
Friday Harbor Town Council October 3, 2024
LWVSJ Observer Corps*: Friday Harbor Town Council, October 3, 2024
The mayor proclaimed October Domestic Violence Awareness month and presented the proclamation to the director of Safe San Juans.
The town continued the public hearing on accessory dwelling units. The planning director went over proposed changes in code to bring the town into compliance with new state law to allow detached accessory dwelling units (ADU). The changes will be done in several ordinances and public hearings in the next few months. The Council approved an ordinance amending land use tables and a second addressing the regulation of water, sewer and garbage services and setting connection fees for ADUs.
The Economic Development Commission gave the annual presentation on the past year’s activities. Business support programs help businesses connect to resources for financing, permitting and other issues. They reached out to 69 businesses owned by Spanish speakers in the county. They listed the training that they do in trades, marine services, and computer and technical skills. They will participate in upcoming high school career fairs promoting trades. They thanked the town for its long-time support and requested $59k in 2025, the same as in 2024.
The finance director gave a rundown of the 2025 budgeting process. On October 17, they will do budget amendments for 2024 and set 2025 utility rates. On November 7 they will do the revenue portion of the budget and expenditures on November 14. Early December will be final budget updates with a goal of passing the budget by December 31. Depending on labor negotiations, they may need a special session to pass the budget in the final week of the year.
The planning director gave an overview of the upcoming Comprehensive Plan Update that will take place in 2025. The process will kick off at the October 17 meeting with a presentation of the Land Capacity Analysis. The Town will need to expand the Urban Growth Area (UGA) in accord with the agreement with the county for 60% of the expected population growth to be housed in the UGA.
The town supervisor reported that the town got a 21% discount on insurance rates due to their solid safety record. Labor Negotiations are ongoing. They did not get the state loan for the water treatment plant but will apply again and seek a county public facilities grant. She is meeting with the state Department of Commerce and hopes to go to bid for the wastewater treatment plant by year end. The public works director reported that the Marguerite Street project had completed all underground work and was on schedule for an end October completion.
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.