Council approves change order for La Conner fireboat; delivery pushed into August

The La Conner Town Council on July 22 approved a change order for the town’s new fireboat and discussed final delivery and berthing arrangements with the Port of La Conner. Council members voted to approve the change order during the meeting; the packet notes the change order amount but the transcript records the figure unclearly as “some 2,000 and a $131.” Council discussion indicated this change order should complete outstanding work on the vessel. The council also recorded an extension of the delivery date into August and said the boat would arrive for a trial and testing period once complete. Scott (staff), who presented the item, said the port will provide berthing and access to the vessel and has been cooperative in arranging a suitable location. Council members said the port’s cooperation will help the town’s operational deployment and training. The meeting record also noted plans for an informal ceremony when the old vessel is retired and the new vessel placed at the port. A motion to approve the La Conner Fire Department change order was made and seconded; the council approved the motion by voice vote. No roll-call tally or detailed breakdown of the change order line items was included in the meeting transcript. Council members emphasized that the port has been “excellent” to work with on mooring and logistics and that the vessel’s arrival includes a brief trials/testing period. Staff said further coordination with port staff would continue to finalize berthing and operational readiness.