LWV Whidbey Island - Observer Reports

Whidbey Health Board of Commissioners

7/18/2024

Name of Observer: Judy Hucka
Observed Meeting:   WhidbeyHealth Board of Commissioners
Date of Meeting: July 18, 2024
Members present: James Golder, president; Ron Wallin, Gregory Richardson, Marion Jouas (virtual), Kate Rose
Members absent: none
Others present (staff, media, public): CEO Nathan Staggs, Dr. David Lemme, chief of medical staff (virtual), Dominic Symes. HealthTech EVP/Staffing Solutions & Chief Revenue Officer; Shanna Harney-Bates, Quality; Paul Rogers, CFO; John Gleason, administrative chief of staff.
Others present (staff, media, public):

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:
The meeting consisted solely of regular staff and status reports, and an executive session. No action or votes were taken after the executive session.

Dominic Symes. HealthTech EVP, repeated a past comment that the hospital needs to be “ruthlessly vigilant” against cyberattacks. He noted that hospitals are the No. 1 target for cyberattackers right now, and they pose as financial personnel to gain entry. HealthTech is working hard to stay on top of this issue.

The executive staff and board continue to watch finances carefully. The consensus seems to be that the hospital district is making gradual progress to getting on better sound financial footing, but is not completely there yet.

There was also a comprehensive report on human resources activity, including hiring, terminations, and staff turnover. Turnover is much improved over past years. Difficulty in hiring medical staff – doctors and nurses – continues to be a challenge but also is improving gradually.
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List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs:
(League positions can be found here: e - LWV Whidbey Island) None

Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? N/A

Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? Yes

Consider the following questions and respond if relevant:
Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes
Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Yes
Were any non-agenda items discussed?  No
Was there adequate discussion of issues?  Yes
Were any “Executive Sessions” called? Yes
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes
Was background material available to the public? Yes, upon request
Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No

List any other concerns or observations:
The board is very good about stating the purpose of executive sessions, clearly stating when they are coming back out of executive session, and indicating whether any action or votes will be taken when they come out of executive session.

Observer E-mail: Judy Hucka Date submitted:  7/18/2024

Whidbey Health Board of Commissioners

6/30/2024

Name of Observer: Judy Hucka
Observed Meeting:   Whidbey Health Board of Commissioners
Date of Meeting: June 20, 2024
Members present: James Golder, president; Ron Wallin, Gregory Richardson, Marion Jouas (virtual), Kate Rose
Members absent: none
Others present (staff, media, public): CEO Nathan Staggs, Dr. David Lemme, chief of medical staff (virtual), Dominic Symes. HealthTech EVP/Staffing Solutions & Chief Revenue Officer; Shanna Harney-Bates, Quality; Paul Rogers, CFO; John Gleason, administrative chief of staff.
Others present (staff, media, public):  Vicki McFarland (spelling not confirmed), Whidbey Island resident.

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:
The meeting consisted solely of regular staff and status reports. Of particular interest is always the Finance Report, given the financial problems the hospital district experienced a few years ago. The financial trends are mostly improving, though this warrants careful monitoring by our Observer Corps.

According to CFO Paul Rogers:
Patient volumes are up significantly, which is good. Of particular note are increases in newborns, indicating WI residents are using the hospital to deliver their babies, and outpatient visits, “our strong suit” according to Rogers.

Gross patient revenues are up (“a record”) and May ended with a total revenue surplus of $768,000 (the first time in the black this year), long-term debt is down (though still high compared to industry benchmarks), accounts receivable are down (meaning the hospital is collecting money owed to it faster), cash on hand is improved. The overall Financial Strength Index rating is still negative and rated “poor,” “but is moving in the right direction.”

Related to this, Moody’s recently downgraded the district’s bond ratings, but Rogers noted that the district may be able to improve its rating in 4-6 months.

CEO Nathan Staggs noted that the hospital has added a net of 27 providers since Jan. 2023 and hopes to expand hours at pharmacies and walk-in clinics soon. He noted that wages are competitive, but lack of affordable housing is a challenge. Temporary “traveler” nurses are still required in some areas of the operation.

List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs:
(League positions can be found here: - LWV Whidbey Island)

Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? N/A
If ‘yes’ what action do you recommend?

Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? Yes

Consider the following questions and respond if relevant:

Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes
Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Yes
Were any non-agenda items discussed?  No
Was there adequate discussion of issues?  Yes
Were any “Executive Sessions” called? No
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes
Was background material available to the public? Yes, upon request
Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No
If yes, for what reason?

List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail: Judy Hucka Date submitted:  6/25/2024

South Whidbey School Board Business Meeting

5/8/2024

Name of Observer: Robin Porter
Observed Meeting:   South Whidbey School Board Business Meeting
Date of Meeting: 4-24-24
Members present: Directors Andrea Downs, Joseph Greenheron, Marnie Jackson, Ann Johnson, Brook Willeford, Superintendent Josephine P. Moccia, Student Members Katya Schiavone and Carter McKnight, Principals John Patton, Kayla Phillips, and Susie Richards, and Communications Director Kristina Macarro
Members absent: Dan Poolman, Assistant Superintendent of Business & Operations
Others present (staff, media, public):  New student representative Callahan Dobmeier; Newly hired Director of Operations, Scott Peacock; Paul Field, Director of Finance; Andrew and Lisa Davis, middle school math teachers; Jeremy Frye, special education staff; Lauri Johnson, South Whidbey CARES Coalition and Taylor Lawson MPH, Island County Public Health, Assessment Supervisor.

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:
SWSB members voted to issue and sell the $30 million bond amount approved by voters in a November 2023 special election. Superintendent Moccia said this is the process, as directed by the district’s bond counsel. This funding will allow the district to begin capital improvements to district properties, initially including: work at both campuses this summer, playground work, work on the entry at the middle & high school and the first phase of the courtyard revamp at the middle & high school, according to Director Willeford. He said these would be dependent upon obtaining appropriate permits prior to each project.

The last day of school may be extended to June 20, unless a second waiver submitted to the Office of Public Instruction (OSPI) by SWSD is accepted [the first waiver was declined]. Superintendent Moccia explained that inclement weather during this past school year affected the number of days students were able to attend. The board voted unanimously to approve the memorandum to have June 14 as the final day for students.

A SWSB Community Forum will be held Wednesday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the ‘Cougar Den’ of the Middle & High School at 5675 Maxwelton Rd, Langley, WA 98260.

Survey results reflecting substance use and mental health status of students were presented by Lauri Johnson, South Whidbey CARES Coalition and Taylor Lawson MPH, Island County Public Health, Assessment Supervisor. South Whidbey students surveyed [through the Healthy Youth Survey, 9th – 12th grade students] indicated that about one-fifth of respondents do not feel safe due to issues such as “bullying.”
Regarding substance use, she said there has been a decrease among students in use [of substances including marijuana, e-cigarettes, cigarettes, prescription drugs and alcohol]. This holds true throughout WA state and Island County as well. Lawson also reported there was a decrease in the number of students who reported heavy or problem drinking. To access the state’s survey information, go to: https://www.askhys.net/ The survey has been administered since 2002.

Information: A. Financial & Enrollment Report Fund Balances Summary
Fund 3/31/24
General Fund $ 4,640,699.68
Capital Projects Fund $2,793,273.28
Debt Service Fund $86,963.90
Associated Student Body Fund $ 111,710.93
Transportation Fund $292,451.25
Private Purpose Trust Fund $ 812,575.91

Enrollment Summary
FTE Budget for 23-24 April 2024 Sept 2023 YTD Avg
Enrollment 1,106.00 1,110.64 1,106.29 1,105.56

List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs: None. (League positions can be found here: Positions - LWV Whidbey Island)

Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? No.
Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? Yes.

Consider the following questions and respond if relevant:
Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes.
Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Yes.
Were any non-agenda items discussed? No.
Was there adequate discussion of issues? Yes.
Were any “Executive Sessions” called? Yes. A session was called to “review performance of public employee,” which lasted from 8:18 – 9:35 p.m.
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes.
Was background material available to the public? Yes.
Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No.
List any other concerns or observations: NA

Observer E-mail: [email protected]
Date submitted: 5-6-2024

Whidbey Health Board of Commissioners

4/8/2024

Name of Observer:   Judy Hucka
Observed Meeting:   WhidbeyHealth Board of Commissioners
Date of Meeting: 3/21/2024
Members present: James Golder, president; Ron Wallin, Gregory Richardson, Marion Jouas, Kate Rose
Members absent: none
Others present (staff, media, public): CEO Nathan Staggs, Dr. David Lemme, chief of medical staff (virtual), Dr. Garth Miller, Shanna Harney-Bates, Quality; Paul Rogers, CFO; Tim Waldner, Ancillary Services; Chris Tumblin, WhidbeyHealth EMS; ; John Gleason, administrative chief of staff; . Dominic Symes, HealthTech EVP/Staffing Solutions & Chief Revenue Officer; Patrick Banks, HealthTech AVP/Regional Finance Officer.   

