[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6109585,"mediaKeyId","2760753-2798a77710053bca594e7ac58f49f91a","parentId",2760753,"title","Parks update: skate-park restroom plan, Heart Lake grant bid, Grandview green burials and pickleball mitigation","audioSeconds",3380,"startMs",1186000,"endMs",4566000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2760753-2798a77710053bca594e7ac58f49f91a&start=1186&end=4566","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2760753-2798a77710053bca594e7ac58f49f91a/thumbnail_1186000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6109585/Anacortes/Skagit-County/Washington/Parks-update-skate-park-restroom-plan-Heart-Lake-grant-bid-Grandview-green-burials-and-pickleball-mitigation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6109585-ccbb1eb08f4dbd731ab9c16c8b9803ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095874&Signature=DX7TOdm81lszCN8T253PnFr~6DZrEvq5AeszGhemloFumksq0cgn1yd4~KX7SIbbVMstX3QPvWzIIiAPlit1bvWA1EwKABPQrfLFKJNeDPXM0jSERAFqJYHKHA2hg5g82IO-yLDSSp3dFFI00dxj5ggwaU~BZN3oFVI9iyC9hPD5wfUeTdCWrI0S8hENnpe70sNhFF0vpcwe-eJAEqF92oCdK2EHYepjRVDlcXn7EcnDQZBU4zAsAu1M10RxcZMf-Wf~KnD-1WeVSLKbPcRIo6pFxoazITPL1uKBiHHpX3942~1ivDELwrXjOqxb49ak6gLfKL6HAU2gRZSFAYfwGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Anacortes, WA","date","2025-03-25T11:54:10.257Z","article","Parks and Recreation staff presented a broad update March 24 covering senior-center programming, the Ben Root Skatepark project, a Heart Lake grant application, shoreline and trail projects, cemetery policy changes and pickleball management.

Senior center and programs
Parks staff described growth at the Senior Activity Center and several programs including intergenerational yoga and caregiver support courses. Staff said a community needs assessment funded by the Senior Activity Center Foundation will be completed in April and a staff member will brief council on the study results.

Ben Root Skatepark restroom and million-dollar fund
Staff said the city intends to build a new restroom and parking at Ben Root Skatepark this year. The primary funding source is a $1,000,000 payment the city received after a right-of-way vacation (referred to in meeting materials as the MJB payment). Because the restroom relocation involves state grant conversion rules, staff are conducting a cultural-resource survey with the Samish nation; after state approval the project will go to bid.

Restroom design: staff recommended CXT-style concrete units rather than Portland Loos, citing durability and approved conversion standards for the state grant. Council discussed tradeoffs: some members favored Portland Loos for anti-misuse design but staff said CXT units better match grant conditions and have lower lifecycle repairs.

Heart Lake ALIA grant and parking redesign
Parks staff said the city applied for an Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALIA) grant of roughly $500,000 to reconfigure a portion of the Heart Lake parking area, reduce impermeable surface, add bioswales and create ADA-accessible parking and a dock. The project total is estimated at about $1 million; staff said if the legislature funds ALIA at last session's level the city would receive the award and use forest-lands interest earnings as the match.

Grandview Cemetery and green burials
Staff said they will bring policy updates for Grandview Cemetery to council soon, including an option to allow green burials in a manner that preserves dignity and meets code requirements.

Pickleball, Clearage courts and new court options
Council and staff spent substantial time on pickleball. Staff described repairs and installation of acoustic screening at the Clearage courts to reduce noise, and said staff are negotiating with the school district to convert two southern courts at 20th and K into combined tennis/pickleball surfaces as an alternative to overuse of the Clearage neighborhood courts. Staff noted decibel readings comparable to street noise but acknowledged ongoing neighborhood concerns; they said options include sound mitigation, expansion of sites and possible time limits enforced by dispatch and police.

