Council adjusts budget, appoints Bucy to parks commission

The March 8 La Conner Town Council meeting covered a lot of ground.

Member MaryLee Chamberlain reported the newly formed communications committee is making progress.

“We’re currently planning a public workshop or forum to increase the general understanding about what’s happening with growth in town. We want to provide information in context about what growth is looking like in town and get feedback from a panel of experts.”

Member Mary Wohleb said the town parks commission is starting to look at designs reflecting results of a citizens’ survey addressing the layout of the public park to be developed on the north end of the former Hedlin’s Maple Avenue ballfield.

Town Planner Michael Davolio reported he had received new material related to the proposed housing development behind Pioneer Market.

“I’m going to look at each lot individually,” Davolio said, “That will provide enough time for (planning) commissioners to do a thorough review of each lot.”

La Conner Hook & Ladder Capt. Adam Avery’s list of items merit a separate meeting, including the disabled fire boat, Mayor Ramon Hayes said.

“It has been out of service for two years,” said Avery, “and it provides a service to the town and Port (of Skagit).”

Fire District 13 officials, at their meeting three days later, stressed the value of having a local fire boat in service for responses at marina basins. Avery asked about the status of the fire department’s reader board that was taken down at Sixth and Morris streets for construction of the new library.

“Will we get the sign back up,” Avery asked, “or do we need a new sign? We have to communicate with the public.”

Member Rick Dole, praised the work of a sheriff’s deputy who helped him and a neighbor foil an attempted car prowl.

“We became Batman and Robin,” he quipped.

Dole said that within three minutes of their call, the deputy was on scene.

Hayes noted that resident Tim Kress had also told him that a sheriff’s deputy had caught a suspect trying to steal a vehicle in town.

The council approved a budget adjustment to meet new expenditures, the most significant card-reading boat launch and dock pay boxes to replace cash boxes that have been vandalized. The new pay boxes will be paid for with funds from the Town’s sale of the Kirsch property on the North First Street waterfront.

The council approved Michael Bucy’s appointment to the parks commission.

The council agreed to provide masks for those wishing to wear them at future in-person meetings. Public health officials continue to encourage people to wear masks in public settings. “I like that option,” Chamberlain said. “Social distancing is still recommended. I feel good about going with the state’s direction. I’m in a school building where some do wear masks and some don’t. We’ll get used to that.” Councilmember Annie Taylor concurred: “People get comfortable with choices.”

The March 22 meeting will be in-person and have a video attending option.