Friday Harbor Town Council March 20, 2025

During public comment a citizen requested that the town name the small park in front of the Palace Theater in memory of Judy Alhadeff and in honor of Jerry Alhadeff.

In a public hearing the council heard from staff and the developer about a proposal to amend the development agreement on 825 Argyle to increase density from 5 to 8 units. After discussion about stormwater runoff the hearing was continued until April 3.A scheduled public hearing on a planned residential development at 1032 Guard St was postponed.

The Council agreed to amend an agreement with the Department of Ecology regarding funding the wastewater treatment plant project on the Small Community Project Priority List to extend a deadline from July 1, 2025 to March 30, 2027. The total value of the project will increase from $1.7 million to $4.5 million.

Administrator Denice Kulseth reported that Friday Harbor has been recognized as a Wellness City which will allow a 2% reduction in insurance rates. The town received a letter from the Washington state committee organizing activities for U.S. 250th anniversary. The first event will be an April 18 commemoration of Paul Revere’s Ride. Communities across the state and country will be enlisted to participate. Kulseth also reported on a request from the Port to place two Level 2 EV chargers in town parking spots on Front Street, but the council suggested the alternative of putting the chargers in Port upper parking lot would be better. County Councilmember Kari McVeigh told the Council that the federal funding for the town to Zylstra trail would be redirected to extend a recreational trail from Linde Field across Beaverton Marsh.

Council Members proposed Nash Street lighting, code enforcement at the Purple Lane development and the impact of deteriorating relations with Canada as future agenda items.

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