Public Works committee recommends phased funding, clearer deliverables for downtown streetscape plan

The Public Works committee reported to the Anacortes City Council on May 5 with recommendations on the downtown streetscape plan, wastewater outfall progress, and other projects in the capital program.

Committee member Councilmember Walters reported committee consensus that the consultant the city has identified as the highest-scoring proposer for the downtown streetscape study submitted a price that exceeds the amount allocated in the 2025 capital facilities plan. The committee recommended spending the money allocated for 2025 now and planning to fund the remaining delta in 2026. The committee also recommended the city embed specific objectives and deliverables in the consultant’s scope of work and to include mechanisms in the plan so it does not "just sit on a shelf," including funding pathways and realistic project phasing. Walters said the committee asked that on-street parking opportunities on side streets be incorporated to increase downtown parking "only by spending some money on paint and signage."

On the wastewater outfall, Walters reported the tunneling contractor is nearing a directional turn and that overall progress remains roughly on schedule despite being slightly behind earlier estimates. For the 12th and Commercial non-roundabout project, Walters said bids came in a few hundred thousand dollars under the engineer’s estimate and the project is moving forward; scheduling details remain to be finalized.

The committee also noted a privately owned parking lot on Commercial Avenue where unpermitted improvements caused problems; the lot owner has agreed to undo those improvements to restore the prior condition until they seek permits.

No formal council action was recorded on these committee recommendations during the meeting; they were presented as committee reports to the full council for awareness and future consideration.