La Conner public meetings in 2025

Planning Commission

The La Conner Planning Commission will approve minutes from the December 2, 2025 meeting. It will receive a status report on the Public Participation Program. The commission will discuss the town’s sign code and the color guidelines for the Historic Preservation District.

• Approve minutes from the December 2, 2025 meeting
• Status Report – Public Participation Program
• Discussion of Sign Code
• Discussion of Historic Preservation District code: Colors

The Commission unanimously approved the meeting minutes. No substantive actions on the sign code or historic‑preservation issues were decided; staff will bring further edits to the next meeting. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Arts Commission

The Arts Commission will approve minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting and review several old‑business items. Topics include a Creative District update with Commissioners Dalton and Witte, a student member appointment, Tudor Rose Fence and Art Cards updates, and a discussion on whether to solicit donations for public‑art policy guidelines. The meeting will also consider possible future projects and any new business before public comments.

• Creative District update – Commissioners Dalton and Witte, Zoom meeting with Coupeville CD director, planning open meeting on Jan 13, 2026
• Student member of Arts Commission – Town Planner Eills
• Tudor Rose Fence update – Chair Witte
• Art Cards update – Commissioner Harrington
• Policy Guidelines for art in public spaces – consideration of soliciting donations

The commission approved the November 13, 2025 meeting minutes. Commissioners agreed to submit the Creative District Letter of Intent in September 2026. Ivy was removed from Peace Park and a council member was asked to clarify ownership and maintenance responsibilities. No new business was raised.

• Approved minutes from November 13, 2025 meeting
• Decided to submit Creative District Letter of Intent in September 2026
• Tasked Council member Annie Taylor to clarify ownership and maintenance of Peace Park ivy area

Parks Commission

The Parks Commission will meet to discuss the Morris Street Tree Planning and review America 250 DNR Plans. The meeting is scheduled for December 10, 2025, at 9:30 am in Maple Hall.

• Morris Street Tree Planning
• America 250 DNR Plans

The commission reviewed the Morris Street tree‑planting effort, noting challenges with nurseries and agreeing to consider different tree species and sap concerns. They also heard a proposal from the Skagit Valley DAR 205 committee to install a multicolored flower bed honoring America’s 250th birthday, with the group offering to maintain it. No formal actions or votes were taken.

Town Council

The La Conner Town Council will approve the November 25 meeting minutes and routine finance items. Unfinished business includes a 2025 budget amendment, a public hearing on the 2026 budget, and adoption of the 2026 budget ordinance. New business features several agreements, including funding for the Skagit County Senior Center and a contract with Frontline Cleaning, as well as appointments to the Planning Commission. An executive session may be held before or after the meeting as required by state law.

• Ordinance — 2025 Budget Amendment (unfinished business)
• Public Hearing – 2026 Budget (unfinished business)
• Ordinance — 2026 Budget (unfinished business)
• Agreement — Skagit County Senior Center Funding (new business)
• Resolution — Appointments to the Planning Commission (Corey & Holt)

The La Conner Town Council approved the consent agenda and both the 2025 and 2026 budget amendments. It also approved several service agreements and a sole‑source procurement for water‑treatment pumps. Councilmember Taylor was appointed Mayor Pro Tem effective January 1, 2026, and the December 23, 2025 meeting was cancelled.

• Approved Consent Agenda (4‑0)
• Approved Ordinance 1266, 2025 Budget Amendment (4‑0)
• Approved Ordinance 1267, 2026 Budget (4‑0)
• Approved Mayor to sign agreement with Skagit County for 2026 Senior Center contributions (4‑0)
• Approved Mayor to sign agreement with Frontline Cleaning for public restroom cleaning (4‑0)
• Approved Mayor to sign agreement with King County for technical support on Climate Preparedness Project (4‑0)
• Approved Resolution 680, sole source for WWTP influent pumps replacement (4‑0)
• Approved Councilmember Taylor as Mayor Pro Tem effective Jan 1 2026 (4‑0)

Planning Commission

The La Conner Planning Commission will approve minutes from its November 18, 2025 meeting. It will receive a status report on the Public Participation Program. The commission will review a permit application for a Retro Diner sign and discuss updates to the sign code and historic preservation district color guidelines.

• Approve minutes from the November 18, 2025 meeting
• Status report on the Public Participation Program
• Permit application for Retro Diner sign
• Discussion of sign code revisions
• Discussion of historic preservation district color guidelines

Emergency Management Commission

The Emergency Management Commission will review several ongoing items, including youth involvement initiatives, town communications projects such as HAM procurement and Starlink logistics, and updates on the dike and emergency shelter. The commission will also consider a new press release announcing Skagit County's creation of a Climate Impact Advisory Committee.

