Friday Harbor Town Council April 17, 2025

During public comment, County Council Member McVeigh said passenger ferry service would launch the next day, and she would be on the first run. Stephanie O’Day noted that at a previous meeting public comment had been made about her project  without her having a chance to respond.  Michael McKinnon thanked the town council for taking up the issue of Nash Street lighting.

Danny Kenny of Odgen, Murphy and Wallace, the new town attorney, introduced himself and the firm to the town council. The firm has a large municipal practice. He also represents Gig Harbor. The mayor proclaimed that the town would be displaying two lights in its buildings for the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s Ride, the Two Lights for Tomorrow program.  

SJI Fire District chief Noel Monin told the council the fire district has addressed many of its budget challenges, reducing staff and EMS calls and passing the levy and increasing available cash. The district has extended service to outer islands and repaired the storm damage at the Roche Harbor station. They have maintained the insurance protection rating and could possibly improve it in the future. The commissioners are working on developing a strategic plan.

The planning director reviewed town lighting standards and shared new created maps of town lighting and poles. The council passed a motion to replace the current five bulb fixtures with three bulb fixtures and three poles on 7th block of Nash Street. It will take several weeks to order and replace the lights. The removed lights can go in stock to be reused elsewhere.

The council approved the amendment to allow an additional unit at 825 Argyle Street with the proviso to put a connection to a stormwater catch basin. The impact on stormwater on the neighborhood will be negligible.  The council approved a three-phase development plan for residential development at 1032 Guard Street.  The developer will be putting sidewalks and gutters along the street frontage, but these will not connect to other sidewalks. The town may want to look at getting rights of way for connecting sidewalks in the future.

The town clerk noted there would be two special council meetings on May 5 at noon on local improvement districts and on May 8 at 9:00 am on capital street improvement projects. There would also be special events to mark Arbor Day on April 25th including speakers and the giveaway of native trees and plants and children’s activities. The administrator reported that three water plant employees had gotten certifications. The council went into executive session on labor negotiations.

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