Anacortes City Council Minutes January 21, 2014

Transcription

City Council Minutes – January 21, 2014
At 7:00 p.m. Mayor Laurie Gere called the regularly scheduled Anacortes City Council meeting of
January 21, 2014 to order. Roll call found present: Eric Johnson, Ryan Walters, Erica Pickett, Brad
Adams, Liz Lovelett, John Archibald and Matt Miller. The assembly joined in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes of Previous Meeting
Mr. Johnson moved, seconded by Mr. Adams, that the minutes of January 6, 2014 and January 13, 2014
be approved as if read. Vote: Ayes – Walters, Pickett, Adams, Lovelett, Archibald, Miller and Johnson.
Motion carried.
Citizen Hearings
No one present wished to speak on any topic not on the agenda.
Mrs. Pickett moved, seconded by Mr. Miller, to amend the agenda to move Item 6a (Public Hearing: MJB
Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment and Rezone Request) to the end of the agenda. Vote: Ayes –
Pickett, Adams, Archibald, Miller and Johnson. Nays – Lovelett, Walters. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda
Mr. Adams moved, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to approve the following Consent Agenda items. Vote:
Ayes – Adams, Lovelett, Archibald, Miller, Johnson, Walters and Pickett. Motion carried.
Approval of Vouchers/Cancellation of Checks
Council voted unanimously that the following vouchers/checks audited and certified by the City’s Auditing
Officer (Finance Director) and subsequently reviewed and approved by the Council Finance Committee
on January 9, 2014 and January 15, 2014 are approved for payment as of January 21, 2014.
Claims:
Check Numbers 71043 through 71226 in the total amount of $1,282,900.68
EFT Numbers 71040 through 71042 in the total amount of $47,117.97
Prewritten Claims: Number 71039 in the total amount of $1,500.00
Payroll for January 17, 2014 in the total amount of $610,708.92
Check Numbers 39201 through 39228 in the total amount of $40,499.41
Direct Deposit Numbers from 52369 through 52557 in the total amount of $348,911.75
EFT Numbers from 1628 through 1634 in the total amount of $221,297.76
School District Presentation on Two Levy Measures
Dr. Mark Wenzel, Superintendent of Anacortes School District No. 103, briefly discussed the mission of
the school district and encouraged partnerships between the city and the school district. Dr. Wenzel
explained the upcoming school levy measures. He said ballots were mailed January 21 and are due
February 11. Dr. Wenzel said Proposition 1 is a standard Maintenance and Operations levy and would
provide 26% of the ASD budget, replacing the three-year levy approved by voters in 2010. Proposition 2
is a new technology levy. Dr. Wenzel said many school districts in the Puget Sound region have passed
such levies to fund the critical link between technology and preparing students for the future. He said
Proposition 2 would include funding for wireless internet access, tablets in classrooms, and technology
staffing over the next four years at a millage rate of 32 cents per $1000 of assessed value. Dr. Wenzel
thanked Council for its support of the schools.
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Mayor/Council Communication and Committee Reports
Board Appointment Process
Mayor Gere reviewed how she would be filling vacancies on city boards. She said the public would be
invited to apply for each open position, that positions would be posted on the City website and in the
Anacortes American, and that applications and resumes should be sent to the mayor’s office where they
would be reviewed by department heads and the mayor prior to the mayor bringing a recommendation to
Council for approval. Mayor Gere announced that current openings on the Arts Commission and the
Historic Preservation Board would be posted within the week.
Arts Commission Reappointments: Rita James, Lanny Bergner, Terry MacDonald and Betsy Humphrey
Mayor Gere recommended reappointing Rita James, Lanny Bergner, Terry MacDonald and Betsy
Humphrey to the Arts Commission. Mrs. Pickett moved, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to reappoint those
four commissioners. Vote: Ayes – Lovelett, Archibald, Miller, Johnson, Walters, Pickett and Adams.
Motion carried.
Forest Advisory Board Reappointment: Marty Laumbattus
Mayor Gere requested Council approval to reappoint Marty Laumbattus to the Forest Advisory Board. Mr.
Johnson moved, seconded by Ms. Lovelett, to approve the reappointment of Mr. Laumbattus. Vote: Ayes
– Archibald, Miller, Johnson, Walters, Pickett, Adams and Lovelett. Motion carried.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson advised that he had handed out proposed Council Committee assignments the
week before and had received no requests for changes. Mr. Johnson moved, seconded by Mr. Walters, to
approve the City Council Committee assignments for 2014. Vote: Ayes – Miller, Johnson, Walters,
Pickett, Adams, Lovelett and Archibald. Motion carried. Those assignments are:
Finance: Johnson, Walters, Archibald
Parks: Pickett, Adams, Lovelett
Personnel: Pickett, Archibald, Miller
Planning: Walters, Adams, Archibald
Port/City Liaison: Pickett, Walters, Lovelett
Public Safety: Adams, Archibald, Miller
Public Works: Johnson, Walters, Lovelett
Traffic Safety: Johnson, Pickett, Miller
West Skagit RFA: Johnson, Adams, Miller
County Marine Resources: Lovelett
Jail Task Force: Pickett, Lovelett, Miller
Street Tree: Pickett
Resolution 1883: Authorizing Write-off of Miscellaneous Billing Balances Deemed Uncollectible
Finance Director Steve Hoglund presented a resolution to write off a total of $2,067.63 of bad debt in nine
customer accounts that had been sent to collections years before and for which the statute of limitations
had expired. Mrs. Pickett moved, seconded by Mr. Archibald, to approve Resolution 1883 authorizing the
write-off of miscellaneous billing balances deemed uncollectible. Vote: Ayes – Johnson, Walters, Pickett,
Adams, Lovelett, Archibald and Miller. Motion carried.
Ordinance 2919: Setting Contractual Water Customer Rates
Mr. Hoglund briefly recapped the water rate presentation from the January 13, 2014 City Council study
session, then presented an ordinance to adopt capital rates for the utility’s six contractual regional water
customers that would be effective January 1, 2014. Mr. Hoglund said the rate changes reflect an increase
in debt service payments for the Water Treatment Plant improvements and also changes in the committed
volumes from the six customers. Mr. Walters asked about two letters received from La Conner Town
Councilman Dan O’Donnell contesting the rate figures. Mr. Hoglund advised that after extensive review
he had concluded that none of the questions raised in that correspondence were material to the capital
charges presented in Ordinance 2919. Mr. Johnson moved, seconded by Mr. Walters, to approve
Ordinance 2919 setting rates and charges pursuant to water supply agreements with certain regional
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wholesale and industrial customers; amending Section 13.32.050 Anacortes Municipal Code (Ordinance
No. 2898); and, ratifying and confirming prior acts. Vote: Ayes – Walters, Pickett, Adams, Lovelett,
Archibald, Miller and Johnson. Motion carried.
Purchase Option Contract - Udd Property
Mayor Gere withdrew this item from the agenda and said there had been no action taken on the Udd
property at this time.
Resolution 1884: Adopting a Policy Regarding the Provision of Health Benefit Coverage for City of
Anacortes Jail Inmates
Human Resources Director Emily Schuh explained that the city has to pay for all reasonable medical
expenses for its jail inmates pending disposition of their cases. She requested Council action on a
resolution to create a policy to let the City look at whether it is more cost effective to provide health
insurance through the Affordable Care Act for an inmate than to pay for his or her medical costs directly.
Ms. Schuh advised that the City’s insurer, Washington Cities Insurance Authority, approved this approach
and indicated this may become the norm in the future. Mr. Walters asked if the City Attorney had
reviewed the resolution. Mr. Furlong advised that WCIA had drafted the resolution, had reviewed Mr.
Furlong’s revisions to it, and had opined that it is in compliance with the state constitution and state law.
Mr. Johnson moved, seconded by Mr. Adams, to adopt Resolution 1884 adopting a policy regarding the
provision of health insurance coverage for City of Anacortes jail inmates. Vote: Ayes – Pickett, Adams,
Lovelett, Archibald, Miller, Johnson and Walters. Motion carried.
Sidewalk Ramp Retrofit
Public Works Director Fred Buckenmeyer requested Council approval to award a contract to construct 48
ADA compliant sidewalk ramps at specified locations between 3rd Street and 11th Street. He reported that
the City received twelve bids for the project with the low bid from Trinity Contractors Inc. in the amount of
$98,442. The Engineer’s Estimate was $122,243. Mr. Buckenmeyer said the contractor’s references
reflected excellent performance for other municipalities and that staff recommended awarding the
contract to Trinity. Mr. Adams noted that nearly half the cost of the project would be funded by Federal
grants. Mr. Adams moved, seconded by Mrs. Pickett, to award the 2014 sidewalk retrofit contract to
Trinity Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $98,442. Vote: Ayes – Adams, Lovelett, Archibald, Miller,
Johnson, Walters and Pickett. Motion carried.
At approximately 7:37 p.m. Mayor Gere called a brief recess. At approximately 7:41 p.m. the mayor called
the meeting back to order.
Unfinished Business
Public Hearing: MJB Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment and Rezone Request
City Attorney Brad Furlong explained that this hearing resulted from the City Council decision on
December 2, 2013 to hold a public hearing on MJB’s proposal to modify the Comprehensive Plan and
amend the Development Regulations to allow a change of use on the subject property. Mr. Furlong said
that Planning Director Ryan Larsen would introduce the proposal, then the proponent would be allowed
up to 15 minutes for an opening statement to describe the proposal, then members of the public who had
signed up at the beginning of the meeting would be allowed to testify about the proposal for up to three
minutes each but could not yield their time to another speaker. Mr. Furlong said anyone who did not have
a chance to speak at this meeting could speak when the hearing was reconvened on February 3, 2014.
After all public testimony the proponent would have up to 15 minutes for rebuttal and summary, then
Council could decide to close the hearing or keep it open for further oral or written testimony. Mr. Furlong
added that the mayor and councilmembers could question witnesses during their testimony and that after
the hearing was closed Council would deliberate and take whatever action it deemed appropriate.
In response to a question from Mrs. Pickett, Mr. Furlong explained that this hearing concerned a
particular property and a particular owner’s right and ability to use its property in the way it sees fit so it
had taken on the appearance of a quasi-judicial matter. He said that any substantive decision on the
proposal by Council would be a legislative act but because of the application of the decision to a
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particular piece of property it was safest to handle the matter as if it were quasi-judicial. He said doing so
allows full public participation and precludes ex parte communication.
Mr. Larsen then described MJB’s proposal to change the Comprehensive Plan Map designation from
Industrial (I) to a new Commercial 2 (C2) district concurrent with rezone of the property to a new C2 zone
and development code changes to match. Mr. Larsen indicated the property on the overhead, 3.5 parcels
north of 26th street and east of R Avenue, and described the surrounding zoning. Mr. Larsen said staff
had proposed several alternatives to the original proposal and that MJB was amenable to several of those
potential scenarios. Mr. Larsen read the Planning Commission’s recommendation which was to deny the
proposal and process the request with the 2016 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update.
Mayor Gere asked councilmembers if they needed to disclose any ex parte communication about this
proposal. Ms. Lovelett said that during the 2013 campaign many people talked to her about the notion of
big box stores in Anacortes but that she definitely felt she could be unbiased about looking at the zoning.
Mr. Archibald said he had discussed the process but not the particulars. Mr. Miller observed that the
proposal was discussed extensively during the 2013 election campaigns but that since being sworn in he
had removed himself from meetings where this proposal was being discussed. Mr. Johnson stated that he
had attended MJB’s presentation at the Depot during 2013. Mr. Walters said he had attended that same
presentation and had talked to many people about many aspects of the proposal. Mrs. Pickett observed
that it had been hard to avoid comments from people on all sides of the question. Mr. Adams concluded
that when the topic was first raised it was not clear that it would be a quasi-judicial matter and all
councilmembers had talked about it but there was no reason the Council could not be unbiased and listen
to the testimony objectively. Mayor Gere advised that she had discussed all MJB’s property with Mr. Blais
the prior summer but since taking office she had walked away from meetings and discussions of the topic
so that she could be impartial.
Mayor Gere advised that at least 25 people had signed up to speak and that she would call them in the
order they signed up. She asked speakers to limit themselves to three minutes each and to think about
decorum and be respectful of one another.
Jimmy Blais of MJB Properties, LLC (Merlino Jones Brothers Properties) described the ties of the
property owners to Anacortes. He provided an overview of the development plan for all the MJB
properties which were purchased in 1991. Mr. Blais said the current proposal addresses MJB South,
south of 22nd Street. He described the businesses developed there thus far, including the Pacific Marine
Center which has been operating for three years and will get a new travel lift next year. He said MJB has
also been grading lots and creating boat storage areas and has the ability to store 518 boats upland. Mr.
Blais said Pacific Marine Center has 145 boats in storage now and concluded they don’t need more
space for marine trades or boat storage in that area.
Turning to the current proposal, Mr. Blais said the proposed rezone came out of the Anacortes Futures
Project recommendation to allow a dry goods retailer. He said MJB did not have a signed agreement with
a dry goods retailer, that they had talked with Fred Meyer, Costco, Wal-Mart and Target but that Fred
Meyer was at the top of their list and was used in their modeling. Mr. Blais said the Futures Project
indicated the public wanted more shopping opportunities, wanted to encourage ferry riders and marina
guests to stay longer and spend more, to market Anacortes as a destination and to expand retail loyalty
among the primary and secondary trade areas. He said MJB recognized an opportunity and a need to
bring a dry goods retailer to Anacortes. Mr. Blais said MJB had been working with Fred Meyer for about
ten years, looking at layouts. They considered portions of the MJB property further north but felt the
shoreline wasn’t far enough from Q Avenue to accommodate a store there. He said the current proposal
uses the portion of MJB’s property between 24th Street and 28th Street, east of R Avenue and west of the
Tommy Thompson trail. He said the store had been scaled down to 100,000 SF facing south and
displayed a schematic site plan on the overhead. Mr. Blais said MJB supports the multiple alternative
proposals staff has discussed.
Mr. Blais stated that the C2 proposal would not take commercial businesses away from the downtown
Commercial Business District (CBD). He said MJB wanted a unique zone that would only allow for a
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larger dry good retailer, no residential, with buildings up to 105,000 SF with a height limit increase up to
45 feet high for façade reasons. Mr. Blais display a range of potential store designs.
Mr. Blais said the Planning Commission had asked MJB for hard economic data. He said MJB had hired
Hebert Research Group out of Bellevue who surveyed 200 respondents in Anacortes’s primary (Fidalgo
Island) and secondary (Whidbey and San Juan Islands) trade areas and also looked a published data
sources. He said the analysis assumes a Fred Meyer of 100,000 SF. Mr. Blais reported that the Hebert
study, just received today, identified a large opportunity gap: in its primary trade area Anacortes has a
retail gap of $88.5M, mostly in general merchandise stores, and in the secondary trade area, the gap is
much larger with $423.7M being spent elsewhere. Mr. Blais said the study projected that a Fred Meyer
would create 89.9 full time jobs (with additional part time jobs) with indirect and induced effects creating
another 17 full time jobs in the community.
Mr. Blais said the proposed dry good retailer would impact existing businesses but the economic impact
study said no existing business should go out of business if they diversify. Mr. Blais said the study
predicted that in the first year of sales the store would bring in $705K in tax revenue to the city including
both groceries and dry goods and by the third year would bring in $726K to the city’s tax revenue.
Mr. Blais said that among the respondents to the Hebert survey, when asked, “Would you want one stop
shopping and if so, what would you want?”, 58% wanted a Fred Meyer in town, 47% wanted no change,
20% wanted Costco, 16% wanted Wal-Mart, and 10% didn’t know.
In summary, Mr. Blais said that a 100,000 SF Fred Meyer in the proposed location would bring 62,871
extra shopping trips to Anacortes from its secondary trade area. He said other retailers would benefit from
convergence. He reiterated that the proposed store was projected to generate 90 direct and 13 indirect
full time jobs and $705K in tax revenue the first year and that 58% of Hebert’s 200 survey respondents
wanted a Fred Meyer. Mr. Blais reported that 59% of Anacortes Chamber of Commerce members who
responded to a poll approved of the rezone and 68% of them said they wanted a dry goods retailer in
town. Mr. Blais concluded that MJB had been looking at this since 2007 and that the time to act was now,
not as part of the 2016 Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Walters observed that Council could adopt the MJB proposal, reject it, or adopt some alternative. Mr.
Johnson said he had questions about the Hebert survey and its assumptions. Mayor Gere suggested
addressing those at the beginning of the February 3, 2014 meeting after the public had had a chance to
testify. Mayor Gere then invited speakers to the microphone in the order they had signed up prior to the
meeting.
Donna Davidson, 2411 28th Street, said it was past time for a development reality check. Ms. Davidson
said it was clear we weren’t going to get marine industrial but that a big box store on R Avenue was not
going to attract shoppers from Oak Harbor or the San Juans. She noted the Swinomish are developing a
resort on SR20 and the Samish are planning a casino there and said Anacortes needs to attract
development in the downtown core that would attract some of those tourist dollars. She said no big box
stores would do that. Ms. Davidson suggested putting any mass retailers out on SR20 to be more
convenient for through traffic, ferry traffic and Oak Harbor residents. She urged looking at rezones in light
of the Comprehensive Plan, as a whole, not rezone by developer choice. She said Anacortes has
impressive industry, excellent medical facilities, an active arts community, fantastic scenery, and that it
could capitalize on some dollars from elsewhere, not just holding resident dollars in town.
Ed Forsman, 4307 Westwood Court, said he is not for the Fred Meyer store in that location. Mr. Forsman
said it would be nice to have it across from the Ford dealership on SR20 if it is going to be put it in so
Anacortes gets the tax revenue. Mr. Forsman said the rezone would jeopardize existing business and
would have traffic impact on roads. Mr. Forsman also addressed past proposals for MJB North and made
suggestions for development of public amenities in that area. Mr. Forsman urged Council to visit Renton
and see the park and boat launch there on the shore of Lake Washington.
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Anita Luvera Mayer, 2111 19th Street, provided a brief history of MJB and its proposals. Ms. Mayer said
the property in question was determined to be urban renewal, was zoned industrial, and was purchased
by MJB as industrial property. Ms. Mayer said every 2-3 years since then MJB has proposed something
new for the site. She recalled that the City finally decided to have a vote and citizens voted resoundingly a
“no” to a big box store and a rezone. She said locally owned businesses suffer if a big box store goes in
outside the central business district. She said MJB can come up with a more creative use for its property
than a big box store. She wondered why people who want to live closer to a big box store didn’t locate in
Burlington or Mount Vernon.
Jim Taylor, 301 5th Street, said no action should be taken on the MJB request. Mr. Taylor said the MJB
issue should be part of the 2016 Comprehensive Plan update and quoted RCW 36.70A.070 that the
comprehensive plan “shall be an internally consistent document”. He said the MJB proposal would not be
part of an internally consistent document if acted upon now. Mr. Taylor said changing a comprehensive
plan to fit the economic desires of a developer is not in accordance with the GMA nor in the community’s
best interest. He reiterated that land use decisions at the local level have to follow the GMA to protect
community health, safety and welfare. Economic return for the developer is not a criteria. He discussed
the importance of public input during the 2016 comprehensive plan update to develop an internally
consistent document. Mr. Taylor urged Council to put off any amendment to the City Comprehensive Plan
until that process.
Bob Barry, 1914 22nd Street, said he has thirty years of experience in regional planning and
socioeconomic analysis. Mr. Barry emphatically supported Mr. Johnson’s suggestion to look carefully at
the Hebert study presented by MJB. He said after just twenty minutes to review the materials he noted
that the opportunity gap analysis indicates that Fidalgo, Whidbey and the San Juan Islands only buy 30%
of their gasoline within those boundaries. Mr. Barry asked where they do buy it. He called this a prime
example of people taking perfectly good data but misusing and misrepresenting it to fit their aims. Mr.
Barry suggested Council not move forward on this proposal until its proponents can answer where
Anacortes and its market area do buy gasoline.
Boshie Morris, 1618 7th Street, said industrial land is irreplaceable. She recalled the comment by Mr. Blais
that Anacortes doesn’t need more area for boat storage or marine trades and begged to differ. Ms. Morris
said she wasn’t for or against big box stores but that she questioned the process and method of this
research and the findings. She said this rezone could be the end of an era of non-mega stores in
Anacortes. Ms. Morris observed that the Hebert survey was apparently done on New Year’s Eve. She
noted that the survey mentioned the Wal-Mart and Costco in Mount Vernon but missed that there is a
Wal-Mart in Oak Harbor. She said the reported opportunity gap includes motor vehicles and parts and
she questioned how Fred Meyer was going to help that. She questioned whether Anacortes residents
were adequately represented in the telephone survey. Ms. Morris urged Council not to pass this forward
and to do a very thorough study.
Ed Gegen, 2009 N Avenue, said he is not against business. Regarding grocery prices, Mr. Gegen
observed that stores need to make money so they can’t sell items at less than cost without charging more
somewhere else. He said small stores do go out of business when big box stores come in. He said he
wants to keep this city the flavor that it is. He said Anacortes has beautiful waterfront property and having
a big box store in front of Mt. Baker upsets him. He suggested walking parks, ball parks, maybe a
convention center. Mr. Gegen pointed to Leavenworth and Winthrop that were dying but are now vibrant,
not with big box stores but with tourism. He said big box stores won’t keep people in town. He urged MJB
to look for a property use that would benefit the entire city.
Marilyn Derig, 1302 K Avenue, noted that she had already submitted written comments to the Planning
Commission that were part of the record. She added one brief statement: the proposal is an example of
haphazard planning for an undetermined project which could have severe economic impact on our
existing businesses for years to come. Ms. Derig echoed the Planning Commission recommendation. She
urged Council to slow down and move thoughtfully and methodically on this matter.
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Cynthia Richardson, 315 V Avenue, said Council has no choice legally but to deny MJB’s rezone request.
Mrs. Richardson said that approving any of the three alternatives presented would be illegal because it
would violate Goal 4 of the Commercial section of the current Comprehensive Plan: “Do not rezone
additional areas for commercial development until existing commercial areas are fully developed or
shown to be inadequate for the need.” She said no analysis presented thus far proves that to be the case.
She said that even if need for a larger store were demonstrated, the proposed zoning changes are not
specific to provide for that potential need. She said MJB’s proposed new Comprehensive Plan wording for
the C2 zone doesn’t match its proposed zoning code text for the C2 zone, which allows for commercial
development of any scale. Mrs. Richardson said two are inconsistent and that the proposed language
could result in ten acres of ticky tacky little stores and fast food joints. Mrs. Richardson reiterated that
approving the rezone request would be illegal because it would do precisely what the Comprehensive
Plan says not to do. She suggested that Council can consider this issue as part of the 2016
Comprehensive Plan Update, do its own analysis, and come to a more balanced conclusion.
Randy Flodquist, 3805 Q Avenue, said when he was a Seattle resident he watched University Village built
and used the Fred Meyer in Ballard that is between a shipyard and a bicycle trail. He said he is in favor of
a Fred Meyer but not a Wal-Mart. Mr. Flodquist said there are a lot of things you can’t buy in Anacortes
that a big box store would offer. He said Anacortes can’t stay just as it is, it needs a tax base. He said this
is probably going to happen. He said kind of controlled development should work. Mr. Flodquist
concluded that you have to have a place to buy underwear and a lot of the dry goods.