• Youth involvement: La Conner newspaper insert preparedness – updated start date to January
• Youth involvement: TEEN Cert program
• Town Communications: HAM procurement and training
• Town Communications: Starlink budget, cost, and logistics
• Press release: Skagit County to Create Climate Impact Advisory Committee

Town Council

The La Conner Town Council will discuss several ongoing items, including the 306 Center Street Project and the 2026 Preliminary Budget. A public hearing will be held on the DNS wastewater treatment plant upgrade. The council will also consider a preliminary amendment to Lot Subdivision regulations and three service agreements. Consent agenda items such as meeting minutes and finance approvals will be adopted without objection.

• Public hearing — DNS WWTP Upgrade
• 306 Center Street Project — discussion
• 2026 Preliminary Budget — discussion
• Preliminary approval amending LMC 15.30 (Lot Subdivisions)
• Agreement — PSE Street Light Pole Attachment

The council approved the 2026 Preliminary Budget unanimously. It also adopted Resolution 678 honoring Tami Mason, approved the consent agenda with a corrected special‑meeting date, and authorized agreements for facility inspections and a lot‑subdivision amendment. All motions passed with a 4‑0 vote.

• Excused Councilmember Carlson from the meeting (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 678 honoring Tami Mason (4-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda with date correction (4-0)
• Approved 2026 Preliminary Budget (4-0)
• Approved Preliminary Approval amending LMC 15.30 (lot subdivisions) (4-0)
• Approved Agreement with Pye Barker for facility inspections (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a sign permit application for Retro Diner. The body will also discuss colors for the Historic Preservation District code and provide a status report on the Public Participation Program.

• Sign permit application for Retro Diner at 313 Morris Street
• Discussion of Historic Preservation District code regarding colors
• Status report on the Public Participation Program

The Planning Commission unanimously approved the meeting minutes with corrections. A motion to deny inflatable signs was defeated, leaving the inflatables pending town‑attorney input. The commission also unanimously approved the sign change from "Sliders Café" to "Retro Diner". The meeting was adjourned at 6:48 p.m. by unanimous vote.

• Approved meeting minutes with corrections (unanimous)
• Motion to deny inflatables failed (2‑2 vote, 1 abstention)
• Approved sign change to "Retro Diner" (unanimous)
• Requested town attorney input on inflatable‑sign issue
• Adjourned meeting at 6:48 p.m. (unanimous)

Arts Commission

The La Conner Arts Commission will approve minutes from its October 9, 2025 meeting and discuss several old‑business items. Topics include a partnership update on the Creative District, a student member appointment, a Tudor Rose Fence update, a request to allocate 2026 town budget funds for creating and distributing Art Cards, and draft policy guidelines for art in public spaces. No new business or decisions are listed beyond these discussions.

• Approve minutes from the October 9, 2025 meeting
• Creative District partnership update and discussion
• Request for 2026 budget funds for Art Cards creation and distribution
• Review of policy guidelines for art in public spaces
• Tudor Rose Fence update

The commission approved the minutes from the October 9, 2025 meeting. It set the date and time for a public meeting on the Creative District process for January 13, 2025 at the Swinomish/La Conner Library. The commission moved discussion of policy guidelines for art in public spaces to the December meeting and adjourned the session.

• Approved minutes from October 9, 2025 (motion passed)
• Set public meeting on Creative District for Jan. 13, 2025 at Swinomish/La Conner Library
• Moved policy guidelines for art in public spaces discussion to December meeting
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Town Council

The La Conner Town Council will approve November accounts payable and payroll, hold public hearings on the 2026 property tax revenue source and the preliminary 2026 budget, review a WWTP upgrade report, consider a veteran elevator estimate agreement, and discuss a proposed additional tenth‑of‑a‑percent sales tax for law enforcement.

• Approval of Accounts Payable for November 11, 2025
• Approval of Payroll for November 5, 2025
• Public Hearing – 2026 Property Tax Revenue Source (written comments due 12:00 pm on 11/10/25)
• Public Hearing – 2026 Preliminary Budget (written comments due 12:00 pm on 11/10/25)
• Discussion of HB 2015 – Additional tenth of a percent sales tax for law enforcement

The Town Council approved Resolution 677 to increase the 2026 property revenue source with a 3‑0 vote. It also approved the November 11 accounts payable, the November 5 payroll, and a $3,160.30 estimate for Maple Hall elevator testing, each by 3‑0. Additionally, Councilmembers Carlson and Chamberlain were excused from the meeting by a 3‑0 vote.

• Excused Councilmembers Carlson and Chamberlain (3-0)
• Approved November 11, 2025 Accounts Payable (3-0)
• Approved November 5, 2025 Payroll (3-0)
• Approved Resolution 677 to increase 2026 Property Revenue Source (3-0)
• Approved Veteran Elevator estimate of $3,160.30 for Maple Hall testing (3-0)

Planning Commission

The commission will approve the minutes from the October 21, 2025 meeting. It will receive a status report on the public participation program. Members will discuss revisions to the historic preservation district code, including colors and the applicable time period. The agenda also includes updates to the LCMC unit‑lot subdivision code.

