Emergency Management panel gains new member

The shorthanded La Conner Emergency Management Commission, which this year has juggled flood mitigation, neighborhood mapping and the crafting of a community disaster preparedness plan, received a much needed shot in the arm last week.

Brianna Wilson, owner of Thrive Direct Health Care, was appointed by town council at its Nov. 12 Maple Hall meeting.

A commission vacancy remains, said Mayor Marna Hanneman, who nominated Wilson.

The Council unanimously approved Wilson, noting that her medical background will provide valuable insight.

"You're a welcome addition," Hanneman told Wilson, who had first expressed an interest in joining when she met panel members at the annual Braves Day event at the start of the school year.

"I want to be active in the community and the timing is right," said Wilson, who is nearing completion of the expansion of her clinic into the former La Conner Drug Store location at Morris Street and Maple Avenue.

Commission chair Doug Asbe and immediate past chair Jerry George attended the meeting and cheered Wilson's appointment.

"Now," said Hanneman, "we just need to find one more person."

The appointment provided no fireworks. Earlier in the meeting, though, the fireworks show at La Conner's annual July 4 celebration was the central focus.

Council can choose to renew a contract for $15,000 with Western Fireworks to put on the show over Swinomish Channel.

That was placed on hold, however, to give town officials time to confer with The Port of Skagit – their Independence Day events partner – about contracting with Western for a less expensive show.

Hanneman also noted that Swinomish Tribal Senator Rodney John lit up the sky last year with $12,000 of his leftover fireworks stock.

"I reached out to him," Hanneman said, "and he said he's getting certified (as a pyrotechnician) and would like to do it (the local fireworks show) in 2026 when he gets certified."

It was pointed out there's no guarantee that John or any other pyrotechnician could put on a fireworks show for less than Western. Still, support emerged for a scaled down show given that tribal vendors light off fireworks throughout the July 4 holiday.

"We have a pre-show, a show and a post-show," Hanneman said.

"We can do a decent show," added Councilmember Mary Wohleb, "without spending $15,000."

While the Town foots the fireworks bill, the Port arranges live music and food and beverages at La Conner Marina beforehand.

Councilmember Ivan Carlson, a La Conner firefighter, said at the risk of riling up the Port (he used somewhat stronger language) the Town might consider moving on from a fireworks display.

Town Administrator Scott Thomas cited several area communities that have switched to drone shows.

"We should do it this year," Carlson said, "and then look at moving away from it next year. There'll already be four hours of fireworks."

"We'll get with the Port," Hanneman said, "and let them know what we're talking about."

A public hearing on the 2025 preliminary budget was held during the meeting. No one from the public commented on the draft, which has undergone tweaking since October. Safety fencing is now being proposed for the Maple Avenue Park and a monthly stipend increase from $150 to $200 for council members is also under consideration.

Carlson questioned the timing of a stipend hike given other budget priorities.

"It's only $50 a month," said Carlson, "but that works out to $3,000 a year. None of us really needs the money."

Carlson was told the stipend is mostly symbolic.

"In a year where the budget is so tight," Carlson said, "wouldn't you think it would be symbolic not to have an increase?"

The Council later amended the 2024 budget to reflect revenues and expenditures related to grants received for the south end sub-area planning process and ongoing comprehensive plan updates. Its transportation element garnered preliminary council approval and is being forwarded to the state commerce department for a 60-day review.

Town officials said they continue to hear positive feedback on the new one-way southbound First Street traffic pattern.

"I'm getting nothing but compliments," Wohleb said. "People seem to be very pleased with the one-way."

"We have a little bug to work out with the mailbox," Hanneman conceded, "but (Town Public Works Director) Brian (Lease) even had cookies delivered by someone on Second Street."

"It's the right thing at the right time," said Wohleb.

Carlson agreed.

"I've taken the ambulance down First Street twice now," he said, "and it's worked out great."