Council gets positive reviews on First Street one-way traffic flow

The new one-way southbound traffic pattern on La Conner's First Street remained a major talking point two weeks after its implementation.

Center Street resident Mollie Rights thanked town council members during their 90-minute meeting Oct. 22 for scuttling two-way traffic.

"I want to thank you for making First Street one-way," Rights told council during public comments. "It's such a pleasure to drive down there now."

Administrator Scott Thomas confirmed that there haven't been "any significant incidents."

Much credit has gone to fire chief/code enforcement officer Aaron Reinstra and public works staff, who were on duty the last couple weekends making sure motorists drove the right way.

Council members praised staff for installing new signage and re-positioning the post office mail drop box ahead of an Oct. 9 deadline.

"Just look at the amount of work that went into all that," stressed Councilmember Rick Dole.

Public Works Director Brian Lease and staff quickly switched gears to saltwater flood mitigation. Last week they moved Ecology Blocks and pre-filled sandbags into place along the waterfront and in low-lying areas to help prevent flooding during king tide season.

King tides are predicted to be lower this fall and winter, but other flood factors – heavy rain, rapid snow and ice melt-off, low atmospheric pressure and strong winds – are not easy to forecast.

Mayor Marna Hanneman addressed the need to fill two vacancies on the Emergency Management Commission, which was launched in 2023 after the Swinomish Channel flooded.

"This is really important," she said.

Hanneman reported on the consultant's planning project for the area south of Maple Hall.

"There have been meetings with the sub-area stakeholders," said Hanneman, "(and) they're working with the (property) owners to reach some kind of consensus."

Hanneman also announced Nov. 2 (10 a.m.) is the next bi-monthly "Meet with the Mayor" at La Conner Swinomish Library.

Neighborhood mapping, which collects data from participants to assist local first responders in emergency and disaster situations, was suggested as a topic.

"We've concentrated most of the year on the community emergency management plan," said Jerry George, a commission member. "We'll now shift to individual preparation."

Hanneman shared that the La Conner Yacht Club – which moors at the channel's public docks – had donated another $500 for the Jordan Street-end park on the north waterfront. Finance Director Maria DeGoede said the club's total Jordan Street-end donations $2,500.

The meeting closed – at least symbolically – with a bang, suggesting exploring with Swinomish Indian Tribal Community leaders an official role in the town's July 4 fireworks show. Tribal fireworks vendors light off their remaining sales stock during and after the professional display.

"The Swinomish fireworks last year were amazing," Hanneman said. "It was spectacular."

Council tabled action on an agreement with Western Fireworks for the 2025 Independence Day show until after an inquiry about a more formal Swinomish participation.

Council approved acceptance of the fire hall roof project; heating, air conditioning and ventilation system upgrades at Maple Hall, pedestrian improvement projects along Maple Avenue, county-wide planning policy updates and infrastructure conveyance for the Snapdragon Flats project contingent upon final payment of any outstanding fees.

Council will get updates to the 2025 budget at its Nov. 12 meeting, DeGoede said.

The elevator system for the 306 Center Street condominium project is still not resolved. Planning Director Michael Davolio has proposed a meeting with Skagit County staff, which approves permits, and the project developer.