• Approve minutes from the Oct 21, 2025 meeting
• Status report on the public participation program
• Discussion of historic preservation district code – colors and time period
• LCMC code updates – unit lot subdivision code

The Planning Commission approved the meeting minutes with corrections unanimously. It recommended the updated subdivision code edits for Town Council approval, also unanimously. No new business was taken, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m. unanimously.

• Approved minutes with corrections (unanimous)
• Recommended subdivision code edits for Town Council approval (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Emergency Management Commission

The Commission is reviewing youth preparedness initiatives and the procurement of town communications equipment. Members are also discussing the potential repurposing of the CERT Trailer into a mobile command center and evaluating emergency shelter options.

• Youth involvement via La Conner newspaper preparedness inserts and community mapping
• Procurement and training for HAM radio communications
• Evaluation of emergency shelter strengths and weaknesses
• Discussion of funding options for dikes via Salmon restoration grants
• Review of school presentation on new Solar Battery Storage

Town Council

The La Conner Town Council will approve the consent agenda, which includes minutes, accounts payable, and payroll. They will discuss the property at 306 Center Street and review the estimated budget for 2026. A new business item is an agreement with Financial Consulting Solutions, dba FCS. The council will also address the cancellation and rescheduling of the November 11, 2025 meeting.

• Approve October 14, 2025 meeting minutes (consent agenda)
• Approve accounts payable and payroll (consent agenda)
• Discussion of 306 Center Street
• Review of the 2026 estimated budget
• Agreement with Financial Consulting Solutions, dba FCS

The council corrected a spelling error and approved the consent agenda (5‑0). It reallocated budgeted ecology funds to replace a front‑loader motor (5‑0) and authorized the mayor to sign the 2026 tribal rate agreement with Financial Consulting Solutions (5‑0). Council also scheduled a special meeting on Nov 10 to handle pending items and deferred the Pier 7 parking discussion to the next meeting.

• Approved consent agenda with spelling correction (5‑0)
• Reallocated ecology blocks and screens to fund $40,000 front‑loader motor replacement (5‑0)
• Authorized mayor to sign agreement with Financial Consulting Solutions for 2026 tribal rates (5‑0)
• Scheduled special council meeting on Nov 10 to address items before Veterans Day
• Deferred Pier 7 building parking discussion to second November meeting
• Approved 2026 budget preliminary presentation at next meeting (discussion only)
• Noted no further business; meeting adjourned at 6:57 p.m.

Planning Commission

The La Conner Planning Commission will approve minutes from the October 7 meeting, receive a status report on the public participation program, discuss revisions to the Historic Preservation District code regarding colors and time period, and consider updates to the LCMC Unit Lot Subdivision Code. No decisions are recorded in the agenda; items are listed for discussion and possible action.

• Approve minutes from the October 7, 2024 meeting
• Status report on the Public Participation Program
• Discussion of Historic Preservation District code: colors and time period
• LCMC Code Updates: Unit Lot Subdivision Code

The commission approved the meeting minutes with correction by unanimous vote. No public comments were received. Commissioners asked staff to prepare edits to the Historic Preservation District code and the subdivision code, which will be presented at a future meeting. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 6:57 p.m.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Town Council

The Town Council will conduct a public hearing and consider an ordinance regarding a street vacation on Maple Avenue. Members will also discuss the 2026 General Fund and Fire & Code Enforcement budgets.

• Public hearing and ordinance for Maple Avenue street vacation
• 2026 Fire & Code Enforcement Budget presentation
• 2026 General Fund Budget discussions
• Agreement with Tri-County Diesel Marine for fireboat maintenance
• Moorage License Agreement with the Port of Skagit

The council approved Ordinance 1265 to vacate a portion of Maple Avenue, creating a 30‑foot right‑of‑way. It also approved the costs for boat maintenance and the purchase of twelve life jackets. Additional approvals included a WWTP generator maintenance agreement with Tri‑County Diesel Marine and a moorage license for the new fire boat. The consent agenda and a motion to excuse Councilmember Chamberlain were also approved.

• Approved Ordinance 1265 for Maple Avenue Street Vacation (4-0)
• Approved boat maintenance costs and purchase of twelve life jackets (4-0)
• Approved agreement with Tri-County Diesel Marine for WWTP generator maintenance (4-0)
• Approved Port of Skagit Moorage License for fire boat (4-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda as presented (4-0)
• Approved motion to excuse Councilmember Chamberlain (4-0)

Arts Commission

The Arts Commission will review and approve the minutes from its August 14 meeting. It will receive updates on the Creative District, Art Walk cards and plaques, a student commission member, and the Tudor Rose Fence. New business includes discussing guidelines for soliciting and accepting public art donations and considering possible commission activities. The meeting also includes public comments and a report on a recent tourism conference workshop.