Sandra Spargo, 1408 11th Street, said the City needs to be flexible to consider opportunities that arrive
before the 2016 Comprehensive Plan Update. She said denying MJB’s rezone request says to
companies, “Don’t bother us, don’t call us, we’ll call you.” She said her household shops locally but also
shops at Fred Meyer and Costco because they carry more organic produce. Mrs. Spargo noted the
millions of dollars it will cost to maintain City roads and asked how the City will fund that need. She
referred to the Hebert Research report finding that Anacortes residents spend $39M on general
merchandise outside of Anacortes. She quoted the Hebert Research projection that $705,545 of sales tax
would come to the City from Fred Meyer in the first year. She said local merchants are not providing basic
household items and clothing. Mrs. Spargo said she saves more money shopping in Burlington than it
costs her in gas to drive there. She said there is a lot of focus on reducing the community’s carbon
footprint but we appear to think it is okay for everyone to drive to Burlington to shop.
Keith Rubin, 915 Haddon Road, said though he is a Port Commissioner he was speaking as private
citizen. He said if the Port had considered this question, it would have considered the loss of industrially
zoned land. He agreed with Ms. Morris that once you lose industrial land it is gone forever and then
where will you put future industrial jobs? Mr. Rubin said he was also concerned about the impact on the
CBD. He recalled that the small Midwest town he grew up in had a Sears and a Penney’s in the CBD but
after a mall was built on the outskirts of town the CBD died. Mr. Rubin encouraged Council to consider
making this change part of the 2016 Comprehensive Plan Update if at all and said there is no need to
hurry. He asked councilmembers to carefully consider the impacts to industrial land base and the CBD.
Brent Morrison, 1109 3rd Street, said MJB’s supporters have argued that the public needs to give MJB the
latitude it needs to put its land back to work. Mr. Morrison said the land is empty because it is zoned
industrial as it was when it was purchased but MJB won’t use it for industrial uses and won’t let anyone
else do so either. He said MJB hasn’t added a single permanent building to the property. He said there is
very little land that is so flat, so proximate to navigable waterways and so centrally located among a pool
of skilled high tech manufacturing workers. He said these are the progenitors of the next big things that
will keep the economy strong such as renewable power which requires shipping by, and sometime
deployment in, water. Mr. Morrison said the MJB site is one of the few in America where skilled workers
could design and build the next big thing whereas cut rate retail could be built anywhere. He noted that
when Anacortes auto dealerships outgrew their space downtown they moved out to SR20 to locations
that were appropriately scaled and situated. He said big retail should do the same: land intensive but
location insensitive operations belong out there.
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Jeanie Brown, 4506 Kingsway Place, said the MJB rezone proposal brings up more questions than it
answers. She asked Council to put the brakes on the rezone proposal and take time to consider it in the
2016 Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Brown questioned that a big box store would be interested in locating on
R Avenue. She said she believes MJB has no potential client. She said last fall Mr. Blais told her that the
last talks with Fred Meyer were five years ago and that Fred Meyer was also considering a location near
the casino. She said anyone in charge of siting a box store would put it out in a better traveled location,
not on R Avenue. An R Avenue store would be a smaller version and she noted that a medium box store
would mean reduced selection so people would still drive to Burlington to get the rest of what they need.
Ms. Brown disagreed that island shoppers would come to shop at a Fred Meyer in Anacortes and said
they would go to Burlington to get to Costco and wider selection anyway. She also noted that grocery
sales add nothing to the sales tax base and said Safeway prices are identical at the Burlington store.
Mark Bunzel, 14004 Biz Point Lane, said he had worried that a zone change would change the character
of Anacortes but said the question is what is the highest and best use of this property for the citizens. Mr.
Bunzel said the property has been zoned industrial for 40 years and nothing industrial has been built. He
said light manufacturing might work there but asked if the tax and employment benefits from that would
be any higher than from a dry goods store. Mr. Bunzel said he would like to be able to ride a bike or walk
to shops and that means a dry goods store in town. He said he worried how much Anacortes residents
spend in fuel and time to drive to Burlington; he estimated at 130,000 gallons of fuel per year. He said he
was worried about local businesses competing with a medium box store but said they are specialty retail
and know how to adapt. He said the same concerns were raised when the casino was built and when
Anthony’s opened but local businesses adapted. Mr. Bunzel said the highest and best use for the
property would allow a tasteful shopping center on one end of town.
Nick Rennis, 814 6th Street, owner of The Business, spoke about his hometown in Illinois which let box
stores in and destroyed its historic downtown neighborhood. He said there are more than 4000
abandoned box stores in America. Mr. Rennis said Anacortes will not be an exception. He said over the
last month or so something inspiring has happened: there’s been a lot of discussion about this proposal
among small business owners and their clientele, banding together and supporting each other. He said
he couldn’t think of a single reason to vote against the community that Anacortes has created especially
not for the benefit of a faceless corporation that could move in. He quoted Jane Jacobs that when stores
like box stores come into communities local businesses close and “every place becomes more like every
other place all adding up to no place.”
Elliot Staatz, 801 33rd Street, said he liked the MJB presentation more than he thought he would but
ultimately he takes issue with that usage of the land. He said to rezone it completely seems pointless. Mr.
Staatz called himself somewhat of an environmentalist but said a drive or bus ride to Mount Vernon
doesn’t bother him and furthermore he’d never driven to Mount Vernon to shop at a box store because he
needed something, he only goes if he’s there anyway. He questioned how much a box store would close
the retail gap. He added that underwear is sold in Anacortes at Walgreens. He said he commutes to
Mount Vernon and he likes coming home to the Anacortes waterfront.
Corinne Salcedo, 4303 Kingsway, said Anacortes needs dry goods in town so she supports the project
except for Fred Meyer’s 55% grocery requirement. She said Anacortes doesn’t need any more groceries
and wouldn’t get any sales tax for food. She said Anacortes should wait for a dry goods only project.
Genevieve Gosselin, 2007 M Avenue, said Anacortes has an undeniable magic pull that attracts visitors
from around the world. Ms. Gosselin called Anacortes a destination, not just for its beauty but for its
charm and character. She said local shop owners are also characters and are appreciated by visitors.
She called the businesses downtown the heart of the community but reminded that the local economy is
fragile. Ms. Gosselin said allowing in a big box store would be foolish, there isn’t enough thriving to go
around as it is. She said people who love to shop in Burlington will still do that and that a box store would
only kill the small business community and maybe even take down one of the existing grocery stores. She
said she did not want to see more empty store fronts in Anacortes but this pattern has repeated itself all
8
over north America. Majestic places are turned into parking lots, lose their identity, and are no longer
destinations.
After everyone who had signed up to speak had spoken or declined to speak, Mayor Gere invited others
who wished to testify to come forward.
Don Yankacy, 13995 Trafton Road, said a rezone for one piece of property for one group is a spot zone,
is illegal, and should not be done. He urged against setting a precedent for spot zoning. Mr. Yankacy said
rezoning for a large retailer would hurt the downtown business community. He said the Commercial
Avenue corridor could become vacant properties and decay could take over the town. He said property
values would go down and crime would go up. Mr. Yankacy asked Council to stop the rezone and protect
the town and jobs. Mr. Yankacy said there is a shortage of industrial land in Anacortes and Skagit County.
He urged Council to protect industrial land and get started creating jobs.
Brian Wetcher, 814 26th Street, recalled this same issue being discussed in various incarnations over the
years. He reported that in 1976 he worked for a modular construction company that employed over 2000
union trade wage laborers, that much of downtown was supported by that labor, and R Avenue got paved
from those tax dollars. Mr. Wetcher said over the next decade thousands of men worked there bringing
hundreds of thousands of dollars of subsidiary revenue into the city. He said when the property was sold
to MJB they asked to change the zoning, which they have repeated regularly since then, but they have
discouraged the use of one of the best modular construction sites in the world for industrial construction,
a tremendous value added product. Mr. Wetcher said modular has spread all over the world but one of
the best sites on the Pacific coast has not been used nor marketed for that. He said MJB is asking to
truncate industrial capacity in Anacortes. He asked if this is a wise decision if Anacortes wants industrial
capacity in town to offer living union wages.
Kenneth Piekarski, 1216 6th Street, said there’s a great charm about downtown Anacortes. He said
downtown businesses are fragile and gave the example that if Fred Meyer starts selling records it would
compromise the local record store, The Business, which would cost the city a music venue as well as a
retail store. He said losing culture like that makes it less desirable for young people to stay here or move
here. He said from a cultural perspective it’s really important not to have this thing show up here. Mr.
Piekarski related how big box stores have hurt the downtown in Pasco. He said it would be wise not to let
the rezoning occur.
Steve Monrad, 1615 14th Street, said he hears both sides of the issue and said he’s not in favor of rushing
anything and any changes need to be part of the process. Mr. Monrad said it’s not necessarily a wise
move to slam the door on retail. He said he’s a big supporter of local business and shops locally but he
can’t get everything he needs here so he sometimes goes across the valley to shop and spends
entertainment dollars while he’s there. He echoed Mr. Bunzel’s comments that to have the ability for
people to stay in town is huge. He said he is absolutely not in favor of a huge store but scaled down
stores can fit nicely in communities.
At approximately 9:16 p.m. Mayor Gere announced that the public hearing would remain open until the
regularly scheduled February 3, 2014 City Council meeting.
There being no further business, at approximately 9:17 p.m. the regularly scheduled Anacortes City
Council meeting of January 21, 2014 was adjourned.
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City Council Minutes – January 27, 2014
At 7:00 p.m. Mayor Laurie Gere called an advertised special meeting of the Anacortes City Council to
order. The assembly joined in the pledge of allegiance. Roll call found present: Eric Johnson, Ryan
Walters, Erica Pickett, Brad Adams, Liz Lovelett, John Archibald and Matt Miller.
Automated Solid Waste Collection System Equipment Purchase Agreements
Public Works Director Fred Buckenmeyer provided an overview of the solid waste automation project last
discussed with Council at its July 1, 2013 regular meeting. He reminded Council that the move towards
automation was planned to increase safety and efficiency and reduce the size of the fleet and costs. Mr.
Buckenmeyer described the new automated front loading (AFL) trucks that will be purchased to replace
existing sanitation trucks that were scheduled to be replaced during 2014; staffing changes; and the new
wheeled totes that will replace customer-provided cans. Mr. Buckenmeyer said the next steps are
surplusing three existing sanitation trucks, purchasing two new AFL trucks, retrofitting one existing truck
with a front loading assembly, purchasing the totes, and maintaining one of the existing trucks for use as
a backup.
Mr. Buckenmeyer then described the cooperative purchasing agreements that staff proposed to use to
get the best possible price for the trucks and the totes. He said the City’s existing interlocal purchasing
agreement with the City of Tacoma would be used to purchase the trucks. Mr. Buckenmeyer requested
that Council authorize the mayor to enter into a cooperative purchasing agreement with the City of
Tucson and to register with the National IPA to purchase the totes. Mr. Walters moved, seconded by Mr.
Johnson, to approve the proposed cooperative purchasing agreement with the City of Tucson and
registration with National IPA and to authorize the purchase of the totes and the automated garbage
trucks. Vote: Ayes – Walters, Pickett, Adams, Lovelett, Archibald, Miller and Johnson. Motion carried.
There being no further business, at approximately 7:23 p.m. the advertised special meeting of the
Anacortes City Council of January 27, 2014 was adjourned.
1
City Council Study Session Minutes – January 27, 2014
At approximately 7:24 p.m. Mayor Laurie Gere called the regularly scheduled Anacortes City Council
study session of January 27, 2014 to order. Roll call found present City Councilmembers Eric Johnson,
Ryan Walters, Erica Pickett, Brad Adams, Liz Lovelett, John Archibald and Matt Miller. Council was joined
for this meeting by the Anacortes Planning Commission. Planning Commission Chair Marty Laumbattus
called the Planning Commission Special Meeting to order. Roll call found present Planning
Commissioners Allen Rhoades, Cory Ertel, Sheri Muntean, Marty Laumbattus, Jeremy McNett, Kurt
Oppel, and Christina Hansen.
Washington Cities Insurance Authority Training
Human Resources Director Emily Schuh introduced Ann Bennett, Executive Director of Washington Cities
Insurance Authority (WCIA) to conduct a training for Council and Planning Commission on risk
management. Ms. Bennett provided a brief description of the structure of WCIA, its role as the city’s
insurance carrier, and the risk management training and assistance WCIA provides. She then addressed
the most common liability exposures faced by City Councilmembers and Planning Commissioners in the
areas of land use, personnel, negligent misrepresentation, defamation, public works, executive sessions,
and email and other electronic communication. She reminded that individuals can receive absolute
immunity when acting as a board in a legislative capacity. Ms. Bennett provided case histories from other
jurisdictions to illustrate how to avoid liability in these arenas. Ms. Bennett and City Attorney Brad Furlong
addressed questions from councilmembers and commissioners regarding email from constituents.
John Williams, Department of Health, Presentation on Assisted Living, etc.
Assistant Planning Director Don Measamer introduced John Williams, program manager from the
Washington State Dept. of Health Construction Review Services (CRS) branch, who presented
information on types of health care facilities including assisted living, nursing homes and adult family
homes. Mr. Williams introduced his associates Roberta Crawford from the Department of Social and
Health Services (DSHS) and Mina Zarelli, a Plans Reviewer from his office. Mr. Williams discussed how
different types of facilities are addressed in the building code (by occupancy type) and by state licensing
provisions. He noted that some facilities serve multiple purposes and have multiple licenses and that such
facilities that provide a “continuum of care” are becoming more common. Mr. Williams and his colleagues
addressed questions from councilmembers and commissioners regarding assisted living and how number
of beds, number of rooms, number of residents and square footage per person figure into licensing
requirements.
There being no further business, at approximately 8:42 p.m. the regularly scheduled Anacortes City
Council study session of January 27, 2014 and the special Anacortes Planning Commission meeting of
January 27, 2014 both adjourned.
Anacortes City Council Study Session Minutes January 27, 2014
1
Mayor Gere’s Listening Tour Survey:
A Report of the Findings
Prepared by the Mayor’s Transition Team
Marc Estvold, Wayne Huseby, Kirk Kennedy, Hal Rooks, Susan Rooks, Bob Rose,
Dick Storwick, Maggie Thompson, Tom Thompson
January 31, 2014
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary…………………………………………………………………………………………………………........3
Survey Questions and Summary of Findings:
#1: What should be Mayor Gere’s top priorities?……….………………………………….…………….…..…4
#2: What steps should the City take to stimulate economic development?.............................6
#3: What safety concerns do you feel the City needs to address?............................................7
#4: Are there environmental issues that the City should address?..........................................8
#5: What suggestions do you have to make the Mayor’s office more accessible? ……..……...10
#6: What is the one thing you want the Mayor to know………………………………………………………11
#7: What suggestions do you have for improving the way the City
communicates with its citizens?.........................................................................................12
#8: What have I not asked you?................................................................................................13
Ideas for Further Discussion..……………………………………………………………….…………….……………….…14
Appendix: Survey Responses………………………………………………………………………………………………….16
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Laurie’s Listening Tour Survey: A Report of the Findings
Executive Summary
Mayor Laurie Gere, as promised in her Transition Plan, sought comments from the community regarding
priorities, issues, opportunities and concerns to help her formulate plans for the coming year. Members of
her Transition Team reached out to over 70 local organizations to seek their input, and all citizens were
invited to share their thoughts through survey links on www.lauriegere.com and the City’s website.
Comments also were solicited in the local press. The survey closed on January 15, 2014, and the Transition
Team began to tabulate and analyze the 243 responses. A report of the findings, together with the survey
responses, is available on the City’s website at www.cityofanacortes.org
This report is divided into four sections: an executive summary that lists key concerns that appeared in
responses to multiple questions; a section devoted to the major themes that emerged with regard to each
question; a section that highlights some comments suggesting areas for further community discussion; and
an appendix listing all the responses as received. The Transition Team, however, did delete references to
specific individuals.
Seven cross-cutting issues emerged as top priorities from the respondents:
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Open, transparent, accessible City government. This was the most frequently mentioned theme.
Respondents emphasized the importance of frequent, proactive communication between City Hall
and the community, and there were a number of suggestions of how to achieve this goal.
A community-wide visioning process to guide decision making and the 2016 Comprehensive Plan
update.
A proactive, integrated strategy for economic development that combines the efforts and resources
of the City, Port, County, State, citizens and private sectors.
A safe environment, which means sufficient police and fire coverage; proactive efforts to address
drug and crime issues; and repairs to streets and sidewalks.
Steps to protect our natural environment and reduce pollutants. Forest lands and the marine
environment were cited again and again as valuable resources underpinning the community’s quality
of life and ability to attract appropriate new business.
Clear, simple City administrative processes. Make it easier for businesses to locate here by clarifying
the land use code and streamlining bureaucratic regulations.
Work in tandem with local, county and state entities. The City faces many issues that would benefit
from public-private partnerships and from working with other government entities.
Mayor Gere, together with the City Council and City staff, has already begun to address some of these issues,
and over the next few months, they will be working hard to respond to citizens’ concerns.
Both Mayor Gere and her Transition Team wish to thank all of those who took time to respond to the survey.
Its task complete, the Transition Team is now disbanded.
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Survey Question #1: What should be Mayor Gere’s top priorities?
Themes
1. Key to the future of the City is improved land use and planning.
2. Economic Development requires an articulated and integrated strategy.
3. Culture of City Hall and City government requires transparency, accessible information and citizens
treated by staff as partners in City government.
4. Fix the streets.
5. Complete Guemes Trail and continue support for ACFL.
Actions
1. Key to the future of the City is improved Land Use and Planning. Engage the community in a visioning
exercise based on the Anacortes Futures Project to inform the 2016 Comprehensive Plan while also improving
review and permitting processes. Some suggestions:
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Push visioning process (what do we want/what are acceptable outcomes) as basis for Comp Plan
revisions and zoning changes. Make clear it’s time to make hard choices based on what the future
offers, while honoring our historic heritage –then put an action-ready plan in place and make it
happen with “all hands on deck.”
Determine best long-term use of shorelines for maritime-related activities while incorporating mixed
uses not detrimental to marine trades. Focus on and engage MJB properties for the City’s best
interest. It’s time to make some good and lasting decisions about how we want our Fidalgo Bay
shorelines to be an active part of the City’s economy.
More seem in favor than not of box store but great caution about location near maritime waterfront.
Some feel it should be on Hwy 20, not in town; others want convenience of in-town location. Tradeoff between keeping integrity (hard-won) of downtown and having major retail facility on Hwy 20
corridor.
Ensure integrity of downtown and neighborhoods.
Develop more explicit and clear city codes to diminish reliance on Conditional Use Permits that place
project proponents in position of uncertainty about the City’s requirements before substantial sums
are spent on project planning.
Work to ensure full integration of proposed project review and approval between city planning, fire
department and other entities. Proposed/required changes to project after permit approval should
not be applicant’s financial responsibility.
2. Economic Development requires an articulated and integrated strategy. Focus intently on creating an
aggressive, future-oriented economic development strategy that combines efforts and resources of City, Port,
County, State and private sectors. Among the suggestions:
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Create a Mayor’s Task Force to examine alternative structures for community economic development
- may require a new structure outside of current city/port/chamber framework.
At City Hall, create an “Anacortes Economic Development Department" (AEDD) to drive creation of a
robust, localized economy dominated by small businesses focused on the 'triple bottom line' (profits,
people and the environment). AEDD staff should collaborate with WA Department of Commerce, the
Economic Development Association of Skagit County, the Chamber and other relevant groups to
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recruit sustainable businesses. AEDD staff should participate in target-industry (e.g., green marine)
trade events to "lay down a welcome mat."
Seek out and create incentives for appropriate businesses to locate in Anacortes, including
recruitment of small to mid-scale maritime businesses.
Create development initiatives for specific neighborhoods and areas (such as CBD).
3. Culture of City Hall and City government requires transparency, accessible information and citizens
treated by staff as partners in City government. Many respondents commented on the apparent lack of
openness formerly seen in the Mayor’s office and staff about providing information or general availability of
requested information. There is also a heightened sense of wanting City Council meetings and procedures to
be more open and “user/citizen-friendly.” Among the suggestions:
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Nurture and change City Hall culture to one of openness and willingness to listen to all sides of issues.
Build on “honeymoon” within and around City Hall; keep looking for opportunities to allow citizens to
participate and speak, with strong hand on gavel to avoid impression of the crowd controlling the
agenda. Always insist on proper protocol (Robert’s Rules of Order).
Open up council meetings to public comments with three minute limit per person.
Schedule Council work sessions in a room or setting where Council isn’t “sitting above” citizens;
beware of the “appearance of royalty” approach to government.
Go slow with changes of staff—there is a fairly high level of confidence in staff capability.
Consider creation of a “Chief of Staff” position for the mayor to integrate department needs with
city’s overall best Interests; also would serve as a filter and evaluation point to keep Mayor ‘s efforts
focused (so many knocks on the door, every day).
Develop robust and open relationships with council members and staff.
Fully engage other branches of local government (county, other cities, tribes, Port).
Continue efforts to date that are encouraging to many who sought a more open and responsive
administration.
Strong desire to have City finances more accessible and understandable with great emphasis on fiscal
prudence. Budget needs to show expenses AND revenue sources.
Improve the City’s budgeting process and make use of modern, corporate-style budgeting
mechanisms, which will enable the City to not only balance its budget, but will allow the budget to be
presented in a clear way, with full disclosure, which should include setting policy on the amount of
reserves needed and the minimum to be budgeted annually for the maintenance of City streets, and
its sewer and water plants, as well as security, fire, and medical needs.
4. Fix the Streets. Many comments about the sad state of street repairs with particular attention needed for
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Commercial Avenue south of 12 Street. Some suggestions were to:
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Implement proposed street improvement plan from City Public Works and accelerate, especially in
highly visible or high-use areas.
Make Commercial Avenue (key City entry point) more attractive. Work with DOT (Upper Commercial
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is State Highway 20) for funding to make 36 to 12 streets more attractive and less like an Aurora
Boulevard (Hwy 99) strip. This is visitors’ and prospective new business investors’ first impression of
Anacortes (or, if they come in on R Avenue, they see an extended boat parking lot).
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Create a Task Force on beautification of Commercial, especially south of 12 Street .
5. Complete Guemes Trail and continue support for ACFL. Support for the completion of the Guemes
Channel Trail is the most prominent aspect of a frequently expressed desire to have a pedestrian and bicycle
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friendly community with clear linkages between activity nodes, neighborhoods, waterfronts and downtown.
Among the suggestions:
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Complete Guemes Channel Trail property acquisition and secure funding for trail completion.
Make sure all street improvement projects and development approval conditions include linkage for
pedestrian and bicycle access
Survey Question #2: What steps should the City take to stimulate economic
development?
Themes
1. Articulate a vision, through a community-wide process, and then create an economic development plan
to realize that vision.
2. Increase revenue-producing options, especially in the retail sector to keep tax dollars on our side of the
bridge.
3. Be proactive in attracting new business. The Mayor must take the lead.
4. Improve City administrative processes. Clear and consistent City regulations and less red tape will
encourage investment.
5. Work with others within the City, the county and the state to expand opportunities. This is a great force
multiplier!
Actions
1. Articulate a vision, then create an economic development plan. “Anacortes has never had a real plan.”
The City needs a visioning process to define what the community wants to be known as and for. Once the
vision is defined, then an economic development plan should be created. The plan should address what kinds
of business and industry are best suited for our community and will pay living wages. Favored industries: IT,
marine, green energy, medical/health care, and tourism. Some commented that the City should focus on
completing the Comprehensive Plan and leave economic development to private enterprise. Some specific
suggestions:
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Find ways to add commerce without compromising our waterfront.
