[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6078535,"mediaKeyId","2959442-026e7850a484daa0a60f510f699692ec","parentId",2959442,"title","Arts commission to pursue creative-district designation; calendar of community events noted","audioSeconds",156,"startMs",1888000,"endMs",2044000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959442-026e7850a484daa0a60f510f699692ec&start=1888&end=2044","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959442-026e7850a484daa0a60f510f699692ec/thumbnail_1888000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6078535/La-Conner/Skagit-County/Washington/Arts-commission-to-pursue-creative-district-designation-calendar-of-community-events-noted","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6078535-ae29121975afda8669ec70fdfdbe086b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143931&Signature=iL~DGFN4biS3N3gYuFHt6f6FkErFrIGcBaL0h339x4c6Eun-GN1fHuMQLBSipMX36bnTpZiEz92J8ZGtA7OHGc3yMv6L3gmQeUrtq1H-XCrY3CvAYQlO5Utsr3ro28vd1FWn5B0Y3soJ~dTXH1Q4CpIzdz4rJfdM79~WEpHiOl9xZn4Gx25Ln4MWidSYxBdlaTIAkFNhyPj~KwxfRtXzl8hgfVDfJaBUfhLZTfnzEjDmfHrpTYvYgLEdcJ30cfnFP~3xJxHznrKXlwYXRt9aLz933y2G7GvEACjGMTdF~hU-JlJhNdrTGSxVHHTEHxSo96u-~WLkbODBhz6GyEWXNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","La Conner, WA","date","2025-04-08T00:00:00Z","article","The La Conner Arts Commission will lead an effort to apply for designation as a state 'creative district,' Mayor (unnamed in the record) told the council on March 25. Cynthia Elliott met with town leadership and the arts commission will spearhead the application and associated reporting.

Councilmembers said they were surprised to see the range of designations used by other creative districts in the state and were optimistic that La Conner could develop a distinct theme. Planning staff (Michael) said he will work alongside the arts commission on required materials.

The mayor also called attention to two upcoming Saturday events: \"Saturdays with the Mayor,\" an emergency-management continuation session at 10 a.m. in the library, and a separate solar-scheduler meeting at 10 a.m. in Maple Hall. Staff said the emergency-management commission will post QR codes and links on the town website and that a new commission chair (Brianna Wilson) has taken the role for the next six months.

Councilmembers praised recent parade logistics, noted handicap-parking and Guilty Square issues for follow-up, and signaled more planning will be needed for the July 4 celebration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Council Meeting - April 08, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council heard that the town's Arts Commission will pursue a state creative-district designation. The mayor and staff also flagged two community events scheduled the coming Saturday and noted continued work on the July 4 planning and emergency-management outreach.","taxTitle","La Conner, Skagit County, Washington","taxId",60298,"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},6078540,"Council debates draft policy limiting non-town inserts in utility bills",392,3113000,3505000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959442-026e7850a484daa0a60f510f699692ec&start=3113&end=3505","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959442-026e7850a484daa0a60f510f699692ec/thumbnail_3113000.jpg","/articles/6078540/La-Conner/Skagit-County/Washington/Council-debates-draft-policy-limiting-non-town-inserts-in-utility-bills","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6078540-cd638106c29c782a77f9982f9b110dc3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143931&Signature=PHU8n2hgOc2Nm9IBMX2I4TSNQJcoGxRiL~h7fbT3P~fsULODYRl6iEbHfuXd8~~v5cYP6s58cffwd74pGWjNuZzPGq8vaR5opaiLRrMPOm0HIxfKALGPW873o6lCS5t8Dx8LsGW~YQ8F1uZeeIn3vb79zuTOjfXZNEShqRTC7F0j12H4LFcSg-sUypBtT4qQ3xmTtvqIPdBq75SjvHr4xP6Gan9XBn6TS-93jB9M~rsfXDDsnjKrRxmnT~ldrjxo1C7aJmrCspXT6PE97gx5N0-DCrACijP~C242KjuhepqDwvVnHNnwPIO-38rD75SeO~UVr4de5fq3r5fvoanI-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilmembers reviewed a proposed utility-billing-insert policy on March 25 aimed at limiting what can be included in the town's monthly utility mailings.

Scott (town staff) explained the policy drafts limits to town business and other governmental entities, noting that the town has only a finite number of billing opportunities each year and that outside requests have increased. Councilmembers discussed whether to permit inserts from nonprofits or community groups that align with the town's mission and goals and whether to levy a fee for inserts that increase postage or staff time.

Several councilmembers recommended a mission-and-goals test tied to the town's comprehensive plan and suggested preapproval by council or town commissions for items outside standard town communications. Options discussed included a flat fee for third-party inserts that require extra postage or staff handling and ensuring inserts do not push mailings into a higher postal class.

