San Juan County Council discussed safety committee, housing, tribes
LWVSJ Observer Corps*: County Council March 13, 2023
The Council set a public hearing for March 21 for approval of setting up a Safety Committee of County employees to review accident reports and make recommendations to improve workplace safety in county facilities.
To further consider the proposals for the Argyle Lots, the Council will invite both parties to each make a 40-minute presentation to Council on March 21 to answer questions about financing, envisioned timelines, and other questions presented by council members.
The council reviewed progress on bills in the state legislature. The Council may discuss how strengthen advocacy on addressing education funding. The bill to remove the levy lid lift is dead; a scaled back special education bill is moving forward. The funding issues facing the schools are serious; Lopez School District is particularly stressed.
The extension of a tax that supports veterans and mental health is moving forward.
The solid waste extended producer responsibility bill is dead.
The County government seeks to build productive partnerships with tribal nations that have treaty rights in the County. As this involves complex cultural issues that vary among tribes, the council plans to organize cultural competency training and to assign specific staff as liaison points. They will review the wording and guidelines for using the Coast Salish acknowledgment.
They will also review public fees for public access to county facilities in relation to tribes.
*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.