Council funds water line replacement

The La Conner-Whitney Road water main replacement project will be funded by a $1.5 million, 20 year revenue bond the Town Council decided at its July 10 meeting. The bond is structured as a loan, with payments coming from “water revenues” the Town receives from its water, sewer and drainage funds.

Mayor Ramon Hayes told Council, “The intent is that water rates will pay for this bond.”

The project is slated to start in September and finish in December. The bid notice is in today’s Weekly News. Bids must be received by July 30. They will be opened August second. Council will choose the construction contractor at one of is August meetings.

The Town’s engineer estimates the project will run around $1.05 million.

The funding covers replacing approximately 7,950 feet of water main between Downey Road and Young Road.

Council was able to decide on the bond without a public referendum because of the kind of debt and project. The vote was unanimous.

The bond pays against a construction loan from Kitsap Bank.

Council also voted to eliminate an annual fee for registering golf carts. Administrator Scott Thomas explained that almost no carts are registered. Councilmember Bill Stokes motioined to amend the existing code to eliminate fees. Councilmember Mary Wohleb seconded. A three to two vote passed the ordinance. Councilmember John Leaver also voted yes. Councilmembers Jacque Brunisholz and Marylee Chamberlain voted against.

Council was unanimous in its approval of $5,000 already budgeted for the La Conner Braves after school program. They were in like agreement for approving a Skagit County Street Waste Use Agreement the County requires of all municipal jurisdictions for dumping waste from street sweepings. Possible hazardous waste in the street sweepings is the issue for the County.

During the mayor’s roundtable, Stokes said that the Town docks are being illegally used by commercial fishing/crabbing boats. He said that floats are being destroyed by the loading and unloading of crab pots. They are blocking recreational use at the launch, he said, while no fees are being paid to launch their boats.

Stokes suggested the code enforcement officer bring sheriff’s office staff with her when meeting the fishermen.

Hayes, Stokes and Thomas will meet with Public Works Director Brian Lease and Sgt. Tobin Meyers to discuss developing a solution with the Tribe.

The mayor reported on July 4th’s success. The raffle and beer sales at the concert brought in $2,500 for music instruments and lessons for La Conner school children who otherwise could not pay for them. He recognized Thomas, Lease and events coordinator Linda Lipke for their efforts.