 6pm.
Barbara Marrett gave a presentation on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), an NGO that develops aircraft for emerging aviation markets. Their development pipeline includes passenger air taxis for short range trips and small, cargo-carrying, uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV’s or drones). Potential benefits include disaster response capabilities, reduced emergency response times, access to the urban cores, workforce and economic development. Community concerns about these aircraft include the location and time of operations, protecting privacy, noise and visual pollution, and possible environmental impacts. Airports soon will have to address the influx of these aircraft.
Barbara Marrett gave a brief overview of what is coming up in the next newsletter including articles on water testing and on Jacksons Beach. The cover photo will feature an aerial shot of the new covered boat slips at the marina. She noted the trades scholarship offered by the Soroptimists to a San Juan County woman for training in fields including marine maintenance. The application deadline is March 1, 2025.
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.