San Juan County Council May 12, 2026

LWVSJ Observer Corps*: San Juan County Council, May 12, 2026

The San Juan County Council met on Lopez Island at 10:30 am. The Council approved a letter commending Transport Canada for its consideration of proposed regulations that could increase marine emergency services in the Salish Sea.

For about an hour at Public Access Time, residents spoke critically of the County’s proposed Odlin Park Facility development. In addition, a commenter was critical of ferry service and several others supported a draft ordinance aimed at protecting wildlife.

Brandon Andrews, the Director of the Parks and Fair Department, updated the Council on the Odlin Park Facility. Andrews acknowledged responsibility for the County’s public engagement to date, evaluated an alternative plan proposed by residents and presented a modified plan he thought would save trees and soften the building design while maintaining functionality. Council member Fuller and Council member McVeigh supported consulting further with the community before moving forward. Council chair Paulsen commended the community for organizing. The Parks department will consult further with the community before moving forward.

The San Juan County Council heard a First Quarter financial review from Dr. Molly Foote, Budget Analyst. The update addressed three proposed ordinances amending the 2026 Budget for beginning cash balances, emergency appropriations, and supplemental appropriations. The public hearing will be on May 26 at 9:15 am.

Aiming to help provide qualified members of underserved County populations equal opportunities to gain and retain employment with the County in their fields, the Council adopted a draft Equal Employment Opportunity Plan Update presented by Matthew Bullock, the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management.

The Council reviewed with Tillery Williams, Deputy County Manager, a draft Wildlife Protection Ordinance which aims to protect wildlife, educate the community, and prohibit public feeding, getting too close, or taking harassing photos of foxes, deer, raccoons or otters. The Council set a public hearing for June 9, 2026 at 9:15 am.

*The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to promote public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.