Other projects
- Whistle Lake Dam: geotechnical review is underway with Department of Ecology coordination.
- Thompson Trail Trestle feasibility study: presentation scheduled for April 7 with technical findings and Samish and DNR participation.
- Maritime Plaza (Depot expansion): stormwater and utilities design will proceed with construction after festival season; engineers are preparing documents for summer bidding and a 2026 market-ready target.

Next steps
Staff will proceed with the cultural-resource review for Ben Root, finalize ALIA grant-related design if state funding is confirmed, implement acoustic mitigation at Clearage courts and continue outreach with impacted neighbors and stakeholders.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Anacortes - City Council Meeting (3/24/25)","oneSentenceSummary","Parks staff presented a multi-topic update March 24, highlighting a planned restroom and parking at Ben Root Skatepark funded largely by a $1 million payment from a vacated right-of-way, an ALIA grant bid for Heart Lake improvements, cemetery policy work including green-burial options, and ongoing pickleball noise mitigation efforts.","taxTitle","Anacortes, Skagit County, Washington","taxId",51056,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6109590,"City brings in falconer to discourage seagull nesting at City Hall",312,128000,440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2760753-2798a77710053bca594e7ac58f49f91a&start=128&end=440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2760753-2798a77710053bca594e7ac58f49f91a/thumbnail_128000.jpg","/articles/6109590/Anacortes/Skagit-County/Washington/City-brings-in-falconer-to-discourage-seagull-nesting-at-City-Hall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6109590-437894824437f4b40f3c2156b608f22e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095874&Signature=TMHUDa04-KFM2wOit6zLY~K~zE5QNTtSJUcnCMoV3J90arYR-k7Z8QJf~pu6~~JMD3tgr2baGGH7Dfu5XSgq~NmlsheiirLAKOfcAiaC7qJyHGuCs-T-wfieAL2ioyy4HAKfLhOyCxzW9b5NK1UMx6dURIhPb2~UFapX0KMY~bYW-m5FSoYGTg8UN5-Nq2NzCviFcCGsS7WDW-cCVjEpuYhJidhqUjdvlwY3Og618WlV0I4pd7XwebT-a93AksBaWdtUumkFf~ZxWhaVUmUlcvJsBpE56mRlxxqfBysLTwsof4M-8PiOo67-DYmjXUoQI6PWO1rmPun~2A-QH5G~Rg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Anacortes public-works staff told the City Council March 24 that the city has contracted a falconer to help deter seagulls from nesting on City Hall's roof.

Public Works Director Mr. Rayum introduced falconer Caitlin O'Neil, who brought Crash, a Harris's hawk, to demonstrate how trained raptors are used for bird abatement around buildings. O'Neil said the service will visit the site two to three times per week to discourage nesting. \"Falconry-based bird abatement... our goal isn't to kill any birds, it's just to scare them off of a particular spot,\" O'Neil said during the presentation.

Rayum said the falconry visits are intended as an alternative to installing a physical barrier such as a wire system atop City Hall. O'Neil described the method and its aim: trained raptors act as a predator presence that makes gulls reluctant to nest in consistently patrolled areas. She said the abatement zone typically extends a few blocks around the building where the bird is used.

Council members and staff asked about the birds and program details. O'Neil said Crash is about to turn 4 and, when flown free, hawks can live roughly 30 years under good conditions. She also said the team will primarily use two Harris's hawks for the contract, with a red-tailed hawk available occasionally.