Leverage our waterfront and marine heritage. Acquire land for a public boat yard.
Encourage educational institutions to expand or locate facilities here.
Enhance downtown and encourage renovation of vacant or under-utilized commercial properties.
2. Increase revenue-producing options, especially in the retail sector. Most responses urged the City to
increase retail options to keep tax dollars in Anacortes and for residents’ convenience. Several suggested that
the SR20 corridor be opened to big box retail, keeping the waterfront for marine activities. Fred Meyer,
Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, the Co-op, and Target were mentioned as desirable possibilities. A survey of
shopping patterns would help provide the hard data that would help bring the community together.
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Several respondents discussed better ways to capture the visitors using the San Juan ferries. Three
respondents suggested shuttle buses to take passengers from the ferry to downtown. Others
suggested locating a convention center and/or putting a row of small shops near the terminal, such as
6
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the Port has done near the marina. Destination hotels and waterfront activities also were mentioned
as visitor attractions.
Beautify the downtown to attract more tourism.
Tourism, not Fred Meyer, was perceived by a number of people as an engine of economic growth;
however, one respondent of many warned against becoming reliant on tourism.
Develop a city-wide fiber optic network.
3. Proactive leadership. The City, led by the Mayor, needs to develop a strategic marketing plan and to take
an active role in attracting complementary, clean industries that pay living wages. Hire a marketing firm and/
or professional staff to focus on economic development and to go out and recruit new business. Give
Anacortes a personality!
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Develop incentives/packages to attract tourists to our forest lands, parks, and cultural activities.
Market our high quality of life and environmental stewardship to attract desirable businesses.
Work with existing successful businesses in town to discover if they have suppliers who are looking
to expand or relocate.
Economic development is tied to property owners and what they are willing to do. The City needs to
work with owners of derelict or rundown properties and discuss options.
Ask UW business school to look at our economic development issues as an MBA case study.
Create special tax zones to encourage new marine businesses to locate in Anacortes.
4. Improve City administrative processes. The majority of comments recommended various ways to make it
easier for businesses to locate here. Recommendations included: Review land-use codes, reduce restrictions
on new business, stream line bureaucratic regulations and processes, take out the road blocks, and reduce
reliance on conditional use permits (CUPs). Clarity and consistency are essential.
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Make sure fees are in line with those of neighboring municipalities.
Make sure existing businesses are well served by the City—what do they need, what do they want?
Have a suggestion box with a prize for the best economic development ideas.
Provide incentives for the renovation or old buildings and homes.
5. Work with others. The City needs to work with other entities both in town and regionally to develop
mutually advantageous business opportunities.
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Work with EDASC, but don’t rely exclusively on that entity.
Support an integrated recruitment effort involving the City, Port, Chamber and public.
Create and maintain better relationships with mainland neighbors, including rural property owners
and farmers. Economic development will have impacts—both positive and negative—regionally.
Partner with Shannon Point Marine labs as part of the Guemes Channel Trail rollout. Potential to
improve local marine life environment as part of broader development goal.
Question #3: What safety concerns do you feel the City needs to address?
Themes
1. Drugs & Crime are a significant concern, now complicated by the new marijuana law.
2. Police, Fire & EMT Staffing levels are believed to be below what is needed.
3. Sidewalk & Street Repairs are falling below acceptable standards.
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4. Emergency Disaster Plans need to be developed, updated and publicized.
Actions
1. Drugs and Crime. Most respondents felt Anacortes was a very safe place to live, but a significant number
expressed concern that the increase in property crime (especially burglary), was directly related to a growing
drug problem. How Anacortes will administer the new marijuana law – both growing and dispensing issues–
are of concern. Meth labs are also of concern since they can be established quickly and present a physical
danger to neighborhoods. Some suggestions:
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Establish a drug “Hot Line” and/or web site where citizens could provide drug related activity that
they observe or know about.
Make it known that combating drug activity is a top city priority and violations will be fully
prosecuted.
Encourage citizens to report suspected drug activity to the police.
Marijuana growing and dispensing operations should be restricted on where they can be located.
Establishing more neighborhood watch groups and citizen patrols would be beneficial.
2. Police, Fire & EMT. All three services were lauded for their outstanding performance but many felt that all
three, especially police, are undermanned. Responders questioned whether current manning levels met
acceptable standards for a city of this size. Suggestions included:
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Police on bicycle and foot are better able to directly interact with the public.
Police are city ambassadors, not just law enforcers.
Periodic neighborhood meetings with police to discuss specific area concerns.
Police/Fire/EMT presence at public events is very beneficial.
3. Sidewalks & Streets. Deterioration and lack of timely repairs was frequently mentioned as a safety issue
for both cars and pedestrians. The lack of convenient crosswalks along Commercial Avenue was a frustration
point as were some road intersections. Suggestions include:
 Establishing a 4-way stop at 32nd & M.
 Requiring the cutting back of shrubbery which blocks visibility at intersections.
4. Emergency Disaster Response Plan. With the increased awareness of natural disasters, whether or not
Anacortes has a disaster plan was asked frequently and, if there is one, what and where is it. Suggestions on
the issue included:
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Insuring that such a plan exists and is regularly updated and publicized.
Including the plan on the City’s web site.
Holding public meetings to discuss emergency planning.
Survey Question #4: Are there environmental issues that the City should
address?
Themes
1. Take action to reduce or eliminate harmful pollutants from entering our air and local waterways.
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2. Preserve and protect our parks, forest, and wetland areas.
3. Promote city programs that encourage citizens to recycle and choose sustainable green options.
Note: Although the majority of respondents supported concerted efforts to protect the environment,
others stated that it was important to balance environmental concerns with the need for development.
Actions
1. Reduce or eliminate harmful pollutants from entering our air and local waterways. Many people
expressed concerns regarding the harmful effects of air pollution originating from the refineries. Some would
like to see routine air quality monitoring data made publicly available. People also mentioned the importance
of keeping pollutants carried by runoff from entering our local waterways, bays, lakes, and streams. There
was strong support for the City to continue its cooperation with the Port, landowners, and the Department of
Ecology to clean up pollutants and toxins left behind by old waterfront industrial sites. Some specific
suggestions:
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Routine air and water quality monitoring data made publicly available on the city website.
Monitor and report the levels of pollutants released at city storm water outfalls.
Develop a comprehensive long-term program to deal with pollutants carried by storm water runoff.
Encourage the use of rain gardens to mitigate the effects of pollutants carried by runoff.
Educate the public on the importance of cleaning up after pets.
Work closely with the Port of Anacortes to cleanup old waterfront industrial sites.
Stay engaged and vigilant regarding the transport of oil, coal, and other hazardous materials through
our area.
2. Preserve and protect our parks, forest, and wetland areas. There was strong support from respondents
to preserve and protect our local parks, forest, and wetland areas. Clear cutting and the removal of large old
trees for developments was also mentioned. Wetlands within the city and at the airport were cited as areas
that needed protection from developers. Some specific suggestions:
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Restart the acreage purchase program for ACFL.
Follow the recommendations of the Tree Preservation Ordinance.
Plant more trees and shrubs in the City.
Levy severe penalties for violation of city ordinances with respect to unauthorized tree removal.
3. Promote city programs that encourage citizens to recycle and choose sustainable green options. Several
people suggested that they appreciate the City’s commitment to recycling, but feel that it can be improved
and expanded. A number of people felt that the City should make a strong commitment to sustainable
“green” energy sources and land use practices. Support for solar energy programs was mentioned by several
people. The installation of rain gardens and promotion of composting was also mentioned. Some specific
suggestions:
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Help business dispose/recycle their waste products
Establish a program for the disposal/recycling of marine petroleum products
More recycling receptacles downtown
Establish community recycling goals with published “scorecards”
Public education programs to promote recycling and proper waste disposal
A local recycling depot
Encourage more backyard composting
The City should lead by example. Convert to LED lighting, install solar panels.
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Support community solar programs
Encourage more walking and bicycling
Install more rain gardens
Favor mixed use development to reduce transportation
Reduce use of plastic bags, bottles, and Styrofoam
Commit to becoming a model green city
Empower a committee to evaluate the potential effects of climate change and sea level rise on the
City infrastructure, services, etc.
Survey Question #5: What suggestions do you have to make the Mayor’s
office more accessible to all its citizens?
Themes
1. Open and responsive to the public by being transparent and creating opportunities for public input and
reporting concerns.
2. Wider visibility in community by participation in community events, activities, and reaching out to
people in diverse venues.
3. Expand technology to reach public in a variety of ways that will reach the greatest number of
constituents.
Actions
1. Open and responsive to public. The general sense is that people want to be able to chat with the mayor,
share concerns, and get immediate feedback and attention. It has been reported that people don’t always
know to whom to go for concerns and often don’t get an answer when they reach the right source. Some
suggested actions:
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Open/responsive meetings.
Open door policy with “open office time.”
City chambers changed to more inviting space and culture.
More dialogue between city council and public.
2. Wider visibility in community. Many comments reflected the need for the mayor to be out of office and
visible in the community at a wide range of activities and events. There is a strong sense that more ways of
gathering information and public input are needed. Some suggested actions included:
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Public coffees at various locations in community.
Create a citizen’s action committee.
Town hall meetings or information gathering sessions.
Host public round tables a couple times a year.
3. Expand technology to reach public. Overwhelmingly, public comments reported a need for utilizing state
of the art technology to reach the people in user-friendly ways. It was evident that many ways of reporting
are needed. Some suggested actions are:
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Website should be citizen friendly.
Use Facebook, e-mail, etc.
Public council meetings/minutes published on web-site.
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Phone hot-line for open discussions/citizen concerns.
Develop better use of TV10.
Survey Question #6: What is the one thing you want the Mayor to know?
Themes
1. Open government is the key to a successful future. We live in a community where people want to be
involved and expect their leader to be open and honest while creating a climate in city government that is
responsive to the needs of the people.
2. Town needs economic development. The comments were very divided on the promotion of economic
development. Many comments centered on the concept of the “big box store” but majority wanted to make
sure that the integrity of the town and “quality of life” is not compromised.
3. Widespread support for Laurie and trust in her leadership. Overwhelming comments support Laurie and
her leadership. The positive energy that was underlying the comments indicated that people believe that she
will do the “right things” and they are ready to help her do the work.
Actions
1. Open Government is the key to a successful future. Many comments reflected the need for open
government with a shared vision and strategic plan that is communicated clearly. Some suggested actions are:
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Transparency - all contracts should be public.
Do not sign major contracts (like Tethys) without public input.
Involve citizens in doing research on impact of issues.
2. City needs economic development. Many people commented on the need to have a plan for economic
development that meets the vision of what the community wants. There were many in favor of expanding the
waterfront and promoting tourism while increasing revenue and the tax base.
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Focus on the waterfront for tourism and growth.
Balance economic development with “quality of life.”
Protect the environment.
Need to increase revenue, jobs, and tax-base.
3. Widespread support for Laurie and trust in her leadership. While support for Laurie is high, there are
expectations that she will create a vision, a master plan and involve the community in a variety of ways,
including help with researching what is best for the City. Suggested actions included:
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Developing a master plan
Setting and communicating clear goals and progress toward them
Collecting substantive data from other communities.
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Survey Question #7: What suggestions do you have for improving the way
the City communicates with its citizens?
Themes
1. Issue periodic newsletters, use social media, and video to inform citizens about issues, projects,
proceeding and events.
2. Upgrade and improve the City website to make it easier to use, more informative, attractive and current.
3. Host public forums, town halls, informal coffees, and surveys to engage the public and get their
input/ideas.
4. Promote and nourish a culture of openness and respect within all areas of City government.
Actions
1. Issue periodic newsletters, use social media and video. A majority of the respondents favored some form
of periodic (monthly) mayoral newsletter, which should focus on informing and educating the public on major
issues, projects, proceedings and events. Print media, with the Anacortes American most often cited, was
preferred over electronic media by a slight majority of citizens, although many mentioned both should be
used. A number of respondents also mentioned that the City should consider using social media, expanded
TV10, and streaming video to engage, inform, and educate the public. Some specific suggestions:
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Monthly mayoral column in the Anacortes American and Clamdigger on important city issues.
Subscription-based mayor/city newsletter by email
Monthly newsletter/flyer sent with the city utility billing
Regular mayoral blog on the city website
Monthly column for the City Council in the Anacortes American
Regular newsletter/publication similar to the Port or school district
Use Facebook and Twitter to communicate important city news and solicit public feedback on
important issues
YouTube and streaming video to enable city departments to share important information or educate
the public on new city services/methods
More viewing times for TV10
Improve the video and sound quality of TV10
Provide a TV10 option for non-Comcast subscribers
Expand TV10 programming to include events, city tours, education about city government, etc.
2. Upgrade and improve the city website. Upgrade and improve the website to make it more attractive,
easier to use, more informative, and current. Some found information difficult to find or out-of-date. Several
respondents referenced sites of neighboring communities and how outdated the Anacortes site was by
comparison. A calendar showing important city events, meetings, and proceedings was mentioned several
times. Some said they would like to be notified by email in advance of events based on criteria they could
submit in advance. Some specific suggestions:
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Up to date information, including meeting agenda and minutes.
Simplify the website to make information easier to find.
Provide interactive (two-way) options for citizens to engage city staff about particular issues.
Website “dashboard” showing the status of city services and projects at a glance.
More attractive website.
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Ability to sign up in advance to be notified by email of specific events based on customizable criterion.
3. Host public forums, town halls, informal coffees, and surveys. The regular use of public forms, town halls,
coffee meetings and surveys was a consistent recommendation. Residents see these informal unscripted
events as an opportunity to express their opinions and ideas directly to the mayor and/or City Council
members in a more comfortable and/or convenient setting. A few stated that they viewed these events as
consistent with a campaign promise to be more open and transparent. Some specific suggestions:
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Town hall meetings at the Senior Center.
Coffee meetings with mayor and selected department heads.
Host public forum on the City website.
Department head talks at civic organization meetings.
Open chats at the Anacortes Public Library.
Provide a streaming video option.
Expand programming to include events, city tours, education about city government, etc.
4. Promote and nourish a culture of openness and respect. Several people mentioned how important it was
to actively cultivate a culture of openness and respect. These people felt that a positive culture is a significant
factor in encouraging citizens to participate in their government. Some specific suggestions:
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Promote more open and respectful City Council meetings.
Be more open and tolerant of public comment at city meetings.
Encourage City employees to show respect toward all citizens, regardless of viewpoints.
(Editor’s Note: Most people were very complimentary of city employees)
Survey Question #8: What have I not asked you?
Themes
1. Respect all ideas and build relationships. Many comments reflected the need for the mayor to respect
diverse opinions and build relationships with individuals and groups that are not always represented.
2. Embrace change. There is a sense that people want Laurie to embrace change that needs to happen, and
not do “business as usual” in this new era of leadership.
3. Involve community in as many ways as possible. Many comments reflected suggestions on how to involve
the community for input, feedback, problem-solving, creative solutions, and as resources.
Actions
1. Respect all ideas – build relationships. The public is asking for diverse representation in the activities and
decisions of the City and to work toward strong partnerships with other entities. Some suggested actions are:
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Listening survey is positive way to get feedback.
Work closely with port and partner with business and schools.
Enhance Samish and Swinomish relationships.
Transparency needed in City government.
2. Embrace change: In this new era of leadership, people are expecting that things will be done differently
and that we have an opportunity to work together to make positive changes in the future of our city.
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Futures project should not be set aside.
Provide solutions that match campaign rhetoric.
3. Involve community in as many ways as possible. Comments overwhelmingly reflect the need to reach out
to the community for involvement in a variety of ways. One of our most valuable resources is the diverse
range of people who are willing to contribute and be involved. Some suggestions for actions include:
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Need a roadmap for work to be done.
Involve community in problem solving issues.
Use skills of well educated, intelligent retirees to help do research and provide input from their
wealth of experiences.
Ideas for Further Discussion
Some citizens had thought-provoking suggestions that could form the basis for future discussions. Below is a
partial list:
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Move Mayor’s office to first floor instead of “top of castle.”
“State of City” address should not be for Chamber only.
Require the Chamber to make an annual presentation to an open, joint session of the City Council and
Planning Commission about its strategy to promote economic development.
Hire a full time assistant.
Negotiate with the Armory so that they move out to the new industrial park at Sharpe's Corner and
city takes over the Armory for a Community Center and Boys and Girls Club.
Direct mail campaigns for those who are not tech savvy.
Bring forth homelessness, drug issues, teen pregnancy, etc. so we public can be part of the solution.
Don’t push these issues aside.
There is a need for more affordable housing.
Historic preservation has benefits on multiple levels. It instills pride, teaches our children, entices
visitors, and spurs economic development.
Consider more wards versus at-large representation on the Council.
Encourage WWU to expand the facility at Shannon Point, by offering more classes, maybe even a
satellite campus. Universities are huge drivers of economic development.
Anacortes Schools could finally give up on the idea of operating Whitney School and turn it over to
WWU for a campus. This is radical idea but Anacortes has had a declining enrollment for many years.
The area is not served any four-year institutions.
Support and mandate for Laurie to do business differently – 62%.
Hire full time City Attorney dedicated to Anacortes only.
Enforce codes and do your own research on the municipal codes.
Initiate a discussion with City, Fidalgo Pool and Senior Center for long-range facility planning.
Work with lenders to develop a plan for abandoned/foreclosed houses.
Design signage to encourage visitors to walk around downtown/old town and improve
building and historic signage.
Maintain and open up street corridor marine views; many now blocked by boat storage east
of R Avenue to the water. Too many “boat parking lots.”
Create Neighborhood Improvement districts.
Turn around benches in downtown to face store fronts instead of car doors.
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Put those nice fish can labeled trash cans at the S end of Commercial.
Move Council meetings out of City Hall periodically, e.g. Senior Center, Skyline, etc.
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Use a computer and projector at City Council meetings for online research such as the RCW,
WAC, ordinances, etc. to answer questions authoritatively as they arise.
Regular public surveys seeking input and ideas from a broad spectrum of the community.
Leverage the highly educated and community conscious retirees in Anacortes.
Implement reverse 911 to notify citizens of emergency situations.
Treat citizens like customers. Consider CRM [Customer Relationship Management] principles
when communicating with citizens on issues important to them.
Update the current City computer system to provide high speed internet to help the citizens
as well as helping to attract new business.
Develop and post short YouTube videos with a comment section to explain city plans and
projects and solicit feedback. Embrace technology.
Keep close watch on the new “products” in development at the refineries to ensure that
appropriate environmental standards are in place to deal with new hazards.
Use best practice methods to determine the most effective environmental strategies and
tactics.
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Invite the Skagit Food Coop to add another grocery store at the Sharpe's Corner business park. The
Coop offers merchandise – even socks! – as well as food.
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APPENDIX: Survey Responses
Disclaimer: This section of the report contains all the survey responses as they were
received; however, in an effort to depersonalize comments, we tried to remove
references to specific individuals, other than the current and former mayor. Note
that because not everyone answered each survey question, some response numbers
are missing within each set of survey responses.
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Laurie’s Listening Tour Survey Responses
01/28/2014
Question 1) What should be the Mayor's top priorities in her first year?
#
2
3
Response
Learning the job and listening to all opinions. Good luck with the latter.
Anacortes needs revenue. There is a long list of projects that need to be done but unless the attitude
changes and the city becomes more pro-business things will continue to degrade.
There is a serious drug problem in Anacortes that must be addressed.
4
"Open and transparent government...collaborative leadership...economic development...protecting
neighborhood integrity...preserving our environment...reinvigorating commercial avenue..."
Establish written policies and procedures to ensure a systematic implementation of your directives. City
staff cannot make it happen "on the fly." Your direction should be clearly stated and processes defined.
5
Provide no giveaways to developers. Your assessment of Tethys was accurate -perhaps too polite. I
expect that you will take a long view of change with the best interests of all at the top of the list.
Transparency as you put it is right. Profit for certain corporations or individuals are great as long as they
are not at the expense of the rest of us. Zone changes need to be kept to a minimum after lengthy
consideration and good consensus. Increased tax revenue is not even remotely good enough reason for
change. A healthy environment and quality of life need to be first considered. Growth needs to be
questioned carefully. Always ask "to what purpose" and make sure to get a satisfactory response to that
question. Don't forget to also ask "who gains?"
from any action and make sure the answer is well known.
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1. Commend and reassure City staff for the fine job they're doing. 2. Try to come to an understanding of
how the "business park" can augment the city.
3. Address the MJB land by soliciting tenants at trade shows, etc.
4. Work toward making Anacortes a destination for trippers, shoppers and boaters
Over time: manage growth, save the environment--our greatest asset--and invite job growth in the green
sector
Get a place in Anacortes where we can buy clothing " underclothing and such....we citizens have waited
too long for action on this subject...A fred meyer, walmart, target..it does not matter to me. I have spent
way too much money in burlington, mt. vernon, Also when i go get clothing there, I also eat lunch and do
other shopping. So all this money is going to those communities not OURs!!!!
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Write a column in the Anacortes American every week. You already know what to do.
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CRIME. Isn't there a way to be welcoming to visitors without a high crime rate ? Seems like there is
way too much DUI driving, dangerous roads, crime based in drug use .... this has really kept Anacortes
from being "herself"
Organizing government in her 'open, transparent' way, a way that resolves the previous 20 years. That's
not a criticism of chit hall staff, though the council needs to stand on its own feet and contribute to
governing.
To establish a positive, transparent and open minded working atmosphere in our city government.
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The next Comp Plan - throw out the junk, make it work, and write it so it means something.
Rezone of MJB (and neighboring) property - make sure it doesn't look like a long strip mall which will
devolve in to a Highway 99. We need to keep at least some of our character in any development along R
(the 2nd most important access street in to town). A few token trees in front of massive parking lots, or
even smaller strip lots, will not do the trick. Easier said than done but we all will get what is done if we
don't put some thought and teeth in to it. Two wrongs (1st was eminent domain on people's homes
before) don't make one right.
What the heck does the City of Anacortes own a failure of a business "park" out by Sharpes Corner? Get
rid of it or convert it to the parkland it was supposed to be when donated.
How about finishing the old Comp Plans still not finished from a few years ago.
Please bring civility to the City Council meetings.
Get a City Attorney who actually cares about the citizens of the Town. And make sure the Planning
"Administrator" is not a one-sided "never seen a development I didn't like" person.
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Address climate change:
Put solar panels on all public buildings. Require them on all newly built homes.
Insist on good up to date "green" insulation.
STOP air pollution by big ships that run their motors 24-7. We have more cancer here because of them
and just imagine what they are doing to the climate w/ all that fuel consumption!
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Laurie should first have an audit of the cities books and determine the cities true financial position.
Anacortes has had the same administration for the last 20 years and some have said there is some
mystery in the way the finances are reported.
Laurie does not want or need any surprises later, she needs to know, before she starts, where the city is
financially. If there are any surprises, as a result of the audit, the citizens need to know.
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Resolve the Fred Meyer store issue. ( I'm for a new Fred Meyer store.)
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Start fixing the streets - lots of pot holes are forming, as well as cracks. Best to fix them before they get
worse.
Addressing the intended information request issues - e.g. look into filing documents electronically so
requests can be fulfilled by computer vs by a person.
