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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-21 City Council Minutes Approved Anacortes City Council Minutes - February 21, 2023 Call to Order Mayor Matt Miller called to order the Anacortes City Council meeting of February 21,2023 at 6:08 p.m. Councilmembers Christine Cleland-McGrath, and Carolyn Moulton were present. Councilmembers Amanda Hubik,Bruce McDougall(joined the meeting at approximately 6:15 p.m.), and Jeremy Carter participated in the meeting remotely via Zoom. Councilmembers Ryan Walters and Anthony Young were absent. Ms.Moulton moved, seconded by Ms. Cleland-McGrath,to excuse the absence of Mr. Walters and Mr.Young. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Pledge of Allegiance The assembly joined in the Pledge of Allegiance. Announcements and Committee Reports Mayor Miller shared an update on the Tommy Thompson Trail trestle repair project,reporting that it will open in February once the final inspection is complete.He continued by reading a statement on Proposition 1, asking for individuals to serve on a committee either for or against the proposition,which is on the April 25,2023 special election ballot.He continued saying that names of individuals who would like to write statements for or against would be due to Skagit County elections by February 24,2023 and the statements themselves by March 3,2023 and a rebuttal by March 8,2023.He concluded by announcing that Skagit County Assessor,Danny Hagen,would be giving a presentation on property taxes at the City Council meeting on February 27,2023. Economic Development Committee Mayor Miller announced that the Economic Development Committee did not meet as scheduled. Public Works Committee Ms.Moulton reported from the Public Works Committee meeting held earlier in the evening. The topics discussed included the Stormwater Management Action Plan,which was completed in-house by Stormwater Program Manager,Diane Hennebert,with extensive coordination with relevant departments and saved an estimated $100,000 that would have been required for a consultant. The report will be coming before the Council in early March and will be available for public comment prior to submission to the Department of Ecology at the end of March .Additionally,the committee discussed the Water System Plan,which was recently updated to account for the results of a report by the Skagit Climate Science Consortium that included the effects of climate change to date and predicted future effects of climate change,including a two-degree increase in the overall temperature, and how to plan on ensuring high water quality in the future through recommended capital projects and treatment techniques.Ms.Moulton announced that the Skagit Climate Science Consortium would hold a public event on March 12th at the Senior Center. She concluded by mentioning that the committee discussed public education methods for preventing contamination of yard waste and recycling bins. Traffic Safety Committee Ms.Moulton reported from the Traffic Safety Committee meeting held earlier in the morning. The topics discussed included the new crosswalk on A Avenue at the entrance to trail 10 of the Anacortes Community Forest Lands equipped with rapid flashing beacons and a reduced speed limit. The committee also discussed a constituent concern,who had advocated for an additional crosswalk on the north side of Q Avenue and 7th Street. She added that every intersection in Washington is a pedestrian crossing with or without a crosswalk, and that motorists and pedestrians must exercise due caution when approaching or crossing at an intersection. Anacortes City Council Minutes -February 21,2023 1 Public Safety Committee Ms. Cleland-McGrath reported from the Public Safety Committee meeting held on February 14,2023. Police topics discussed included the annual report,which will be available on the City website,unmanned aerial system policy and operator training with expected operational status in mid-spring,challenges with jail staffing, and an increase in police applications.Mayor Miller added that many quality applicants have been interviewed by the department over the past week. Fire topics included the Alternative Response Team for T Avenue in its third week of operation, interdepartmental crane training with Mount Vernon and Burlington,the ladder truck delivery being delayed to Spring 2024,the rescue boat being out during the upcoming Anacortes High School sailing regatta March 18- 19, and a recent training burn at the former drive-in movie theater. State Legislature Engagement Ms.Cleland-McGrath shared an update about her and Ms.Moulton's visit to Olympia. She thanked the Mayor's Executive Assistant,Jennifer Tottenham,for scheduling the visit,which included meetings with local representatives and a discussion with the Washington State Broadband Office led by Administrative Services Director,Emily Schuh.Ms.Moulton added that it was a productive and fun experience and that she felt welcomed by all parties with whom she met. She expressed thanks to Ms.Hubik,Representative Alex Ramel's Legislative Assistant,for providing time and access to state legislators. Public Comment Mayor Miller invited the public to comment on any item not on the agenda. Pat Gardner of Anacortes commented on crosswalks, saying that it would enhance public safety to have more equipped with rapid flashing beacons,especially with the upcoming busy summer season .Mayor Miller added that the next lighted crosswalk would be added on D Avenue. Consent Agenda Ms.Moulton moved, seconded by Ms. Cleland-McGrath,to approve the following Consent Agenda items. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. a.Minutes of February 13,2023 b. Approval of claims in the amount of$460,870.38 The following vouchers/checks were approved for payment: EFT numbers: 105594 through 105605,total$335,110.07 Check numbers: 105606 through 1056232,total $105,768.43 Wire transfer numbers: 318898 through 319247,total $19,991.88 c. Street Fair Event-Anacortes Farmers Market d. Street Fair Event-Rotary Shipwreck Day e. Contract Award: Skyline Sanitary Sewer Pump Station 914 Conveyance Vault Lid Replacement 923-074- SEW-001 Other Business Ordinance 4041: Adopting New AMC Chapter 2.86 Retarding Compost Procurement City Attorney,Darcy Swetnam,re-introduced Ordinance 4041: Adopting New AMC Chapter 2.86 Regarding Compost Procurement,which was discussed at the February 13,2023 meeting. She noted that pursuant to section 7.2.c.of the Council Procedures,ordinances must be approved by a majority of the whole membership of the Council, so there must be four members who support the ordinance to pass the measure. She reminded the Council and public that Ms.Moulton had recused herself from voting on this ordinance due to being an employee of Lautenbach Recycling.Mr. Carter remarked that without Ms.Moulton voting,there would still be four members of the Council voting on the measure.Ms. Swetnam updated the principal ordinance tenets, referring to a slide presentation that was added to the packet materials for the meeting. Anacortes City Council Minutes -February 21,2023 2 Mayor Miller invited the public to comment on the agenda item.No one present wished to address the Council on the agenda item. Ms. Cleland-McGrath commented that this is an ordinance mandated by the state legislature and that it is important for ensuring that compostable items be kept out of the landfill as much as possible through public education. CHRISTINE CLELAND-MCGRATH moved, seconded by AMANDA HUBIK,to approve Ordinance 4041: Adopting New AMC Chapter 2.86 Regarding Compost Procurement as presented.Vote: Ayes-JEREMY CARTER,CHRISTINE CLELAND-MCGRATH,BRUCE MCDOUGALL,AMANDA HUBIK.Nays-None. Abstentions: CAROLYN MOULTON. Result: Passed Adiournment There being no further business, at approximately 6:35 p.m.the Anacortes City Council meeting of February 21,2023 was adjourned. Anacortes City Council Minutes -February 21,2023 3