Town of Friday Harbor

This document outlines the Comprehensive Plan for the Town of Friday Harbor, with a specific focus on its Transportation Element, detailing aspects related to major arterial streets.

The council meeting included setting the agenda, mayoral announcements regarding committee reporting requirements, and addressing technical difficulties preventing video recording. Key actions included approving a resolution authorizing a change order with Treehouse Creative Design Solutions for additional website services. The Public Works Director provided an update on sidewalk grinding, leading to the authorization of a contract with NW Development and Underground LLC for the project. The Administrator reported on an upcoming AWC meeting concerning housing in tourist towns and the start of the legislative session. Future special meetings were requested, including a retreat, a joint meeting with the San Juan County Council, and a joint meeting with the Port of Friday Harbor. Action and discussion items also covered committee assignments for 2026. Updates were provided by the San Juan Community Home Trust regarding the Argyle Lot Project's application status and future plans. The Council reviewed a contract proposal with H2O Analytics for a new water meter customer portal, expressing support for its implementation. Two public hearings were held concerning Port of Friday Harbor Shoreline Substantial Development: one for float and piling replacement (LUA2025-0065) and another for solar canopies (LUA2025-0067); both received staff recommendations and were directed for resolution drafting. An update was given on a forthcoming public hearing regarding a moratorium on transient accommodation. Further administrator reports covered recognition of Town crews and review of landfill monitoring cost sharing, with a request to reduce monitoring frequency.

The combined meeting minutes cover several sessions where key discussions included administering the Oath of Office to a new Councilmember and determining committee assignments, with consensus for the new member to take over the SJC Board of Health assignment. The Council addressed ongoing administrative appeals, notably the Holliwalk Development regarding frontage improvements, where multiple motions were passed concerning lighting, curb/gutter/sidewalk, drainage, landscaping, and setting the performance bond duration. The Council also held a public hearing and adopted a resolution amending the Six Year Transportation Improvement Plan. Administrator reports covered updates on the Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements, negative PFAS testing, participation in a biosolids study, discussions on a potential vacancy tax, and employee news, including the Clerk-Treasurer's upcoming resignation. Other topics included approving refuse rate increases, discussing contracting for hearing examiner services, considering special summer promotion funds for the Visitor Bureau, and ultimately upholding the Town Administrator's decision in the administrative appeal against San Juan County regarding water usage at the SJC Fairgrounds. Finally, discussions were held concerning negotiations for the solid waste lease renewal.

The meeting addressed several key items through its Consent Agenda, including ratifying grant agreements for Sunken Park deferred maintenance and a USDA loan/grant agreement for the WWTP Improvement Project, and authorizing an amendment to the Comprehensive Stormwater Master Plan engineering contract. Discussions covered committee assignments, including liaison roles for various county and town boards. Under action items, the Council reviewed and provided input on proposed Engineering Design Standards related to road classification, potentially making residential streets eligible for future federal funding. A significant portion of the meeting involved a density increase request for the Argyle Gardens Short Plat, coupled with discussions on necessary stormwater infrastructure upgrades for Rose Lane. The Council also heard updates on the Purple Lane development, vegetation maintenance ordinance amendments, and received reports on Town Highlights of 2024. Administrator reports covered EV charger policy, Transfer Station lease terms, ongoing Union negotiations, and WWTP funding progress.

The regular session included announcements regarding the signing of a mutual agreement with the San Juan Community Home Trust for the Holliwalk development permits. Public comments addressed agenda requests for the Finnegan Ridge Development and expressed support for the Port's solar canopies. The consent agenda approved resolutions and numerous claim warrants, including ratifying a contract with Paychex. Key discussion items involved committee updates for 2026, an update on the San Juan Community Home Trust's Argyle Lot Project application status and future plans, and a proposal for a new water meter customer portal with H2O Analytics, which is expected to be approved at a subsequent meeting. Two public hearings were held and closed for Port of Friday Harbor Shoreline Substantial Development regarding float and piling replacement (LUA2025-0065) and solar canopies (LUA2025-0067), both resulting in direction to draft resolutions for approval. The Administrator reported on landfill monitoring cost sharing, a franchise agreement review, and requested agenda items for a joint council meeting.