Town Hall open again

The COVID-19 pandemic has made masks part of the dress code at Town Hall.

But what can’t be masked is the eagerness Town staff has for a return to business as usual, or something as near that as possible amid the ongoing virus crisis.

“We’re glad to be back,” Town Hall Office Assistant Danielle Freiberger told the Weekly News last week.

Freiberger’s mask didn’t muffle a sense of relief in her voice.

Town Hall had closed earlier in March as La Conner enacted emergency measures to help curb spread of the coronavirus. As a result, Town staff worked staggered shifts, often in isolation, to maintain mandated social distancing.

That changed June 1.

Town Hall re-opened that morning with its regular 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. schedule and all five employees at their desks while taking COVID-related precautions, most notably the requirement masks be worn inside.

The old bank building once again has a teller-like window, but instead of bars parties stare through plexiglass. Director of Public Works Brian Lease constructed the breath-proof barrier placed at the counter just inside the front door.

In addition, just one member of the public is now allowed in Town Hall at a given time. Folding chairs have been placed outside the entrance should two or more people have business simultaneously there.

“We’ve borrowed a bit from state and other sources,” Town Administrator Scott Thomas said of protocols in place allowing Town Hall to re-open. “Part of that is the masks. They’re recommended elsewhere, but we’ve mandated them.”

Much, though, has remained the same. For instance, people can again purchase punch cards at Town Hall for delivery of yard waste at the treatment plant.

“The public shouldn’t hesitate to come up to Town Hall,” said Thomas. “But people should call first to possibly save a trip. Everybody here in La Conner is close enough that they can walk here, but for those who have to drive, or if it’s raining, it’s best to call because there are things that can be handled over the phone.”

Town staff had become well-versed at conducting business either over the phone or at their computers during the building closure.

“Everybody adapted to the situation,” Thomas said. “It went pretty well for the most part, but there were some communications issues like having to wait on responses to emails.”

Town Planner Marianne Manville-Ailes, upon return from a Thursday morning meeting on Snapdragon Hill, site of a proposed residential development, joined the staff chorus relieved that Town Hall has re-opened.

“It’s nice,” she said, “to have ready access to all our resources, including human resources.”

Thomas stressed that La Conner residents and business owners can now access Town Hall as well. He estimates that foot traffic in and out of Town Hall is thus far down 20 to 30 per cent over previous levels.

“Of course,” he said, “not everyone knows we’re open yet.