Compost facility delayed

The King County Solid Waste Division (KCSWD) announced on Tuesday, April 3 that it will delay the planning and start dates for construction of the Vashon community compost facility project by another year.

The King County Council in 2023 authorized spending $5 million to build an organic processing facility on Vashon and expand the composting area of the island’s recycling center, fertilizing efforts to reduce waste on the island.

Water meeting

Water District 19 will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 22 at the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust building to discuss and take public comment on their new draft water allocation policy.

Water District 19, the largest public utility water district on the island, issues and fulfills water units, also known as water shares, and is considering enacting policies that would prioritize affordable housing developments for water shares and ensure that water shares are only issued where they will be actively used.

The district’s draft policy can be reviewed here.

Jan Milligan memorial

Islanders are invited to a two-day memorial event on May 3 and 4 for islander Jan Milligan at Camp Sealth.

Milligan died in December last year at the age of 70, after a long career leading island organizations and advocating for youth accessibility to the outdoors. She was camp director for Camp Sealth for 15 years.

On Saturday, May 3, the tribute to Milligan will start from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. with a service project. There will be a celebration dinner and alumni reunion that night from 6-8 p.m.

The following Sunday, May 4, a memorial service runs from noon to 2 p.m.

There is no charge to attend the Saturday service project or Sunday memorial service. All ages are welcome.

Both days, the memorial will take place at Camp Sealth, at 14500 SW Camp Sealth Rd on the island’s south end. For more information on how to attend, or to share memories on Milligan’s life, visit campfireseattle.org/event/jan-kanga-milligan-celebration-event.

Milligan developed an early love for nature from her time spent at Camp Sealth, her obituary stated. She received her forestry degree from Washington State University, and completed an internship with the US Forest Service where she assisted with the construction of a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. She earned the Evergreen Award for her role in promoting outdoor volunteerism in Washington.

Milligan was a Vashon Rotary Club member, Community Emergency Response Team manager with Vashon Fire and Rescue, and executive director of the Vashon Park District. She and her husband Doug spent 42 years of marriage together, completing odd-jobs around camp, giving a forever home to stray dogs, and building their home on Vashon.

Alan Painter grants

Numerous island organizations received funding from this year’s Alan Painter grant program, which supports projects that promote inclusivity and enhance communities regardless of race, income, or language spoken. The program honors Alan M. Painter, the founding director of King County’s Community Service Area program and a long-time public servant.

• Mukai Farm and Garden earned $2,000 for its Japan Festival.

• Vashon Artists Residency received $2,000 for its Vashon Artist Residency showcase event.

• Vashon Center for the Arts took in $2,000 for six free artist lectures at VCA.

• Vashon Events earned $1,500 to enhance its musical instrument borrowing library.

• The Vashon Senior Center earned $1,500 to host a community event to increase awareness and support of veterans and seniors.

• Vashon Youth and Family Services earned $2,000 for a youth-focused community music and arts event.

• Women Hold the Key earned $3,000 for a day-long event to celebrate International Women’s Day.

New county executive

Shannon Braddock has been appointed as acting King County executive.

Braddock, who replaces outgoing executive Dow Constantine (he’s taking a role leading Sound Transit), is the first female executive in the council’s 56-year history. A permanent executive will be elected by voters in the November general election.

Barddock was appointed as deputy executive in June 2023 and has served in the executive’s office since 2017, including roles as chief of staff and director of council relations. She has also worked with former county councilmember Joe McDermott, who represented Vashon in the county’s 8th District, and in regulatory affairs and the U.S. House of Representatives.

New county agriculture map

The King Conservation District, a special purpose district, has released an online map for King County residents to share and find gardens, urban farms and other agricultural spots. But the map, so far, has very few Vashon locations. Islanders explore the map or add community gardens or farms to it by visiting tinyurl.com/KCAgMap.

Sea Mar permitting update

Sea Mar Community Health Centers is inching closer to starting work at the location of its future clinic at the property of the former Spinnaker restaurant in Vashon Town. The project has been locked up for months in the permitting process at King County.

“Permitting review has been completed and we are now waiting for the permits to be issued,” Sea Mar Executive Vice President Mary Bartolo said Monday, April 7. “Hopefully we will have activity at the site before the end of the month. We should know more by the end of this week.”

Public meetings

• Vashon Island School District’s next board meeting starts at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 10 at Chautauqua Elementary School, Room 302, 9309 SW Cemetery Road. Visit vashonsd.org for more information.

• Vashon Health Care District’s next board meeting is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 16 at the Vashon Presbyterian Church, 17708 Vashon Hwy SW, and on Zoom. Visit vashonhealthcare.org for more information.