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City Council Minutes—May 29, 2012
At 7:00 p.m. Mayor Dean Maxwell called the regularly scheduled Anacortes City Council study session of
May 29, 2012 to order. City Councilmembers Eric Johnson, Ryan Walters, Erica Pickett, Brad Adams, Bill
Turner, Cynthia Richardson and Brian Geer were present.
Heart Lake Milfoil Plan
Parks and Forestlands Manager Jonn Lunsford presented the Integrated Aquatic Vegetation
Management Plan for Heart Lake that was developed using a$15,000 Department of Ecology grant
during 2010 and 2011. Mr. Lunsford explained the problems caused by the hybrid of native and Eurasian
milfoil that has been found in the lake, the public process used to develop the IAVMP to manage the
milfoil, and the recommendations endorsed by the committee that developed the plan and the Forest
Advisory Board. Mr. Lunsford then addressed questions from councilmembers about the prognosis using
various methods of control. Council and the mayor agreed that Mr. Lunsford would revise the plan to
address some questions from councilmembers and bring it back to a regular City Council meeting in
June.
Depot Update
Parks and Recreation Director Gary Robinson presented an update to council on the use of and plans for
the Depot Arts and Community Center since the city took over management of the facility in January. Mr.
Robinson said the Depot will continue to be available for both community and private events and will
continue to provide space for the arts in Anacortes. He added that historic preservation efforts will
continue on the site and that the management strategy will endeavor to make the Depot support its
expenses. Mr. Robinson described the ongoing working groups addressing events, facilities and public
relations/coordination and announced plans for completing the plaza construction with grant funds
remaining after the completion of Phase II.
Finance Update
Finance Director Steve Hoglund provided an update on the City finances year to date through April
including revenue streams and expenditures in the General Fund. He advised that both are tracking right
about as budgeted. Mr. Hoglund provided a breakdown of monthly sales tax revenue compared to the
prior year and stated that the 2012 budget predicted the declines that are in fact being experienced. He
said declines in Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) funding and impact fees have been more significant than
what was anticipated but won't affect the budget until 2013. Mr. Hoglund concluded with a summary of
the revenues and expenditures in the other funds and provided explanations for apparent imbalances.
Mayor Maxwell commended Mr. Hoglund for his forecasting in a difficult economy.
Public Works Update
Public Works Director Fred Buckenmeyer reported on the progress of construction projects at South
Fidalgo Bay Road/Old Brook Lane, the Wastewater Treatment Plant, Fidalgo Bay Road at the Samish RV
Park, and the Water Treatment Plant. He also provided some statistics on Anacortes and Skagit PUD
water rights compared to the total river flow and National Geographic figures on the total water required to
produce various commodities. Mr. Buckenmeyer then described the Skagit River Flow Management
Committee and explained instream flow rules. In conclusion, Mr. Buckenmeyer discussed a basin
mitigation plan that city staff have been working on in conjunction with the Swinomish tribe and Skagit
PUD that, if incorporated into the County Health and Building codes, would allow Skagit County to permit
development in closed basins.
There being no further business, at approximately 8:37 p.m. the regularly scheduled Anacortes City
Council study session of May 29, 2012 adjourned.
Anacortes City Council Study Session Minutes May 29, 2012 1