Town Council meeting coverage corrected
LWVSJ Observer Corps*: Friday Harbor Town Council, March 16, 2023 - During public comment, a citizen suggested the Town use eminent domain to acquire the lot that Herbs Tavern used to be on. Editor's note WHEN FIRST POSTED THIS ARTICLE STATED IT WAS THE OWNER WHO MADE THE SUGGESTIONS. IT WAS NOT. HE DOES NOT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN AND WAS NEVER AT THE TOWN MEETING. I apologize for the error.- Sharon Kivisto
The lot is on the corner of Spring and First Streets. The April 7 fire destroyed several historic buildings. The excavator is demolishing the building in this photo. SLIDESHOW Photo by Sharon Kivisto
The same citizen also advocated acquiring the former Lifecare site from the Library for workforce housing, and expressed concern about a development on Roche Harbor Rd.
Two citizens spoke in favor of permitting food trucks and were informed of about an upcoming working session of the Planning Commission to discuss the matter.
Mayor Jackson proclaimed March Women’s History Month in the Town of Friday Harbor.
The Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding and a Collective Bargaining Agreement with their employee union.
The Council approved inspection and debris removal at the Lawson Pond water intake, an amendment to the Water System Plan Update with a deadline of September for completion, a generator maintenance contract for one year, with potential options for more cost effective maintenance to be investigated for next year, including encouraging local companies to register as bidders.
The Council approved getting detailed options on the Gretchen bench by Landscape Forms for new town benches.
The Council discussed ways to honor the contributions of local citizen Vern Howard decided on issuing a proclamation of appreciation.
Planning Department informed the Council about State legislation and proposals to reduce connection fees as an incentive for affordable housing. As they draft new rules for Detached Accessory Dwelling Units, open questions are whether to require such units to be metered separately or included under the main unit meter, whether to prorate connect fees, and whether the property owner must reside on the property to be eligible for a permit.
The Council expressed interest in what was happening at the County on the Argyle Lots RFP, which will require Town review and permitting. The County Council will hear from the two parties at the March 21 County Council Meeting.
The Administrator reported the Town will take part with the County on a student created Adopt-A- Road program. She is negotiating an agreement with Fire District 3 to do fire safety inspections for businesses in town.
The session was continued until March 29 at 12:00 when the Council will review and award the sewer System Construction Contract.
*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.