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:

--Approved resolutions to place EMS (emergency medical services) tax levy proposal on August primary election ballot. Six-year levy would be a renewal of current six-year levy. Tax rate would remain the same -- $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. However, property owners’ tax bills are expected to go up because property values have increased. This levy provides major portion of operating revenue for WhidbeyHealth EMS.
--Approved lease of replacement telemetry system. Purchase price is $1 million, and WH is hoping Whidbey Health Foundation will raise money for this at its annual fundraising gala. In the meantime, they will lease the system. Current system is at end of life and at risk for failing. Expected life of new system is 10 years plus.
--Cyber security. Dominic Symes of HealthTech, discussed the threat of cyber attacks, the need for training to prevent them and preparation in case they happen, and the large potential costs if they happen. Patrick Banks noted that WhidbeyHealth intends to be prepared and is going to make this a focus, including staff training about password security and the danger of clicking on phishing links in emails.
--Dr. Garth Miller gave a detailed presentation on Accountable Care Organizations, a part of the Affordable Care Act that all hospitals that have traditional Medicare patients must implement. The goal is to reduce costs and improve care quality for Medicare patients. Hospitals must meet certain financial and quality targets, and if they do, they are eligible for a share of the cost savings.
--After executive session, the board returned to regular session, and approved the purchase of a building at 101 NE Birch St. to house the hospice and palliative care departments. The purchase price is $725,000 and WhidbeyHealth Foundation will provide around $700,000 of that.
List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs: EMS levy
(League positions can be found here: Positions - LWV Whidbey Island)

Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues?  Yes
If ‘yes’ what action do you recommend?

WhidbeyHealth EMS has sent us (LWVWI) an email offering to provide us a presentation in the next several months to learn more about WhidbeyHealth Emergency Medical Services and the levy proposal. While we cannot include the EMS levy as part of our candidates forums, we might want to consider a member and/or public program on WH-EMS and the levy proposal.
Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner?  Yes

Consider the following questions and respond if relevant:

Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? yes
Did members adhere to the provided agenda? yes
Were any non-agenda items discussed?  no
Was there adequate discussion of issues?  yes
Were any “Executive Sessions” called? yes
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? yes
Was background material available to the public? yes
Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? no
If yes, for what reason?

List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail: [email protected]                                           Date submitted:  3/22/2024
Please submit your report to the Observer Corp Committee at [email protected] within one week of meeting date.  

Last revised: May 13, 2023

South Whidbey School Board

4/8/2024

Observer Corps Report Form

Name of Observer:   Robin Porter
Observed Meeting:   South Whidbey School Board
Date of Meeting:       March 27, 2024
Members present:      Members present: Directors Andrea Downs, Joseph Greenheron, Ann Johnson, Brook Willeford, Superintendent Josephine P. Moccia, Student Member Carter McKnight, Principals John Patton, Kayla Phillips, and Susie Richards, Assistant Superintendent Dan Poolman, and Communications Director Kristina Macarro.
Members absent: Marnie Jackson and Katya Schiavone
Others present (staff, media, public):  More than 20 students, parents and teachers who came to give presentations about several school curriculum programs to the board were in attendance.

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:

Paul Field was officially welcomed to SWSD as the new Director of Finance. He will begin full-time status in May, working on the district budget alongside outgoing Director of Finance Dan Poolman, until Poolman’s retirement. Field’s portfolio includes working in several school-budget related posts for the Northshore School District in Bothell, WA from 2014 to 2022, most recently as the district’s Capital Projects Budget Analyst.
Poolman said that SWSD revenue remains “stagnant,” and that increased expenditures are mostly related to rising employee costs (cost of living increases, for example). He noted a few positive budget changes that resulted from the state legislature’s most recent session:

SB 5882 addressing district ‘materials, supplies and operating costs, or MSOC was made retroactive, resulting in increased coverage, but stated that a “deficit still exists,” as the current state formula does not offset actual purchase costs, nor the cost of utilities and insurance;
HB 1664 sped up the ability for districts to obtain needed counseling staff (i.e. physical, social, and emotional support in schools); funding for teaching assistance and office staff was also increased for the 24-25 school year; he added that SWSD will receive funds from the state for “safety net,” increasing money available for transportation. Poolman cautioned that these changes are one-time fixes and has said that in the future the legislature will need to revamp funding formulas it uses to keep pace with things like inflation. The Special Ed cap was increased from 15 to 16 percent, by the legislature, but Poolman said this will not make a significant difference to SWSD.

