Friday Harbor Port Commission September 12, 2025
Becky Day asked for $7000 dollars for the 2026 July 4 fireworks display on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. This is an increase of $2000 due to tariffs and the 250th celebration of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The town and port are working together to enhance the Christmas decorations. The Christmas tree location still needs to be finalized.
The director of the K-12 Outreach Program reported on the Friday Harbor Marina Water Quality Project, which involves Friday Harbor Elementary School fifth graders and Spring Street International School sixth graders collecting water samples from six sites around the marina and processing them in the lab. The results showed low average water quality, giving the port needed data. The project is requesting $4800 for the project this year and including extra funds to replace a lost meter and probe.
The Commission approved a motion authorizing the Executive Director to execute a purchase of the Jackson Beach Cannery parcel for $1,440,000 over 15 years at 0% interest. The lease agreement will clarify exclusive and non-exclusive areas.
The commission discussed 2026 tariffs for marina and airport services. The inflation measured by the consumer price index is 2.8%. The commission aimed to standardize rates for 20-foot slips as well as other adjustments. The port’s rates are at the median of ports statewide. Commissioners plan to review discretionary funding and the draft capital budget for projects at the airport and marinas. They will need to decide whether to increase the budget or maintain the previous level.
The commission will review the Personnel Policy at the next meeting to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. They will consider combining vacation and sick leave. The Downriggers Lease Amendment will move forward with a five-year extension on their current 10-year lease.
Commissioner Marrett reported on the WPPA Commissioners Meeting, where attorneys gave a presentation harbor improvements and public awareness of port activities. The meeting encouraged strategic planning and reviewing the Port Commission Governance Guide which lays out the differences between the commission’s role of deciding “what” and the executive director’s role of managing “how.”
*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