Council supports in-town MoNA auction

The Town of La Conner formalized its support for the Museum of Northwest Art by passing a resolution recognizing its “annual fundraising auction as an official local event” to cement the auction being held in La Conner. The Town Council authorizes partial closure of Second Street for Museum tent set up.

Museum board and staff members cited problems getting permits as a reason the auction was held at the Swinomish Casino and Events center the last two years. Mayor Ramon Hayes summarized his February meetings with the MoNA board, telling Council “the most immediate thing the board could do was bring the auction back.” Joan Cross’s sacrifice of a couple of bushes on her Second Street property was also key, allowing tent placement. “MoNA needs help and needs confidence. The Town has never said no to them." Council passed the resolution unanimously.

A revised fee schedule for “cost recovery for administration of planning, building, land use, zoning, and related applications” was discussed. A resolution approving the fees will be on a future Council agenda. The schedule of fees was last updated in 2010. The proposed fee schedule, with a May 1 effective date, increases over 50 permits. Some, such as those related to the County Fire Marshall, are new. Others are more than doubled. Rezoning will be $1,455. Sign permits more than double, to $95.

Consultant, engineering and hearing examiner fees will vary by case.

John Leaver brought up the condition of the Swinomish Tribal property on First Street during Council reports. Thomas responded that Tribal staff was working on getting it cleaned up and secure. He told Council if by June the improvements “don’t materialize, we will need to have another conversation” with the Tribe.