HB 1238 (Meals for WA students) will begin coverage of all meal costs, for both breakfast and lunch, for all students – pre-K through grade 5 (including ALE program students). The state picked up the piece that the federal government is no longer funding, Poolman said.

Information: A. Financial & Enrollment Report
Fund Balances Summary
Fund    02/29/2024
General Fund    $ 4,622,975.91
Capital Projects Fund    $2,600,720.92
Debt Service Fund    $86,815.67
Associated Student Body Fund    $111,172.47
Transportation Fund    $683,320.46
Private Purpose Trust Fund    $ 811,201.80
    
Enrollment Summary
FTE Budget for 23-24    Mar 2024    Sept 2023    YTD Avg
Enrollment   1,106.00    1,118.33     1,122.29      1,119.98

News coverage biases: Director Andrea Downs addressed a “Whidbey Times” article that covered upcoming SWSD personnel changes and the respective salaries. Downs compared the differences within the article about how male versus female superintendents were profiled, which appeared to her to reflect “gender bias.” She read from a national survey of education leaders to outline the impact of this type of bias. In response, Director Willeford stated that SWSB is invited by the League of Women Voters to participate in a panel to discuss ‘the health of local news coverage on Whidbey Island and how it affects democracy’ on June 8, at noon, at the Greenbank Progressive Club. Director Johnson volunteered to participate on the panel.

List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs: 
(League positions can be found here: Positions - LWV Whidbey Island)

Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues?      Yes.
If ‘yes’ what action do you recommend? I recommend that the legislature’s formula on Special Ed funding be studied, as this item has the potential to significantly impact smaller school districts such as SWSD.
Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner?  Yes

Consider the following questions and respond if relevant:

Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes
Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Yes
Were any non-agenda items discussed?  No
Was there adequate discussion of issues?  Yes
Were any “Executive Sessions” called? No
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes (No public comments were received)
Was background material available to the public? Yes
Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No
If yes, for what reason?

List any other concerns or observations: NA

Observer E-mail: [email protected]                                  Date submitted:  4-7-24
Please submit your report to the Observer Corp Committee at [email protected] within one week of meeting date.  
Last revised: May 13, 2023

South Whidbey School Board

3/7/2024

Name of Observer: Robin Porter
Observed Meeting:   South Whidbey School Board
Date of Meeting: Feb. 18, 2024
Members present: Directors Andrea Downs, Joseph Greenheron, Marnie Jackson, Ann Johnson, Brook Willeford, Superintendent Josephine P. Moccia, Student Members Katya Schiavone and Carter McKnight, Principals John Patton, Kayla Phillips, and Susie Richards, Assistant Superintendent Dan Poolman, and Communications Director Kristina Macarro.
Members absent: None
Others present (staff, media, public):  Representatives from two companies (OAC and Parametrix) publicly bidding on accomplishing bond process for SWSD.

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:
SWSD chose Parametrix (https://www.parametrix.com/) as the Owner Representative to manage the bond process for the district. Tom Rooks, AIA, LEED AP, will be the lead Project/Construction Manager. Board members heard presentations made by both companies during an Executive Session held just prior to their public vote.

Due to frozen pipes and inclement weather, the last day of school may move past the planned date of June 14, into the next week. Superintendent Moccia said that to make up for three days of school closure, students will be attending school on the Friday prior to Memorial Day weekend (May 24) and may be required to add a few days onto the end of the school year, depending upon whether the state Office of Public Instruction grants a waiver to the district, based on its policy of ‘extraordinary circumstances’ affecting the required 180 days of school.

During the SWSD Financial and Enrollment report, Assistant Superintendent Poolman outlined concerns about a predicted drop in state funding based on declining district enrollment and “broken funding models” being considered by the legislature. Two Bills proposed by the state legislature could contribute to this drop- HB 2494 (addressing ‘materials, supplies and operating costs, or MSOC) and HB2180 (addressing special education funding).

