[{"_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",6162308,"mediaKeyId","5439273-be88d713a17c7ce711431a36fca113a1","parentId",5439273,"title","High school players ask Anacortes to avoid painting pickleball lines on varsity tennis courts","audioSeconds",96,"startMs",1384000,"endMs",1480000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5439273-be88d713a17c7ce711431a36fca113a1&start=1384&end=1480","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5439273-be88d713a17c7ce711431a36fca113a1/thumbnail_1384000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6162308/Anacortes/Skagit-County/Washington/High-school-players-ask-Anacortes-to-avoid-painting-pickleball-lines-on-varsity-tennis-courts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162308-4ae5a0431cf57a8020d4fda2411aa0cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143166&Signature=IE1y2hwTIEtyJc4o1CIXc2YN~XoXfXBFisqhJ~t-axIG7Bg994ZU0VyqJDts1Lnwc7BY3mTAqqoqeYixEuWc0Eg6725Zhn-2TwDlbTP8bRJUKRXPuL5Gv~fFj-nGflKiBZY8qfIxF4HLYCTqm4mMLtgd9UUJaKDLEQE7w2BieXOLKjzmQIk0xJG6N8DnIplVyGHi1TfYeD9vcfJh45kdTmGVrhXX4L8pZCQbdTygYefa7tlRDmypgv-7hzrmSFGCDKbfVaTxH7B~lr3SzEN8p5rGiPhMJENTFWTHN4yvjWE7GhLdUFQt~ierTTPk-~h5EKBC1LbNHFx6meQUNeEyOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Anacortes, WA","date","2025-07-22T17:07:42.23Z","article","An Anacortes High School sophomore told the council on July 21 she opposes painting pickleball lines on the school’s varsity tennis courts, arguing the courts’ current condition already limits play and that adding pickleball lines would further reduce usable space for the tennis team.

“Matter-of-factly, the varsity teams will not play on our high school courts due to their quality… the addition of adding pickleball court lines would further these actions of refusing to play against us,” Maggie Miller told the council, noting other local options for pickleball such as Clear Ridge and Mount Erie Elementary.

Council took no immediate action. Mayor Miller and staff said recreation and parks planning, including potential new courts, is part of ongoing facilities planning and that council will consider competing needs as part of future budget or capital planning.

Ending: No policy changes were adopted; the student’s comments were entered into the public record for future parks and facilities planning.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Anacortes - City Council Meeting, 7/21/25 (Zoom Livestream)","oneSentenceSummary","A high school student addressed the council urging the city not to add pickleball lines to the varsity courts, saying court condition already limits play and alternate locations exist; the council took no action and directed staff to consider facility needs as part of broader parks planning.","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},6162312,"Residents warn council about proposed battery-energy storage at Guemes Island ferry project",301,1024000,1325000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5439273-be88d713a17c7ce711431a36fca113a1&start=1024&end=1325","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5439273-be88d713a17c7ce711431a36fca113a1/thumbnail_1024000.jpg","/articles/6162312/Anacortes/Skagit-County/Washington/Residents-warn-council-about-proposed-battery-energy-storage-at-Guemes-Island-ferry-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162312-0007011dee752814725e112b5e5abf66/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143166&Signature=bu19SZ7vCoGk4XUNFnWmJiZDD0pu2vRrtEfRq4kL~P1~I6xaf9hLNpxW2KPieVecGdv4PNvv31KtN0TIwTdGnw2cax-sDRzi9~saRtLvkM1UsfkSMjsroDQGxfS~wSJ50OKxf-uZDkRUlNcVXv9rU14zVeQAXeRXCKki3H2JmM1qt3RX0j2k8Q1HYy4FWkR-JrlU3hPua5fVZzkFRUF2Wc6L1RzqeDxexJRKM1cW0Gl5rk2yNqDGPj7hHixfWEffi4GcAZcyZARJ42wd~zhCMOWx4koMgb3HqNI-ETkqnS1oZK9wyk6kGVjBVJAdKojFP1lRAu3dGRfEKSXgDYMdWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several Anacortes residents used the public-comment period to urge caution about a Skagit County project to electrify the Guemes Island ferry, which includes a proposed battery-energy storage system at the dock.

