Submitted by San Juan County.
The County’s potential purchase of a Decatur Island property was discussed at a community meeting last week and during the Aug. 19 Council meeting. Many community members provided comment during both meetings, providing valuable feedback for the County’s ongoing due diligence period.
Background
On June 24, the Public Works Department entered into a purchase and sale agreement for the acquisition of 458 Davis Beach Road for the list price of $750,000. The 0.8-acre waterfront parcel and residence are adjacent to the County’s only developed public marine facility on the island – the barge landing – providing an opportunity to plan for future public needs. The PSA provides an opportunity to engage with the community; it does not provide authorization to purchase the property.
Community meeting review
Public Works Director Colin Huntemer and Council member Jane Fuller, accompanied by other County staff, held the meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the property of interest. Approximately 40 residents attended the meeting to ask questions, provide feedback and learn about next steps.
During the Tuesday community meeting, Council member Fuller and County staff asked residents for their opinions and ideas regarding the property’s usefulness to better serve the transportation needs of Decatur Island residents.
Some community members expressed interest in expanded parking (short- and long-term), increased circulation for maneuvering boats and trailers, the possible addition of a dinghy dock or pier, a location to collect and haul refuse and recycling, and the opportunity to widen the ramp. Community members also discussed adding a shelter for water taxi riders to use during inclement weather.
Other residents raised concerns about increased traffic, the loss of island character to development, parking enforcement and the cost of purchasing the property. Staff noted that a recently adopted ordinance now provides for the ability to install signage with monetary penalties for parking violators and that enforcement will continue to be the responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office.
Some residents were concerned about the condition of existing County roads and asked about planned maintenance. Staff shared that outer island road maintenance includes the use of a road grader, additional gravel, backhoes and lignin to maintain the roads.
The group discussed how a future site plan could be developed should the County Council approve the purchase of the property. Several next steps would occur, including:
• Additional community conversations. Residents would be invited to lend their voice to the shaping of the facility for their current and future needs.
• Outreach to local operators. County staff would engage with local water taxi providers and barge operators to solicit feedback.
• Council would need to add an agreed-upon project to the Transportation Improvement Program in order to place it on the Public Works Department’s list of future projects. From there, County staff could begin designing the project.
Next steps
The potential property purchase was discussed again during the Aug. 19 Council meeting, where Council determined that further conversation is necessary before making a decision. Council has scheduled a special meeting to continue deliberations on Aug. 26. Find the meeting link and the agenda here: https://sanjuancowa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3635/files/agenda/5580.
Council will return to Decatur on Sept. 9 for a regularly scheduled Council meeting.
Contact: Colin Huntemer, Public Works director, colinh@sanjuancountywa.gov.
