Lynda Austin

The Work Session covered several key areas starting with an update on the 2026 Facilities Work Plan, where staff will return with additional options later. In Public Works, the Board agreed to move agenda items regarding Solid Waste Long Haul Transportation and Disposal Services, and Camano Island Recycling and Transportation Services, both involving CPI Fee Adjustments, to the consent agenda; staff will develop an education plan for scrap metal on Camano. The Human Services discussion centered on the Draft 5-Year Homeless Housing Plan, agreeing to move it to the consent agenda to schedule a public hearing in March 2026, with follow-up items including connecting with Island Senior Resources and exploring commercial properties for emergency shelters. The Public Health section reviewed high-level findings from the County Coordinated Water Systems Plan report, leading to a decision to bring a resolution forward to formally convene the Water Utility Coordinating Committee (WUCC). Planning & Community Development sessions focused on the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update concerning Infrastructure elements (Capital Facilities & Utilities, Parks & Recreation, and Transportation), including presentations and follow-up tasks such as coordinating jail bed numbers, adding language on 'managed retreat,' ensuring alignment with the Clean Water Act, and researching funding options. The Board also held an Executive Session to discuss litigation.

The Regular Meeting agenda for February 10, 2026, includes administrative items such as welcoming new employees and presenting service awards. Key discussion points cover the annual update to Appendix 8 of the 2024-2028 Island County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The Commissioners will also review and recommend appointments for several bodies, including the Civil Service Commission, the Island Regional Transportation Planning Organization Technical Advisory Committee, the Law & Justice Council, the Northwest Senior Services Advisory Board, and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. The Information Technology section addresses several purchase orders for software subscriptions and upgrades, and a data sharing agreement. The Department of Natural Resources section includes a contract amendment extension for the Barnum Woods Iverson Spit project. Public Works items involve certifying the 2026 Road Levy and approving a multi-year contract for traffic control signs. The document also notes a scheduled Work Session for February 11, 2026, with individual departments.

The meeting included public input regarding the Comprehensive Plan and welcomed new employees across various departments. Employee service awards were also presented. Key actions taken included the approval of the agenda and the Consent Agenda, which authorized a Waiver of Competitive Solicitation for the Economic Development Council (EDC) Contract and an amendment to that contract. Other consent items approved involved an appointment to the Island County Planning Commission, funding for the Coupeville Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Center, an interlocal agreement for leasing the Reserve Manager, a contract for case management services with the Northwest Regional Council, and an agreement amendment for Hispanic Engagement Services. Additionally, a bid award was approved for the Multi-Year Traffic Control Sign Contract. Public hearings addressed franchise renewals and transfers for septic collection systems, with one approved and two continued. A final public hearing resulted in the adoption of Ordinance C-75-25, establishing the Office of Public Defense within the Island County Code.

The Board of Island County Commissioners met in a regular session. A public hearing was held regarding Ordinance C-66-25, which regulates speed limits on County Roads and amends Island County Code Title X Chapter 10.01. The public hearing was continued to a date certain of February 3, 2026. Following comments and announcements, the Board adjourned for a Roundtable with Department Heads and Elected Officials, which included discussions on a Safety/Risk Update and a Penny Shortage Discussion.

The work session covered several administrative and planning topics. Discussions included the Washington State University Extension Island County 4-H Program, job recruitment regarding current job requisitions, and the annual report for the certification of the Road Levy and Estimated Revenue Produced for submission to the County Road Administration Board (CRAB). The Board also addressed solid waste agreements with the cities of Coupeville, Oak Harbor, and Langley, a citizen-submitted proposal for the Deer Lagoon Management Plan, and the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Monitoring Report and Project List Update. Furthermore, planning staff presented updates on the draft Economic Development Element and Clinton Subarea Plan for the 2045 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update, as well as an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Oak Harbor concerning annexation areas.