Port of Friday Harbor Commission increases public input opportunities; forms CAG
LWVSJ Observer Corps* Notes Friday Harbor Port Commission February 8, 2023 meeting: Town of Friday Harbor Mayor Ray Jackson asked the Port for co-operation on leasing a parcel of land to develop into seasonal housing within the airport zone. The Port staff noted the FAA has very strict restrictions around airports that preclude housing in this light industrial zone. Mayor Jackson asked for collaboration between the town, port and county to identify opportunities to build workforce housing. They agreed to schedule a town, county and port meeting to discuss housing.
The commission questioned large bills for maintenance and repair, and asked that complete logs and records to be kept on machinery and equipment use and maintenance. Some older items such as the travelift require more expensive ongoing maintenance. .
The Commission accepted an $781,000 progress payment from insurer Enduris on the Jensen’s covered moorage collapse. They are keeping the claim open. .
The Commission discussed which parcels to advertise for proposals to review in July. Developers would need to supply infrastructure such as water, utilities and the ability to hook up to the town sewer on certain lots. The Commission wants more input, including from the Town of Friday Harbor, and will schedule a special session to make final decisions. .
The Commissioners decided to form a Citizens Advisory Committee to provide input on the reconfiguration of Jensen’s Shipyard and airport expansion The committee will include citizens and representatives from the marina and airport. .
The Commission plans to schedule quarterly listening sessions beginning in April. .
The marina manager reported on unattended and derelict vessels, and unauthorized buoys. They are working with the county to create mooring fields that track buoys through a registration system. Many boaters are not upholding the 30-day limit for being at anchor.
*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. .