Listen to Anacortes residents to see their views of Anacortes
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Mayor Laurie's top priority should be building relationships in City Hall, Visiting the various departments
and learning what they do and how they do their jobs, and letting them know her style of leadership and
expectation.
The second priority should be to build a working relationship with the new City Council, also explaining
her style of leadership, and her expectations. And, get their lists of priorities and find out what they
heard in their campaigns.
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Giving the CC more freedom in adding agenda items and giving citizens more freedom to speak to issues
in the Council meetings.
a. Talk with all mayors, politicians, commissioners, and important staff throughout Skagit valley and
make nice.
b. Rethink planning commission and charge them with development of neighborhood zoning along with
authority to make minor decisions.
c. Talk with citizen groups to get specifics on how they think the consultant should proceed with the
visioning process
Develop the south end of Commercial; reduce crime specifically home break-ins -- more police patrols
through the neighborhood; community relations with the police department; start thinking about what
large store would be good for Anacortes and where should it go and how to sell it to the community.
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1. Create a City "Economic Development Department" to transform our vulnerable economy into a
"robust, localized economy dominated by small businesses focused on the 'triple bottom line' (i.e.,
profits, people and the planet)." AEDD staff should be continuously collaborating w/WA Department of
Commerce, the Economic Development Association of Skagit County, the Chamber and other relevant
groups to recruit sustainable businesses. AEDD staff should participate in target-industry (e.g., green
marine) trade events to "lay down a welcome mat."
2. Make investments in community redevelopment that (1) support our brand image (a vibrant,
sustainable waterfront community) and (2) provide us with a "cultural scene" that will attract New
Economy talent.
3. Support Transition's (and other's) efforts to build community resilience.
4. Invest in "complete streets) to make transportation accessible and convenient for residents of every
age and ability.
5. Pursue "smart growth" strategies.
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Keep the town a very livable place, no overdevelopment. Stay a small town
Making changes that let the citizens know that they do have a voice and that their voice counts.
Economic opportunity, comp plan 2016
port vision.
Hiring a full-time attorney
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Work and listen to understand the needs of the community by attending meetings of the many service
groups around the city or at least meet with the officers of the clubs to listen to their concerns.
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Make sure that existing businesses are being well served by City government.
Listening, learning, observing and developing good relationships. Do not make any quick decisions. Go
out and meet all of the city employees and their departments if you do not already know them.
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1) Develop strategic plan (revive the Anacortes Future Project).
2) Work with MJB on long term development plan.
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3) Downtown merchant association revival.
Bringing new business to Anacortes. And the right kind of business, not big box stores that will threaten
stores already here.
Parking in the downtown area. Business owners leaving space for people/guests trying to go to that
business. For instance Bay Shore all the employees park in front or on the side street so there isn't any
room for the people trying to do business with them because there's nowhere to park.
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Economic growth by putting people in town to spend money.
Settling in and gathering her employees around as a team. Learn from them - both pros and cons - of the
good and bad of the last leadership so they can represent you in their work. The City employees are so
good and certainly happy to have a new leader without pressure, without favoritism, without fear of
retaliation for speaking up. In the past, the Mayor always remarked that everyone must be happy
because no one complains. So empowering the staff to be able to speak freely should provide you with
the empowering support they can give you
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Get familiar with our processes as Mayor and key individuals and organizations with whom you will need
to interact regularly. Develop a strategic plan that includes immediate, short and longer term priorities.
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Developing an economic creation process...see next question.
Economic development and the creation of new family wage jobs in Anacortes.
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Better utilization of our waterfront including more marine-based living wage jobs and additional
retail/dining/public access to the waterfront.
Developing relationships with the council, staff and community
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Start a strategic plan for the city
Getting bicycles off of the sidewalks, especially in the downtown area. They are a hazard to every
pedestrian and should be made to conform to normal traffic laws. All it will take is for one "little old lady"
to be hit by a bicyclist before someone "wakes up". What gives people the right to ride their bicycle on
the sidewalk? I have seen entire families "touring" in our downtown area ON THE SIDEWALK! Why,
because no one tells them they cannot. Also, consider those restaurants that feature outdoor dining,
how unsafe it is for bicyclists to be traveling through those narrow areas.
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Realistic growth of business.
Focus on economic growth.
Maintaining a vibrant downtown business community with something other than second hand stores.
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Get a good grip on how the City "works" . . . (the various departments, their functions and plans, . .why
those particular functions and plans,
. .what State laws impact local jurisdictions since the city is but a child of the State - and what avenues
make sense to work toward mitigating them . . the budget and financial foundation of the city and
opening up the General Ledger so we all understand what is going on financial issues.) Get really familiar
with the Anacortes Futures Report that has been relegated to the dustbin of history.
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Keep a balanced budget, encourage new business in Anacortes, don't let the Evergreen Island and
Defending Water for Life people run City Hall.
One area you identified is collecting citizen input and then responding back to citizens to communicate
what is or will be done. If positive action is being taken, that is easy to relate, but if no action is merited,
the reasons for that are equally important to be related back to the constituency. How will that be done?
Getting a consistent process in place so even the smallest inquiry to City Hall gets a traceable answer is
the goal. If reasons are tracked then they have a better chance of being consistent each time they are
given.
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Establishing an open government.
Learn the system. It's all new to you, and has been run by the same CEO for years, so time will be needed
to learn it. Meet the other players in Skagit Co. Working with our other cities is important. Engage the
public. Don't be pushed around by different groups, just lead and use common sense.
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Verify the City’s financial health current and for the future. This includes funding for pension plans.
Verify the need for all City positions from the top down.
Pass term limits for city government.
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We need more competition with the food stores. Anacortes residence are paying 11% to 20% for food
when they shop locally. The city is currently not hundreds of thousands in business and tax income due
to out of town shopping.
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The streets in many parts of town are in poor repair. Need to set up a schedule and plan to repair and
plan to pay for it.
Negotiate a contract with MJB that works with the city waterfront and community but doesn't hurt the
city long term.
1-Fiscal policy. Dont spend money we dont have.
2-Sensible job creation. Providing family wage jobs for all classes of people.
3-Keep the small town feel.
As anyone who.is new to a position I would hope that she takes several months to do nothing but
observe. There isn't anything that needs immediate attention.
After that the ambulance service, the 2016 Comp Plan, and completion of the Guemes Channel Trail.
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* Expand public participation: 1) Allow three-minute public comments on any agenda item(s). 2)
Although agenda items may not require public comments/hearings (such as Tethys), give citizens the
opportunity to speak at both the Planning Commission and City Council levels. 3) Publish Planning
Commission and City Council agendas in lay language that the average citizen who usually attends no
meetings would understand, so as to encourage public participation--such as MJB from industrial to
commercial zoning, thus expanding retail opportunities.
* Create a friendlier environment for the benefit of city council members and citizens: 1) Lower and/or
bring closer the Planning Commission's and City Council's seating to a friendly position so as not to tower
over and be distant to citizens. 2) Publish minutes of Planning Commission and City Council meetings in a
timely manner. 3) No citizen be denied public comment on any subject. 4) No council member be denied
discussion before a vote on any agenda/issue.
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Protecting the character of Anacortes while attracting new business to bolster our economy. We need to
fill some of the empty spaces along Commercial. I would hate to see Anacortes turn into a La Conner,
but we do need to bring in visitors who will stay in our motels and spend money in our stores. We also
need to be able to shop local which means that Anacortes has to provide what residents want and need.
We are woefully short on meeting clothing needs. If you need socks or underwear you can't find it
here!!!
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1. Lay a foundation for economic development by completing a Com Plan, updated to reflect the
changing times in Anacortes.
2. Re-address the allocation of City funds in the Public Works Dept to spend more dollars on street
maintenance and repair.
3. Engage the Chamber of Commerce to solicit ideas for mprovng our businesses in the Old Town area.
This should include a parking plan. The vitality of the Old Town businesses are being impacted by lack of
parking.
More funding for street overlays and
it looks like the water system needs more funding, nor the regional part but the local system
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Junp start businessDo something with the MJB property
MJB property plan, why is it a vacant lot?
Coordinate marina and depot to downtown.
Build a boatramp, we live on an island need access to the water near downtown, build it people will
come
Revitalize Randy's / Wymans..
Bring traffic in on Commercial out on R One way street down town = parking
Learning and understanding the system.
Being fiscally prudent
Making sure she shares her vision and points the way
Stopping MJB from getting a spot zoning to do a commercial development in an industrial area. We do
NOT need a 3rd grocery store. Our industrial land is too valuable to put a grocery store on it.
Develop a long range planning mechanisim that proactively plans where develpoment and growth will
occur. Streamline and clairify the zoning.
Running solid meeting. Not allowing any one councilmen or women to dominate the meetings.
Bring more job opportunity to Anacortes.
Keep a balanced budget, maintain the current city staff, do not let the unions run City Hall. I have been a
union rep, I know there is a place for unions - running up salaries and putting working conditions on
public services when not needed is certainly not the place. Communication and intelligence is far better
than striking.
Clearly state her agenda to all city employees (especially the staff) and obtain their support and
commitment. All should understand that there will be changes and they are expected to fully support. It
should be well understood that "That's not the way we do (or have done) it" is not the correct answer
and that attitude the author on thin ice.
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In my opinion, the Anacortes Mayor's top priorities should be to represent the citizens and businesses of
Anacortes throughout the entire term(s) of office. In your first year, I believe you would be well advised
to make appearances throughout the community, its' community and civic clubs (e.g. Kwanis, Rotary,
Elks, Friday Boys, Soroptimist, etc.), the school assemblies, library programs, businesses, yacht clubs, etc.
Having done this, you will be able to get a feel of what your constituents consider important. If it doesn't
exist already, a Mayors of Skagit County Council should be formed to meet periodically to discuss issues
of mutual concern. I believe that closer cooperation and communication should exist between the city,
the county, the Ports of Anacortes and Skagit, Guemes Island Property Owners Association, Washington
State Ferries and the Indian Nation. Another big issue, in my opinion, is the infrastructure (roads and
streets) of Anacortes...many streets are in terrible condition; paint striping on many roads doesn't
comply with Federal Standards; sighting hazards exist at many road and street intersections due to
overhanging foliage and/or signage, buildings and parking obstructions. There is currently a huge
controversy as to the introduction of the traffic circles at many intersections locally (the citizens need to
understand why these traffic control devices have been installed for safety and the benefits derived
therefrom).
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Getting to know how everything works, establishing a knowledge
base of the departments and how they function. Not trying to take on too much until that is done first.
Making sure top level city employees are on the same page as
the new mayor's vision and making position changes if there are
individuals that are not team players, hard though that may be.
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Ensure a broad range of participation in the 2016 Comp Plan update.
This is an addendum to the previous answers to the survey questions. I meant to add this thought, but
forgot!
I feel it is very important that the City of Anacortes, the County, the Port of Anacortes, the Hospital
District and the Guemes Island Property Owners Association and the Chamber of Commerce be in close
communication. These are all vital entities that guide the direction of our community and in the past
they seem to operate on separate agendas. I feel that the Mayor's job should be finding a mechanism
for cooperation among these groups.
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Parking for downtown. Commercial should be one way with pull in parking on either side. Go to
downtown OH and see how they revamped, it works great
Learning, identifying, planning, and executing.
Bringing in new business to the area to increase jobs for locals.
Address rising crime in area.
1.Reach out to citizens, Port, ASD 103, Hospital and Chamber, at a minimum, to develop common
expectations and a commitment to Anacortes success.
2. Establish economic development as a city priority and the key to public and private sector success.
3. Develop a positive working relationship with Council to avoid non value added activity
4. Prepare a development master plan ( what we should do) in tandem with the upcoming Comp plan (
what we are allowed to do).
Learning. Don't change things just for the sake of changing things. Learn why things are the way they
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are.
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Work to write an effective comprehensive plan for Anacortes ---and also city codes---that are specific, so
that decisions that are made follow stated rules, and NOT by repeated reliance on "conditional use".
(Too many decisions for our community have been made by changing regulations from one requirement
to another by voting in "conditional use.")
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Concentrate on the long term plan for Anacortes. Don't just let developers haphazardly set the course
for the future with endless suburban housing.
Allow more high density housing downtown, like condos, pocket neighborhoods, town houses etc.
Extend the path going south from Seafarers Park along the waterfront.
Proper sidewalks and bicycle lanes along Oakes Ave and 12th St.
Re-pave a lot of streets, and plant trees along the south end of Commercial Ave. The roundabout sets a
nice precedence as you enter the city, but further in it lacks cohesion and some places look run down
and dreary. Not until you reach Safeway does it start to improve.
Make the south end of town more pedestrian friendly. Businesses do better if people enjoy walking
about instead of having to get into the car and re-park between each store. I can see a small tastefully
designed one-level mall that is weather proof and also houses many stores, and businesses of all kinds,
where you can sit down and have coffee and lunch under a glass roof. An indoor meeting place with
indoor garden areas. No strip malls! This is what I would like to see just south of the Marine College.
A stylish conference center with surrounding green space would attract visitors as well..
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I like the ones she has chosen - open meetings and real dialogue with the citizens and the port and
schools and the hospital.
Also address the homeless situation and involving youth. Being aggressive in attracting and keeping
clean industry.
Comprehensive planning, to whatever extent you can influence that. Please reconsider the MJB "big box
store" issues. Perhaps we can encourage that the first use of commercial shoreside property should be
related to the maritime industries?
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## Continue open interaction with community groups and listening forums. Communities with more
communication and interaction are less divisive, as commonalities emerge.
## Prepare for climate change and severe storms with resiliency initiatives, so our community can not
merely survive, but thrive. This can be a huge magnet as others either want to move/invest/startup
businesses here, or we gain eminence for trailblazing and help other communities discover their
resiliency path.
## Do whatever we can as a city to reduce use of fossil fuels. This is the foremost issue of our times.
The effects of pollution effluence that enters our atmosphere are delayed by years in altering our normal
environmental system patterns. We already have devastation "baked in the cake", from past pollution,
which is called "committed climate change". Now that methane is bubbling up from the fracking wells
and the melting of permafrost and ice in the Arctic Circle, we and our children/grandchildren will be
living through unimaginable events. Any new municipal purchases should be the most environmentally
friendly model available (closing the loop on recycled, Prius fleet, bicycle, etc.). No other issue is as
critical for our safety and lifestyle. It is a moral issue for ourselves and others - all biological species-around the planet. We MUST act now.
## Help push for our fair city to be fully engaged in the movement to overturn "Citizens United".
Corporations have a corrupting and undue influence on our fragile democracy.
Relatedly, "Free Trade" agreements are codifying a loss of local governments' sovereignty, and are
actively overruling laws with corporate courts. Learn more about this, as we have to protect our
democracy and future. We must not give it away through ignorance or complacency, as corporations
have every intent to play to win.
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Proceed slowly. Implement intelligent citizen involved planning in a scheduled, predictable fashion.
Review all pending projects for growth.
Organize the Planning Commission to guarantee the Comprehensive Plan is complete and effective.
With all the work that needs to be done, and the involvement of a consultant to help the process, the
Planning Commission needs more members so their work can be handled well. This is in addition to the
normal Planning Commission responsibilities.
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One way to organize it would be to add 4 additional commissioners. They could share the work better
this way. It would take a legislative change to Anacortes' city ordinances (Chapter 2.42 PLANNING
COMMISSION) to accomplish. RCW does not limit the number of commissioners.
Another idea is to formally appoint a city official to the commission - allowable under RCW and city
ordinances. This may help with logistics and direction.
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Closing down Commercial Avenue between 9th and 4th streets and creating a pedestrian mall type of
atmosphere. It will be a draw for tourists, as much as a meeting place for locals. The center can be left
open for festivals and parades. It can be paved with bricks, like the farmer's market area at the depot. Q
avenue can have two lanes northbound, and O avenue two lanes southbound, with maybe a crossover
on 6th street. A city parking lot can be developed on the half block just south of the Calico
Cupboard/Cap Sante Inn annex. It's not being used for anything right now. It's time to end truck traffic
on Commercial Ave. in downtown area. It adds odor, noise, and congestion.
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Implement a good transition...
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Congratulations! I did vote for you as you are a business person yourself and hence are likely a
pragmatic person, knowledgeable about economics and the needs of the town's residents.
Economics was one of my three majors. Thereafter I was in a joint JD/MBA program at Rugters Law
School (1983). Due to the Masters of Business classes I studied, I am familiar with various business
models entailing the use of “pricing models”. In short- do you price at a high (premium) level targeting
the well-off and higher profits or lower (eg: a discount level of pricing) hoping to sell more product at a
lower per unit markup. The two grocery stores in Anacortes have most demonstratively adopted the
“high (premium) pricing model in the hope of achieving a greater profit.
The demographics of Anacortes have changed. We now have more lower-middle, lower, fixed
retirement and needy consumers. We as a town can no longer tolerate the fact that the only grocery
outlets available AND ACCESSIBLE (downtown) are priced out to the budget of so many of our residents.
Their pricing is targeted toward the more fortunate among us. Not having an accessible AFFORDABLE
grocery store is unfair and unjust.
We need a discount grocery store close to downtown because not everyone drives- so it’s hard to travel
to Marches Point or the Reservation to go food and provision shopping (so please don’t locate any new
store away from downtown). Not everyone can afford a nice home- we have some who are barely
making it in these troubled economic times. We need a close store. Not only that- we need a discount
GROCERY store more than a big box general store. People can take a bus out of town occasionally for
various things like clothing or appliances or supplies.
But we all need to eat every day, thus we shop often. The two grocery stores in town are rip-offs!!!! They
jack up the price so high that even when they put items on so called "sale" they are still more expensive
than decent stores like Winco, Grocery Warehouse, Cash and Carry, and Walmart (Yes, Walmart has
some stores that have only groceries), and others too.
I’ve shopped at all of these discount stores during my stay in Portland, and I will testify that the
difference in pricing is HUGE!!!!! I remember last year getting the same things at the discount stores for
LESS than the prices of the same items ON SALE here in the two grocery stores we have in town. (ie: the
so called “sale” prices here are still usually higher than the everyday prices at the discount stores---AND
the everyday pricing here at our present grocery stores is just plain absurd!! AND they have the
unmitigated gaul to tell us on those silly price stickers on the shelves that we are saving! What plain
LIES.)
Why not just bring the whole Discount General Merchandise Store in and solve all the problems? There
are other discount general merchandise stores that also carry food/groceries- like BI-MART, TARGET, etc.
Because of some well off hipsters who can afford to pay the rip off prices of the stores we have think it's
cool and trendy to put down on Walmart? Those well off types (and the uninformed they influence) are
the only ones opposed to it. The demographics of the voting population are changing and those who
need discount stores are increasing- it’s time they demanded a more equitable commercial plan here in
Anacortes- one that the UNrich can afford!!
Let the opponents of large discount stores try to get by on a low income budget and/or fixed retirement
income for a while and they would change their tune.
Little of what BIMART, Walmart, or Target carry will compete with our local stores. Actually, the sort of
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products sold in big discount stores will seldom compete with the small local stores downtown. If
anything, they will help our locally owned businesses as folks will stay in town to shop (including for
things carried in local stores) instead of travelling to Burlington to get decent prices for their groceries. I
commute to Walmart in Burlington to save such big bucks and while I’m out of town I get other things
which local stores here might carry. Keep me in town with a discount grocery store and I’ll do all my
shopping here.
Make no mistake about it- Freddy Meyers has the same exclusive, premium pricing model that the two
current grocery stores in town have- to use the vernacular- they are ripoffs. Bring in a Freddie Meyer
and folks will continue to travel out of town to get to legitimate discount stores- depriving the needy and
fixed income retirees of accessible shopping- and the town coffers of tax revenue.
The current commercial environment here in Anacortes absolutely results in defacto (unintentional
and/or not officially ordained) discrimination against all non wealthy citizens here in town. Inflation is
going to continue to get worse and less fortunate folks and also retirees like me with pensions like mine
can't keep up. Even though I have a COLA it is no where near keeping up with inflation even now.
Should we not get a more reasonably priced grocery store here close to downtown I am sure that there
are those among us who will start a petition drive to get one and to remind voters about just which of
our elected officials and the board members they appoint failed to get us such a sorely needed
commercial outlet. Putting the new discount stores in a slightly off Commercial Ave location will hide
them and not diminish the picturesque nature of Anacortes.
The time has come to stop messing around and get what the ordinary (non rich) folks here need- a
discount grocery store (most) and we might as well get a discount department store so we can get
necessities without traveling out of town (I had to travel out of town to even buy decent Christmas
ornaments and a new pair of slacks and shirt!!).
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PS- I'll add that I assume that one or both of the overpriced grocery stores will sooner or later go out to
business (which I'm not feeling overly sorry about). Any loss of jobs resulting should be more than
compensated for by the increase in folks staying in town to shop and the employment opportunities in
the new "Big-Box" store that The increase in local shopping generates. I'm quite sure any new store
would give every lawful preference to hiring Anacortes citizens, perhaps resulting in a net gain in the
number of jobs!
The waterfront should drift more into a tourist-friendly place. We have lost so much money over the
decades falsely thinking our entire waterfront will magically be a huge manufacturing center. There is
room for more of that also, but we need to utilize what is undeveloped for bringing people into town.
Also, please stop expanding the city limits. This is so unnecessary and is making our beautiful island start
to look not as pretty as it once was. The expansion of Skyline limits must stop indefinitely.
Think about expanding the forest lands and creating more corridors to water access points.
Pothole repair.
1-attract business/job that provide family wage jobs
2-attract retail to Anacortes so I can stop driving to Burlington
3-enhance public safety-fire/EMS. Develop a plan to provide adequate staffing so firefighters can do
their job safety and provide for the protection of Anacortes residents.
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Getting self educated by the department heads, employees and citizens to see where we as a city needs
to focus on.
Learning the job. Establish yourself as a strong leader in your relations with the Council and more
generally. Take time to learn the issues and be thoughtful with regard to potential solutions.
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Stability while creating a new leadership that will address long standing issues.
Address the pending EMS issue head on. Anacortes has been the leader in having a fire based EMS sytem
for over 30 years. Something the rest of the County is just now coming to understand. Utilizing your Fire
Department to handle EMS, offsets the cost of your Fire Department, allowing for better use of taxpayer
dollars by combining 2 agencies into 1. Embrace it and expand it, don't let it become isolated and
withdrawn.
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a. Repair the toxic atmosphere at City Hall to one that is open and transparent to the public. Ways to do
this include employee training and the development of a communications and disclosure system. such as
making information available on the City’s website. Create a mechanism to enable citizens to present
their views on all issues.
b. Hire a full-time City attorney.
c. Improve the City’s budgeting process and make use of modern, corporate-style budgeting
mechanisms, which will enable the City to not only balance its budget, but will allow the budget to be
presented in a clear way, with full disclosure, which should include setting policy on the amount of
reserves needed and the minimum to be budgeted annually for the maintenance of City streets, and its
sewer and water plants, as well as security, fire, and medical needs.
d. Adopt Roberts Rule of Order for City Council meetings.
e. Provide comment periods for the public at the beginning and end of all meetings. (This works well at
Port of Anacortes meetings.)
f. Allow public testimony at City Council study sessions.
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*Building "community conversation" for the greater good, based on collaboration and communication -thank you, Laurie, you have already set this tone!
*Research and implement as many "eco-friendly" practices as possible. These can include energy
efficiency upgrades for city owned properties, establishing incentives for local businesses to "go
greener," implementing building codes that assure energy efficiency and alternative energy is used as
much as possible on all new buildings, continue to encourage shopping locally in Anacortes and that can
also include across the bridge.