Council direction: staff was asked to refine the draft, add language tying eligibility to the town's mission/vision statements or comprehensive plan goals, consider a fee for inserts that increase postage or staff time, and circulate a revised draft by email for council review prior to the next meeting.","Councilmembers reviewed a draft utility-billing-insert policy that would limit inserts to town business and other government entities, discussed mission-based exceptions and possible fees for outside groups, and asked staff to refine language and return by email with edits.",{"_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},6078545,"Town law enforcement clarifies no local participation in ICE operations",129,1675000,1804000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959442-026e7850a484daa0a60f510f699692ec&start=1675&end=1804","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959442-026e7850a484daa0a60f510f699692ec/thumbnail_1675000.jpg","/articles/6078545/La-Conner/Skagit-County/Washington/Town-law-enforcement-clarifies-no-local-participation-in-ICE-operations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6078545-bab171835c7dfa2fa9deb5fd6aaddb39/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143931&Signature=i7lO1OiP300sTLuNO0fQlQLmsKSXECl00s00t0cXWLBNWKk6~qhMHCzNyJGp5vdtzlo8kqobaU5yAwUrKkQcsa4uAZpKJA2YP2Ga2SXCN21zK~f5ik0nAmrUckaryXCWgQY0Xjl3---q-Y4FTyg~xbNP4VB~esouLKMbvWEQQpS0bD46UdJwe9NsoaJDi7WtW06NjeEwjSTZEKvrrw-DWUouICZvFWHCyXfe1txqujyunADcpKZG2FyjwsCHcjdvFPA05h7Qg4NpNUEtMmWeCFhbAQn7VDX-utDbSA3AoX9fzZBEnn1GYIF3uGx5SdxtC~YqsgUsy5G~fo4v2Xgd~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A law-enforcement speaker at the March 25 La Conner meeting told the council the town does not participate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.

The speaker, identified in the meeting transcript as a representative of the sheriff's office, said the department operates under Washington State directives and does not confirm ICE warrants or participate as backup for ICE operations. \"We are completely hands off,\" the speaker said, adding that federal agencies occasionally notify local law enforcement that they will be in the area but that the town will not participate in immigration enforcement.

Councilmembers asked for clarification after residents raised concerns that county or contracted local enforcement was assisting federal immigration operations. The sheriff's-office representative said rumors had circulated and reiterated that local policy is to defer to state law and not to provide operational support to federal immigration enforcement.

The council did not take formal action on the matter but accepted the clarification and asked staff to communicate that policy to concerned residents if needed.","A county law-enforcement representative told the council the town does not participate in ICE operations and will remain ‘‘hands off' in immigration enforcement, while noting federal agencies sometimes notify local authorities of presence in the area.",{"_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},6078549,"Fire department seeks new training props and radios, eyes youth recruitment program",139,1286000,1425000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959442-026e7850a484daa0a60f510f699692ec&start=1286&end=1425","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959442-026e7850a484daa0a60f510f699692ec/thumbnail_1286000.jpg","/articles/6078549/La-Conner/Skagit-County/Washington/Fire-department-seeks-new-training-props-and-radios-eyes-youth-recruitment-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6078549-f2e11a599fcb882861ce3fad1bcfebdf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143931&Signature=acZ5SS0hyIliD34UEVTaXzDbaOeYak2XTFzp23BoOlaEp8DdRnxHa8wwrhGYtTY4L8NI4Fk6uyd~96nsMWnuv77-fNln7Edo602E2NT~6dPZ0zHyvJoEM0ttiZSYVqn8pjcLogWxxRnsiev9sZq471pg-PgvRGI9EwOVf3XM4UcQZEL2o4EacZLlhtyBFR2JIls59lk0A-S-ZSsT-DoSZO6cy0A5THrkAQgvXjw-u2ZXv2ACiTFNRGds6cFw0Kpq9FUA53rIh4GWRUlSHFdjEiVOsti8v2gijXJWwsNCthBtG6~qWVZC6t2LI3wc83ZgrfgV1MgJKige7-~8d9FwkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","La Conner's fire department asked the council to support modest purchases to improve training and to continue developing a local recruitment pipeline.

Fire Department representatives said the radios the department has traditionally purchased are discontinued and current replacements are about $8,000 apiece. The department requested flexibility to purchase two COMEX (container-based) roof-and-ladder training props when prices fall or if donated units become available; the town's communications plan includes about $10,000 for such equipment.

Aaron, speaking for the department, described the COMEX prop as a roughly 20-foot training container with a metal roof that can be placed and used for realistic roof and ladder drills. He said the prop would allow training that is difficult to replicate on ground-level practice rigs and would be useful for La Conner and neighboring departments sharing training. Aaron also said the department recently had several new trainees attend practical sessions, and staff are working with the local high school on a pilot teen search-and-training program.

Council members said training continuity and retaining locally based firefighters were important goals. The council did not take a formal purchase vote at the meeting; staff said they will try to time purchases for anticipated summer price declines and pursue donated units if available.

