Marcia Hunt

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.

The council meeting addressed critical operational responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically focusing on the ratification of an Emergency Proclamation, temporary procedural changes, and the closure of various public facilities. Key agenda items included a public hearing on a master permit for telecommunications and fiber internet installation, the discussion of the plastic bag ban implementation, and the potential transfer of ownership of the Thomas G. Thompson, Jr. train. Additionally, the council reviewed and processed financial claims and engaged in committee reports.