*Conduct a community health assessment inventory to address toxins in our air, water, and soil. See
further points under environmental issues below.
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*Identify current budget concerns and make the budget easier to understand for all.
*Identify strengths and weakness's in current Administrative staff.
*A need for strong leaders is very important. There is a believe that the past mayor has essentially
removed all power to allow department heads make decisions without micro management.
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Develop a plan that would concentrate on:
1) Having a store or two like Fred Meyers here to keep our sales tax dollars in Anacortes as well as
minimizing our folks need to visit Burlington shops.
2) Increasing waterfront stores and connecting with downtown.
3) Assisting the housing authority to develop low cost housing for single men.
4) Cleaning up Commercial Avenue from 12th to 20 West. Too many stores are leaving items outside on
the sidewalks.
5) Improving community services through Fidalgo Pool, the Senior Activity Center, Fidalgo DanceWorks,
etc.
6) Determining what industries would compliment Anacortes, developing a marketing strategy to entice
those companies here, and then actively approaching them to locate here. There may be grant money
through the Council of Governments and the state to help us accomplish our goals.
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Be visible
Economic development, establishment of a Code Enforcement Dept, that has the ability to improve
livability of our neighborhoods.
Becoming familiar with how the city functions, especially it's finances.. and putting together a plan to
improve its' revenue stream.
Use "Robert's Rules of Order" to conduct council meetings. Maybe have a workshop on it. It's time.
Everybody uses Robert's, except us.
Looking at the best of past accomplishments. Keep a balance on issues relating to the environment.
Don't become an extremist relative to environment. Working to keep the economy strong and encourage
good paying jobs. No growth both population and commercially means the long term death of a city.
Neighborhood streets especially in old town are in desperate need of repair.
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1) Continue fiscal discipline at all levels of City activities.
2) Continue to listen and learn before jumping to decisions sought by special interest groups, including
fire fighters.
3) Develop a good working relationship with each City Councl member based on mutual respect.
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Getting decent retail in this town! Please don't tell us we need another "study".
For a town the size of Anacortes it's ridiculous to not have even one store for a family to buy underwear!
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Continue to ensure that Anacortes stays with the lowest tax rate in the county.
Dear Laurie, I first want you to know that I thank God you won! This race felt like we were either going to
go backwards in tyrantcy or forward with you to a beautiful future! I think we need to be a absolute
fabulous video together that wows, for green companies, to show them what we got! And someone that
can present it well. We can be like mercer island, they just received a award for the top ten green cities
and we can have scientific based jobs for our children like they do. I believe once such a companies really
saw what we have they will be here in a heartbeat. And there are many green companies! We don't need
the good ole boy way any longer. I think we could create satellite offices for even Microsoft and Google.
We could do a drawing of a place, make it beautiful, such beautiful nature and their facilities tucked into
it, make it so appealing that they would see that to have such a place would be great for their creative
department, their local get away meetings, their top people to work at full time who want their children
to be out of the cities, it could be extremely elaborate as they have the money to create such places, we
just need to show them a picture. The government is giving good environmental startup companies
money, we can find out who they are and tell them about our great place!
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Keeping the budget balanced and city costs low.
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rehab of our old town economy. We don’t need big box stores in town or big factories. Our waterfront
needs to reflect our marine way of life and tourism. If Fred Meyer wants in they can put it over by March
Point and stay out of town.
Mend fences with county. Water rights and in-stream flows. Anacortes support for Swinomish – afraid
tribe will take city to federal court re: water rights.
1996 Memo of Agreement/ County Comprehensive Water Plan.
Concern that Tethys agreement and water allocation would have affected rights/ability of other
industrial water users to draw from the river. Effects on county economic development strategy??
Need to look at industrial water demands and relationship with County r: water. Is Anacortes selling
water as a commodity at the cost of future county industrial development??
Affects county/city relationship and future county need for water. Need to work with other cites and
county.
Maxwell reputation for “screaming” at other municipal officials.
Other Priorities:
• Obey SEPA and city ordinances – e.g. T Bailey move to March’s Point and heron rookery. Need to
increase buffers for critical areas.
• Built environment impacts – give existing neighborhoods “a little more respect.”
• Conditional Use permit process used “as extortion” on developers. Unequal application of code and
law. Need clear code. City won’t uphold code unless a judge tells them to.
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The top priority should be to banish all vestiges of the “Strong Mayor” form of government and institute
a more consensual, participatory, open and effective Anacortes City government:
• Follow the rule of law. Ultimately, the fundamental legitimacy of government rests upon adherence to
the law. This does not mean that the Mayor is a judge or that a lawyer/city manager is needed. But your
predecessor regularly evaded the law as he saw fit with the sentiment “well we all know what’s right
anyway.” One of our City Council members defends conditional use permits as a means to avoid being
“hamstrung by the law.” Staff supported the “Compatibility” of the K Avenue memory care facility with
the statement that it would be painted a color compatible with neighboring residences! I understand
that there has been a long history of AMC changes based upon purported “scrivener’s errors” and then
there was the “unit” to “dwelling unit” AMC change that occurred to approve the memory care facility.
The recent appointment of planning commission members to fill yet to be vacated seats is another
example of a lawless, arrogant and paternalistic form of governance that we have endured. Having a
proper full-time City Attorney, one with a duty to the community as a whole, would go a long way to
elevate the “Strong Mayor” form of governance.
• Anacortes is a “Code” City. Under Washington state law, the mayor has certain roles and
responsibilities as does City Council. Power is properly divided and shared. Let the City Council decide
its own rules of procedure. Agendas with supporting materials must be published and available well in
advance. City Council members and the public should be free to place matters on the agenda and
discuss them freely without interference by the mayor. The annual budget process needs major revision.
Each department should present its programmatic plan for the year with goals, measurable objectives
and an associated budget so the City Council and the public can exercise policy oversight and monitor the
effective functioning of each department. Administrative staff must be far more open and responsive to
the City Council.
• More professional, rational, open and participatory governance. We all love Anacortes but let’s pop
the self-edifying bubble that surrounds Anacortes governance. The City government has been
dominated by a personality so averse to criticism or scrutiny that anything other than glowing adoration
was met with hostility and threats. This is no way for a community to be governed. Invite, encourage
and support public participation instead of punishing people for making public records requests, do away
with any reason for such requests. Make sure that the work product of City government is available for
review on the City’s website in searchable form. Plans, ordinances, contracts, budgets, financial
reports, development applications files, virtually everything not legally privileged should be readily
available for public review. Consider changing the layout of the City Council Chamber. Put the City
Council members literally at the same level as the public-perhaps in a round table configuration and let
members of the public sit at the table and speak rather than at a podium. Make the council committees
open to the public and let the public participate. Stop relegating the public comment phase of a review
process to the last act when the staff’s work product is already final and complete. The public should be
involved at all stages. Eliminate the costly Wednesday morning department head meetings if they
continue to be no more than two hours of singing the praises of the Mayor and one another. You are
more likely to hear about real problems and see to their solutions in smaller groups or one-on-one
meetings.
Guemes Channel Trail, connect GCT with larger regional bike/hike trails, address Fred Meyer application,
1. Engaging and informing the public on what the city government is doing. Making and posting on a City
of Anacortes Facebook, Google group, email, twitter, etc.
Learn what the Mayor's role is, listen to issues, assimilate concerns and develop a vision for the City.
Work towards developing a shared vision of what this city can be and then use that vision when applying
and rewriting the zoning ordinance.
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Get things moving forward for a revitalization of the city waterfront along R Avenue, including but not
limited to zoning changes if needed so that we do not loose the opportunity for business like "Fred
Meyer" and others to build inside our city and we can benefit from increased activity for all business, less
leakage to Mt Vernon and Burlington, but above all so that it just does not become lost income for us
and the state by it being built on land owned by one of the tribes. This has long term implications for our
city and we cannot sit on our heels or the opportunity will be gone.
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Create a good working relationship with the City Council.
economic development
safety of our city
address drug and alcohol abuse in city
communication and transparency
Establishing good communications with all who are essential to moving the city forward in its contexts of
city, county, state, USA, world.
1. Facilitate a plan to allow MJB to actually use the property off of R ave that they have been paying
taxes on for so many years.
2. Keep the city emergency fund intact.
3. Look into lowering the cost of sewer service.
4. Continue the efforts to complete the Trail to Washington Park from downtown.
5. Property owner at XXXX should be made to follow building codes.
6. Ask Comcast who appears to be the only cable/internet provider in town to be accountable for their
outrageous charges. In other words make them share more of their revenue with the city. They do take
up city right of way with their poles and wires obstructing views.
7. Let’s get a handle on public employee costs. At one time the deal was, as a public employee you got
good benefits and lower pay. That was the bargain. Now public employees are paid private sector
wages or more and the best defined benefit pensions and benefits anywhere. Getting this under control
is essential for keeping our town sustainable.
8. Continue efforts to control plastic bag litter. Even a bag ban similar Bellingham's.
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A reasonable Comp Plan process.
We have already had many meetings and now the city is having 14 more to gather input at a cost of
$200,000?? You have most of the input from the prior Comp Plans and the AFP. The pre-work should be
done to go through the prior input and focus the new meetings on refining what can and cannot be
done. Laurie needs to lead on what we can practically get done and over what time-frame.
I am tasked with preparing this list for the Chamber.
Continue the good work at the State and Federal levels. This is the steep learning curve and will require a
lot of time. We have been very good at getting our share of grants.
Work closely with the Port. Action and development. North Harbor plan is an example of mutual
cooperation and priorities that has been sitting still.
LEAD, LEAD, LEAD - use your personality and charm. Push them to do things they may not want to do,
and do it together.
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Stronger building codes to create stronger neighborhoods and create a more unified aesthetic along
commercial. Beautify the stretch of Commercial between the roundabout and the downtown area.
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More functional, less abrasive council meetings.
Getting community feedback as we head towards developing our comp plan. Setting the tone for better
public participation and the use of the council as legislators.
Continued emphasis on economic development.
Working on jobs that respect our natural environment
Big job, but I know you are up to it.
We really need to keep an open mind when dealing with businesses that are interested in coming here.
There are too many products that we have to go over the bridge for.
To address the greatest needs she finds when she actually takes office.
Public Safety
Economic Development
1 - Develop a strategic plan for protecting and sustaining the city and Fidalgo Island's environment
(water, air, wildlife, forests) for the future. This includes plan objectives to reduce carbon emission
impacts within the city and on the island.
2 - Update the city's walking and biking master plan to incorporate all of Fidalgo Island, and actively work
with partner groups (tribes, Skagit Cycle Club, school district, etc.) to improve walking and biking paths
and routes, especially those coming onto and leaving the island and city.
3 - Having a clear picture of the needs of the poor, low income, and homeless in the city and on Fidalgo
Island is critical for the Mayor to understand, and to work with citizens and business to proactively
address needs and issues.
4 - Begin the downtown/ferry terminal walking/biking corridor planning and development. Make sure
any pathway is wide enough and with sufficient separation for all users (dog walkers, bikers, pedestrians,
disabled).
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1. seek out and encourage businesses that will take advantage of the huge industrial/commercial space
available between Hy. 20 and 21st. 2. make improvements where streets and sidewalks are in disrepair.
3. a boat ramp in the marina area that would be free to residents and charge a fee to those from out of
the area.
4. more crosswalks along Commercial ave.
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Getting the Comprehensive Plan update off to a strong start, involving as many segments of the
community as possible - students, retirees, single folks, young parents, mid-career, medical, blue collar,
service sector, professional, commuters, tele-commuters, etc.
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Learning the revenue streams and all the complex ways money is dedicated; Learning why money has
been prioritized and budgeted in the ways it has; And, only after that, beginning to explore what new
initiatives can fit within our revenues.
be sure the City stays on solid financial ground. This means be sure that we are funding reasonable
retirements properly. Keeping expenses under control. Develop a plan to keep a known reserve to cover
times when tax revenue falls.
Bring unity of purpose and communication within city agencies - in example:, I have witnessed that the
Anacortes Housing Authority and the Police Dept., have not had open communication with one another.
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Also, the concept of transparency within our gov't and more communication are the main policies of
Laurie's that got me to vote for her.
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Complete the current section of the Tommy Thompson Trail.
Get constructive, positive and open dialog between different "camps".
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Take the time to listen to all constituents and spend the time getting to know all employees before
making any big decisions.
Develop an economic development plan for the next 5-10 years
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Develop a plan for our water front that includes mixed use so we can co-exist.
Hi Mayor Laurie,
I filled out this form before. But the most important issue is climate change. We as a small group, with
now, thank God, a great leader, can make a difference. We need to pull our heads out of the sand,
realize the media is bought off, and find real truths about what is going on. The Fukushima disaster is in
our face, because of our position on the west coast. This is real, nature is dying in our waters, scores of
fish and other water life are turning up on our shores and rivers. But we won't see this on the five o'clock
news.
Work together with the port to achieve a more seamless transition between the downtown business
core and the port.
1. Review Department heads and their departments semi-annually.
2. Hire a full time attorney.
3. Adhere to campaign promises. If not able to do so, explain why and/or how you're working toward
them.
4. Eliminate "That's the way it has been done" especially among staff. Respect past, live in present, but
plan (and work) for the future.
5. Listen and show respect for citizens and their input; not just Chamber and staff.
6. Decline voting membership on CC Exec Bd; secure agreement with Port Director to do same.
7. Conduct Council study sessions on the floor and in a different format than Council meetings.
8. Move toward all council members receiving information on city purchased (or leased) tablets. (Would
eliminate cost and time spent of paper copies plus reassure public that Council is receiving same
information available to the public.)
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Getting acquainted with the City's departments and making changes, where necessary.
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Make sure Anacortes water rights are maintained. Economic stability of the town is the first priority.
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Public Safety
Economic Growth & Jobs
Citizen livability. The resident’s interests should be top priority and not the developers. We own homes
and pay taxes.
Unity within the City Council and Unity of Mission to attract jobs with the Port of Anacortes.
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1. Work to regain citizen trust in city government after too many years of a bullying mayor who ran the
city like his personal fiefdom.
2. Encourage more business growth so we can have more sales tax revenue and more jobs. Probably
this can best be done via tourism, also by additional retail growth.
3. Commercial Ave past the arch looks great. Most everything S of there looks like ugly strip malls.
Work to enhance the S end without placing burdens on existing business owners. At least put those nice
fish can label trash cans at the S end.
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Economic development of the downtown district.
Environmental protection of our parks and wetland areas.
The City has lagged behind others in its use of technology and social media. While being prepared for
public records requests is important, it is not the only technology/online activity that deserves attention.
How old are the city's computer systems (or its computers)? Who is monitoring the changing world of
technology? This is a huge responsibility that impacts everything from how the water treatment plant
works to how the police department shares emergency information among its staff or with outside
agencies. Is Nixel the best resource for quick distribution of information to citizens? Maybe five years
ago, but perhaps not today.
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Being careful to assess what has been good, what has been developed and put in place by the previous
administration and continuing those efforts as well as implementing whatever new vision or improving
what you see needing improvement. I have always appreciated the vibrancy, financial and otherwise, of
our community and hope you will ensure its continuation.
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Everybody seems to think we need to change....Change what exactly?
We have been on a stable path. Corrections, updates, and looking to the future are always needed. A lot
of talk continues to emanate in regards to ‘box stores’ being allowed to push the limits of our existing
code. Look at the towns where the bigger stores have entered and you usually see smaller stores
struggling to get by. Is that what we ‘need’ or really want? I stay away from the strip malls as much as
possible.
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Really get to know the current workings of the City organization before making major changes. Build on
what works well already.
Take the time to get good solid organization and staff set up, so you can really go for it. Build a structure
to keep you healthy. Learn the skill of long-term prioritization. Figure out how to stay in touch with your
vision, before pressures and new agenda start to morph it.
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Affordable housing for people who work in Anacortes.
Family wage jobs for people who live in Anacortes.
Building community resilience to deal with climate change.
The drug problem and it's related theft problem.
Creating a clear and proactive development strategy.
Learning the various departments and how they operate. Getting to know the staff. Getting imput from
citizen and various groups to decide on the direction the City should go.
Getting as comprehensive a view of what the citizens want the city to look like and offer as possible.
Listen,listen,listen.
Establish what kind of city the residents of Anacortes want their city to be.
I think this process should include challenging the assumption that there must be economic growth here.
(What are the goals and realities of such growth?) This survey is a good start, but deeper analysis is
needed if we want to maintain the quality of life that attracted current residents to Anacortes.
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I cannot list these as I don't know enough about the items on the Mayor's list. My comments are only on
#7 & #8.
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I think the overall, continuing priority for the mayor is retaining Anacortes' "small town" feel. This
means, among other things, resisting the temptation to bring in box stores such as Fred Meyer. PLEASE
do not do this. While it looks good on the surface, it will ultimately negatively impact other small
business, encourage more "growth" of this type, and thus detract from the town's growing appeal as a
"destination" area to visit. That is our strength and it should be cultivated, not diluted.
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Finishing the Guemes Channel Trail/Thompson Trail.
Keeping out stores like Fred Meyer, Wallmart, etc.
Bring people downtown to support our local stores, restaurants, and hotels.
Add more high rise Condo like living downtown to get more people shopping and enjoying the town.
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Gain the trust and respect of ALL of the community by staying true to your issues,being fair while
standing firm and by working openly to move our town in the direction that will benefit the taxpayers
and the environment.
I can't help but think the main one is just to take it a step at a time. While studying and learning about
each dept--look for problem area's like waste, duplication of services, ways to streamline, evaluate
what's working good and what needs updating, etc.
All the while staying keenly aware that this new position will demand a huge learning curve and that
takes time. I do think citizens advisory committee might be a great source of help to her in this regard.
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Work with MJB Properties in order to develop their property and
provide a greater retail base that will generate more tax revenue
to support our infrastructure.
ISSUE: Re-orient Anacortes Water System Policy.
Anacortes needs to quickly move water supply policy beyond the toxic legacy and increasingly backward
looking, provincial and obsolete perspective fostered by the 1996 MOA of a prior century. Policy should
be focused on (1) updating the 50 year projections of the Coordinated Water System Plan, an effort
stymied for years by squabbling between the parties to the '96 MOA, and (2) addressing the future
regional water supply issues raised by those projections in a manner appropriate for a self-styled
"regional" water purveyor. The assumptions of future water supply in the 2000 Coordinated Water
System Plan were quickly obsoleted by subsequent legal developments, and the plan must be objectively
updated as a 1st. step toward a future oriented water policy for Anacortes.
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1. Fiscal responsibility, balanced by social awareness.
2. Keep big box stores out of town. There are enough in Burlington; a Fred Meyers would be acceptable,
but with the understanding that we will lose the Market, and maybe Safeway, which is a better
competitor. Maybe not with a home and garden center though.
3. Bargain buses for those who want to go to the big box stores in Burlington, for maybe $3-5 round trip
(a savings on gas), leaving from town.
4. A master plan that limits where business can develop - i.e. to avoid the K Ave issue with the dementia
unit in a 'hood.
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At shift change, hundreds of cars enter Anacortes, Hundreds leave. There are lots of jobs here, but the
workers live across the flats where they can afford housing. On Saltspring Island they built low- income
housing that the restaurant workers could afford, as they had been living in tent cities. We, like Seattle,
need rentable digs. In Port Townsend, We saw the town's co-op department store. They didn't want a
Freddies. Would a co-op work for us?
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Washington Park, the gem of Fidalgo Island, is in need of attention. Quite a few of the trails are
overgrown to the point of being impassible. Also, the expansion of the Tommy Thompson trail. Once
the trail is complete and it is possible to ride a bike from town to the ferry terminal I think it will become
a great asset for the city. And a much safer option for peddlers and walkers.
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Main concern is Commercial Avenue south of 12th Street which he feels is somewhat neglected
compared with the area north of 12th. He recognizes that because Commercial-south is state highway
that the options are more limited than Commercial-north. However, both the city and Chamber could do
more to dress-up the area with trees, benches, and planters, making it appear more welcoming to
people to walk and shop.
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Bring the town together. Businesses above the sign need to be included in all the events. Parade routes
use to go all the way up to 22nd. Remind the community how it used to be. We live in a small town for a
reason.
Develop comprehensive vision for the future of Anacortes with long range planning (input from a variety
of points of view) to encourage a viable city.
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Reduce mayor's salary to a level consistent with other municipalities of similar size.
Learning what the responsibilities of the mayor and how the city works from the inside!! BEFORE taking
on substantial new directions!!!!
Ports CSM. North Basin permitting and financial assistance of streets "IE South of 5th street.
Establishing a civil, professional, inclusive tone for City business.
If there was a volunteer committee to solve the worst problems created by houses that are neglected by
lenders, would Laurie and the staff support our efforts?
Maintain the character of Anacortes as a small town. Reduce urban sprawl!
a. Communicating with the public -- just like this and other ways, too.
b. Getting the city staff on side for your leadership.
c. Make a few goals that can be reached during the first year. Document them, and show how effective
you are.
d. Connections with local, county, state offices. Tribal orgaizations.
e. Get budget in place!
Protecting the small business interest over or equal to the chamber of commerce activities when it
comes to street fairs.
Continued fiscal responsibility; a balanced budget and maintaining the reserve funds the city has
accumulated.
Public works is one area that Anacortes could improve. Our trash pickup day happens to be on Friday
and there are many days in the year on which no trash is picked up at all. There is no makeup day- it is
expected that you just "double up" on the following Friday and put all your trash out there. That causes
a mess in the streets once the crows and seagulls get into the trash. It's sort of ridiculous, really. The
one day that it's snowed here- the garbage pickup didn't happen. Ironically, on that same day, the
school buses ran and the snowplows ran.
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Drug awareness; similar to what was held at Brodniak Hall last year only advertised more, perhaps in the
newspaper and also on the middle school reader board to help parents know what to look for.
For the city to consider participating in a national drug awareness:
with this helpful website:
http://drugfactsweek.drugabuse.gov/planyourevent.php/drugfactsweek.drugabuse.gov/planyourevent.p
hp
Also to explore the possibility of recovery awareness with this website:
http://vimeo.com/64948005
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. He would like to see the city absorb some of the cost of paving port property streets which are part
of the marina development plan. . He feels that the city needs to be more aggressive in facilitating
truck traffic on R Avenue. He does not feel that the new roundabout is conducive to the smooth flow of
truck traffic.
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fidalgo bays waterfront property preservation and keeping it maritime and NOT big box stores or hotels.
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Guemes Channel Trail, streamline management. I had an issue with my garbage service and had to talk
with three supervisors. I would assume you can run that service with less supervisors.
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getting to know all the departments and employees and our issues. As an employee, we haven't felt we
could talk to any one for a long time.
BRINGING IN BUSINESS TO OUR UNDEVELOPED WATERFRONT AREAS INCLUDING A BIG BOX STORE.
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Learning the job of Mayor, begin working on a strategic plan the encompasses the many facets of
community (including churches, non-profits and other organizations that are often ignored as assets to
our community)
- long term drug reduction plan
- better establish long term vision for the city
- increased services for low income and struggling families and single mothers
Managing growth in a healthy way, which in my view includes maintaining infrastructure and keeping the
larger goals in mind; move to more proactive rather than reactive management.
Acknowledge the presence and address the needs of homeless and those living with poverty.
Become acquainted with different entities in the area including city and county officials along with
businesses.