The department asked the council to note the estimated per-unit radio cost of about $8,000, the availability of $10,000 in the communications plan as a potential funding source and the plan to seek shared use with neighboring departments during training.","La Conner Fire Department presented plans to buy two training containers (COMEX), improve ladder and roof training, and recruit teens for early training; staff noted radio model discontinuation and higher replacement costs.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6078555,"Council approves cabaret license, fireboat change order and several town actions",2310,238000,2548000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959442-026e7850a484daa0a60f510f699692ec&start=238&end=2548","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959442-026e7850a484daa0a60f510f699692ec/thumbnail_238000.jpg","/articles/6078555/La-Conner/Skagit-County/Washington/Council-approves-cabaret-license-fireboat-change-order-and-several-town-actions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6078555-ac0ca79e97b3b683a3cf72930ce5472e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143931&Signature=j5EhDFrpdUxZg79ncCW2kpNJRtozrSoo6Qe37YC6oA45y6rbtROzxMK2wOFhHUTO3pzn2195pod~zaAK7KbU5qHDZXC9BSLHNDSDPe-sWutNNij5bZ-wgGvi6~5lPVg6RRAhcab2QFSTKPOCx5IeHp6WOjTN386HaJpRt6uq16bzBjHwG5OzORTm48RV6jZu8TiWvSOqCD5J3rCTNuszWQknQ9qEU7OAvOl4ANC1In-8iWOosB1TqQMidLoyUCOyghtr3yPlkbzLw2kEzWt3wisRjxaj2wzaF6YR2ffbfNIfn3x9R6FDFDXPrx~QKN~nX37GXYI-BIbfIBT8tAebpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","La Conner Town Council on March 25 approved a package of motions including a cabaret license for the Firehall Kitchen & Tap House, a change order for a town fireboat project and acceptance of a donated parcel intended for park use.

The council approved the cabaret license for the Firehall Kitchen & Tap House to allow limited early-evening live music in an outdoor area adjacent to the venue. Scott Lindenen, representing the business, told the council performances would be family friendly and finish by about 9 p.m. Councilmember Bridal moved to approve the license; Councilmember Hidalb seconded; the motion passed on a voice vote.

The council also voted to approve a change order for the town's fireboat contract that added sales tax and two previously listed items, bringing the total additional change order amount reported at the meeting to $1,919,030. Councilmember Taylor moved the change order; Councilmember Malau seconded. Council members were told volunteer fundraising is anticipated to cover the added cost.

Separately, the council accepted a donation of the former Kerch (Harland) property to be used as a park. Representatives of the donating family spoke briefly to express their desire the land remain parkland. The motion to accept the donation passed; Councilmember Waddle moved and Councilmember Bill seconded.

The council approved forwarding a draft of the town's comprehensive plan to the Washington State Department of Commerce for the 60-day review required by state law. Staff said the draft includes 10 of 11 chapters previously reviewed; the central public facilities chapter was approved earlier. The approval moves the plan into the formal comment period, after which the council said it will hold another public hearing before any final vote.

Other approvals included removal of a large hazardous street-tree on Tallaght (cost-sharing with adjacent property owners to be finalized) and a $5,024.35 contract with Quantum Construction to remediate water damage in a town office after recent storms.

Council members and staff repeatedly noted that many of the votes were unanimous voice votes and that specific roll-call tallies were not recorded in the meeting minutes.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda: approved (voice vote). No individual items pulled for separate action at the meeting.
- Cabaret license (Firehall Kitchen & Tap House): motion carried; mover: Councilmember Bridal; second: Councilmember Hidalb. Staff recommended approval; applicant Scott Lindenen described outdoor, family-friendly music ending by about 9 p.m.
- Fireboat change order (additional work and sales tax): approved; reported additional change-order amount: $1,919,030; mover: Councilmember Taylor; second: Councilmember Malau. Staff said volunteer funding is expected to cover the increase.
- Property donation (former Kerch/Harland property for park use): approved; mover: Councilmember Waddle; second: Councilmember Bill.
- Comprehensive Plan draft (submit to WA Department of Commerce for 60-day review): approved (voice vote).
- Tree removal (large street tree on Tallaght judged hazardous): approved (voice vote). Council asked staff to document property owners' cost-sharing agreement in writing before final billing.
- Building/office remediation (Quantum Construction): approved; contract amount: $5,024.35; motion carried.

The meeting record shows the council completed routine business and moved several projects forward. Several items approved at the meeting require follow-up work by staff: finalizing cost-sharing for the tree removal; coordinating sea trials and final delivery steps for the fireboat; and handling any complaints that arise if the cabaret license events generate noise issues.

No formal roll-call vote tallies were recorded in the public transcript for most items.","At its March 25 meeting the La Conner Town Council approved a cabaret license for the Firehall Kitchen & Tap House, accepted a donated waterfront property for a park, authorized a $1.919 million fireboat change order, advanced the comprehensive plan draft to the state and approved several maintenance and tree-removal items.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Arts commission to pursue creative-district designation; calendar of community events noted

Council debates draft policy limiting non-town inserts in utility bills

Town law enforcement clarifies no local participation in ICE operations

Fire department seeks new training props and radios, eyes youth recruitment program

Council approves cabaret license, fireboat change order and several town actions