Specifically, neither the funds covering MSOC,’ nor those for special ed would keep up with the district’s needs, according to Poolman. For example, he said the 2% state increase for the MSOC funding does not consider the actual purchase costs, nor the cost of utilities and insurance. Poolman said that even though the district’s student population is gradually declining, the 15,000 sq ft of building space still requires the same utility use (heating/cooling). Regarding special education, he said the district is at the cap of 15% of its population in this segment, and that the state formula is unfortunately not based on increasing the funding amount per student. If the district should exceed the 15% population mark, then the funding would need to be divided equally among these special ed students, reducing the amount available for each student.

Fund Balances Summary
Fund 1/31/24
General Fund $ 4,780,449.51
Capital Projects Fund $2,670,905.64
Debt Service Fund $ 86,677.32
Associated Student Body Fund $ 108,141.67
Transportation Fund $682,231.96
Private Purpose Trust Fund $ 809,919.33

Enrollment Summary
FTE Budget for 23-24 Feb 2024 Sept 2023 YTD Avg
Enrollment 1,106.00 1,122.79 1,122.29 1,120.25

List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs:
(League positions can be found here: Positions - LWV Whidbey Island)

Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? Yes
If ‘yes’ what action do you recommend? I recommend the LWV study both HB 2494 and HB 2180, to determine their potential impact on SWSD.

Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? Yes

Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes
Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Yes
Were any non-agenda items discussed?  No
Was there adequate discussion of issues? Yes
Were any “Executive Sessions” called? Yes (on publicly bid contract/ bidder presentations)
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes
Was background material available to the public? Yes
Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No

Oak Harbor School Board, October 30, 2023

10/31/2023

Name of Observer: Becky Bolte
Observed Meeting: Oak Harbor School Board
Date of Meeting: 10/30/2023
Members present: Lynn Goebel, Bob Hallahan, Nicole Tesch, Sharon Jensen, Josiah Villano,
Student Board Member, Maggie Litvachuk, Student Board Member
Members absent:
Others present (staff, media, public): Superintendent Michelle Kuss-Cybula, Asst Superintendent Dwight Lundstrom

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:
3.01 Construction update Presentation by CSG (Construction Services Group). They are non-profit and part of Educational Services District 112. Represented by Heidi Hansen, Assoc. Director, and Tex Ladish and Ken Kuiken, Construction Managers. They will be doing project management, construction management, financial tracking, grant coordination, furniture.
Projects are Crescent Harbor Elementary & Hand-in-Hand. Work includes ongoing design, property survey, geotechnical exploration, traffic impact analysis, inventory of items to be reused, coordination with city and county. Both properties are on Navy land. Funded through grants – 80% federal, 20% state, no local funding. Both projects are over budget at Schematic Design Phase, and the Design team has already reduced costs and formal value engineering is in progress.
Begin construction: CHE and HiH – June 2024
CHE Move-in - December 2025
HiH Move-in – March 2026

4.01 Student representative Report & Goals
1. Sustainability – lead a workgroup to identify sustainability goals
2. Land acknowledgement – research Native tribes that inhabited Oak Harbor, write a statement for Oak Harbor schools
3. Communication – weekly reports

4.02 Visitors. Cary Wade – had to resign as Paraeducator because she didn’t make enough money. Asked Board to get creative and look for more ways to fund paraeducators’ wages.

5.01 Superintendent’s report - Reviewed template for Board members to track Superintendent’s goal.

7.01 Athletics and activities report - Presented by Athletic Director Fleury, 46% of the student body is involved in athletics. There are 650 single sport athletes.

9.01 Board policy updates first reading - Asst. Superintendent Lundstrom listed and reviewed several policies – essential, encouraged, discretionary, etc.

12.01 Board goal updates are posted on the school district website.

13.01 Upcoming meetings –regular board meetings -Nov 13 and 27 at 6 pm, Board study session for new board members – Dec. 11, Legislative forum December 15 at 3 p.m.

List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs:
(League positions can be found here.
Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? N/A
If ‘yes’ what action do you recommend?

Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? Yes

Consider the following questions and respond if relevant:
Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes
Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Yes
Were any non-agenda items discussed? No
Was there adequate discussion of issues? Yes
Were any “Executive Sessions” called? No
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes
Was background material available to the public? Yes- agenda and previous meeting minutes
Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No
If yes, for what reason?