• Approve minutes from the August 14, 2025 meeting
• Creative District update (Sarah Dalton/Holly Witte)
• Art Walk cards and new/refurbished plaques update (Nicolette Herrington)
• Create guidelines for soliciting and accepting public art donations
• Discuss possible activities for the Arts Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the August 14, 2025 meeting. Commissioners agreed that the Creative District will be the commission's priority. They also agreed to begin research on guidelines for accepting public art donations. The meeting was adjourned by motion.

• Approved August 14, 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Designated Creative District as commission priority (agreement)
• Agreed to research public art donation guidelines (research to be initiated)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Parks Commission

The Parks Commission is meeting to review old business regarding local plantings and site improvements. The body will discuss plans for the Canoe Club and the Tree City Arbor Day event.

• Morris Street tree planting
• Refurbishing the Prayer Wheel at Maple Hall Plaza
• Fish Re-Opening Party
• Canoe Club Plan presented by Peter Millington and Brian Porter
• Tree City Arbor Day Plan

The commission voted unanimously to not hold an Arbor Day event in La Conner. No new business was introduced at the meeting. Other agenda items such as tree planting, the Prayer Wheel, and a proposed canoe club were discussed but no decisions were made on them.

• Arbor Day event cancelled (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission will vote to approve the September 16, 2025 meeting minutes. It will receive a status report on the public participation program and continue discussion of the color for project LU25‑41HDR. The commission will also hold a general discussion of the HPD code.

• Approve minutes from the September 16, 2025 meeting
• Status report – public participation program
• Discussion of color for LU25-41HDR
• General HPD code discussion

The commission approved the meeting minutes with correction unanimously. It denied the Behr Dark Crimson color request for Fifi’s Bubble Palace and required the applicant to submit a Historic Design Review Class III permit. An advisory sub‑committee of Commissioners Holt and Corey was created to help edit the Historic Preservation District code. The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m. unanimously.

• Approved meeting minutes with correction (unanimous)
• Denied Behr Dark Crimson color on Fifi’s Bubble Palace; required Historic Design Review Class III permit (unanimous)
• Created advisory sub‑committee (Commissioners Holt & Corey) to facilitate HPD code edits (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Emergency Management Commission

The commission is meeting to discuss youth involvement in preparedness and TEEN Cert. The body is also reviewing next steps for town communications, including HAM radio.

• Youth involvement via La Conner newspaper insert and community mapping
• TEEN Cert coordination with Dave Cram, Christine Tripp, Ryan Hiller, and Rick Wallace
• Town communications and HAM radio next steps

Town Council

The La Conner Town Council will discuss the 2026 budget for Public Works and the wastewater treatment plant. They will also consider a resolution for a street vacation hearing on Maple Ave. Additional items include a DE Agreement for Maple Ave Townhomes and funding for a 2026 hotel/motel project. The meeting includes routine consent agenda approvals and reports from the administrator and mayor.

• Resolution — Street Vacation Petition for Hearing Date (Maple Ave)
• 2026 Budget Presentation — Public Works
• 2026 Budget Presentation — WWTP
• DE Agreement — Maple Ave Townhomes
• 2026 Hotel Motel Funding Disbursement

The council excused absent members Taylor and Wohleb by a 3‑0 vote. It then approved the consent agenda, including the meeting agenda, minutes from September 9, 2025, and accounts payable items, also by a 3‑0 vote. Finally, Resolution 676 petitioning for a hearing date on the Maple Avenue street‑vacation right‑of‑way was approved 3‑0.

• Excused Councilmembers Taylor and Wohleb (3‑0)
• Approved consent agenda (agenda, minutes, accounts payable) (3‑0)
• Approved Resolution 676 – petition for hearing date on Maple Avenue street‑vacation (3‑0)

Town Council

The La Conner Town Council will hold a special meeting on September 18, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. to hear presentations from hotel and motel applicants. The meeting is called by Mayor Marna Hanneman under RCW 42.30.080. Council members Annie Taylor, Ivan Carlson, Rick Dole, Marylee Chamberlain, and Mary Wohleb are listed as recipients.

• Hotel and motel applicant presentations

The Town Council held a special meeting on September 18, 2025 to hear presentations on the 2026 Hotel Motel Funding Request and various community projects. After the presentations, the council discussed the items and noted that recommendations will be finalized at the September 23, 2025 council meeting. No substantive decisions were made at this meeting.

Planning Commission

The commission will approve minutes from the September 2 meeting and hear a Planning Commission overview from Town Administrator Scott Thomas. It will receive a status report on the public participation program and a request to reconsider land use case LU25‑39HDR. The body will discuss color specifications for LU25‑41HDR and for the Historic Preservation District.

• Approve minutes from the September 2, 2025 meeting
• Planning Commission overview presented by Scott Thomas
• Request for reconsideration of LU25‑39HDR
• Discussion of color for LU25‑41HDR
• Historic Preservation District color discussion

The commission unanimously approved the meeting minutes. It voted 3‑2 to approve the LU25‑39HDR application, requiring siding to meet LCMC 15.50.090(2) and avoid vertical and board‑and‑batten styles. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved LU25-39HDR application with condition to comply with LCMC 15.50.090(2) (3-2)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Arts Commission

The Arts Commission will meet to discuss the creation of guidelines for soliciting and accepting public art donations. The body will also review the Creative District and the appointment of student member Ajah Eills.