Review the Future's Project and what the citizens have already discussed and promoted as their
concerns.
Would really like you to move forward on allowing a Fred Meyer to Anacortes. I feel Fred Meyer is a
good fit for us. So many seem afraid of allowing this type of store yet we are losing so much business to
Burlington and Mt. Vernon. You can't even buy sheets or a set of towels in Anacortes. What about the
convenience to the elderly residents - this would help so much. People who can shop here will eat out
here etc. This subject just keeps being pushed down the road. We lose money from people from the
Islands as well that just continue past Anacortes to shop.
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Working with the planning commission to refine the
comprehensive plan.
Maintain the integrity of the residential neighborhoods.
Avoid the abuse of the conditional use permit.
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Should trails be run through residential neighborhoods???
build trust with city employees. Work on a plan to improve sidewalk connectivity.
Stimulate cash flow via Industrial growth as well as tourism.
Provide pedestrian access. Sidewalks, and lighting to and from our residential high traffic areas. Create
pedestrian maps that connect Schools and stores to their perspective residential areas. Post these
online.
Plan now for the next 100 years!
Demolish the theater for parking?
Clean up the vacant buildings on Commercial, its embarrassing
Encourage our bountiful sea fairing heritage. Use the Salish Sea concept. Consider wildlife passage,
when building roads. Install foot path bridges or tunnels.
Make more effort to open up council meetings. Get more info to people. Encourage more people to
participate by advertising positions on boards, commissions.
Make all departments Accountable for actions. For example, when building permits are given,
developers should be fined or bared from more projects if they don't comply with the approved
development plans.
I must address this question (and other applicable ones to follow) by mentioning that my responses will
be framed by my position as spokesperson for the Anacortes Historic Preservation Board.
Though I'm certain the mayor understands the importance of historic preservation, it's value to the city
and it's economy cannot be over-stated. A city's buildings are its "Time Capsule"- they relate to its
citizenry, now and into the future, explain how and why the city developed the way it did, and bear
physical witness to its evolving heritage. Preservation should not be priority just because it's politically
necessary or convenient but rather because it's socially and economically responsible.
When driving down interstate highways, one often sees brown traffic signs that identify and direct the
transient public (and the curious) to historical attractions. Perhaps more signage along the busy upper
Commercial Ave corridor could provide an early introduction/enticement to visit our Old Town district
with the archway on Commercial and 11th. finally announcing your arrival on that "doorstep". From that
point, the gateway should live up to that promise by providing a more meaningful and convenient way to
draw visitors to both see and understand the our town's vibrant heritage. Though it is minimally
adequate to simply guide the visitor to and thru the "district" by vehicle at 25mph to get a feel for the
"historic-ness" of the area (maybe a transponder could be set up so that you can hear the town's story
through a dedicated radio frequency), the best way to absorb the feel for the district and its distinctive
structures is by foot. Perhaps a central kiosk can be installed (possibly in the location of he visitor center)
that more prominently promotes the "walking tour " of the district and where the current brochures can
be obtained. In addition, we could consider developing a series of standardized plaques that help tell the
story of our city thru its structures.
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Repairing the rapidly deteriorating major roads around the city - trying to improve the increasingly
difficult parking downtown.
* Support our new head Librarian - the Anacortes Library is a treasure to many people!
*Continue to work with the other cities in the county on the building of a new jail - maintaining our
Library borrowing agreements with the libraries around us.
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1. Fulfill campaign promise of "open government" by communicating major project proposals to both
other Council members and the public.
2. Provide opportunity for public comment at every Council meeting. A 3-minute limit for each citizen
would be reasonable, and could readily be enforced with a visual "countdown timer". A maximum limit
could be set to ensure manageability. Anyone unable to comment due to such limit could be set for first
comments at the next meeting. Make sure the public understands that the Council will listen but can't
act on comments since they wouldn't have been published in the meeting agenda in advance of the
meeting.
3. Within first 6 months, provide a list to the public of goals and objectives for first year, and review
publicly at the end of the year.
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In my opinion a leader's only responsibility is to protect and empower.
Protect:
Create a safe environment for your staff (as well as the city's leaders in business, law, medicine, arts,
etc.) to "happen" with as much safety as possible.
Empower:
Come underneath those leaders as a servant and empower them to be the best that they can be.
This approach will bring life to all aspects of the city.
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Fire Department
Guemes Channel Trail
If Anacortes wants to be a tolerant community, it is conceivable we will create a lot we have to tolerate.
To that end, I think that Anacortes should strive to be accountable, and require accountability from its
citizenry and its city employees. I think that if there are rules in place, they should be discussed, and then
the city should stand firm in requiring those rules be followed. I believe the city government and our
local police force has a reputation of being wishy-washy. I think we should attempt to alter that. Let
Anacortes be a visionary community that is not afraid to reach and try and hold itself and others
accountable for their behavior.
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Make the City Council Meetings more citizen friendly.
Bring out the suggestions of the Anacortes Futures Project and implement some of them.
Form Neighborhood Councils. One way would be to use the Skagit Emergency Services Map Your
Neighborhood booklets with meetings.
Increase bus service, especially in outlying areas. Also increase service hours.
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Preserve marine coastal resort town atmosphere. Control growth. congestion. pollution.
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City Infrastructure:
Garbage schedule Old Town service changed to Tuesday=reduce rats
Truckers off of Commercial Avenue and side roads=major road repairs
Residential Spot lights reduced to sensor lights or removed
Street Trees maintained by certified Arborist. Add more street trees.
Cross walks installed on Commercial between 18th and 30th streets
Recycle program on Island. (Lopez Island example)
New sidewalks installed on only one side of street
Environmental protection and economic security
Hiring a full time City Attorney whose only job will be to work for the city and the mayor.
Finish 'scrubbing' the AMC titles to curtail, ideally eliminate, Conditional Use Permits. We need clarity!
Enforce the code to help clean up the appearance of the city. That will help attract tourists and new
businesses.
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(1) Control of financial solvency, control of spending.
(2) Repair of streets, water, sewer systems.
(3) Reduce the cost of sewer service.
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Educating our community about how we pay for things and what the "costs" of those options are... I
don't think that most folks really understand how the City budget works. Where our revenues come
from -what we can do with some funds and not with the others.... How much borrowing -esp. bonds cost
us... We don't appreciate that there are tradeoffs between fiscal security and perhaps certain
developments - that we have a major sales tax leakage and what that means in terms of doing the "fun"
things we love and cherish in the community.
So maybe the Anacortes American, Chamber, environmental groups and City could join together to get
something out to the community that is "digestible". So that folks start to understand that the fiscal
impacts of decisions really do affect the quality of life we enjoy in Anacortes.
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The Mayor of Anacortes should convey a strong Vison for the future of Anacortes, one that will inspire
and motivate the entire Community to rally behind and help to create.
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Laurie has more awareness of the history of the ACFL and all of the layers of people and programs and
funding surrounding it than most people. We hope she will keep aware of forest happenings and the
comprehensive plan update, and help to educate others about entity and funding distinctions as they
arise amongst her contacts.
We fully support City parks and ACFL staff, there are many forest issues they will be needing more
support with in the near future.
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Establish priorities for the year
Hold open community meetings each quarter where she tells what's going on and answers questions.
Select a few key issues to attach and solve. Don't try to solve all the issues at once.
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1. More Living wage jobs in town. There is no quality of life without gainful employment.
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Attracting new businesses to Anacortes
Addressing the rise in drug-related crime
Addressing the growing number of homeless in the city.
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As an advocate for older citizens, I see limited transportation options as a huge obstacle to quality of life.
I would like to see transportation for all citizens become more of a priority.
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Permanent public access from Seafarers Park to Tommy Thomson Trail. Include paved ADA walkway
benches, picnic areas, beach access.
Affordable housing for lower middle income households
"MJB" type properties to be designated to mixed use (housing AND commercial AND industrial use. NO
big box stores. Encourage residential use of space above
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Get to know the business owners and leaders of our town.
Through collaboration, construct a well-articulated vision for Anacortes 2025 and obtain stakeholder
buy-in
Ensure that the comp plan is a tactical framework for the town vision.
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Focus on the "commons".
Nurture the long-term sustainability of the community
Protect and enhance Quality of Life amenities (ACFL, waterfront access, bike/walk streets).
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To read Anacortes Municipal Code Title 2, Chapter 2.03 and Chapter 2.14 over and over until both are
thoroughly understood. The same goes for each member of the City Council....incumbents and newlyelected. Once that is accomplished, both Mayor and Council should simply do their respective jobs as is
adequately laid out in the law.
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Jobs.
As far as the Marine Trades go, she should continue to seek out the perspectives of the businesses here
in
the field. As our community moves forward with the planning required to best utilize the available space
in the Marine Industrial Zone (M2? MJB's property etc.),
there should be adequate access and small-scale space available for the many tradesmen who work here
and would build up their businesses.
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Establishing her presence in Skagit County politics so Anacortes doesn't get taken advantage of by
outside interests.
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Developing a strategic plan for Anacortes looking at near-term, mid-term, and long-term goals including
public comment and input opportunities.
Getting to know the community and understanding their priorities and visions for our community as part
of developing the strategic plan.
Road maintenance is also an area that seems to need attention. There are areas in town where roads
are seriously deteriorating (e.g. Fidalgo Bay Road).Road maintenance is also an area that seems to need
attention. There are areas in town where roads are seriously deteriorating (e.g. Fidalgo Bay Road).
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1) Get to know your staff. Know your payrolls & expenses. Review departments for duplication and
waste of staff and resources.
2) Invite public comment (which you are doing. thank you)
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• Develop a 365 Day Work Plan with specific steps of what you and your Council, staff and the
community as a whole is to achieve in your first year of office. Stress accountability in your plan and give
back a progress report at 6 months and a year of what we’ve accomplished. • Get to know your City
departments, staffing and policies. Complete a top down review. Meet with Department Heads to set
goals and priorities. Meet with all City employee unions. Work to improve transparency and
accountability in city government; for example, by posting public records for budget and contract
information on our city website in usable, searchable, standard formats. In addition, put performance
metrics that measure the success of our City Department activities online, so they are accessible to
citizens and staff. • Meet with area Mayors, Commissioners, legislators and the Governor’s Office
individually. Work to obtain vital funding for our City and be active during the state legislative session to
protect the city’s interests and, where possible, support legislation that enhances city services and
governance. • Assign a business development advocate in the Mayor’s office to help: - cut through red
tape - hold business round tables - get entrepreneurs for business development the answers they
deserve quickly and accurately - encourage entrepreneurship for startups and incubators - Develop a
plan with the local colleges and universities that will help put technologies created on educational
campuses to work in our local economy as new businesses. - Create and market downtown development
incentives for the purpose of spurring private investment within the boundaries of the CBD, using
development incentives. Work with 2016 Comp Plan Update to redefine the area of the CBD to include
the marina, depot, and north and south Commercial. • Local Business Preference: work with Council
and staff to put in place procurement policies that give preference to local city and county landowners
and businesses in obtaining city contracts, construction, goods & services and hire locally when the
talent exists. • Develop an Anacortes Trade Initiative: Meet with foreign and local groups to help
Anacortes businesses increase sales both inside and outside the greater Skagit Valley area. •
Neighborhood Town Halls: Hold a Town Hall in each neighborhood to prioritize neighborhoods that are
safe, attractive and walkable, with an appropriate mix of business and recreational activities nearby.
Advocate shared neighborhood community responsibility, appropriate density to support our community
vision and economic vitality and celebrate individual neighborhood character and design. • Develop
awareness about the safety and maintenance condition of our City streets, pedestrian sidewalks, bike
paths, parking and trails. Start a discussion with Anacortes citizens about what it will cost to bring our
streets and infrastructure up to good condition. - Work with Council and Staff to research and develop a
pilot program for small, multi-block areas, where businesses and residents come together with a funding
plan for agreed-upon improvement projects. This is a Neighborhood Business District program. •
Community Involvement: Development an Open Government Initiative Plan. Open, two-way
communication increases understanding of the choices we face as a community and increased
understanding improves the quality of the decisions we make. - Hold weekly or bi-weekly press
conferences that are printed in a weekly ‘Mayor’s Corner’ column. Topics can include everything from
seasonal event preparation to Comprehensive Plan Update initiatives and progress updates. Get your
constituents used to seeing your work progress. Be present in the community and report on your
presence and concerns in this column. - Traditional and Social Media. Work to improve the city’s use of
media to keep Anacortes citizens informed with accurate, timely and useful news and information. •
Meet with Council Members Independently and regularly. • Redefine the City Planning Commission or
replace it with a Hearing Examiner. Give the Planning Commission some teeth or get rid of it and replace
it with a Hearing Examiner. I prefer the Hearing Examiner. Develop a strategy for this action.
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Hi Mayor Geer! What a beautiful ring that has : )
I'm the one that could not hold back my tears at your first council meeting. : ), as I was so ecstatic, the
meeting room even feels different now, thanks to you!
Anyway, I had several more ideas. I mentioned that I really think a great video to offer to green tech
industries to get them here is the way to go. I worked for Regent International Hotels in the 80s in
management and with the sales department, and I would like to help in this. Instead of spending
thousands to get this done, I believe our high school students could do a fantastic job of it. I know a
exceptional graphics student that could lead this and I can volunteer my experience to help them.
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Question 2) What steps should the city take to stimulate more economic development?
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1
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Responses
I believe in the building of Fred Meyers. Because there really isn't any stores for my size for clothing
and shoes. You can't force local people to only shop at local stores, there needs to be a choice. My tax
dollars mostly go to Burlington.
Approve the MJB property request, if a Fred Meyer store can be accomplished. I feel that Walmarts are
detrimental to communities and to our economy but, if we could get written assurance that a Fred
Meyer store will locate here, I would never shop at a Walmart. See the Skagit Valley Herald
(12/11/2013), A-4, the letter to the editor from Jan Woodruff entitled "Dispelling myths" says it all for
us.
1. Get a Fred Meyer or Target built ASAP.
The few people that are against a box store in town are misguided. I think if a survey is done on how
people do their shopping it will be like this. Twice a month drive to Costco in Burlington. While in
Burlington if anything else is needed shop there. If it is diner time we go out to diner there.
Other than hardware, antiques and groceries, we don't buy anything in Anacortes. If there was a Fred
Meyer here we wouldn't go to Costco as much and would do more shopping here.
As far restricting the store from selling groceries, Am I the only one who thinks that the Market Place
will be closing soon? The only store left to serve the whole Island will be Safeway.
2. Do everything possible to get a Trader Joes or a Whole Foods store placed at Sharps Corner/March
Point. Every car that passes there from Whidbey Island or here is sales revenue lost.
All we read about in the paper is delays and restrictions on business here.
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Every time I open the paper I read about restrictions. As a business owner I would not even consider
selecting Anacortes for a plant because delays cost money and the impression is that Anacortes wants
to stay the way it is.
You will need to assume the responsibilities of an Economic Development manager because I don't
think the City can justify hiring one. You'll need a strong support staff.
Perhaps this not a really useful question? Be careful about "stimulation". Again ask "who gains?" and
what are the consequences. Is this positive for all? Is it sustainable? If questionable, take as much time
as needed. Hurry is usually for one who is headed out of town with undeserved assets. Anacortes is a
desirable place. Keep it that way and good things are likely to happen. Let the con artists have their
way and we will all lose.
1. Openly support the Northwest Career and Technical Academy programs, developing a work force for
present and future employers.
2. Be represented at trade shows, regional events.
3. Advertise Anacortes as a great place to live and work.
Do not be afraid of change, embrace oppurtunities
Don't say NO to big or small business. Think long term growth. Let the bottle plant reside. Employment
is crucial.
not sure, this is a tough one . . . nobody wants "box stores", but maybe some zones that are city
subsidized to bring some more basic businesses to provide supplies without having to go to Burlington
for local residents . . . we can't ALL be "Artwork" stores . . .
Maybe free up regulations regarding bed&breakfast businesses in residential neighborhoods,
especially along 12th street for example
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I am unaware of how they do it now, but Wallie Funk and others did a great job in the '50s
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Increase housing opportunities for middle class.
Search for info tech businesses and solar tech business to
move here.
Don't expect the Chamber of Commerce to have all the good ideas. Look to a strategic marketing plan
to identify and target good growth businesses that will complement our Town's character and still
provide good jobs, tax revenue, and economic growth. At some point though the Town will have to
understand that growth is not forever. We need to lay the groundwork to provide stable funding for
the Town without constant growth. We will run out of house lots for new permit revenue. Sales and
property tax will always be there but they will not always grow at the rate that is needed to support
the Town right now.
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If there is a way to bring in businesses that do "green", great. Maybe a wind and solar business right
here?
Could electric bicycles be sold and repaired here? Made easy?
Might we have a bird-food/ environmental type store here?
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The mayor should become proactive in promoting businesses, that pay living wages, to locate in
Anacortes.
Rather than spend time talking about affordable housing the objective should be to attract businesses
that will allow families to afford the housing that is already available in Anacortes. Laurie has stated a
living wage is in the neighborhood of $50,000 to $70,000 a year. Those are the type of businesses that
should be targeted.
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Move forward on acquiring a new Fred Meyer store in town.
Look into more flexible zoning - using development agreements, for example - for undeveloped
properties. Look into putting a convention center by the ferry landing up on top of the hill.
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Find businesses that can use the city land and that hire local residents at living wage
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I think more pro-active looking for new possibilities of investment.
Economic development is tied to the land owners and building owners and what they are willing to do.
I also feel that reviewing the AMC and land use codes so that they more clearly state what can be done
on any given piece of property will be helpful.
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Separate planning from economic development. Let citizens tell you how to get more economic
development, not just contractors and chamber of commerce. After all, economic development fails if
it isn't what the citizens need and want. And planning is a bureaucratic process that lacks
entrepreneurship.
Outreach to companies educating about the environmental and neighborhood charm of Anacortes; get
the downtown stores filled with tenants.
Adopt (and pursue aggressively) Transition's "Vision 2030_Economy," which contains a step-by-step
plan for creating a thriving, sustainable, vibrant waterfront community!
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Marine and tourist industries
If we don't allow the development of a scaled-down big box store (which 110,00 feet is) then the tribes
will do so and there will go the tax benefit. However, I understand the City owns land on H-20 that is
big enough for such. That way we would pick up the Oak Harbor traffic and the locals couldn't
complain so much about ruining our town.
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Incentives for business to move develop here.
Positive attitude for business here
welcome before we know everything the business has to offer.
Make Anacortes a business friendly community.
First, do an economic study of Anacortes including true tax-based sources and the amounts of those.
Then, look at shopping patterns. We need to get away from "perceptions" of our situation and deal
with the reality of it.
Survey the community with options that might provide economic opportunities--especially when
decisions need to be made involving opinions which remain strongly polarizing.
Make sure that existing businesses are being well served by City government.
Look into technology - internet businesses? Talk with existing strong companies - do they have any
suppliers that are looking to move or expand . . . advertise?
The Port is charged with economic development. Work with them and hold their feet to the fire.
Hire a marketing firm to go after complimentary businesses to relocate here.
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GO OUT AND RECRUIT! That's what cities do. They do not wait to be discovered. Figure out a great fit companies in various marine industries for example - and recruit them to come here.
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During 2012, Anacortes had nearly 2 million people drive through town, on their way to the islands or
Sydney (1,870,498 to be more exact). My guess is - 99% of them never stop and enjoy the town or
spend any money..
Any water front community would love to have these money spending tourists driving through their
town! To date - Anacortes has never been able to figure out "how" to get those tourists to stop and
spend their money.
Anacortes has never had a real "plan". Anacortes has floundered with "industry" - which typically
sucks a tax base dry and does little to improve the sales tax base.
All those tourists would like to stop, eat lunch or dinner, do some boutique waterfront shopping, buy a
condo or rent a condo. Anacortes is missing a great opportunity - and the opportunity is right at your
fingertips.
Anacortes talks about bringing Fred Meyer or Wal-Mart to town, as if that is going to spur growth. The
tourist trade will spur all sorts of growth here - not Fred Meyer or Wal-Mart.
Get those tourists to stop and spend money or buy a home. That's the real money in this conversation.
To use our beautiful waterfront for retail and living will make this town worth stopping for.
To use our natural asset (waterfront) for industry or mass merchandising will do nothing financially
good for the city and will only lend more to a junkie appearance of a town that could be a great tourist
destination.
My 2¢
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Let new business have an easier time coming into Anacortes
We need more visitors to stay longer. A destination hotel, waterfront with activities for visitors.
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We have several empty retail buildings...we need to somehow encourage small businesses for those
spaces.
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Be open and able to make decisions in a timely manner. It would help to have a plan that includes
priorities but it does not make sense to continue to miss development opportunities that would be a
benefit for the city and its residence. We live in a gem of a town but progress does not mean we have
to be afraid to grow and evolve. Are mission statement is not something we live. We are not a
thriving waterfront community. When guests come to stay they can only dine at one restaurant on the
water. There is a way to add commerce without compromising our waterfront. If we choose not to be
a thriving waterfront community, change the mission so we can proudly live our mission. Make it EASY
for small business as well as other size businesses to operate here. Commercial could be beautified a
little more.
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First, the process should be active. The city should actively court investors and companies to come to
Anacortes, perhaps in partnership with EDASC and other cities in Skagit County since growth in
Burlington or Mount Vernon provides ancillary jobs and revenue to Anacortes. Hopefully it can be a
two way street.
Second, the process should be defined with much the groundwork completed prior to new businesses
coming (this is feedback from Leadership Skagit and Skagit Business Alliance discussions on the Tethys
process). We shouldn't have to jump through hoops for each prospective company recruit; that should
be mostly done with companies essentially being plugged into pre-completed plans.
Third, the city should not be actively building real estate for private enterprises such as the Sharpes
Corner development. The city should instead explore public/private for items like this. Or a potential
alternative would be to only pursue similar properties which fall within the missions of the Port of
Anacortes, and allow the port to manage it. The feedback that I have heard from property owners is
that they don't like to be in competition with the City, when the City is using their tax dollars to
building a business park then potentially lease out spaces at incentive rates ($1/year?) in order to
attract business.
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Utilize the city's unique and valuable water rights to foster new economic development opportunities
including family-wage manufacturing jobs that would need access to water.
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Get an economic development plan developed that includes criteria for businesses wishing to come
here ( i.e. environmentally compatible, living wages, employ local people, etc).
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Open up to chain retail stores
Incentivize new and existing businesses. Utilizing available commercial properties both vacant and
occupied to bring in business development. More new business brings more jobs which brings more
residential growth. This grows the community.
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Stop vacillating and get things done. The blue collar industrial jobs formerly along the waterway aren’t
coming back.
The property is much too valuable to be used for boat storage and needs to be used to the highest
purpose.
Things like the EASD offices and marine tech school are miss-placed. The school while very important
should not be on our most valuable property. A combination of retail, commercial, residential
properties near the marinas to feed off short stay boaters makes much more sense.
We have multi-million dollar boats come in and nowhere for their guests and owners to stay and shop
(other than Safeway or walking to a second hand store downtown).
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There seems to be a big dichotomy in this town of many people wanting more choices and many of
those many people don't want to see change. The town needs a 'culture change' on this issue or it will
continue be a conundrum for years in the future. It is for sure our revenue stream needs some
improvement for the city's future.
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Have business friendly ordinances, codes and zoning; be proactive in finding and encouraging
businesses to come to Anacortes. Follow up on the AFP.
