Skagit County commissioners approve consent agenda, reappoint planning commissioner and OK contracts for fish-passage work and boat repairs

The Skagit County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 25 approved its consent agenda, reappointed Jed Holmes to the Skagit County Planning Commission and approved two miscellaneous contract actions: a supplemental agreement with Kauffman Engineers for county fish‑passage project design work and a purchase order with Safe Boats International for vessel repairs.

Chair Commissioner Janicki opened the meeting and asked Commissioner Browning to highlight consent items. Commissioner Browning called out parks department fee‑schedule updates (agenda items 15–17), a public‑health speaker scheduled to present on Northstar opioid and homelessness work, and a resolution (item 20) authorizing additional opioid settlement signings under the Northstar umbrella. Browning moved “to approve consent agenda items 1 through 23, including all items requiring ratification vouchers and warrants for Monday, October 2025.” Janicki seconded; the motion carried.

The board then moved to miscellaneous business and reappointed Jed Holmes to Seat 8 representing District 3 on the Skagit County Planning Commission. Commissioner Browning moved the reappointment and, after a second, Janicki, acting as chair for the vote, said, “All in favor say aye.” The motion carried and the board noted Holmes’ term will commence Sept. 1, 2025 and continue through Aug. 31, 2029.

The board approved Miscellaneous Item 2, a supplemental agreement No. 1 with Kauffman Engineers to continue design work on 11 county fish‑passage culvert projects. The agreement increases compensation to an amount not to exceed $1,925,574.47 and remains in effect through Dec. 31, 2026. Commissioner Janicki moved approval; the motion carried 2‑0.

Miscellaneous Item 3, a purchase order with Safe Boats International, was approved for removal and replacement of port and starboard color skins and main foam on a county vessel. Compensation was authorized not to exceed $36,365.83; the work is scheduled to commence Sept. 4, 2025 and conclude Sept. 12, 2025. The motion to approve passed 2‑0.

The board also noted other consent items described during the meeting: parks fee‑schedule revisions intended to keep campground fees consistent with comparable sites, a Samish Indian Nation request related to short‑term housing financial assistance, and arrangements to invest opioid‑settlement funds through Northstar for treatment and recovery services. Those items were included in the approved consent agenda and were not taken up separately at the meeting.

The board announced a public hearing for 9 a.m. Aug. 26 to consider testimony on a nonexclusive franchise agreement with the Cascade River Community Club to install, operate and maintain water‑utility facilities in county rights of way; that hearing may include possible action. Commissioner Janicki said Commissioner Wiesen will return for a full board on Wednesday.

The meeting adjourned after the votes and scheduling announcements.