HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-23 City Council Minutes Approved City Council Minutes—January 23,2017
Mayor Laurie Gere called to order the regular Anacortes City Council meeting of January 23,2017 at
6:00 p.m. Councilmembers Eric Johnson,Ryan Walters,Erica Pickett,Brad Adams, Liz Lovelett,John
Archibald and Matt Miller were present. The assembly joined in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Adams moved, seconded by Mr.Miller to amend the agenda to add Item 7b, an Executive Session
regarding potential litigation per RCW 42.3 0.110 (i). The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
Announcements and Committee Reports
Recognition of Doug Liddle & Chuck Arneson for 40 Years of Service: Mayor Gere recognized Police
Officer Doug Liddle for 40 years of service to the city on the police force and presented a certificate to
Officer Liddle.Mayor Gere recognized Chuck Arneson for 40 years of service to the city in the Parks&
Recreation Department. Parks&Recreation Director Gary Robinson accepted a certificate on behalf of
Mr. Arneson.
Oath of Office for Police Promotions: Corporal Delmas Farrell, Sergeant Jackie Richter and Captain
Christian Fuller: Police Chief Bonnie Bowers explained the promotions and thanked the entire force for
its outstanding service to the community every day. She invited Officers Farrell,Richter and Fuller to
approach the dais with their families. Mayor Gere administered the oath of office to each officer. Family
members pinned badges representing their new ranks on each officer.
Mayor's Award of Merit to Judy Beyer: Mayor Gere read a statement honoring Police Records Staff Judy
Beyer with the Mayor's Award of Merit. The mayor presented Ms. Beyer with a gift certificate and
advised that her name had been added to the plaque of Award of Merit winners displayed in City Hall.
Chief Bowers introduced Lt. Chris Cammock from the Mount Vernon Police Department. Lieutenant
Cammock reported that on January 12,2017 the City of Burlington recognized Smart Team members
who served following the September 23,2016 Cascade Mall shooting.Noting that Anacortes
representatives on the team had not been present at that meeting,Lieutenant Cammock presented
Anacortes Officers Chris Fuller and Terrence Clifford with certificates of thanks. He extolled their
outstanding service to the entire county.
Western Washington University Proposal to Add Marine, Coastal, and Watershed Sciences Degree
Program at Shannon Point Marine Center in Anacortes: Mayor Gere distributed letters she had drafted to
State Representatives Kris Lytton and Jeff Morris in support of creating a new Marine, Coastal and
Watershed Sciences Degree Program at WWU, specifically at the Shannon Point Marine Center in
Anacortes. The mayor expressed enthusiasm about bringing college students to Anacortes to earn four-
year degrees. Councilmembers generally endorsed sending the letters. Ms. Lovelett asked if students
would have housing provided on campus or if they would be looking for affordable housing in the city.
Mayor Gere said building dorms was not yet planned.
Housing Authority Board Appointment: Mayor Gere appointed Bill French to the Anacortes Housing
Authority Board for a term beginning immediately and lasting for five years.
Mayor Gere recognized Councilmember Eric Johnson for his five years of service on the City Council
and his many other contributions to the community.
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Planning Committee: Mr. Archibald reported from the committee meeting earlier in the evening where
the group discussed updates to the Critical Areas code, stormwater reviews for single family
developments, and zoning and development design standards updates underway following adoption of the
2016 Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Walters noted the anniversary of the Treaty of Point Elliott which set out the land allocations for the
Swinomish Reservation among others on January 22, 1855. Mr. Walters quoted from the text of the treaty
which reserved the southeastern peninsula of Fidalgo Island for the Swinomish Reservation. Mr. Walters
stated that designation was the same area as the current Swinomish Reservation and did not include
March's Point or Summit Park.
Public Comment
Richard Sadler,2220 25th Street, spoke regarding speed limits in school zones in Anacortes. He said the
flashing beacons had been malfunctioning for some time and had failed entirely in fall of 2016. Mr.
Sadler expressed concern that without the flashing lights,the speed limit signs limiting the legal speed
"when lights flash"did not establish the 20 mph speed limit in the zone. He urged signage establishing
the school speed limit during specific hours. Public Works Director Fred Buckenmeyer said his
department had been working on the problem with the manufacturer of the flashing lights and that they
should be up and running again soon. Mr. Sadler observed that the sign near the Senior Center had been
flashing far too fast two years ago. Mayor Gere assured Mr. Sadler that the Public Works Department
would address the problem as soon as possible. Mr. Walters asked that Council be emailed when the
problem had been addressed.
Consent Agenda
Mr. Johnson moved, seconded by Ms. Lovelett,to approve the following Consent Agenda items. The
motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
a. Minutes of January 17, 2017
b. Approval of Claims in the amount of. $659,038.44
The following vouchers/checks were approved for payment:
Check numbers: 83521 through 83566,total$345,827.78
EFT numbers: 83486 through 83520,total$286,049.51
Wire transfer numbers: 211748 through 212341,total $119,746.01
OTHER BUSINESS
Guemes Island Ferry Annual Shut Down Presentation/Discussion by County Officials
Mr. Buckenmeyer introduced Captain Rachel Rowe, Skagit County Ferry Operations Division Manager,
to discuss parking and logistics for the upcoming annual Guemes Ferry haul out. Ms. Rowe presented the
parking plan for the haul out scheduled for February 28 through March 28, 2017. She discussed various
means of publicizing the plan to ferry users,Anacortes residents in the neighborhood of the terminal,and
city staff including law enforcement. Forest Jones, Skagit County Transportation Division, displayed an
aerial photo displaying designated parking for the ferry haul out,temporary signage and travel lane
revisions. Mr. Jones and Ms. Rowe responded to councilmember questions regarding specific elements of
the plan,means of publicizing it including through links on the City of Anacortes website, SKAT service
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enhancements during the haul out, and enforcement of parking regulations. Mr. Miller invited Anacortes
law enforcement to bring to City Council any ordinances that might be required to establish temporary
parking revisions.
Steve Orsini,4971 Guemes Island Road,observed that local residents were very aware of conditions
surrounding the annual ferry haul out. He encouraged publicity to educate the public. Mr. Orsini
displayed a photo demonstrating the angle parking that naturally occurs on the Guemes Island side during
the haul out. He supported angle parking on both sides of the channel. Mr. Orsini also noted the
challenges of communicating with weekend residents and visitors to Guemes Island as opposed to year
round residents.
Mr. Walters encouraged public comment on the haul out plan. Mayor Gere said any public comment
directed to City of Anacortes staff would be shared with County officials. Ms. Lovelett urged County
staff to better accommodate the needs of handicapped passengers on the passenger-only ferry. She also
supported the all-electric option for replacing the current ferry.
Executive Session per RCW 42.30.110(i)
Mayor Gere announced that City Council and the City Attorney would convene in Executive Session to
discuss potential litigation and that following the executive session the meeting would adjourn with no
action being taken.
There being no further business,at approximately 7:30 p.m. the Anacortes City Council meeting of
January 23,2017 was adjourned.
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