Diverse topics covered at council meeting on Orcas
Published 5:26 pm Wednesday, September 10, 2014
The future of the Exchange, an update on the library’s renovations and a new parking space at the Orcas ferry landing were all up for discussion at the county council meeting at the Eastsound Fire Station on Sept. 9.
“We’re here for an update on different projects,” said County Council Chairman Rick Hughes, who was joined by councilman Bob Jarman and County Manager Mike Thomas.
ORS/ Exchange
Nearly one year ago, Orcas Recycling Services took over the transfer station. During ORS Executive Director Pete Moe’s presentation to the council he described how there have been extensive improvements to the transfer site, including the removal of 40 tons of garbage and debris. They have also introduced new recycling opportunities for items like batteries and used cooking oil. Their next step is to take fluorescence bulbs for no charge. Other future plans include a composting program, noxious weed control, safe disposal for medical sharps and waste and working with Orcas School to improve recycling on the island.
These plans may prove positive for the community, but according to Moe the question on everyone’s mind is what is happening with the Exchange.
“I get questioned every day,” said Moe. “Which is fine because people love it.”
ORS has hired a local engineer to design new roads for the Exchange area and they expect to move forward with those renovations as soon as they receive the correct permits. Staff is also reviewing structure options and costs for the new Exchange.
“We hope to have a temporary Exchange site up before this spring. I know that is optimistic, but that’s what we are looking at,” Moe said.
While he is positive about the future of a new reuse center, he is less than confident about certain aspects of recycling. Moe said the public has been submitting dirty recyclables. Over the summer, recycling from the San Juan County Fair and from Roche Harbor was condemned because it was covered with food.
“We need to work on the public’s education,” he said.
Check out more information on the new ORS website at www.exchangeorcas.org.
Orcas Library expansion
Library Director Phil Heikkinen spoke to the council about the renovation of the Orcas Island Library.
After considering surveys, community feedback and a needs assessment last summer, library staff concluded that patrons needed more space. The list included a independent and group study area, a quiet reading room, moveable shelves to allow for more space and a place for young adults. The current “meeting” room houses 30 people, whereas the new addition is projected to fit 75 people.
“It is very ambitious,” said Heikkinen about the project. “And we are paying attention to economic realities … times are tough.”
Heikkinen and the library board have decided to look for private funds to pay for the renovation.
The “top floor plan,” which expands west, is based on a 1.3 million budget. So far $400,000 has been raised from reserves and donations.
Ideally, Heikkinen said, construction will start next year, but as of yet no date has been set.
Ferry parking
San Juan County and the Washington State Department of Transportation are looking at creating a short term and long-term parking lot for ferry travelers.
“If we can provide a couple acres of parking we can give people a better opportunity to address safety issues,” said County Manager Mike Thomas. “The parking on both sides of the road [Orcas Road] creates people holding their breath hoping not to hit someone.”
The parcel is four acres located to the left of the ferry lines near the OPALCO transfer station.
“We’re still in the early stages, but hoping people will see this as a long-term advantage,” said Hughes.
Dog park in town
The current location of the dog park could be in jeopardy because the land is owned by FAA and may be leased in the future. A possible new location is the San Juan County Land Bank’s five-acre parcel that butts up to skate park.
Mooring buoys
Hughes said bringing mooring buoys to Eastsound has been his quest for 10 years.
“We’re a county of islands and have not done a good job of maintaining our marine-based projects,” Hughes said.
He hopes the council can work toward implementing buoys to encourage alternative means of getting people to the island not only for boating but for diving as well.
“The great thing is that most locations already have traffic, but they are dragging anchors so we are looking for non-invasive mooring systems,” he said.
For more info about the council and its meetings, visit http://sanjuanco.com/council/.