• Installation of Clyde Sandborn art at the library on Sept. 29
• Discussion on guidelines for public art donations
• Update on Art Walk Cards
• Student member appointment of Ajah Eills
• Tudor Rose Fence update

The Arts Commission meeting on September 11, 2025 did not achieve a quorum, so no formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded. Attendees discussed various topics informally, but none were decided upon.

Parks Commission

The Parks Commission will meet to review old business regarding local installations and plantings. The body is discussing the status of projects at Maple Hall Plaza and Conner Waterfront Park.

• Morris Street tree planting
• Refurbishing the prayer wheel at Maple Hall Plaza
• Fish painting at Conner Waterfront Park
• Fish re-opening party

The commission voted to reimburse Mike Bucy for out‑of‑pocket costs related to the Morris Street tree planting. A Fish Slide re‑opening party at Conner Waterfront Park was scheduled for September 28. The discussion of designating La Conner as a Tree City was deferred to the October 8 meeting.

• Approved reimbursement for tree‑planting expenses (vote not recorded)
• Scheduled Fish Slide re‑opening party for Sep 28 at Conner Waterfront Park
• Postponed Tree City designation agenda item to Oct 8 meeting

Town Council

The council will approve the consent agenda and finance items, including accounts payable and payroll. Unfinished business includes discussions on Western Display Fireworks and a grant application with Wilson Engineering for the wastewater treatment plant. New business items include a cabaret license for Nomad La Conner, a planning commission appointment, a reconsideration of LU25-39HDR, and a discussion of council policies and procedures.

• Cabaret License — Nomad La Conner/313 Morris Street (new business)
• Resolution – Appointment to the Planning Commission (McCain) (new business)
• Reconsideration Discussion – LU25-39HDR (new business)
• Agreement – Wilson Engineering – WWTP Grant Application (unfinished business)
• Western Display Fireworks – Discussions (unfinished business)

The council adopted a new business license fee schedule effective Jan. 1, 2026, and approved amendments to utility senior rate discounts. It also accepted the Washington and Road Street Pedestrian Improvement Project as complete and authorized agreements with Terminix Pest Control and Docusign. All actions were approved unanimously or by a 3‑0 vote.

• Approved Consent Agenda without objection (5‑0)
• Accepted Washington and Road Street Pedestrian Improvement Project (3‑0)
• Amended Utility Senior Rate Discounts (Ordinance 1263) (3‑0)
• Amended Business Licenses fee schedule (Ordinance 1264) (3‑0)
• Authorized Mayor to sign Terminix Pest Control agreement (3‑0)
• Authorized Mayor to sign Docusign agreement (3‑0)
• Approved Consent Agenda as presented (3‑0)

Planning Commission

Commissioners elected Sommer Holt as Planning Commission Chair. The commission approved the meeting minutes with corrections. They approved permit LU25-39HDR for vertical siding in the Historic District. They approved the gray color for the repaint at 313 Morris Street (LU25-41 HDR) and requested additional information on the red color, then adjourned the meeting.

• Elected Sommer Holt as Planning Commission Chair (unanimous)
• Approved August 19, 2025 minutes with corrections (unanimous)
• Approved LU25-39HDR permit for vertical siding in Historic District (unanimous)
• Approved gray color for LU25-41 HDR repaint; required more info on red color (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:49 p.m. (unanimous)

Town Council

The Town Council approved Ordinance 1263, amending the senior utility rate discount rules, with a 3‑0 vote. It also accepted the Washington and Road Street Pedestrian Improvement Project, approved a business‑license amendment, and authorized agreements with Terminix Pest Control and Docusign. The consent agenda was approved unanimously.

• Approved Consent Agenda (motion by Dole, seconded by Wohleb, 3/0)
• Accepted Washington and Road Street Pedestrian Improvement Project (motion by Wohleb, seconded by Taylor, 3/0)
• Approved Ordinance 1263 utility senior rate discount amendment (motion by Wohleb, seconded by Dole, 3/0)
• Approved Ordinance 1264 business‑license amendment (motion by Taylor, seconded by Wobleb, 3/0)
• Authorized Mayor to sign Terminix Pest Control agreement (motion by Dole, seconded by Wohleb, 3/0)
• Authorized Mayor to sign Docusign agreement (motion by Wohleb, seconded by Taylor, 3/0)

Arts Commission

The commission elected Holly Witte as its chair. The minutes from the July 10, 2025 meeting were approved with one abstention. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Elected Holly Witte as Arts Commission chair (motion passed)
• Approved July 10, 2025 minutes (passed with one abstention)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimously carried)

Parks Commission

The commission discussed updates on tree planting on Morris Street, the refurbishment of the Maple Hall Plaza prayer wheel, the fish painting at Conner Waterfront Park, and the hold on Jordan Park development. A Rotary financial assistance idea and a community bike‑repair stand were introduced for future consideration. No votes or formal approvals were recorded.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission unanimously approved the July 15, 2025 meeting minutes with typo corrections. It also unanimously approved the LU25‑37HDR public hearing request for Caravan Gallery, confirming the awning will remain. The meeting was adjourned at 6:37 p.m. with a unanimous motion.

