HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-17 City Council Minutes Approved Anacortes City Council Minutes - March 17, 2025
Call to Order
Mayor Matt Miller called to order the Anacortes City Council meeting of March 17,2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Councilmembers TJ Fantini,Ryan Walters,Anthony Young,Christine Cleland-McGrath,Carolyn Moulton, and
Bruce McDougall were present. Councilmember Amanda Hubik participated in the meeting remotely via Zoom.
Pledge of Allegiance
The assembly joined in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Announcements and Committee Reports
Mayor Miller announced that the Guemes Island car ferry is on a haulout through April 29th and passenger-only
service is available on the non-peak schedule with Skagit Transit providing on-call service on the Guemes side
and a reminder that the Comprehensive Plan Update Community Open House will be held at 6:00 pm on March
20th in the City Council Chambers focusing on the climate element.
Swearing in of Firefighter-Paramedic Anthony Anglikowski
Fire Chief Bill Harris introduced Firefighter-Paramedic Anthony Anglikowski.Mayor Miller administered the
oath of office to Mr.Anglikowski,who was supported by his family and Fire Department colleagues.
Finance Committee
Mr. McDougall reported from the Finance Committee meeting held March 13th. The topics discussed were
revenue sources that had declined over the last two years,including wholesale water consumption, sales tax,
and building permits and revenues. The lone revenue source that increased over that same period was lodging
and hospitality tax. The committee also reviewed the city's accounts and the types of funding that are
categorized for each and expressed a desire for a study session on revenue sources prior to the City Council
retreat.
Public Works Committee
Ms. Moulton reported from the Public Works Committee meeting held earlier in the evening. The topics
discussed included the pending resolution to temporarily close the heavy haul route on R Avenue between 9th
Street and 4th Street to parking,the status of the wastewater treatment plant outfall project with the tunneling
phase beginning on April 5th and an estimated completion date of July 7'1i. She reported that the total project
cost was funded at 95%by Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA)funds. Ms. Moulton concluded
by mentioning the request for qualifications for the design of the planned park at the end of U Avenue.
Mr. Fantini asked about the periodicity of reimbursements for FEMA funds, and if there were any missed
payments. Ms. Moulton responded that the city requests reimbursement on a quarterly basis,with the last
reimbursement request submitted three months ago, and that thus far there has been no interruption of FEMA
funds.
Public Comment
Mayor Miller invited the public to comment on any item not on the agenda.
Joe Kunzler commented on the recently released study on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. He mentioned that
there would be a community meeting regarding the study on April 1 st from 4-6pm at the Oak Harbor Elks
Lodge.
Consent Agenda
Ms. Moulton moved, seconded by Mr. Young,to approve the following Consent Agenda items. The motion
carried unanimously by voice vote.
a. Minutes of March 10,2025
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b.Approval of claims in the amount of$815,440.17
The following vouchers/checks were approved for payment:
EFT numbers: 111952 through 112001,total$714,230.45
Check numbers: 112013 through 112023 total $83,016.20
Wire transfer numbers: 365539 through 365561,total $18,193.52
c. Contract Award: Pedestrian Roadway Crossing Improvement Project—Design#25-087-TRN-001
Other Business
Fire Department Update
Fire Chief Bill Harris presented the Fire Department 2024 report,referring to a slide presentation that was
included in the packet materials for the meeting.
Discussion topics included:
• 'Good intent call'definition
o It does not require an emergency response,but someone thought it did.
• Description of natural vegetation fires-garbage fires included.
• Elevator rescues- causes and methods of handling incidents.
• Calls to the casino
o There is sufficient funding for those calls.
o Reasons for the calls.
• Comprehensive Planning process
o What incremental steps are needed for staffing and facilities?
o What are coming expenditures?
• What is the insurance industry standard for inspections?
o High-service businesses and high-risk businesses.
• Wildland Urban Interface
o How to mitigate fire danger while preserving the forest lands.
• Meeting future projected call volume.
• Resourcing the fire department for future requirements.
o Incremental approach to planning and resourcing.
o Updated annual future projections.
o Add personnel in groups of three.
o Triggers for increasing capacity and/or level of service.
• Innovation to face new challenges.
o Creative solutions.
o Trying to be perfect can be the enemy of being good.
• Impressive execution of hiring and training new positions in a very competitive environment.
• Trade-offs between a three-person crew versus a two-person crew with an additional unit.
Mayor Miller invited members of the audience to comment on this agenda item.No one present wished to
address the Council.
Resolution 3179: Temporarily Closing R Avenue Between 9th Street and 4th Street
Public Works Director Andrew Rheaume introduced Resolution 3179 that would temporarily close R Avenue to
parking between 9th Street and 4th Street between 1Opm on March 20th and 5am on March 21st,2025,to safely
allow the transit of large industrial equipment along the heavy haul route.
Discussion topics included:
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• Future fee for closing a street for third parties.
o A right-of-way permit does not sufficiently recover the staff costs of these actions.
Ryan Walters moved, seconded by Anthony Young,to approve Resolution 3179 as presented.
Vote: Ayes-Carolyn Moulton,Anthony Young,Ryan Walters, Christine Cleland-McGrath,Bruce McDougall,
Amanda Hubik,TJ Fantini.Nays-None. Abstentions-None. Result: Passed
Adi ournment
There being no further business, at approximately 7:19 pm the Anacortes City Council meeting of March 17,
2025,was adjourned.
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