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

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.