• Approved July 15, 2025 minutes with typo corrections (unanimous)
• Approved LU25‑37HDR project for Caravan Gallery (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:37 p.m. (unanimous)

Town Council

The Council approved the consent agenda and appointed Councilmember Dole as Mayor Pro Tem. It then adopted Ordinance 1262 amending the Comprehensive Plan, approved the 2025 Water Plan Update (Resolution 671) and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Policy (Resolution 672). Council members also agreed to proceed with a four‑year cellular water‑meter replacement program and to develop a new town logo.

• Approved Consent Agenda (5-0)
• Appointed Councilmember Dole as Mayor Pro Tem (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance 1262 amending Ordinance 1260 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 671 adopting 2025 Water Plan Update (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 672 adopting Greenhouse Gas Reduction Policy (5-0)
• Consensus to proceed with cellular water‑meter exchanges and future budgeting
• Consensus to move forward with new town logo rebranding

Town Council

The council reviewed the status of the five focus areas of the town’s Strategic Plan, including the economy, public safety, climate, capital projects, and organization. No actions were approved, denied, or postponed, and no votes were taken. The meeting concluded at 5:50 p.m.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the July 1, 2025 meeting. Commissioners decided to hold the ADA Update Community Mingle on August 19 on the first floor of Maple Hall. The meeting also included discussion of the Comprehensive Plan, permitting fees, and local traffic and sidewalk issues, but no further actions were taken.

• Approved minutes from July 1, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Scheduled ADA Update Community Mingle for Aug 19 at Maple Hall first floor

Arts Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the June 12, 2025 meeting unanimously. Commissioners reached a consensus to retain the Arts Commission at five members. They also agreed to rename the walking tour to “Town of La Conner Public Art Tour” and to postpone any new plaque work until the town’s art inventory is complete. The meeting was adjourned unanimously and will continue to be held in‑person.

• Approved June 12, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Arts Commission will remain at five members (consensus)
• Renamed walking tour to “Town of La Conner Public Art Tour” (consensus)
• Delayed new/replacement plaque discussions until art inventory is complete (consensus)
• Meetings will remain in‑person; no Zoom option adopted (consensus)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Parks Commission

The Parks Commission resolved to eliminate the wharf and pilings at the O’Leary’s Landing property and shift effort to designing the upland area, now called Jordan Street Park. Volunteer painters were notified to paint the relocated Prayer Wheel, and repainting of the fish slide at Conner Waterfront Park is scheduled to begin on July 14. Former Mayor Ramon Hayes was honored with a commemorative plaque on the boardwalk. The commission will review a new tree‑site map at the next meeting.

• Removed wharf and pilings at O’Leary’s Landing; focus shifted to Jordan Street Park design
• Volunteer painters assigned to paint the Prayer Wheel at Maple Hall Plaza
• Fish slide repainting at Conner Waterfront Park scheduled to start July 14
• Former Mayor Ramon Hayes honored with a plaque on the boardwalk
• Bench resurfacing completed; benches to be reinstalled on July 10
• Public Works tasked with estimating costs for park floor redo and re‑landscaping for 2026 budget
• Martin Howard to present updated tree‑site map at next meeting

Town Council

The council authorized the mayor to sell the town fire boat for $1 and its trailer for $3,400 to the Henry Island Fire Brigade, with a 3‑0 vote. It also approved the 2025 Comprehensive Plan updates (Ordinance 1260) and the 2025 Development Regulations updates (Ordinance 1261), each by 3‑0. Additional actions included excusing two councilmembers, approving the consent agenda, and approving the dedication of the Pioneer Park bandstand to former Mayor Bud Moore.

• Excused Councilmembers Carlson and Wobleb (3‑0)
• Authorized sale of fire boat for $1 and trailer for $3,400 to Henry Island Fire Brigade (3‑0)
• Approved Consent Agenda with updated payroll certification (3‑0)
• Approved Ordinance 1260 – 2025 Comprehensive Plan Updates (3‑0)
• Approved Ordinance 1261 – 2025 Development Regulations Updates (3‑0)
• Approved Resolution 670 – Pioneer Park Bandstand dedication to Bud Moore (3‑0)
• Council consensus to pursue a no‑match solar battery storage grant for the Fire Department
• Council consensus to replace a mis‑issued yard‑waste card with a compost card and bill the customer the difference

Planning Commission

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the June 3, 2025 meeting. Commissioners Hedlin, Holt, and Leaver voted to recommend that the Town Council approve the Comprehensive Plan, with the exception of Elements 6 and 12; Commissioner Elliott abstained. The commission also unanimously approved project LU25-31HDR to replace a window with sliding doors. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved June 3, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended Comprehensive Plan approval except Elements 6 & 12 (3 approve, 1 abstain)
• Approved LU25-31HDR window‑to‑sliding‑door project (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Parks Commission

The Parks Commission unanimously approved naming the Pioneer Park pavilion after Bud Moore. It also unanimously approved a motion to limit work on the Maple Hall Plaza to refurbishing a bench and refinishing the Prayer Wheel. The commission discussed plans for the Morris Street tree planting and other park improvements, but no further decisions were made.

