The La Conner Town Council heard a comprehensive public-works budget presentation on Jan. 23 that highlighted proposed capital and operations items across parks, streets, stormwater, water and wastewater funds.

Brian (public works staff) presented the highlights. He said the town removed capital projects from some fund tallies to keep operating funds in balance and identified several priority items: Moore Street rehabilitation, recurring asphalt repairs, park repairs and security measures, town-facilities repairs and a public-works facility-space study.

On Moore Street, Brian said the engineered estimate for a mill-and-overlay is $1,185,000; he warned that if the road deteriorates further a full-depth restoration could add about $800,000 to that price. He said the $30,000 figure in the presentation is for environmental and cultural-resource work needed to support a competitive grant application and that preliminary documentation makes grant applications stronger.

Parks and facilities items flagged for possible funding include a $25,000 security camera/monitoring system for Pioneer Park (presented as a unit cost estimate), $18,000 preliminary budget line for a pocket-park paver and plaza rehab, and $50,000 placeholder amounts in general for park capital repairs. Staff noted recent copper-theft vandalism at a shelter conduit that prompted heightened attention to security and vandalism trends.

Utilities highlights included a multi-year plan to replace water meters (staff recommended starting within five years and continue work as funds allow) and a $20,000 public-works facility study to inventory space needs, safety and ventilation requirements for a potential new shop/warehouse or renovated workspace.

On streets, staff described increased contractor minimums for small asphalt repair jobs and called attention to the need to keep a standing fund for patching and short-term asphalt fixes. Staff said they will apply for grants for Moore Street and are budgeting initial engineering and documentation costs to strengthen applications.

Council questions produced two specific next steps: staff will provide site-survey and preliminary cost numbers for a proposed crosswalk and related sidewalk work on Findlay Lane by mid next week, and staff will return with revised budget numbers after council feedback. No budget appropriation was adopted at the meeting; this was a presentation of proposed items, and staff said adjustments will follow through the formal budget process.

Ending: Staff urged council members to review the CIP list and contact public works with priorities; several items will be carried into subsequent budget workshops for formal consideration.