Lowell Ausmus

The City of Sedro-Woolley's 2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update outlines strategic amendments to its existing Comprehensive Plan, Future Land Use Map, and Zoning Map. Aligned with the Growth Management Act and Skagit County Countywide Planning Policies, the plan focuses on accommodating growth through 2045. Key revisions include updates to housing, land use, and capital facilities elements, as well as the introduction of a new Climate Change and Resilience Element. Specific policy changes involve zoning for diverse housing types (accessory dwelling units, middle housing, affordable housing, permanent supportive, and transitional housing), enhanced critical areas regulations, and the re-designation of the Transitional Mixed Commercial Overlay to a Makers District.

The Hearing Examiner session was convened to consider a request for approval of a conditional use permit (CUP-2025-133) for a mixed-use development named The Grove. The proposal involves 61 townhouse units across eight buildings and a standalone 7,500 square foot commercial building on a 4.71-acre parcel zoned mixed commercial. Key discussion points included the proposal's phased development plan, parking adequacy based on vested prior regulations, and the context-sensitive design which places commercial use along Trail Road transitioning to townhomes. The hearing also addressed staff-recommended conditions, specifically regarding the extension of sanitary sewer access along the south side of the site and the potential requirement for rolled curb versus depressed curb in driveways.

The session addressed a request for approval of Conditional Use Permit CUP 2025010, submitted by Family Promise of Skagit Valley, to establish a 14-unit transitional housing facility on a portion of a church property. Key discussion points involved the use of RCW 36.70A.545 to permit increased residential density for affordable housing projects on religious organization property, given that the city has not yet codified density limits. Staff reviewed compliance with zoning standards and recommended conditions addressing site design, infrastructure, and landscaping, particularly concerning privacy concerns raised by the public. Utility infrastructure capacity, specifically sewer, was confirmed adequate, though new water infrastructure, including a fire hydrant, is required. The proposal is being treated as a multifamily development for recreational area requirements due to its shared open space layout.

The meeting commenced with the approval of consent agenda items one through four. Key discussions included the recognition of Nate Sheridan upon his retirement from the Police Department, noting his service since 2006 and his reliability. Staff reports covered the anticipated release of a lip-sync video, scheduling difficulties due to staff vacations and an injury to a senior officer, and updates on the development of a strategic plan for the department. A major operational focus is the upcoming active shooter drill at Cascade Middle School scheduled for the following Thursday. Other significant topics involved construction delays due to an Operating Engineers Local 302 strike, which halted projects involving asphalt paving, including a project for Nathan's crew. The Fire Chief reported high call volume in July and ongoing planning for the transition to ALS service starting January 1. The Fire Department is also seeking support for a resident firefighter injured in a motorcycle collision. Engineering reported the city was unsuccessful in securing funding for the Northern State Cemetery project, and future steps involve documenting veterans buried there and comparing headstone locations to state records. They also announced the upcoming presentation of a surveying contract for the State Street overlay project and reported on the bidding for the Bennett and West Nelson sewer project. Public comments focused heavily on traffic concerns on Railroad Avenue due to recent city modifications, such as the installation of roundabouts on Highway 9 and Jamison, leading to increased traffic diversion, speeding, and safety issues. Residents proposed installing two new three-way stops at Talcott and Railroad, and at the merges of Bennett/Jamison with Railroad, to enhance safety.

This document functions as a submittal template designed for City Council members to propose potential goals, strategies, and activities for the City of Sedro-Woolley. It emphasizes the importance of establishing impactful, long-term strategic direction for the community and organization, specifically aligning with the 2027-2028 budget cycle. The template structures goal formulation from a high-level overview down to specific activities and incorporates the SMART goals framework for objective setting.