• Approved naming Pioneer Park pavilion 'Bud Moore Pavilion' (unanimous)
• Approved limited Maple Hall Plaza work: redo bench and refinish Prayer Wheel (unanimous)

Town Council

The council approved several items, including a policy for AI use, a six‑month moratorium on drive‑through facilities, and funding for the library’s summer reading program. It also authorized contracts to repair Maple Hall floors and replace the second‑floor carpet in Town Hall, and approved an agreement with Skagit Bond Collection. Appointments were made to the Arts Commission and the Emergency Management Commission, and the July 8 council meeting was cancelled.

• Approved Resolution 667 AI Policy Use – motion carried 5/0
• Approved Ordinance 1258 reestablishing the moratorium on drive‑through facilities – motion carried 5/0
• Approved Bid Recommendation to repair Maple Hall floors ($12,211.82) – motion carried 5/0
• Approved Bid Recommendation to replace Town Hall second‑floor carpet ($14,170.00) – motion carried 5/0
• Approved agreement with Skagit Bond Collection for debt collection – motion carried 5/0
• Approved Library Summer Reading Program funding agreement – motion carried 5/0
• Approved Resolution 668 appointing Nancy Crowell and Holly Witte to the Arts Commission – motion carried 5/0
• Approved cancellation of the July 8, 2025 council meeting and Finance Committee payroll approval – motion carried 5/0

Town Council

The council approved the consent agenda with a name correction and reduced Morris Street restroom hours to 11 am‑4 pm. It authorized a change order for E&E Construction to add parking on Washington Street near the post office. The town adopted policies on outdoor worker heat exposure, smoke exposure, and volunteer appointments. Additionally, the council accepted an art donation and approved a new cleaning services contract.

• Approved Consent Agenda (including minutes correction) – motion 5-0
• Reduced Morris Street restroom hours to 11 am‑4 pm – council consensus
• Approved change order for E&E Construction to add Washington St. parking near Post Office – motion 5-0
• Accepted Maggie Wilder’s art donation “Clyde” – motion 5-0
• Adopted Resolution 664: Town Policy for Outdoor Worker Heat Exposure – motion 5-0
• Adopted Resolution 665: Town Policy for Outdoor Worker Smoke Exposure – motion 5-0
• Adopted Resolution 666: Town Policy for Board and Commission volunteer appointment process – motion 5-0
• Approved agreement with Spark Cleaning Services – motion 5-0

Town Council

The La Conner Town Council approved the consent agenda and several policy items. It authorized the surplus sale of the 2008 Northwind Marina fire boat with a minimum $10,000 bid and approved a road‑closure plan for pedestrian improvements on Washington and Road Streets. Additional approvals included a utility‑inserts policy, a library summer reading program, a letter supporting coastal‑zone funding, and two resolutions honoring Bud Moore and appointing Administrator Thomas to the County Emergency Management Board.

• Approved Consent Agenda (5/0)
• Approved Town Policy for Utility Inserts (5/0)
• Approved Library summer reading program funding (5/0)
• Approved surplus of 2008 Northwind Marina Fire Boat with minimum $10,000 (consensus)
• Approved E&E Construction Road Closure Plan for Washington and Road Street pedestrian improvement (5/0)
• Approved letter supporting Coastal Zone Management funding (5/0)
• Approved Resolution 662 honoring Bud Moore (5/0)
• Approved Resolution 663 appointing Administrator Thomas to County Emergency Management Board (5/0)

Arts Commission

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the March 13 and April 10, 2025 meetings. Commissioners decided not to pursue the Creative Vitality Index and to keep focus on the Creative District application. They unanimously recommended that the Town Council accept the Clyde Sanborn wood block print donation. The commission also agreed to re‑open the application process for two new commissioners and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved March 13, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved April 10, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Decided not to pursue Creative Vitality Index, focus on Creative District application
• Recommended Town Council accept Clyde Sanborn wood block print donation (unanimous)
• Delayed new/replacement plaque discussions pending complete art inventory
• Agreed to re‑open application process for two additional Arts Commissioners
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission approved several items, including the minutes from the April 15 meeting, the revised sign copy for Old Log Park, new definitions for the municipal code, and zoning for both the South Commercial and Port Commercial zones. It also recommended approval of a color change and internal bar top for project LU25-17HDR. All motions carried unanimously.

