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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-17 City Council Minutes Approved Anacortes City Council Minutes - August 17, 2026 1 Anacortes City Council Minutes - August 17, 2026 Call to Order Mayor Ryan Walters called to order the August 17, 2026, Anacortes City Council meeting at 6:05pm. Councilmembers Marcia Hunt, Luke Currier, Anthony Young, Carolyn Moulton, Bruce McDougall and TJ Fantini were present. Councilmember Christine Cleland-McGrath participated in the meeting remotely via Zoom. Pledge of Allegiance The assembly joined in the Pledge of Allegiance. Announcements and Committee Reports Mayor Walters made announcements regarding the 12th Street and Commercial Avenue project, a planned Fiber internet maintenance outage on August 24th from 12-4am, Elliott the Magician performing on August 18th at 6:30pm at Causland Park, Open Streets on August 30th from 11am-3pm, Residential Clean Up Day on September 19th from 9am-12pm, and the new rules regarding e-bikes and e-motorcycles, referring to a slide presentation that was added to the packet materials for the meeting. Economic Development Committee Mr. Young reported from the Economic Development Committee meeting held August 11th. The topics discussed included a presentation by Skagit Tourism Bureau Chief Executive Officer Kristen Keltz that covered tourism numbers, especially the ANACORTES letters installed near the Washington State Ferry terminal that generated 400 web views and 1,000 reactions, the impending visit of travel writers to the area, the possible filming of a movie by Tyler Perry Studios in the city, and that the Arts Festival generated a record $1.7 million in sales over three days with approximately 76,000 visitors. The committee also discussed ideas for generating revenue, including the boating and marine industry, cultural and music events, the pending request for proposals by the port for a hotel that will close on August 27th, and the Trolls in Washington. Mr. Young also announced that 2027 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee funding applications are open through September 11th. Finance Committee Ms. Hunt reported from the Finance Committee meeting held August 13th. The topics discussed included the July sales and lodging tax receipts being unavailable for review due to the data being provided by the state on the 20th of the following month, upcoming municipal code changes covering the tracking and reporting of donations that would come before the council over the next few months, public safety funding options created by the state legislature in 2025 via House Bill 2015 including $100 million in grant funding for hiring and / or training police officers and a .1% sales tax to fund ongoing public safety expenses. Ms. Hunt added that the Police department is applying for this very competitive program that could provide a source of revenue for the 2027 budget, though the funding, if awarded, will not be available during the 2027 budget planning process, and that staff are researching other options for generating revenue. Public Works Committee Mr. Fantini reported from the Public Works Committee meeting held earlier in the evening. The topics discussed included the Campbell Lake Road roundabout project and deconflicting the traffic effects of that project with the 12th Street and Commercial Avenue intersection project in coordination with the Washington State Department of Transportation, the Pass Lake 10-inch waterline replacement project that is scheduled to commence in October 2027, the 12th Street and Commercial Avenue project that is waiting for the essential controller cabinet to make the new signals work, and a positive staff experience with the new Capital Facilities Plan PlanIt software application. Mr. Fantini added that the committee also discussed upcoming utility-funded projects including re-energizing the Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Program, bringing back the "Commercial Beautification Bench Tree on Street Program" with a focus on North Commercial Avenue to better align the Anacortes City Council Minutes - August 17, 2026 2 city's street design, possibly decommissioning an outfall at Baltimore Avenue and Oakes Avenue, and an annual program for stormwater fixes throughout the city. Public Comment Mayor Walters invited the public to comment on any item not on the agenda. No one present wished to address the Council on any topic not already on the agenda. Consent Agenda Mr. McDougall moved, seconded by Mr. Young, to approve the following Consent Agenda items. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. a. Minutes of August 10, 2026 b. Approval of claims in the amount of $692,793.67 The following vouchers/checks were approved for payment: EFT numbers: 342 through 378, total $434,065.65 Check numbers: 116134 through 116154, total $232,638.41 Wire transfer numbers: 328 through 334, total $26,089.61 c. Contract Award: Water Treatment Plant Ballast Assisted Sedimentation Area Train Deck Coating #C2026- 0226 d. Contract Award: Fire Detection, Suppression, and Inspection Services #26-205-FAC-001. e. Interlocal Amendment 3 to the School Resource Officer Program #IL265 Other Business Civic Academy Mayor's Office Intern Keira Hines presented the Civic Academy program, referring to a slide presentation that was included in the packet materials for the meeting. Discussion topics included: • Similar concept to Leadership Skagit course. • Budgetary requirements for the program would be minimal. • Comparing the schedules and subjects to other cities’ academy programs. • The City of Kent has a good model. • Possible City Council involvement as attendees. • Open to all Anacortes residents ages 16 and over. • Including those who serve or would like to serve on a board or commission. • Integrating other local and state entities into the curriculum. • Educating the public on city capabilities, functions, and constraints. Contract Award: WTP Maintenance Storage Building Project - Design #C2026-0228 Public Works Director Logan Lee introduced proposed contract #C2026-0228 in the amount of $309,824.00 with HDR Engineering, Inc. to develop the design of the site work components and a pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) foundation for the Anacortes Water Treatment Plant (WTP)’s Maintenance Storage Building Project, referring to a slide presentation that was added to the packet materials for the meeting. Water Treatment Plant Manager Terry Nemeth was present to answer the council's questions. Discussion topics included: • HSPS = High Service Pump Station Anacortes City Council Minutes - August 17, 2026 3 • The anticipated construction start date would be August 2027. TJ Fantini moved, seconded by Carolyn Moulton, to authorize the mayor to sign contract to sign contract C2026-0228 with HDR Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $309,824.00 to perform the design of the WTP Maintenance Storage Building Project. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Adjournment There being no further business, at approximately 6:47 pm, the Anacortes City Council meeting of August 17, 2026, was adjourned.