Judy Billings told the council the project (planning file SDP2024-0003) is a Skagit County Public Works proposal with an estimated cost near $50 million for a short ferry crossing; she urged the city to oppose placement of a 2–3 megawatt battery-energy storage system (BESS) near downtown Anacortes, citing the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and international reports of shipping suspensions for EV cargo because of fire risk. “To put this plant with 2 to 3 megawatts of lithium ion batteries in downtown Anacortes is ludicrous. Absolutely ludicrous and dangerous,” Billings said.

Suzanne Roner also spoke against permitting battery storage in city limits and noted the matter was discussed by the Planning Commission in May. Mayor Miller and staff clarified the project is a Skagit County undertaking and that the council would only see a proposal if development occurs inside city limits; staff said if a large project were proposed within city limits the council would have an opportunity to consider it.

Ending: The council did not take any action; staff noted the city will review any formal development applications that fall inside city limits and answer public questions about jurisdictional responsibilities.","Members of the public expressed concern about a Skagit County proposal that includes a battery-energy storage system (BESS) at the Guemes Island ferry dock, citing battery fire risks and ongoing lawsuits; city staff said the project is a county matter but will come before council if built within city limits.",{"_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},6162317,"Dog owners press Anacortes to restore wading pools at Ace of Hearts park after city ban",346,660000,1006000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5439273-be88d713a17c7ce711431a36fca113a1&start=660&end=1006","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5439273-be88d713a17c7ce711431a36fca113a1/thumbnail_660000.jpg","/articles/6162317/Anacortes/Skagit-County/Washington/Dog-owners-press-Anacortes-to-restore-wading-pools-at-Ace-of-Hearts-park-after-city-ban","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162317-da5f1cd567302f6f935ce62aa45a2bf6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143166&Signature=oxy85AgDEaK2o7KFNNwKH8NgBLKLWmFIlRSr~xWvco1HOLXLiVNc3l7ZikmZ1rpTAxxzV8bwEbbJ2O8QXmwhrCFwVRvIBjDXst7Zk2VW4DJXsA~Gd8DMozMbp~M-enhEsL2rtxVws-SMwcoEfad4mFHQwYbJR91I1qlHdwVAHKu9QtRTfcsRDvPzXWZZ-ofSamPgVrHjHWX6j9OfSiEvmu0Y52Rw23AEuWUdQChjBCmo-RRSEg2LdA4JfCiL~6biz2YZBQOEbEH9lqZ7O5bGIu34fdXN6nMxh4dcYzEVBC2brRbTxP~LZ9dT5Dmu7CV4-WvUz2a~FR3nfL8FJTc5Iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple dog-park users told the Anacortes City Council on July 21 they want the city to restore the longstanding practice of allowing small, privately provided wading pools at the Ace of Hearts Dog Park. Speakers said the pools — used for animal cooling and recreation for roughly 20 years — were recently prohibited by parks staff and that the reasons given to users changed over several conversations.

“Why would parks want to change what dog owners have already proved successful?” asked Bill Turner, who said dog owners use the park heavily. Turner said staff initially cited contamination concerns but later told users the ban stemmed from a single complaint about a wet dog.

Mark Robinson and other commenters disputed the health-hazard rationale. Robinson referenced common bacterial concerns and noted the city water system’s use of sodium hypochlorite for drinking-water disinfection to argue the pools could be maintained safely.

Parks staff told the council they continue to work with users to find a solution; Mayor Miller and staff said they are exploring options to address heat-safety concerns and to respond to public feedback. No council action to change park rules was taken at the meeting; the matter remains under administrative review.

