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Public commenters urge outreach on wild-animal feeding ban; SBA rep outlines disaster loan deadlines
Summary
During public comment, a resident asked the city to notify rural residents about Ordinance 5026 (ban on feeding wild animals), and an SBA public-affairs specialist named Ellen detailed post-storm disaster-assistance loans and application deadlines (physical-damage loan deadline June 10; economic-injury loans deadline Jan. 7).
Two public-comment items at the May 4 Anacortes council meeting drew direct, actionable information for residents.
Pat Gardner of Anacortes asked council to publicize Ordinance 5026 (prohibiting feeding wild animals) to rural residents who may be unaware of the rule and suggested an insert in utility bills to reach them. Gardner also recommended seasonal guidance for bird feeding, noting summer natural food availability.
A speaker identifying herself as Ellen, a public affairs specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration, told the council the SBA offers low-interest, fixed-rate disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofits after the December storms. Ellen cited representative interest rates (homeowners at about 2.875%, businesses at about 4%, nonprofits at about 3.625%), said in-person help is available at a local disaster assistance center in Burlington through May 9 and again June 6–?, and provided application deadlines: June 10 for physical-damage disaster loans and Jan. 7 for economic-injury loans. She encouraged residents to apply for assistance even if they are unsure of eligibility, noting there is no obligation to accept a loan if offered.
