Anacortes Council Approves $909,254 in Claims and Six Special Events; Streetscapes, Budget Amendments on the Table
The Anacortes City Council unanimously approved $909,254.38 in claims and payments and greenlit six community special events at its July 6 meeting, the only fully documented council action in the past two weeks.
City Council — July 6
The council approved its consent agenda by unanimous voice vote, covering June 22 meeting minutes, $909,254.38 in routine claims and payments, and six special events scheduled in Anacortes this year: Bike MS, the Anacortes Half-Marathon & 5K, Halloween 2026, Veterans Parade Events of 2026, Elves Night Out, and the Walk with Santa Parade. Committee reports touched on tax updates, software upgrades, housing funding requests, water conservation guidance, and planned public safety rule changes, but no additional actions were taken.
City Council — July 13 (Special and Regular Meetings)
The council held a special meeting on July 13 for an executive session to evaluate the qualifications of a public employment applicant. Minutes have not yet been published, so no outcome is available.
A regular meeting was also scheduled for July 13, with an agenda listing several items for consideration: approval of $919,678.91 in claims, a contract modification for the APD Employee Mental Wellness Program (#24-045-APD-001), a presentation of the Final Downtown Streetscapes Plan, Resolution 3223 ratifying the 34th Street Water Main Replacement Project contract (#26-206-WTR-001), and Ordinance 5033, the 2026 Second Quarter Budget Amendment. Because minutes are not yet published, it is not confirmed which items were decided versus discussed.
Planning Commission — July 14
The Planning Commission was scheduled to review June 9 meeting minutes and discuss proposed amendments to AMC Title 19, the Unified Development Code, aimed at permit streamlining. Minutes are not yet available.
Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission — July 14
The commission reviewed progress on the W 6th Street Park project, which involves $75,000 in impact fees, and discussed potential improvements to Rotary Park, including a gazebo replacement presentation. Staff reported that a skatepark design contract is headed to Council and that the Ship Harbor Boardwalk, Viewpoint and Beach Access Project grant will be resubmitted. A $20,000 port donation for 4th of July fireworks was also noted. Minutes are not yet published, so these items reflect the agenda and discussion topics only.
Arts Commission — July 8
The July 8 Arts Commission meeting was cancelled.
Coming Up
City Council — Monday, July 20: The council is set to approve $1,120,658.96 in claims and minutes from the July 13 meeting. A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Chief Mannix McDonnell and several firefighters, including a promotion of David Gettmann to lieutenant. The council will also receive a Quarter 2 all-department update for discussion.