Ending: City staff will continue discussions with park users to seek a workable approach for cooling options during summer heat events; council did not adopt policy changes at the meeting.","Several residents told the council the parks department has banned privately provided wading pools used by dog owners at Ace of Hearts Dog Park; speakers said the pools helped dogs cool in extreme heat and urged the city to reverse the ban or provide alternative cooling options.",{"_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},6162321,"Anacortes council presses pause on pool district ballot language as legal questions remain",2634,2418000,5052000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5439273-be88d713a17c7ce711431a36fca113a1&start=2418&end=5052","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5439273-be88d713a17c7ce711431a36fca113a1/thumbnail_2418000.jpg","/articles/6162321/Anacortes/Skagit-County/Washington/Anacortes-council-presses-pause-on-pool-district-ballot-language-as-legal-questions-remain","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162321-6da7ced2a5a4fb890c6f9b1dd9926326/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143166&Signature=cMI3~w5b6vdIj26N2dABDQpSt6is~PsUb7J7YcJNdeh0ERQ9cyZkJ-CRNau6aOY0UshJInuy8vxQ6wBNbU08dfWLtuSXl4KB2z7~mtg8gmh61wJMtdFiecUlgd6SKr8SKy8LJ1GoUfLZfm-QcNsmjEuUeGL-N11EH~khBB-FFraozpjvd979AkbjGOzVqZAmeAUxzPionDdjuZI6Kv09MbO4xyzi1qQPuza5SUgxs87zy3j~~brPTBEhJ7ivkVHlZ79V8fTEo~SEDjJATHfX3AaJMiIaVgxlNlV0G8EUwR8isB5UQAIb6LS5tUh8hlO32M-Cb0mZ1jX8f55naQFvWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City councilors, pool commissioners and public speakers spent more than an hour on July 21 discussing draft ballot language for a proposed Fidalgo Metropolitan Park District that would provide permanent property tax funding for operations and maintenance of the Fidalgo Pool and Fitness Center.

City staff told council the choice is consequential: a limited-purpose metropolitan park district formed for a specifically identified facility allows the city to include a maximum levy rate in the ballot proposition; a broad-purpose district, which the pool’s attorneys prefer, would not allow the city to insert a maximum levy rate into ballot language under its current legal reading. “There’s a choose-your-own-adventure here that we have to get right,” City Attorney Darcy Swetnam told the council, noting chapter 35.61 of the Revised Code of Washington governs metropolitan park districts.

Pool commissioners and supporters said the measure is intended primarily to guarantee ongoing operations and maintenance funding so the pool does not need frequent renewal levies. Commissioners said the proposal is not a ballot authorization for a new pool; any future capital bond for a new facility would require separate voter approval. “This measure…has nothing to do with a new facility. It’s operations and maintenance of the existing facility,” Commissioner Jeremy McNett said.

Several council members asked for two clarifications: whether a district that begins as limited-purpose could later add facilities without a new vote, and whether the district could seek a levy lid lift beyond an initial cap. City and county attorneys and the district’s counsel are reviewing both questions; Councilmember Walters said the city should get a definitive legal read before finalizing ballot language.

Public commenters emphasized voter control and transparency; several urged a maximum levy rate be stated in the proposition so voters know the upper bound. Others — including pool supporters — asked that ballot text also make clear the district’s link to the existing pool. Staff said they expect to return to council next week with refined resolution language and legal answers to the outstanding questions to meet county ballot deadlines.

