City of Anacortes

The council meeting included the swearing-in of the fire chief, a lieutenant, and three new firefighters. Announcements were made regarding a new customer communication system for the fiber network, vacancies on the Arts Commission, Housing Authority Board, and Library Board of Trustees, and the upcoming National Night Out event. Reports were provided on public works projects, including NPDES permits for the wastewater treatment plant, incinerator air emissions permits, and cathodic protection systems for water transmission lines. Public comment sessions addressed city financial due diligence in hiring, the use of consultants for municipal projects, and a request for speakers to define acronyms.

The meeting agenda was amended to include an executive session regarding a public employment applicant and a fire chief confirmation. The council recognized Fourth of July parade winners and provided updates on vacancies within various city commissions and boards. Committee reports included updates from the Port City Liaison Committee regarding depot plaza developments, a hotel request for proposals, and future event planning. Significant time was dedicated to public comment regarding the potential confirmation of a new fire chief, with differing viewpoints expressed on the candidate's professional history. Additionally, a request was made for increased attention to wildlands fire protection within the city's forest lands.

The meeting focused on reviewing proposed amendments to the Anacortes Municipal Code Title 19, specifically concerning permit streamlining. Staff presented a package of code amendments intended to implement a mayoral executive order. The discussion covered the purpose of development permit reviews, the proposed introduction of site plan review procedures in advance of building permits, and the creation of new chapters for site construction and building permit reviews to establish a more efficient, predictable, and transparent regulatory framework.

The Council meeting involved discussions on several key items, including a COVID-19 update regarding case statistics and vaccination progress. Legislative matters were addressed with the adoption of Ordinance 3081 concerning the 2018 International Building Code update and the passage of Resolution 3014 regarding the city's 2021 legislative priorities. Additionally, the Council approved a contract award for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Outfall project and a master services agreement with Anchor QEA for cleanup and demolition planning at the water treatment plant and A Avenue Landfill sites.

The council meeting addressed various administrative and financial matters, including a COVID-19 update and reports from the Finance, Personnel, and Public Safety committees. The agenda included the approval of claims totaling $756,724.87 and the consideration of Ordinance 3084, which establishes a $4.5 million line of credit with SaviBank to support the City Access Fiber network. Additionally, the council reviewed a resolution to waive competitive bidding requirements for leak detection equipment, discussed the Anacortes Family Center Agreement, reviewed appointments for the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, and received an update on the Access Anacortes Fiber Internet project.