Council approves releasing easement over park land

The La Conner Town Council approved an agreement with Landed Gentry for the partial extinguishment of the easement the developer owns across the town’s Maple Avenue park property at its in-person meeting July 27, attended by some 30 masked residents. Gentry, acting as Maple Field, LLC, extinguished only the ingress and egress provisions, its right to pave across the northeast corner of the new town park.

The 5-0 vote was preceded by comments from Town Administrator Scott Thomas, who called it “more of a clean-up agreement.” Town Planner Michael Davolio told council that he had reviewed the purchase and sales agreement and all was proper in his professional opinion.

Councilmembers Mary Wohleb and MaryLee Chamberlain pressed for finality, Wohleb getting affirmation that “this vacation will trump any other” and Chamberlain asking for confirmation that, “when this is done, the 24,000 square feet will be unobstructed into perpetuity.” Thomas responded to them both: “Correct.”

After the vote Mayor Ramon Hayes said “I am glad for this decision. The good news is that the Town is committed to a 24,000 square foot park.”

In her public comment at the start of the evening, resident Jules Riske asked council and staff to “carefully consider the easement release. There are no assurances that the release will not have future issues.” Her July 23 letter to the Town with 35 signatures raising concerns was not discussed.

Wohleb, a member of the town’s park commission, presented a draft survey that will determine “what this park will look like” in introducing a draft of a survey residents will receive in their water bills, perhaps in August. A website for getting responses is also planned. Its completion may be in September.

Council also approved renewing its 10 year lease for the public works facility on North Third Street with The Port of Skagit. Before the 5-0 vote approving it, Councilmember Bill Stokes noted the early termination clause and that the department is looking for a permanent location.

Council approved a contract for business licensing services with the state’s Department of Revenue, required by state legislation. The issuing and renewing of the town’s business licenses will be managed by DOR. It will collect and distribute licensing fees and business information for the town.

In response to state legislation requiring September approval by municipalities to expand provisions allowing supportive housing to address homelessness, council approved an ordinance for interim measures for 180 days based on recommendations from the planning commission, Council amended the town’s municipal code to define emergency housing, emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing.

Passage allows time for permanent legislation to be developed.

During the end of the meeting public comment period, resident Catie Ritchie suggested the town create a community engagement specialist to help residents gain information and “bring people along with you by starting early” in a project’s development. The San Francisco park service employed such staff, she said, and perhaps volunteers could take on that role in La Conner.

Resident Rich De Shon spoke last, reflecting on the citizen participation at the July council meetings, saying “This is our government” and calling for more transparency and for people to stand up, say what they believe and take the consequences for their actions. “Today you are seeing it; democracy in action,” were his final words.