Ending: Council postponed final placement of language and instructed staff to resolve the legal questions about limited versus broad purpose district language and whether the city may include a maximum levy rate in the ballot proposition.","Council members and the Fidalgo Pool commissioners discussed whether a proposed Metropolitan Park District for Fidalgo Pool should be limited-purpose (allowing a capped levy) or broad-purpose (no statutory cap in ballot language); staff will return with clarified legal advice before placing language on the ballot.",{"_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},6162326,"Anacortes council extends Waste Management contract one year, directs staff to negotiate longer-term terms",830,1524000,2354000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5439273-be88d713a17c7ce711431a36fca113a1&start=1524&end=2354","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5439273-be88d713a17c7ce711431a36fca113a1/thumbnail_1524000.jpg","/articles/6162326/Anacortes/Skagit-County/Washington/Anacortes-council-extends-Waste-Management-contract-one-year-directs-staff-to-negotiate-longer-term-terms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162326-455e1b42ee4efe0ee4f242d521498e55/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143166&Signature=adxbTxVKjcKPPeNPYncdaU7qlDDFN1P4LrynXvL9iqUm62v7cQToB3paiDowh3jpKl-IUoN-l-2da0IXYHs1oehO8eCbD0jtgp9yLK49nP1IEFPTzwcykk6ewjMvymjJZDaPnRXTHKenVXhcE2CxXuqbW-N8FJi8DjVkc3u0YJWIrASqcJD~nMYifMJFuLVK8dMaN-EIDL-tG2x0N8vfIUtP4gCTU~ZRTk2TYUvsjVnI7h69BEwT4imsddeyF~hsPQf-K-egmQvbvqgWxbj3GovD1yoCGmGSO1ecPYErc8QMFtOKWuG4LnNv5-y5RU1u7h-vZMdnxC1kgb~pz5mQ3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Anacortes City Council on July 21 approved a one-year extension to the city's residential recyclables and organics collection contract with Waste Management and signaled support for staff to negotiate a longer-term replacement contract.

The council voted to authorize the mayor to sign the amendment extending the current agreement through July 1, 2027, with Waste Management notifying the city it will apply a roughly 6% price increase that will take effect with the renewed term. “So this is an extension of the contract for an additional year,” Public Works Director Andy Rayum told the council, and he recommended approval to allow time for a competitive procurement if the city chose that route.

The extension passed on a motion by Councilmember Walters, seconded by Councilmember Fantini, and carried unanimously. Council members then discussed next steps and — without objection — directed staff to open direct negotiations with Waste Management on a new 10-year contract and to bring proposed contract provisions back to council for approval. Rayum said if negotiations with the incumbent fail, staff would issue a request for proposals (RFP).

Council members pressed staff to consider several issues during negotiations: contract length, the state Recycling and Product Stewardship Reform Act and how its rulemaking may change costs and responsibilities for recycling, ways to expand or make organics service more accessible without forcing large containers on small households, options to reduce contamination (including customer penalties), whether billing should remain handled by the city or moved to the hauler, and the frequency of collections. “There is this recycling reform act at the state level that promises to change some things,” Rayum said; Councilmember Walters said the law could shift costs to producers over coming years.

Councilmember Hubick emphasized an April 1, 2027, deadline in state law for year-round organics collection availability for jurisdictions with solid-waste plans and urged staff to seek creative solutions that avoid obligating small households to oversized containers.

Staff noted regional competition for haulers is limited and that direct negotiation could save city staff time, but any negotiated long-term contract would return to council for final approval. The council did not adopt additional contractual terms at the meeting; the direction was to negotiate and report back.

Ending: Council members said they expect additional public discussion and committee review as staff returns with draft contract language and options for rate implementation and billing changes.","The City Council approved a one-year amendment to its residential recycling and organics collection contract with Waste Management and asked staff to negotiate terms for a new, longer contract while exploring alternatives and policy changes tied to state recycling reform.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

High school players ask Anacortes to avoid painting pickleball lines on varsity tennis courts

Residents warn council about proposed battery-energy storage at Guemes Island ferry project

Dog owners press Anacortes to restore wading pools at Ace of Hearts park after city ban

Anacortes council presses pause on pool district ballot language as legal questions remain

Anacortes council extends Waste Management contract one year, directs staff to negotiate longer-term terms