DIA October Newsletter
In This Issue...
Summer Wrap Up
All Island Survey
San Juan County Council Engagement
Davis Bay Parking Proposal Feedback
Community Bulletin Board Update
Community Happenings
October DIA Meeting
Summer Wrap Up
It was the first summer with DIA in the community and we were so grateful to have the engagement of our neighbors! DIA hosted the Community Potluck at the park, 4th of July activities, and Island Rummage Sale. The Community Potluck had over 60 participants, lots of delicious food contributions and some fun activities, such as tie-dye shirts and making a Decatur Pride banner that island kids carried in the July 4 parade. DIA also distributed 100 Decatur Island silicone bracelets during the parade and hosted an Ice Cream Social, where we blasted through 200 frozen treats. Thank you to all of our neighbors who showed up, met someone new, and had a smile on your face! Building community is foundational to the work of DIA and we do that one person at a time!
All Island Survey
Over the weekend, emails were sent to the island mailing list that was compiled by Deanna earlier this year (thanks Deanna!). This survey is intended for anyone who has a relationship with our beautiful island; you don't have to own a house or be related to the island... all that matters is that you care about the island's future. If you did NOT get an email you can likely find it in your JUNK folder or, if it's easier, just visit the home page of www.decaturislandalliance.org and you can complete the survey using that link. The survey results flag entries from the same IP address so make sure that if more than one person in your home wants to complete the survey, you do it from different devices (phone, laptop, etc). We will be accepting survey responses until October 10. Results will be shared with the community at our October meeting on Sunday, October 19, from 10 to noon at the school.
San Juan County Government Engagement
Our Advocacy Committee has been busy! Decatur's County Council representative, Jane Fuller, spent a couple of hours with members of the DIA Advocacy Committee, discussing the unique needs of the outer islands in San Juan County. DIA participants learned a lot about how some of the other small islands in the county engage with the county government. In addition to constituent process, discussion took place around public works, county management, and emergency response gaps. Ms. Fuller requested that DIA take a look at a proposal for better management of parking around the county ramp (see below report) and has committed to attending the DIA monthly meeting in October. The DIA Advocacy Committee will be scheduling future meetings with the two other council members, as well as the Sheriff, County Manager and other county officials.
Davis Bay Parking Proposal Feedback
During the DIA September meeting and as requested by Councilmember Fuller, participants reviewed the proposal submitted to San Juan County. DIA is supportive of this proposal and has identified some areas that might need a deeper consideration, including enforcement, trailer parking, and the potential acquisition of property to provide a parking lot. You can find the DIA report that was submitted to the County Council HERE. The County Council intends to conduct a community meeting and discuss this proposal during the week of October 13. DIA will post more information when we receive it.
Community Bulletin Board Update
During the September 21st, DIA meeting, the group agreed to again pursue placement of the community bulletin board on school property. This decision to re-examine the location was based on an in-person conversation with Superintendent Brady Smith, who encouraged and promised to help facilitate the process. On September 22nd, Roz Solomon submitted the completed forms to the Lopez Island School District, along with the helpful schematic and proposal written by Karen Pearson. On September 25th, Brady Smith relayed the message that the application has been approved by the school board and that we are good to start the project at any time. The DIA Bulletin Board committee will move forward with gathering volunteers and materials to complete the project this fall.
Community Happenings
The Lopez Island School District is hosting the Karen Lamb Decatur School Potluck and Work Party on Saturday, October 18, from 10 am to 4 pm. Bring a potluck dish to share with your neighbors and lend a hand with the work party as grounds will be cleaned up and the building painted. All are welcome!
The Next DIA Meeting
Please join us on Sunday, October 19, from 10 am to noon, at the school. San Juan County Councilmember Jan Fuller will be joining us and we will review the results from the survey.