The city did not provide contract amount or the vendor name beyond O'Neil's presentation; staff said the contract schedule is for recurring visits to keep seagulls from nesting rather than eradication. Councilmembers suggested the city publicize the program and share photos online. Staff and the falconer agreed to follow up with information for the city's website.","Public works introduced a contracted falconry-based bird-abatement program using trained raptors to discourage seagull nesting at City Hall; falconer Caitlin O'Neil demonstrated a Harris hawk named Crash and described the non-lethal program.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6109593,"Council approves water-line, vehicle and design contracts; adopts temporary-street-closure code",2331,4569000,6900000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2760753-2798a77710053bca594e7ac58f49f91a&start=4569&end=6900","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2760753-2798a77710053bca594e7ac58f49f91a/thumbnail_4569000.jpg","/articles/6109593/Anacortes/Skagit-County/Washington/Council-approves-water-line-vehicle-and-design-contracts-adopts-temporary-street-closure-code","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6109593-412134e54c4029498eb8280dd1cacb33/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095874&Signature=lq9r~YFxdmwJlRXoqDaTfORw9TsEcAApzSGr2pOmOagR3deJizLvh7GDbJ-9TvdHPLuNeCOOyOCG-taRPzMkSjs0BzjsGhYNWjK6N4jTEQo1U6Po2dqjKoPwnrxqQCL4N5kVCzHqqMaNqaecmNbjbuj62KY3XV1WjuIMPLV5uIce-yncDtBKXuglr7C-ncODLkP9TtR~6ersNW6cyk385g8nms~HTQ~IGGe-a2xFGHBzdkW1Rggdzx0CGZezn06e2tOq~jmyK3~hR-WH6M6dIH86J0Xal0m6SuxtmiFWSk4LxceEmQQCPFGq9C7suKRx~MgPiPFCjXHHanL0Tyfwyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Anacortes City Council approved a series of contracts and an ordinance March 24, authorizing a $1.49 million water-main replacement contract, purchasing five city trucks, renewing a Microsoft enterprise agreement and approving a $485,500 contract modification for design work on Marches Point Road. Council also adopted a code change giving department heads limited authority to close or restrict streets for short periods.

The actions affect utility reliability, vehicle fleet replacement, IT licensing and shoreline-related road and bike-lane design. Council voted unanimously on the listed items with Councilmember Bruce McDougall excused from the meeting.

Votes and formal actions at a glance
- 2025 water-line replacements: Council authorized the mayor to sign Contract 25-036-WTR-001 with Cimidex Construction for $1,488,245.28 to replace water mains, services and hydrants on a list of city streets. Motion: moved by Councilmember Young; second by Councilmember Fantini. Recorded yes votes: Young, Walters, Cleveland McGrath, Moulton, Hubick, Fantini. Outcome: approved.

- Purchase of five pickup trucks (Chevrolet): Council authorized Contract 25074-ERR-001 with Blade Chevrolet for $352,134.46 plus vehicle excise tax, title and registration fees. Motion: moved by Councilmember Moulton; second by Councilmember Young. Recorded yes votes: Walters, Cleveland McGrath, Moulton, Hubick, Fantini, Young. Outcome: approved.

- Microsoft Enterprise Agreement renewal (Office 365): Council authorized contract 25-093-ITS-001 with SHI International for $122,930.45. Motion: moved by Councilmember Cleveland McGrath; second by Councilmember Fantini. Recorded yes votes: Cleveland McGrath, Moulton, Hubick, Fantini, Young, Walters. Outcome: approved.

- Marches Point Road design contract modification: Council approved an amendment under Contract 24-159-ENG-001 with Kimberly-Horn & Associates increasing the design contract by $485,500 to a total of $1,075,100 to advance from 60% to 100% design for a new 30-inch water main and related bike-lane and shoreline stabilization work. Motion: moved by Councilmember Hubick; second by Councilmember Moulton. Recorded yes votes: Hubick, Fantini, Young, Walters, Cleveland McGrath, Moulton. Outcome: approved.

- Ordinance adopting temporary street closures and restrictions (Ordinance 4097): Council adopted a new Anacortes Municipal Code chapter on temporary street closures that delegates short-term closure authority to named department heads (mayor, public works director, fire chief, police chief and city engineer) for up to 72 hours and retains council authority for longer closures. Council amended the draft to include an emergency clause so the ordinance could take immediate effect. Motion: moved by Councilmember Walters; second by Councilmember Hubick. Recorded yes votes: Hubick, Fantini, Young, Walters, Cleveland McGrath, Moulton. Outcome: adopted.