The city has processes in place to manage its activities. In some cases they work well but in others they
do not. Consistency in the delivery of city services and the consistent application of City policies is what
business investors require. We know our zoning has gaps that must be corrected. The City also has no
policy on managing leases of City property. This has resulted in many "case by case" negotiation for
rates which has resulted in huge discrepancies in pricing for different businesses. This is totally
inappropriate for a city. Discriminatory practices must end to make the playing field fair to all
businesses and citizens. That will give confidence to incoming businesses that they are getting a fair
deal and not the deal of the day.
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Make every attempt to work with what the city has....its strengths. Please do not change the flavor of
the city just to bring in money.
Don't allow paralysis by analysis. It's ridiculous to keep putting off MJB, or anyone else until some
update years down the road. Make a decision and move on. Engage the real estate community, EDASC
and the chamber. The city shouldn't be in the business of development, that's the private sectors area.
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Encourage MJB and other urban renewal property owners to develop the land per current zoning
codes. If that isn’t feasible for them, condemn the property and start over with new owners. Please
remember that Anacortes families gave up their homes for jobs not housing for others.
It is also my opinion that allowing box stores will never provide the shopping experience many desires.
I didn’t say big box stores because any store built will be sized to the community it will serve. Our
community is small so we will only get a down sized store. Also, a box store will not decrease prices in
Anacortes. The internet has changed and will continue to change the shopping experience so I believe
dry good brick and mortar stores are a poor investment.
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Speed up the issuance building permits, Stop trying to see how much the city can squeeze builder in
the form of extra requirements. Also speed changes in the changes in zoning.
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MJB and the hotel on the channel. Two really big misses from the past Mayor and City Counsel.
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A mix of tourist related activities, and new businesses.
The city needs to work with EDASC and the Chamber to attract family wage manufacturing or technical
jobs. We cannot rely on tourism.
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* Budget: Analyze the budget in detail to understand what budget items are no longer necessary, so
additional monies are available to stimulate more economic development.
Scrutiny of budget should include monies spent suing the State of Wash. & Skagit County regarding
Skagit River's instream-flow in sub-basins, such as Carpenter-Fisher. On the City's website, under Legal,
note Anacortes' involvement with the Swinomish Tribe's instream flow court suits. According to
Councilman Ryan Walters, in an email dated March 29, 2013, Anacortes was involved in litigation with
the State to overturn the 2006 Skagit instream flow rule as an Intervener in the Swinomish Supreme
Court Case. Foster-Pepper has represented the City of Anacortes.
* Create and maintain better relationships with our mainland neighbors, including rural property
owners and farmers. Although Anacortes is located on an island, potential positive and negative
impacts of economic development are regional concerns--not just island concerns. "No man is an
island."
* Create and maintain better relationships with interested developers. Anacortes' developmental
needs should include hard data to make good decisions. Such may include a survey sent to citizens
(sent out with the water bill?), asking them where they shop for dry goods and groceries and why.
* If we want young families to stay/settle in Anacortes, what changes do we need to make? Is there
any developer committed to affordable housing? If not, why? What businesses attract good-paying
jobs and are environmental friendly? What shopping opportunities do we give our young people to
keep the tax dollars in Anacortes? Have an explicit conversation with young families, inviting them to
City Hall.
* Strive beyond the mill mindset. We are still spending our federal dollars to clean up mill pollution
from the last century. We need to do better for future generations.
* The City should be flexible in that it leads a visualization process with its citizens but is also open to
development that has yet to be visualized. Otherwise, the word gets out that Anacortes is closed to
development till 2016--and beyond, because visualization is an ongoing process that induces Anacorts
to put off decisions.
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Be proactive in looking for and attracting the right kinds of businesses to Anacortes. Advertising, trade
fairs, "ambassadors" representing Anacortes out and about, events ( which is an area we already do
well) that will create attention and the right kind of publicity. Make it attractive and productive to
locate a business in Anacortes. Capitalize on our marine environment. Make a marketing plan for
attracting the kind of businesses we want and facilitate it.
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The only involvement the City should have in Economic Dev is to complete a Comp Plan then allow
private enterprise and the Chamber to flourish knowing the rules of the game.
Reduce the reliance on the conditional use project as a way for the City to obtain improved streets,
additional parks, etc.
The CUP imposes costs to a developer which at times can prohibit development.
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Special interest groups do a lot to discourage economic development
Take long look at FredMyers, bring the water front to where other cities have done look what Everett
,Bremerton, Sydnet BC. have done. We offer blackberry bushes.
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Lower taxes
Quit building schools and ESD's and custom offices on Waterfront, if Nordic Tug and Bayliner can make
it inland so can these outfits
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Advertise more
Mayor can attend conferences and spread the word
Start working towards a Performing Arts Center (Dance, Music, etc) to serve Western Skagit County,
Island County and San Juan County
Commercial Avenue beautification
Finish the Guemes Channel Trail...!
Promote Anacortes in National publications like the Wall Street Journal. We need a closer relationship
with the Port of Anacortes to develop our industrial properties.
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Take out the road blocks. Create clear codes and procedures. Evaluate the requirements and allow
alternative mitigation. Example. The parking requirements for businesses. In the developed area it is
regularly impossible to switch a use and be able to satisfy the required parking places. Put some
language into the code that gives alternatives.
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Partner with the chamber to pursue new businesses.
Follow up on the AFP, encourage the TPA and show up to trade and tourist events, cultivate the type
of businesses that will be compatible with Anacortes and have at least half a chance of getting
approved, don't place onerous taxes and zoning laws on businesses, do not allow the extreme
ecologists put their ridiculous restrictions on waterfront properties so businesses will be able to
develop the land. Keep Anacortes safe and clean and business friendly.
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Require the Chamber to make an annual presentation to an open joint session of the council and
planning commission about this subject. First presentation should be in February 2014. Put pressure
on the Chamber to get creative and global.
Prioritize Anacortes Future Project so as to establish an outline for a team to present at various
nationwide conventions on economic development. Meet with Olympia officials (including the
governor and our representatives and senator) and establish a plan. Then announce this to the
citizens of Anacortes. Could well be in conjunction with the port.
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I view this as a crucial issue that requires very careful attention. Anacortes is not a huge industrial
community, and city planners need to research what they want this town to become known as...in
other words, do the constituents want this to become a regional destination for retirement, for heavy
commerce and industry, for recreation, for boating/cruising and marine activities or whatever?
Anacortes presently has a good start on recreation, retirement and soft business....our medical
community and hospital is expanding very well...our waterfront is evolving nicely and with continued
development of the right kind should bring in an increasing number of tourists and tourist dollars to
local merchants. The City should keep an open line of communication (both directions) with its citizens
where this matter is concerned.
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Focus on the types of businesses that will bring skilled workers
into the area rather than entry level, low paying revolving door jobs.
Focusing on large retail businesses such as Fred Meyer may be good for the tax roles but will not
encourage skilled positions.
Marine businesses, mixed manufacturing, IT businesses would
be a better way to go.
Step one would be to "be ready" when those wanting to invest in Anacortes attempt to do so - clear
zoning and a red carpet welcome mat!
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More parking would help downtown. Also letting companies in that will bring locals downtown to
shop.
Target marketing. Identify the industries that we desire to be located here, and market directly to
those industries and prime businesses within the industries.
Open SR20 corridor to big box retail opportunities. You can let downtown keep the "boutique" stores,
but driving to Burlington for major purchases is a huge loss of tax revenue not to mention a waste of
gas.
1. Establish economic development as a key city priority
2.Review/ modify city regulations / zoning / procedures to facilitate economic development and
support business success
3. Develop an economic development master plan to guide development activities
4. Actively seek and recruit private sector businesses to Anacortes
5. Lead integrated effort ( Chamber, Port, public) effort to increase private sector business success
The city business license fee is higher than the state business fee. It's just one more thing that adds to
the cost of being a small business.
First form a knowledgeable, diverse team of experts who can make informed recommendations about
how to attract businesses that keep our community flourishing economically without threatening our
precious environment and quality of life. The mayor must be part of this team, and they all need to
"brain storm" all opportunities. Creative ideas are good!
Lower rents? I have heard they are extremely high.
Give preference to businesses that fit in with the long term development plan.
Encourage environmental/green businesses,
Sell Anacortes at job fairs and in advertising what we have to offer.
Encourage existing developers to build - clean and green - work with MJB to finish their project. What
about developing the waterfront - stores - movie theater - another store would work.
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## Have a shuttle bus loop to take waiting passengers from the ferry terminal to downtown and back
on a half hour schedule. Or 15 minute intervals at peak times.
## Advertise that we are a "Transition Town" with an active and engaged citizenry helping to create a
more resilient community.
## Keep the educational and promotional campaigns going for shopping locally, and "Anacortes
Dollars", and put the billboard on highway 20 in a better, more visible location. It is a little hard to
notice where it is now.
## Develop a suggestion box or promotional prize (both widely advertised) for the best economic
development ideas, to keep generating new ideas. Have a line item in the budget (REIT money?) to
initiate implementation of viable ideas.
## Cultivate Anacortes's personality cachet (brand) and initiate news articles more broadly (magazines
and Seattle TV) to get free advertising and interest. Broaden the ability for city parks or the Port of
Anacortes to enact unique promotions for tourists. For example, rent an airstream trailer or VW
camper van in the Washington Park campground. Sunset magazine has covered a couple of these,
which would be very popular with baby boomers to re-live their youth, now as they enter retirement
years. How about a weekend stay on a boat, moored at the port? The Port's free bikes is a real plus!
Or, boost the idea of our incredible and precious forest acreage for hikes, fishing. Create package
deals at hotels to transport people to the forest lands for a day with a picnic, etc. Integrate package
deals with the area's plays/concerts or new and used book stores, or kayaking, whale watch packages,
bus or van trips to Victoria's Inner Harbour- ( as Sidney ferry foot passengers get left in the suburbs to
fend for themselves). Have a regular sightseeing van help people explore our magnificent area and
viewpoints!
## Have a parking lot with shuttle bus or bicycle rickshaws or tuk-tuks (motorcycle rickshaws as in
widespread use in India) to bring people to downtown. This would allow for pedestrian-only zones on
a couple of side streets for cafe tables, benches, musicians, artists.
## With such entities as the farmer's market, Fidalgo Transitions, and the Master Gardeners, help to
create a huge community crafts studio with kitchen, for canning harvests and making various (fiber,
wood, metal, etc.) artisan crafts. Schools could be involved to keep alive skills that often are not taught
at home or schools. Products could be sold with an Anacortes brand.
## Realize that with a high quality of life, imaginative and intelligent citizens, and exceptional
environmental stewardship, we can attract top quality businesses, whose management and employees
would want to locate here. It becomes a virtuous cycle, upwards.
## Get rid of the little used, good-old-boy airport that is costing the port money every year, even if it
means paying the FAA back. The land up there is extremely valuable for its 360 degree, top notch,
world class view potential. Picture, instead, a village with a high rise retirement home that could meet
medical needs through the end of life, to keep couples together. There could be wind turbines on the
roof, solariums, a high class restaurant, hotel rooms for visiting families, and conference space for
businesses. The land around can have community gardens, specialty shops, hairdressers, a grocery
store to serve Skyline and west side residents, a pre-school, and small affordable housing to
comfortably house the service workers of the campus and the island. A planned community, built with
LEEDS certification standards, with bus transportation to downtown and the Skagit Regional Airport.
Just think of all the baby boomers that are retiring (over ten thousand every day), and their aging
parents, who could afford one of the nicest places on earth to live out their days. It would be a nice
place to work, and to visit. It would be a good neighbor and a low pollution economic driver for our
city, paying taxes but not requiring many city services, except for water/sewer, once built.
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Maximize those elements current residents and visitors find most attractive. Leverage our waterfront
and marine heritage. Expand marine services. A larger (300+ ton) travel lift would open opportunities.
Commercial fishing vessels and large craft that leave Anacortes to have work performed elsewhere
could be served locally. More jobs, more commerce. Look at Port Townsend. Anacortes vessels go to
PT for rework because of access to their lift facilities. Build the lift. Skilled workers will come to fill the
void.
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Do what is needed to bring employers willing to pay a living wage to their employees. That's a big ask,
I know, but something has to be done.
Allow the zoning change needed to permit a Fred Meyer/Target in town. Right now almost all my
taxable retail purchases occur in Mt V/Burlington. Most of us would be richer if some of the dollars,
taxes, and gas money stayed in town.
Protect winter ferry service to Sidney. Haven't heard anything about this recently.
Work with the Port to improve the waterfront for recreation/visitors.
Business incentives to set up shop in Anacortes. This can be a mixture of tax breaks on land leases or
when a company adds more employees to payrolls. Manufacturing is important to Anacortes, but lets
be honest, we need to direct more money into tourism. Everybody knows as a town we have given up
on utilizing the waterfront in a more tourist friendly way and that has cost us. Time to think critically
about changing that.
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Talk with MJB or other retail developer about bringing in a retail store like Fred Meyer or Trader Joe's.
A great spot would be on RTe 20, maybe where Tethys was planned.
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1-Change zoning to allow MJB to develp their property.
2-Hire marketing firm/person to promote Anacortes full time
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Be willing to listen to whomever wants to bring a business into the city and compare it to what the
citizens wants/needs are.
First, do no harm. Mayor Maxwell's legacy is a solid fiscal house. Many people admired him for
holding strong to his mantra of "spending every dollar like he earned it himself". Even though you
earned a solid majority in the election, that fiscally conservative core is still out there.
Second, solve the MJB property land use issues in a way consistent with existing values and aesthetics.
If a big box store is allowed there strict appearance requirements should be in place. Such a place
could easily destroy the positive small business environment that now exists.
Third, have an intelligent plan for the post-buildout era. This must be done in a way that preserves
services and keeps Anacortes a great place to live.
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Promote better waterfront access, ramps and parking, for trailerable boats, near the city. This would
allow the average citizen better access to the waterfront and the downtown merchants
Allow for a larger "box store" retailer to come to town before it is built on tribal land and the city loses
the tax revenue
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The mayor should hire a professional in this field, to scour the country for business possibilities. This
person should have a budget sufficient to travel to trade shows, etc., to spread the word about
Anacortes’ advantages as a place to do business. Priority should be given to high tech companies,
which usually have low environmental impacts.
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*Encourage innovative, independent, high quality businesses to grow.
*Bigger is not necessarily better, but forward thinking economic planning is essential. We are not
opposed to a "Fred Meyer" type business, perhaps located out on Highway 20. But it needs to be
constructed with the highest standards for environmental concerns. Perhaps a "model" store for
others to learn from, and it should feature a lot of locally made items and foods.
*What will be at the Sharpe's Corner business park? Please, not another ticky tacky row of chain
stores. Instead, how about inviting the Skagit Food Coop to add another grocery store, and encourage
other high quality local businesses to locate there.
99 Set Realistic goals.
Dust of the Anacortes future's project. Lots of people invested time and thoughts into what a better
Anacortes might look like.
100 We definitely need different types of shopping opportunities, young people activities in the evenings
and weekends, and more unique community events. There needs to be a change in the way we do
permitting for construction and the process should be streamlined.. We should have some kind of
incentives for the renovation of old buildings and homes.
102 Anacortes needs Fred Meyer
Don't be afraid of it,
We would love to cut out the frequent trips to Burlington
Get T-Mobile to put an antenna in Anacortes, their signal is awful
103 Clearly define zoning restrictions. This way home owners, land owners, & potential business will have
a clear picture of how to proceed.
104 Promote the city as a destination... remove any roadblocks from any companies wanting to move in.
105 Develop the property on Rte 20. We need more shopping in this area.
The shops downtown don't meet all of our needs. Driving 20 miles just to buy underwear is ludicrous.
107 The whole thing on economic growth is to attract jobs for family members and avoid becoming strictly
a retirement community. Partner education with business and technology. Encourage our young
people to participate and put their skills to work locally. Get the high school tech levy passed.
Need to have more water situated hotels, restaurants and shops. Tourist oriented businesses and
more consistent hours of operation can attract the tourism dollar.
108 1) Encourage more marine-centered industries, including boat building, but only with assurance of
protecting the local quality of life/environment.
2) Investigate interest/ideas for the City to become more of a marine-centered tourist destination,
capitalizing on increasing trails with signage along the waterfront, recent cleanup of hazardous
waterfront sites, gateway to the San Juan’s and northern Whidbey Island, etc.
110 Not sure.
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111 I think we need to create a web site for the retail stores. Granted some of them have one, but just
Anacortes retail, not the chamber. The chamber has left a bad taste to some. Anyway! This could be
really cool and not cost each store very much as they would all share in the cost. The face could be a
little street with the name of the store front and then click the store front to go into each store, the
owner could update it, make it easy. I heard a report from ucla, that people would rather pay more to
touch something. The cards they did this year to buy local, great idea, but they did not get the word
out in time. I talked to one person on the advisory retail board and I was blown off. I think he belongs
to the past not you, our future. And people need to be educated about being dedicated to the use of
less carbon by buying local and it doesn't cost more to buy local, for example our book store rewards
with a free book after purchasing so many. I think the education needs to come from the children
shaking their finger at their parents, lol, about driving too much, consolidating trips, buying local,
recycling. I think we should have a shuttle or a tram going back and forth to the ferry terminal to get
customers who have hours to spend money in our town rather than sitting in their cars. The round
about money could have been used for that. Citizens think things are more expensive in town, but you
add gas costs etc., it's not true. Education education education!
112 Promote buying locally. Negotiate with people and groups willing to invest in our community.
Remove any impediments to investments leading to growth.
113 tax incentives for business owners. It allows small business to grow and hire. We should also be
improving our waterfront, south of Seafarers park with parks, trails, and small art shops.
114 MJB – lots of key real estate; if planned property could bring a lot more business to town (e.g. Boeing
facility)
Mayor Gere needs to meet with MJB and come up with a development plan the city and MJB agree
upon.
Evergreen Island’s’ main concern is to protect the shorelines and public access.
“Anacortes is drifting to becoming a parking lot for boats and storage units.” – it’s a low overhead use
for the landowner but not good economic development. No sales tax or infrastructure for other
enterprises. Need more active businesses.
Encourage lots of small businesses; not focus on the one big silver bullet.
115 Start by asking the question: what, if any, economic development do we want to stimulate? Economic
development that is based upon, for example, exploitation of natural resources or construction of
vacation homes for the very wealthy should be avoided. Seeking to stimulate economic development
by providing industrial parks for yet to be identified businesses seems to be a dead end. Ever
increasing population growth is unsustainable. We might consider acquiring land for a public boat
yard so graduates of the current and a hopefully expanded marine technical center would have a place
to develop their trade. We could see that the very best world-wide-web connection infrastructure is
available in Anacortes. We could provide centralized housing, parks, retail and recreation that would
attract a younger population. We could also do some real cross sectional research and analysis on
comparable communities to see what is and is not working.
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116 Work with Chamber and other local orgs to generate events and buzz around the Guemes Channel
Trail to promote Anacortes visibility to prospective tourists, business, etc.
Partner with Shannon Point Marine labs as part of Guemes Channel Trail rollout (they're hiring a new
Director). Real potential to improve local marine life environment as part of a broader development
goal.
Encourage local businesses to survey customers about expanding their hours
Seek private sector contributions to upgrade facilities at Washington Park (replace aging roofs of
bathrooms, etc.).
117 Beautify our city to attract more tourism. Specifically, improve Commercial Avenue by adding planting
boxes on the sides of the street where people can't park anyway (near corners, between alleys, etc,
basically where there is yellow on the curb). Add planters in the center lane where the center lane isn't
needed for turning. Create and enforce a sidewalk/storefront code for all new construction.
118 Reduce political and administrative obstacles to development. Assertively seek out potential
businesses.
119 Be open to mixed use in areas that have sat vacant for decades. Be willing to move past old emotional
restrictions on the use of waterfront properties. A mix of commercial and residential is not all bad as
long as it maintains public access and maintains reasonable view corridors.
120 Negotiate with the Armory so that they move out to the new industrial park neary Sharpe's Corner and
city takes over the Armory for a Community Center and Boys and Girls Club. The industrial park makes
sense for them because many need hotel space or often camping space. They could create a start of
something out there that might get other business's going. We need a better save location for our
kids and some of the dance schools, etc. would utilize the community center providing income to cover
the costs. The location is safe and ideal for our kids.
122 recruit non-pollutant industry
continue to promote tourism
support the Tommy Thompson trail and Guemes trail
123 Look at what positive things have been done in Anacortes in the past, and what is being done in cities
of all sizes to adjust to current and potential future circumstances and thrive for citizens of all walks of
life and circumstances.
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124 -Allow MJB to develop their property for retail, a good source of sales and property tax revenue.
Continue to work with the port to streamline efforts to bring large yacht repair capacity to town. Also
Dakota Creek is a valuable resource.
- Acknowledge that Anacortes is in fact a retirement mecca. This can be an opportunity for heath care
jobs. Our hospital is an economic driver.
- Embrace the concept of an active retirement community and encourage folks to retire here. . The
influx of wealth to this area has created many opportunities for economic development. Granted
mostly in the service sector but it does generate tax revenue and provide jobs.
-Perhaps we can encourage WWU to expand the facility at Shannon Point, by offering more classes,
maybe even a satellite campus. Universities are huge drivers of economic development. Anacortes
Schools could finally give up on the idea of operating Whitney School and turn it over to WWU for a
campus. This is radical idea but Anacortes has had a declining enrollment for many years. It should
be acknowledged. The area is not served any 4 year institutions. We already have the EDS which
could dovetail with a 4 year school to provide access for continued education requirements here in
Anacortes.
-Boeing! Renting space at the MJB building! Huge development. How can we encourage this! Selling
the area as having the highest quality of life in the country. It does! Perhaps other research and
development activities associated with Janicki Industries in carbon fiber could be looked at.
125 Change our culture to - How can we help?
Help us to be more welcoming to outsiders.
Create an Economic Development officer, co-funded by the city and the port with an interlocal
agreement. Target the businesses compatible with our goals. Use the upcoming Community Meetings
to agree on our goals so we are not debating and fighting when it comes time to approve.
Pursue the businesses we want through the sales efforts of the Economic Development Officer and not
wait for the opportunities to come to us.
126 I love the small pop-up business cottages near the marina. It seems like offering fledgling businesses a
low cost space like this could increase economic development in town. It seems like placing some of
these near the ferry would be a great way to get more of the people who drive through town to pause
and spend money. I also think having citywide internet as a free resource would attract more business.
127 Does Anacortes have the most up-to-date, powerful internet connections? Perhaps we could attract
nonpolluting hi-tech companies/industries paying good salaries if our web access were top-notch.
129 By providing top notch infrastructure (especially fiber optic) and ironing out our comp plan and
development regulations so that there is less grey area for potential investors.
130 I think Anacortes is on the way to becoming a famous yachting/boating/ship building hub. It's already
in motion, but to me, this is definitely the direction we should be going in.
Promote Anacortes to the motion picture industry as a shooting location. Film crews spend a lot of
money in the town, and the city gets paid as well. I recently was watching a movie that had a few
scenes shot in Anacortes and it looked great.
A couple more large events like Oyster Run and Trawler Fest would be good for the town.
It's a shame the Jazz Festival didn't work out. Would be nice to figure out a way to make it successful.
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131 Bringing some sort of manufacturing to town. I know this is a sensitive issue, but hopefully with lots of
discussion with the citizens of Anacortes, some common ground could be found. Also, I am not
completely opposed to more retail development if there is a way to continue to support the businesses
that we have now. (example; two great hardware stores and two markets) If there was some way to
negotiate with the Fred Meyer folks to taylor their proposal to cover those retail areas that are not
currently met in town, I could support that.
