Town of Friday Harbor

The meetings covered various aspects of the town's Comprehensive Plan Update, including housing capacity, zoning amendments, utility and transportation facilities, and capital improvements. Discussions focused on proposed changes to building and streetscape standards to increase density, the UGA expansion, and infrastructure needs for water, sewer, and stormwater systems. The commission also reviewed the 2026 Comprehensive Plan amendment docketing process and a specific site-specific rezoning request on Guard Street.

The Town Council meeting agenda includes the consideration of Ordinance No. 1840, which aims to amend Chapter 3.08 of the municipal code regarding the issuance of checks and warrants for claim payments. Additionally, the Council will review Resolution No. 3028 to extend the contract period with BERK Consulting, Inc., and Resolution No. 3029 to adopt a new Town Driving and Vehicle Policy. The agenda also covers the review of payment of claims, an update on the America 250 initiative, and reports from directors and the administrator.

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.