What the votes mean
- Water infrastructure: The approved water-line contract targets mains and services with a history of breaks and coordinates replacement with planned street overlays to limit future interruptions.
- Marches Point Road: The design increase responds to shoreline erosion and permitting complexity on the Marches Point alignment and advances a larger project that refineries will fund through the utility's capital program.
- Street-closure code: The adopted code provides city staff with a faster, delegated process to clear or restrict streets for short-term public-safety, construction or heavy-haul needs while retaining council oversight for longer closures.

Next steps and notes
- Staff will proceed with construction procurement and the contract work set out in the approved water-line and design contracts. The Marches Point design work will continue through permitting; construction funding relies on refinery contributions and further permitting. The ordinance becomes effective immediately under the emergency clause adopted by council.","Anacortes City Council on March 24 approved five procurement items and a code change delegating short-term street-closure authority to city officials. Council also accepted a contract modification for Marches Point Road design work and awarded several equipment and IT purchases.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6109580,"Residents urge clearer council communications and more detail on comprehensive-plan climate element",431,693000,1124000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2760753-2798a77710053bca594e7ac58f49f91a&start=693&end=1124","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2760753-2798a77710053bca594e7ac58f49f91a/thumbnail_693000.jpg","/articles/6109580/Anacortes/Skagit-County/Washington/Residents-urge-clearer-council-communications-and-more-detail-on-comprehensive-plan-climate-element","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6109580-e546de2df3edcc8e3c26fee57091c1cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095874&Signature=a1XdFqao7tytTVMkr5dT43FwpYg~NXQQXdppV1egzZuhumvgXCZfm5K8I7PG7fvDwgpeonn1sZ4n-PEPfpDIO02LdzqtxNxxG05j-2HCMINYlGi2DbTsT4rJTNyDPGi-aw96HwVpGhMY3SVqgnPFrEgkM-Q~dGjJmzlQBsuYx38fBcnIpl1NyHL5iTMBuf792qtTLcHMYogHjGaISb2jEGqqo48DP7NDPipe7lpw1VsRq7aQhWxPuU4d5tc4PWXdRSLEl67EWKOUb2PA5MR8-yYFgAboJta7hjo2I8EgD0RIDYym8GOiCs5P4cMmDjYuUjM0VWAEvGTGYxjwPT9m8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two members of the public addressed the council March 24 during the public-comment period with requests about transparency and the climate element of the comprehensive plan.

Theresa Baker, a resident, asked the council to provide written updates to help residents keep track of ongoing city projects. Baker said people are left \"lost a lot of times\" and requested a monthly written summary of council decisions and project status. She cited questions about the status of the local movie theater lease, the $1 million payment from the vacated bathroom parcel and the future of the Olsen Building.

A second speaker, Shihua (Zhuamu) Mu, addressed the comprehensive-plan climate element following a recent open house. Mu, who identified herself as an Anacortes resident, said the open house presentation used technical graphics and terminology unfamiliar to many attendees and urged the council to require the consulting firm to share more detailed materials in advance. \"It's imperative that our council request the consulting firm to provide presentation materials, key assumptions, data tables, definition of terminologies, mathematical formula used to calculate including consecutive dry days, sea level indexes, sensitivities, vulnerabilities,\" she told the council. Mu also urged stronger public-engagement efforts and recommended the planning committee or planning commission take a lead in reviewing policy options.

Council members acknowledged both comments and staff said they would share planned updates and follow up on the comprehensive-plan outreach. No formal action was taken during the meeting on these requests.","Two residents used the public-comment period to ask for clearer monthly updates on city projects and to press the council and consultants for more accessible data and assumptions in the comprehensive-plan climate element materials.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parks update: skate-park restroom plan, Heart Lake grant bid, Grandview green burials and pickleball mitigation

City brings in falconer to discourage seagull nesting at City Hall

Council approves water-line, vehicle and design contracts; adopts temporary-street-closure code

Residents urge clearer council communications and more detail on comprehensive-plan climate element