Brunisholz resigns from council

Town of La Conner Councilmember Jacques Brunisholz’s resignation from town council was read at the start of the Aug. 24 meeting by Town Administrator Scott Thomas. The four term official had emailed his decision to Mayor Ramon Hayes the week before. Neither Brunisholz nor Hayes were present.

Brunisholz later declined to comment, stating “My letter of resignation says it all.” Brunisholz expressed a desire to travel with his wife in his letter, his “regret (at) having to take this abrupt decision” and that he believed “the present town leadership will carry on seamlessly.”

Hayes told the Weekly News later he had an overwhelming sense of gratitude and respect for Brunisholz. Asked if the resignation was a surprise, Hayes replied “it’s not a surprise whatsoever.” Hayes noted Brunisholz’ long tenure on council. “To dedicate that kind of time to the town is to be applauded ... by every citizen, whether they agreed with his decisions or not.”

The Maple Hall meeting was the first hybrid meeting, streamed on Zoom. There were again significant audio problems, this time for off-site attendees. Resident Linda Talman commented from her home, frustrated, she said, that Thomas was the only person audible to the Zoom audience (read “fizzled,” below).

Speaking from home, resident Matt May requested that the ending time of the noise ordinance be suspended for New Year’s Eve until 12 a.m. for music and noise and until 1:15 a.m. for cleanup of Maple Hall. Organizing a large event may be difficult because of the pandemic, but he asked “to get the language in for the future. In New Year’s Eves to come, it would be nice for citizens and out-of-town visitors to enjoy music on New Year’s until midnight.” Council agreed to raise this issue at the next meeting.

Ivan Carlson was at Maple Hall. The candidate for council requested better signage for the crosswalks on Maple Avenue. Carlson said he purchased flags and buckets for roughly $100 to make the crosswalks safer and called for a “more permanent solution.” Councilmember Bill Stokes responded that speed feedback signs for Maple Avenue and North 3rd Street had already been delivered, but not the posts for mounting them.

The four councilmembers approved two agreements and an ordinance unanimously. They approved Landed Gentry Homes & Communities’ application for infrastructure improvements for its Maple Field subdivision, including connecting to the Town’s stormwater collection, water distribution, roadway and wastewater collection system.

The agreement “makes them responsible” for the infrastructure work Public Works Director Brian Lease said.

Council approved an administrative services agreement with Empower Retirement for the Town’s staff retirement deferred compenswation plan.

Thomas told council that there will be no new or increased costs to it.

They passed an ordinance allowing Washington state to take over the town’s local business licensing process, which the state had mandated.