List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail: [email protected] Date submitted: 10/31/23

Langley City Council, October 16, 2023

10/23/2023

Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council
Date of Meeting: 10/16/2023
Members present: Harolynne Bobis, Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming
Members absent: none
Others present (staff, media, public): Mayor: Scott Chaplin, Interim Archives and Records Manager: Kristen Abraham, City Administrator/Clerk: Mark Rentfrow, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser and Finance Director: Wanda Grone
Members of public in person and on zoom are not shown unless they make a comment.

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:

• At public comment period a business owner and a longtime resident voiced concerns about changes the projected affordable housing development would have to the fairgrounds. They expressed a love of the fair as it has been for many years and not wanting to see future development cause any disruptive changes.
• The mayor's report included news of the city receiving six proposals for solar plus storage. Mayor Chaplin mentioned that decentralization of power has been an idea developing for about 30 years and microgrids are starting to be used in reservations and other cities. The mayor also reported he had received a request from a national organization to sign a pledge to reject new or renewed expansion of fossil fueled infrastructure. Chaplin did not think the wording of the pledge was suitable to the city of Langley. He suggested sending the pledge to the Climate Crisis Action Commission for the creation of a similar pledge specific to Langley.
• Public Works Director Randi Perry's report included that Langley has been selected to participate in EPA's Creating Resilient Water Utilities Initiative. The program includes free technical assistance and is scheduled to begin mid 2024. The director was happy to report progress on the Bluff management plans with a kickoff meeting on 10/4 and completion of onsite visits and drone flights on 10/11. Also noted was the Langley Infrastructure Project's planning and funding options. Council members voiced desire to be included in the work of Public Works Advisory and Finance and Personnel Legislative Commission's progress on this very extensive project.

List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs:
(League positions can be found here.
Fair & Adequate Revenue
Energy
Shorelines, Wetlands & Land Use
Water & Rivers

Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? No
If ‘yes’ what action do you recommend?

Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? All in attendance were given time to speak and ask questions. The meeting was conducted in an orderly and civil manner.

Consider the following questions and respond if relevant:
Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes

Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Yes
Were any non-agenda items discussed? No
Was there adequate discussion of issues? Yes
Were any “Executive Sessions” called? No
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes
Was background material available to the public? Yes
Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No
If yes, for what reason?

List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail: [email protected] Date submitted: 10/21/2023

Langley City Council, October 2, 2023

10/11/2023

Name of Observer: Jane Ficalora
Observed Meeting: Langley City Council
Date of Meeting: 10/2/2023
Members present: Harolynne Bobis, Rhonda Salerno, Thomas Gill, Craig Cyr, Gail Fleming
Members absent: none
Others present (staff, media, public): Mayor: Scott Chaplin, Interim Archives and Records Manager: Kristen Abraham, City Administrator/Clerk: Mark Rentfrow, Planning Director: Meredith Penny, Director of Public Works: Randi Perry, Chief of Police: Tavier Wasser, Planning Advisory Board Chair Greg Easton and Planning Advisory Board former member Rose Hughes
Members of public in person and on zoom are not shown unless they make a comment.

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:

• At public comment period a representative of the Chamber of Commerce stated that the chamber will be having a candidate forum Oct 11th at 5:30 at The Braeburn Restaurant
• Planning Advisory Board Chair Greg Easton and Rose Hughes reported and made recommendations on inclusionary zoning requirement in the city's Multifamily Infill Overlay. Since receiving a 2021 grant Langley has been looking at whether or not to make inclusionary zoning mandatory or voluntary. The factors of private versus non-profit developers and the needs, long-term goals, and growth potential
of Langley all factor into the decision making. Council member Salerno made a motion to restart a Housing Affordability committee to look at getting non-profits to help with development. Council member Cyr made amendment to start a committee after the new year and the motion passed.
• Planning Director Penny asked for approval of amended contract with The Watershed Company. Council voted unanimously to approve.
• Administrator/Clerk Rentfrow reported that the Washington State Attorney General has posted open government training online. Council member Gill mentioned by law that newly elected officials need to take training within a certain number of days in office.

List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs:
(League positions can be found here.
Democracy: Elections, Voting Rights & Campaign Finance
Fair & Adequate Revenue
Water &Rivers

Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? No
If ‘yes’ what action do you recommend?

Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? All in
attendance were given time to speak and ask questions. The meeting was conducted in an
orderly and civil manner.

Consider the following questions and respond if relevant:
Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes
Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Yes
Were any non-agenda items discussed? No
Was there adequate discussion of issues? Yes
Were any “Executive Sessions” called? No
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? Yes
Was background material available to the public? Yes
Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No
If yes, for what reason?

List any other concerns or observations:

Observer E-mail: [email protected] Date submitted: 10/6/2023

South Whidbey School Board, September 27, 2023

10/11/2023

Name of Observer: Robin Porter
Observed Meeting: South Whidbey School Board
Date of Meeting: Sept. 27, 2023
Members present: Directors Andrea Downs, Joe Greenheron, Marnie Jackson, Ann Johnson, Brook Willeford, Superintendent Jo Moccia, Student Members Katya Schiavone and Carter McKnight, Principals John Patton, Kayla Phillips, and Susie Richards, Assistant Superintendent Dan Poolman, and Communications Director Kristina Macarro.
Members absent: None
Others present (staff, media, public): Rose Hughes, Goosefoot Finance Director
(Islandrootshousing.org)

Summarize the main issues discussed at the meeting:
 Rose Hughs of the nonprofit organization – Goosefoot – made a presentation to the board regarding the Island Roots Housing project in Langley. This project is planned to construct 14 affordable housing units in Langley. School board members stated that affordable housing is a “major concern” for school staff, as SWSD has lost teachers due to the lack of affordable housing within the South Whidbey community. SWSD is one of the top three employers in the South Whidbey community. Currently, the project is in the “preconstruction phase,” Hughs said. The project is being financed by the WA State Housing Trust Fund and a grant from Island County. Estimated rent/cost of a two-bedroom unit will be $1,504. This is based on a HUD formula that estimates 80% of the Island County median income. A community workshop was held in August in which 73 participated. Public survey results may be viewed at islandrootshousing.org
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GoosefootHousing
Spanish: https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/GoosefootHousingESP

 A collective bargaining agreement was reached between SWSB and the two unions which represent school staff: SEIU and PSE. Both memorandums passed, though one board member abstained as he stated he had not yet seen the final contract. The new contract included “a wage increase of .3% and a retention bonus for one year only,” according to SWSD Superintendent Jo Moccia.

 SWSB Assistant Superintendent Dan Poolman presented the monthly finance report:
Fund Balances Summary
Fund 8/31/23
General Fund $ 5,100,001.34
Capital Projects Fund $1,978,709.90
Debt Service Fund $ 1491.76
Associated Student Body Fund $ 81,150.43
Transportation Fund $679,034.32
Private Purpose Trust Fund $ 806,239.33

Enrollment Summary
FTE Budget for 23-24 Sept 2023 Sept 2023 YTD Avg
Enrollment 1,106.00 1,106.29 1,106.29 1,106.29
He reports that the property taxes are “basically flat,” and that the state funding is based on FTE. An unexpected expense, Poolman said, was the repair of a septic system.

 The charging station to be used by the SWSD’s electric bus has arrived. The District expects to soon receive the new bus.

 A 10-year facilities study, required by WA state, was authorized by the board. The contract is with the Integrus company for $87,720 to cover the whole 10-year span. Integrus is the architectural firm that has done recent preliminary work for SWSD.

 A new “Transition to Kindergarten” program began this school year with 16 students. This is a program which prepares students for Kindergarten entry in the upcoming school year. Students must meet specific criteria to qualify for the program. Currently it has reached full capacity.

List any issues on the agenda relevant to any LWV state or local positions or programs:
(League positions can be found here.

Do you recommend local League action or study on any of these issues? No
If ‘yes’ what action do you recommend? NA

Was the meeting conducted in an open, business-like, and civil manner? Yes

Consider the following questions and respond if relevant:
Was the agenda made available prior to and at the meeting? Yes
Did members adhere to the provided agenda? Yes
Were any non-agenda items discussed? No
Was there adequate discussion of issues? Yes
Were any “Executive Sessions” called? No
Was there adequate opportunity for public input? No, members of the public requested time to address the School Board at the meeting.
Was background material available to the public? Yes
Did any member recuse themselves during the meeting? No
If yes, for what reason? NA
List any other concerns or observations: NA
Observer E-mail: [email protected] Date submitted: Sept. 29, 2023