• Approved April 15, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Old Log Park sign copy with edits (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of new municipal code definitions (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of South Commercial zone with edits (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Port Commercial zone (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of color change and internal bar top for LU25-17HDR (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:50 p.m. (unanimous)

Town Council

The council unanimously adopted Resolution 661 supporting the Global Effort to Prevent Nuclear War. It also approved the consent agenda, which included the meeting agenda and the April 8 minutes. Additionally, the council approved a banner for the Big Foot Fun Fest to be displayed Sep 5‑13, 2025 at Gilkey Square.

• Approved Resolution 661 – Global Effort to Prevent Nuclear War (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda, including agenda and April 8 minutes (5-0)
• Approved Big Foot Fun Fest banner for Sep 5‑13, 2025 at Gilkey Square (5-0)

Planning Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the April 1, 2025 meeting. It then recommended approval of land‑use applications LU25‑1SHDR and LU25‑15HDR, each passing unanimously. No other actions were decided, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved April 1, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of LU25‑1SHDR (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of LU25‑15HDR (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Arts Commission

The commission, lacking a quorum, could not vote on any motions. It formally decided that partnerships for the La Conner Creative District will be open to any qualifying organization. The commissioners also agreed to keep the regular meeting time at 10:30 AM. Several tasks were assigned for the Creative District application and partnership research.

• Decided Creative District partnerships will be all‑inclusive (no vote recorded)
• Agreed to keep monthly Arts Commission meetings at 10:30 AM (no vote recorded)

Parks Commission

The commission voted to accept Chapter 11 of the Comprehensive Plan as complete, with a unanimous vote. The 2025 Visitors Map was updated to include a "Museums" listing and locations. The commission authorized opening a bank account and beginning a bidding process to plant trees on about six sites on Morris Street. The commission noted no action on waterproof brochure racks and will invite a carver to discuss refurbishing the prayer wheel at Maple Hall.

• Accepted Chapter 11 of Comprehensive Plan (unanimous)
• Added Museums listing to 2025 Visitors Map
• Authorized opening bank account and bidding for Morris Street tree planting (≈6 sites)
• No action on waterproof brochure racks
• Will invite carver Kevin Paul to discuss refurbishing Prayer Wheel at Maple Hall
• Accepted donation of Kirsch property, to be named O’Leary’s Landing and used as a park

Town Council

The La Conner Town Council approved the donation of the former Kersch property as O’Leary Landing park and a fireboat change‑order addendum. It also approved a Cabarete License for the Fire Hall & Tap House, agreements for tree removal and Town Hall repairs, and the submission of the draft Comprehensive Plan to the state. All motions carried unanimously with a 3‑0 vote.

• Excused Councilmembers Carlson and Chamberlain (3‑0)
• Approved Consent Agenda (3‑0)
• Approved Cabarete License for Fire Hall & Tap House (3‑0)
• Approved Mayor to sign Fireboat Change Order Addendum $19,030.06 (paid by Fire Association) (3‑0)
• Approved Mayor to sign Donation Agreement for O’Leary Landing park (3‑0)
• Approved submission of draft Comprehensive Plan to State for 60‑day review (3‑0)
• Approved Mayor to sign Eager Beaver Tree Removal Agreement $7,337.25 (3‑0)
• Approved Mayor to sign Quantum Construction repair Agreement $5,024.35 (3‑0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission approved the meeting minutes with corrections unanimously. It then unanimously recommended Chapter 5 (Land Use Element) and Chapter 11 (Parks and Recreation Element) of the Comprehensive Plan for Town Council approval. The meeting was adjourned at 6:32 p.m. by unanimous vote.

• Approved minutes with corrections (unanimous)
• Recommended Chapter 5 of Comprehensive Plan for Council approval (unanimous)
• Recommended Chapter 11 of Comprehensive Plan for Council approval (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:32 p.m. (unanimous)

Town Council

The council unanimously approved several items, including the EMS Interlocal Agreement with Skagit County that will run through 2030. It also signed pedestrian improvement agreements with David Evans & Associates and E&E Contracting, and closed the Moore Clark Subarea Plan. Fees for the Pier 7 historic design review were reduced to $655, and the annual business parking pass fee was lowered to $30. A presentation on nuclear disarmament was scheduled for the April 22 meeting.

• Approved Consent Agenda (5/0)
• Approved Mayor to sign Washington & Road Streets Pedestrian Improvements Amendment with David Evans & Associates (5/0)
• Approved Mayor to sign Washington & Road Streets Pedestrian Improvements Agreement with E&E Contracting (5/0)
• Approved closeout of the Moore Clark Subarea Plan (5/0)
• Approved Mayor to sign EMS Interlocal Agreement with Skagit County (5/0)
• Approved reducing Historical Design Review and Demolition Permit fees for Pier 7 to $655 (5/0)
• Approved Resolution 660 reducing annual business parking pass fee to $30 (5/0)
• Scheduled nuclear disarmament presentation for April 22 Council meeting