From public works projects to rebuilding the transfer station, it was a full day of business for the San Juan County Council during its regular meeting at the Eastsound Fire Hall on Tuesday, April 5.
The county prosecutor’s office introduced the new senior criminal deputy prosecutor, Teresa Zueger, who comes to Orcas from California, having worked for the California District Attorney’s Association in the traffic safety division.
Paul Kamin of the Eastsound Water Association expressed concern with rising sea levels and its effect on underground water services running along Crescent Beach. A four-inch pipe runs beneath the road, providing water to Eastsound for fire fighting purposes. According to Kamin, the pipe will need to be replaced within 15 years and should be eight inches in diameter. It is likely, due to sea-level rise, that the pipe will need to be relocated.
The Deer Harbor Trails Committee made a presentation regarding the road-side trail on Deer Harbor and Channel Roads. The committee indicated a desire for three miles of trails, some of which will cross private lands, for foot traffic use only. The proposed walkway would extend from the Frank Richardson Wildlife Preserve on Channel Road through the hamlet to the Four Winds camp.
“With tourism increasing, we want to make it a safe place to walk,” said Pamela Kyle, vice chair of the committee.
With construction set to begin on bridges in the vicinity of Deer Harbor, the county is optimistic about constructing a walkway for pedestrians.
“The more that we do before we start the bridge work the better,” said council member Rick Hughes.
Additionally, the committee showed interest in radar speed feedback signs, like the one on the southwest entrance to Eastsound. It requested two of these radars, one near the community center where the speed changes from 35 to 25 mph, and one on Channel Road. It was indicated later in the meeting that county public works was already intending to place a sign near the community center.
The subcommittee also mentioned an idea for the county to help fund benches for ride-shares. The purpose of the bench would be for someone in need of a ride to sit and wait for a driver to stop and offer a ride. Technically, hitchhiking is illegal on public roads in the state of Washington, however, council member Jamie Stephens indicated he was unsure whether that law applied to the San Juan Islands.
Following the discussion about Deer Harbor, county manager Mike Thomas brought the construction of Orcas Recycling Service’s Exchange at the Solid Waste Facility to the council. ORS is requesting a collaboration with the county to construct the new building. One idea is for the county to own the building with ORS paying the county a “lease” to operate and maintain the facility. This partnership in funding would require the 2013 agreement between ORS and council to be amended. Council endorsed conversations between public works and ORS to continue regarding construction of the facility. They will review lease agreements and cost negotiations.
“[We still] encourage the community to participate with fundraising,” said Hughes.
The council temporarily touched on the topic of a Community Development Block Grant, which will be expanded upon and discussed during a council meeting on April 18. The grant is funded by the State Department of Commerce.
“[The Community Development Block Grant] is an important funding mechanism we haven’t yet utilized,” said Hughes.
Public Works Director Brian Vincent presented information about the county’s possible collaboration with the Orcas Public School to provide public parking during non-school hours. The suggestion includes using the staff and visitor parking on the corner of School Road and Madrona Street, which would include chipsealing the parking lot and using the larger gravel lot.
“Why include the county if someone would park there now?” asked Stephens, who wondered whether any incidents that occur in the lots would be county or school liability.
Vincent also brought up the use of radar feedback signs used in three locations: two on Orcas and one on San Juan. Public works has researched their usage for years, and instead of arbitrarily spending time developing a program to decide where, they want to beta test it.
The locations will be on Olga Road near a very pronounced speeding area near Tomihi Road; near the Deer Harbor Community Center (as mentioned above); and on Cattle Point Road near the Cape.
Public works hopes this beta test will validate the program, and allow them to make changes for permanent sign placement.
“I fully support this program and the places you have chosen,” said council member Bob Jarman.