132 Create a long-term plan that promotes our natural beauty and vibrant local economy
133 listen to MJB they have been waiting way to long to develop there property
134 Allow a small Fred Meyer to build in town. Why lose out on all the property taxes and the draw of area
shoppers into Anacortes -- if the tribe is set to build one on their land. Plus all the retail taxes that now
leak into other Skagit Valley towns would be added to Anacortes' rolls. it's time to be realistic!
135 Be open to economic development, including public comment. Consider job development to keep our
young people here so Anacortes doesn't just become a retirement city.
136 1 - Work with Governor Inslee to promote the city as a alternative energy industry magnet for
research, manufacturing, training, and pilot projects.
2 - Make downtown more attractive as a tourist destination for walking and biking, including closing
Commercial on select summer days between 4th and 6th for on-street cafes and dining, European
style.
3 - Take a long view on new business development in the city core and avoid green-lighting short-term
projects that degrade the character and quality of life in the commercial area downtown. Preserve
valuable shorefront for marine business and residential uses.
137 Offer tax incentives to new business
Look into hiring an individual whose job it is to advertise and promote the benefits of locating in
Anacortes, including radio, video and TV media.
138 Pay attention to retaining and strengthening existing businesses. Clusters form when outside folks see
local businesses succeeding and want to be part of that success, so they relocate here. It is more
effective to be recruited by others in your own industry than by marketeers.
140 This one is hard. Land cost and availability really limit options. If the owners of land within the
proposed annexation area are still willing to consolidate or sell, this large parcel could offer great
opportunity for something (or several somethings) MUCH smaller than what was proposed by Tethys.
It would be good to shepherd this before the Swinomish or Samish purchase the land.
141 Be sure our young high school graduates have the skills businesses need. Close cooperation between
high school, vocational, junior and senior colleges to let businesses know that a capable work force is
available. keep the city streets maintained and continue cooperation on parking improvements. work
with local, county and state regulators to enable timely returns on business investment. Permit delays
and site plan approval delays discourage investment and send a anti business message.
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142 I like Laurie's idea of building UP in our town, in order to preserve our natural beauty (parks, farmland,
etc.), such a European villages and towns do... shops downstairs, homes on top. This would provide
growth for builders, architects and labor. She also spoke of bringing business here. I am more
interested in seeing companies like Sun Systems here again - companies that employ young people
who will buy a home, have a family here. I would like to see us stay away from development of
companies that harm the environment (like the refinery).
143 Be respectful of businesses who try to come to town.
Look at the big picture and really listen to their plans before dismissing any opportunities. Not
everyone is going to like every plan but don't cave to every naysayer but listen to the common voice.
Make improvement to the quality of life (trails, parks, access along the waterfront) as part of major
business coming to town to make our town even more desirable.
144 Hire a consultant that has worked with other cities our size and helped them economically develop a
plan that works. Only hire someone that has done this before. Look at what other successful
communities have done to grow in a positive manner. This will cost money but will be well worth it.
145 The importance of fresh water from the rivers into the bay is vital. In this day and age, our
representatives, our leaders have to be educated on the environment, they should know and
investigate all things that are going on in the world. It should be mandatory and decisions should be
made with this priority focus in mind. That is why my first letter addressed the need to bring green
companies here. As this will give us the power and resources to support and help nature.
146 See answer to question #1. MORE economic development isn't necessarily a good thing for the city.
The key is to stimulate the right things. One of them is to encourage the port to work closely with the
city. Another is to encourage the development of facilities for post-secondary education, i.e., a branch
of the Skagit Valley Comm. College. A third is develop programs to stimulate the renovation of vacant
or under-utilized commercial properties. Some of these might include small public open spaces linking
the downtown to the port properties.
147 1. Ask UW Business School to tackle this as a MBA case study.
2. Hire an individual (not a consulting firm) to follow up on this. This individual should act (and dress)
as a professional and compile information from other towns of comparable size. There may be some
training available but this could be done much as a case study is for a Capital Campaign.
3. A few trade shows or Economic Development shows should be visited BEFORE making formal
appearances.
4. Finally, benefits must be weighed. There were some ideas generated by the Futures Project and this
needs to be dusted off.
5. Work with but don't rely exclusively on EDASC.
149 Hire someone either full or part time to market the City's attractive business opportunities -- available
land for development, existing services to attract new employees, housing availability, etc. This
person should already have verified business development experience as a criteria for hiring. Any
potential candidate should express some knowledge of the area already and express enthusiasm and
commitment as a representative of a prosperous Anacortes.
(She may already have someone in mind that was the subject of a recent news article.)
The potential business contacts should be made first by telephone and follow-up by personal
meetings. Mass mailings are not usually effective and waste resources.
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150 Increase tourism by making sure we are on the 'social media' map.
Does the city have a 'marketing' plan for this type of thing? Perhaps packages that include lodging and
activities.
Try to attract businesses that can operate at a distance from their manufacturing facilities (since we
are a small, but beautiful, town).
Work with existing businesses to maintain their interest in remaining.
152 An alternative plan to the Tethys debacle for bringing in sustainable union jobs. I likes Petrish's ideas
in his recent (losing) county campaign - form a consortium of LOCAL business investors who control
business development locally and also bring taxes and profits into the city instead of profits going to
out-of-area corporations like Tethys that didn't even have experience in the field of their proposals.
Alternative energy stuff especially.
153 Promote Tourism
Carefully consider new options and invite public input for development.
154 Not certain there is this need. A careful evaluation is needed and do not succumb to outside pressure.
155 Appointing a joint committee of city council members and ask the Port of Anacortes to do the same to
focus on Job Creation focused on the marine manufacturing and service industry and recreational
boating market. 1. Give a declining rate tax zone for new marine business to locate in Anacortes with
the first 3 years being at 0 Tax rate. A good model for this is how China created tax free zones to
attract business from Taiwan and other mature Asian markets. Study the current campaign in New
York State to determine if any of the strategies they are using would work in Anacortes 2. Seek state
and federal funding to create a trade mission to Europe targeting the worlds premium yacht builders
based on the economics of the labor rate in Anacortes variation between the two markets. Use the
example of the America's Cup yacht that was built in Anacortes as the tool for creating a slogan and
message. 3 Use the towns of Nanaimo and Campbell River as a model for developing the recreational
boating market in Anacortes.
156 Approving Fred Meyer's zoning proposal would be a good start. I think if Anacortes does not allow it,
Fred Meyer will build a bigger store out of Anacortes which will not bring us any sales tax revenue. I
also think having a Fred Meyer here would make Anacortes a shopping destination for people on the
islands, Bayview, LaConner, etc. So if they come here because of Fred Meyer rather than going to
MV/Burlington, they will likely spend $$ at other local businesses. And this business would add some
decent jobs and sales tax revenue as well.
157 We need to fill the empty retail spaces of our downtown with viable retail business. We need to bring
the people to the downtown on a regular basis.
158 A better web site with up-to-date information about local events and promotions would be helpful.
Sharing calendars and anticipated programs/projects among local agencies, businesses, schools, could
help Anacortes promote its resources more effectively. Local sports events bring people in who could
visit local restaurants and businesses, but big crowds can be overwhelming if not anticipated. Same
thing for when the National Guard has weekend training. Keeping city web sites up-to-date has not
received enough attention in the past. Not everyone reads or saves the quarterly Menu.
159 I would like to see more shopping of the kind for which we now have to go to Burlington. A good
department store, such as Target or Fred Meyer (minus the food aisle). We are well served by Safeway
and the Market.
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160 We have had spurts of good economic stimulus over the years I have been living here---1979. Our
waterfront is one of our strongest assets....and yet noise is always a big concern for those close to the
work areas. An awareness of that issue needs to be addressed to those who live close to the worksites. We need to keep the East side of R Ave. open to industry and not fill it up with big box stores,
strip mall type stores. etc. I am not sure exactly how to encourage more industry. We had a moving
forward marine industry....until the poor policies took effect in the dot.com era and the
banking/housing era.
161 Build more diversity in small businesses.
162 I don't have that expertise, but i sure would appreciate it happening. I've been looking for work here
since May 2013, and can find nothing to utilize my maters-level education and years of experience.
What there is pays $12 an hour.
163 Institute a system of support for local business start-ups that provide family wage jobs for Anacortes
residents. These businesses and the families they attract to town are invaluable to the community and
are worth investing in. Actively encourage businesses such as boat building, marine technology, green
energy technology, locally owned mercantile, and medical technology. Having more families who live
AND work in Anacortes would do more for the quality of life here than a Fred Meyer store.
164 Further enhance the downtown area and create a theme. As a traveler, I like to visit towns such as
LaConner, Winthop or Leavenworth. Towns/Cities like these are fun when trying to get away. While
shopping, you can find things you can't find anywhere else. Anacortes is unique in that there are many
restaurants to choose from. Advertising the reason Anacortes is a great place to visit in travel
publications is helpful and will bring in visitors.
165 I like the idea I heard last year about a row of small shops at the ferry landing. jobs, taxes, and
something for the people to do while waiting
166 See #1
169 Keep Fidalgo Island as beautiful as it is now and promotes the city as a place for environmentally sound
businesses that could operate anywhere but choose locations for quality of life.
The city should work with the Port to keep the waterfront as open as possible.
171 I'm in favor of stimulus that focuses on the local business, which I believe is the wave of the future. I'm
not necessarily opposed to bringing in outside "chains," such as Anthony's, as long as they are
appropriate for retaining our small-town character per #1 above.
172 Advertise our water front...biking, walking, kayaking, boating, shopping at our local unique stores,
eating at our gourmet restaurants, Ferry to the San Juan Islands and Victoria, walking the Washington
Park loop road, stay at a Hotel here in town and walk on the ferry to Friday Harbor for the day,
sightseeing on top of Mt Erie, and Deception Pass.
Island of Beaches...take your pick.
Art walks, live music.
More high rise Condo like living down town.
173 We have to understand that residential property taxes cannot pay for everything we want and need
therefore; we must also have a business based property/personal property/sales tax base to sustain
ourselves. We also want our children and others to be able to make a living here in our town and be
able to purchase a home here and raise their families. The mayor must encourage good, clean,
financially healthy businesses to locate here.
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174 Have a reliable group of informed capable delegates that could represent Anacortes at conventions
and trade shows.
I personally would like to see a list of every business that is currently on our island and their specialty
listed as well.
176 Develop zoning that will encourage more retail and business
activities within the central core of town.
Also develop higher density housing close in to downtown area that
makes it easier for older people to get around, shop, etc.
177 ISSUE: Expansion of Commercial District and Retail Business in Anacortes.
(1) This issue is too important to Anacortes to leave to the random self-interests of miscellaneous
property owners and real estate speculators, an approach which has produced nothing but misdirected
and dead end proposals for 20 years.
(2) Resolutely resolve the appropriate location issue for expansion of larger scale retailing in Anacortes
thru community based discussion and zoning.
(3) Pro-actively engage a developer or consultant with a proven track record of developing successful
retail centers of the type and size appropriate to Anacortes needs and wishes, and with connections to
retailers of appropriate scale and scope. Enter into discussion/negotiation with such developer and
potential core retailers.
178 Look for light industry; continue to develop our healthcare options, maybe for specialty services.
179 I moved here to live in a small town. Small business should be helped. . I know nothing about this stuff,
but you are a business owner, What can be done to keep our small town flavor?
180 It would be nice if future development could be viewed through the lens of sustainability and quality of
life. Washington is fairly tech oriented, and, given our beautiful location, it seems we have the assets
to attract some businesses that would enhance our community.
182 Going back to my previous statement of remembering how it used to be. Everyone is afraid of the " big
box store" if I am not mistaken, the islander was privately owned but resembled a big box store. Jc
pennys was also in town. Take the fear out new retail businesses shutting the small businesses down.
...... This town has a poor record when it comes to development of any waterfront businesses. Years of
trying to get permits and developers have felt like they have wasted their time.
183 Eliminate constant referrals to "small town" atmosphere.
The current business district is abysmal.
Encourage development of larger, upper-end economic activities such as "big box" stores. Bring citizen
sales tax dollars back to our community!
Encourage tourism with better tourist facilities.
Encourage development of higher end condos, shops,etc. near the waterfront.
Present Guemes Channel waterfront (one of the most beautiful in the world) is totally underutilized for
upper end water oriented activities. Move present low end activities from this site.
Get rid of ESD from the waterfront - a total unfriendly black hole from the standpoint of visitors to the
waterfront.
Visit Granville Island area in Vancouver, B.C. to see an example of a vibrant and interesting
cosmopolitan area.
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184 Come up with a long range plan for what the city really wants and WHERE it should go. Follow the
plans already worked on or at least give thorough review.
185 Protect operations of DCI expanding working hours when necessary, this goes with the hours needed
for loading and unloading of vessels on pier 2.
186 One step might be to promote renewable-sustainable energy solutions within the city's jurisdiction.
Smart cities around the nation are beginning to view "micro-grids" as insurance against electrical
energy disruption. For example, in an era of ever increasing energy costs, public buildings with flat
roofs could be fitted with solar panels for daytime lighting purposes.
Another requiring more expense and planning, could be to build a wind turbine atop Cap Sante park.
Such a highly visible structure/ symbol could contribute to Anacortes tourism, in addition to electrical
grid supplementation.
Also, in keeping with the north basin marina plan, connecting the marina esplanade with the upper
lookout via a guard railed pedestrian trail that wrapped around the west / southwest side would result
in an actual visitors destination. One could have their picture taken with the "Anacortes wind turbine "
over their shoulder.
Along this line of thought, the median strip along R avenue could be lined with a solar energy array,
thus creating a "micro -grid" and contributing vital tourist iconography. Perhaps then our downtown
Commercial avenue arch could be re-assigned the distinctive phrase "the renewable energy city of the
San Juans".
Lastly, another is Cap Sante park's amphitheater. It could be groomed and allowed "acoustic
instruments only" concerts, and thus become an improved public space. Probably there are master
gardeners within the community that could advise the park department on low water / low cost
methods for park grounds, complete with picnic benches. I believe utilization of Cap Sante park would
draw people into our downtown core, and combining renewable energy and tourism is one
progressive approach.
187 Thoughtful planning with a vision of the long-term viability of the City. A framework to judge
proposals, not just being reactive.
188 Houses that have been neglected by lenders are a drag on property values and thereby on property tax
revenues. I have one next door that is hammering values on our street. My house is 3601 West 8th St.
189 Encourage maritime businesses, shipbuilding and related activities
190 a. Get a good brainstorming session together, including former Mayor Dean Maxwell, Chamber of
Commerce, school leaders, banks and investment leaders.
b. Build a couple of priorities that can surely be successful in the first year or two to create some more
jobs and generate taxes for the city.
191 By helping to preserve Anacortes small business interest, when planning street fairs.
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192 Unfortunately I think this is most dependent on the economy. The city infrastructure is probably the
most important factor in attracting business. I really liked the idea you put out in the campaign to
improve high speed broadband internet in the city. I first came to Anacortes in 1990 to do business
with a computer software company (located above Geredelli) and they eventually moved due to the
lack of such infrastructure.
I don't think the failure of Sun Systems in the mid 90's had to do with infrastructure but that kind of
high tech businesses would be wonderful to attract.
Having said that I don't think one can pick and choose the kind of business one wants and, in my
opinion, the resistance to Tethys was overblown and irrational. A lot of noise and misinformation was
put out by a few determined people.
193 Keep big box stores OUT of Anacortes. Bring in more cruise ships. Complete the bike trail along the
water- ALL the way to Washington Park.
194 I like the idea of community involvement, new ideas and open minds.
195 He feels that streamlining the current building codes would be of great benefit. He is concerned that
periodic calls to lower the 50’ building height in LM zones will hamper future development of
industries in Anacortes.
197 develop waterfront, maybe on such a theme as maritime using Gilman Village in Issaquah as a model.
198 Move faster with decisions when suggestions are made for new stores or business. Fred Meyer would
be perfect on MJB land. This decision should not be pushed more than 2 years into the future, it's
already been pushed for a long time. The city had an economoic study done and even then this was a
need.
199 look at all the businesses that may work together.. seems like the food and drug businesses could work
together Like Fred Meyer wouldn't have to go out of town.
200 Allowing development of big box stores, bringing in a Target would be great.
201 Have a strategic plan and be proactive to bring businesses we want in our community not wait for
them to come to us in happenstance.
202 Recruit businesses that offer employment for college degree holders; create a vision for commercial
retail development along Highway 20 and/or off of R Avenue; develop ferry terminals with retail, food
and beverage shops;
205 Trader Joe's - we are ready for this one...The City would embrace them and they would draw a huge
tax income from outlying areas. Trader Joe's beats Fred Meyer any day...and they are community
friendly.
206 I have heard about the MJB area since I arrived in 1993. Realizing there are still some hard feelings
over the condemnation and destroying of many homes, it is time to put aside and work with MJB to
develop that land into something our community needs. A convention center would be wonderful.
Recent talks about "small scale" Fred Meyer would also be good, as long as local stores wouldn't be
put out of business. TOTALLY AGAINST ANY WAL-MART--small or regular!
207 Same as above
208 Consider zone changes to offer more competitive shopping
for residents. In the down town core we do not have enough
parking. That needs to be addressed.
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209 Work to get Boeing here- A Wing Manufacturing Plant?
The ACFL is underutilized. It needs to be opened for more recreational events such as trail running and
mountain bike races. This would bring in many more tourists here. There are towns with similar
resources that have weekly- after work- races for their citizens sponsored by the town and larger ones
occasionally on the weekends.
210 Use the Cannery Building at Seafarers Park, as a place for the commercial fishing industry to interact
with their consumers. Use the best of the Saturday market combined to make a pike place market
atmosphere. Encourage our youth to operate it. As a gateway to the industry and how to operate a
small business. Give our youth an island life identity. Have local live music. Contract the Marine Tech
School to build useful products for our fishing industry. Connect the DOTS and keep it local.
211 Market the city more as a destination for tourism and outdoor activities. Have more events. For
example, Sponsor a 3x3 basketball tournament. Cheap rental bikes on the street.
Build a convention center, maybe working with the port.
Support legal marijuana sales intelligently.
212 The economic benefits of preservation should be apparent - publicized historic districts and properties
entice visitors to walk and patronize their businesses. The more attractive or informative - the greater
the draw. Local business owners should be reminded of this simple fact. Its not just about the pride of
owning a historic property - economically, it will also impact their bottom line. Attractive and
historically engagting properties generate curiosity and promote foot traffic. There are several notable
and historically significant properties in the CBD that are only marginally maintained and could be
easily and cost effectively upgraded to reinforce their architectural heritage. More outreach to these
businesses (as well as to local owners of historic residences) should be undertaken to help the owners
understand the value of their property and suggest ways that it can be modestly upgraded or restored.
213 We need more employers who can provide full time jobs - but the new businesses should not take the
form of a big box store on R Ave. Getting around town is difficult enough during the summer and
special events throughout the year - without making it more difficult with a new major store in the
downtown area.
Anacortes has always had a special 'charm' as a small town - which should be a priority to maintain.
214 1. Undertake a comprehensive review and re-write of the City's zoning ordinances to make clear what
uses are permitted within zones. Write the ordinances in a manner that, to the greatest extent
possible, permits can be granted administratively and without special use permits.
2. Make the City's permit processing requirements clear and unambiguous.
3. Consider the use of Planned Unit Developments to allow the City and developer to negotiate terms
and conditions to be included in subject projects. This could potentially allow the City to obtain
improvements that might not otherwise be included in a project while at the same time providing the
developer clear and concise details of what will be required in order for the project to be approved.
Such agreements have been used successfully in other cities, and it may be necessary to engage the
services of a consultant to assist the City in understanding and implementing such agreements, at least
at the outset.
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217 I think the infra-structure needs to be able to support business, and in-migrating individuals. I think the
status of the sewer issue in this town is a huge problem to that end, and likely to be a negative factor
for those looking to move here, for business or pleasure. I think that Anacortes needs to have
electronic infrastructure in place for those who come, whether as corporations, sole proprietors or
independent contractors. Our city should function as a role model for this type of activity. I think it
would be apropos timing to make this a priority as the Anacortes School District seeks to make
upgrading its technology a priority. I think that these actions could be linked to create a p.r. message
and general sense of forward thinking (and forward moving) technological activity.
218 Find a way to increase affordable Housing (See futures Project).
Purchase the old fire station for a homeless shelter and social service location( including Red Cross
office?)
Allow tiny houses for homeless and others to stay in.
Do something with the waterfront property between 17th and 22nd.
Bring in a store that sells shoes, socks and underwear.
Maybe a locally owned Co-op or General store?
219 Small Fred Meyer store on the outside of downtown.
220 City Plan...Address City as whole. Architecture style.
What image do we want to share with tourists and new comers?
Allow for small food carts in Old Town and Marina area=vendors
Provide a store with clothing and housewares.
221 Reach out to low environmental impact industry. Protect the Marine industry.
222 The Chamber has done a good job with festivals and events but it needs to focus on attracting
business, not on city politics. We often hear from small business owners along Commercial that the
Chamber does nothing for them, that it is useless. Why is that the case? The Chamber's job should be
to promote Anacortes as a good place to locate a new company. It could focus on beautifying
Commercial, especially south Commercial between the round-about and 12th St. It should promote
cleaning up derelict buildings in the CBD.. Encourage shop owners to extend their hours, especially in
summer. Support a shuttle bus to attract visitors waiting for the ferry to spend their wait-time and
dollars in the CBD.
223 Allow a big box store similar to Fred Meyer. It will attract people from Whidbey Island to turn west
into Anacortes instead of just heading to the eastside.
224 (1) Encouraged sub-contractor support for Dakota Creek Industries.
(2) Encourage local robot development sub contract support for Boeing, Paccar and other related type
industries.
(3) Explore how he City can encourage light manufacturing and electronics industries.
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225 In part, economic development is stimulated by certainty... So if someone is interested in investing in
the community and if they're willing to abide by the rules/requirements, then in turn they should have
certainty in being able to develop/invest in the community. It's been awhile since I reviewed the City
Zoning Ordinance and procedures, but when I did - it was full of inconsistencies and I suspect in many
instances it really didn't regulate what the City intended.... It would be impossible to calculate my
risk....
Take the time and do a really comprehensive update or your Zoning Ordinance - make it staff and
community friendly and get rid of internal inconsistencies and regulations that don't reflect the
Council's intent. When that's done take some time to target some industry/commerce that you really
want and put together a comprehensive City team (Planning/Building/Public
Works/Utilities/Police/Fire and ideally outside utilities, too) that can act as your "swat team". When
you get an or solicit an attractive development/investment you and your "swat" team can quickly meet
and tell them what's required but also how that will get them through the process... It's ok to have
good, thought, well supported standards and requirements. Make sure you really know what you
expect. But in return make sure that there is some certainty in the process/time frame - that is worth
big bucks to the development community.
226 The City needs to embrace a proactive approach to recruit and solicit new and exciting business
opportunities; they need to look in places no one else has looked.
227 The ACFL provides an unparalleled amenity for our citizens, and many of our newcomers were drawn
here in some part by the forest. We take the prohibition of using the forestlands for private economic
gain seriously, and are aware of small infractions as well as increasing pressure to subvert this rule
through event production and/or ecotourism activities. As promotion of the ACFL for tourists and
corporate recruitment increases, we think it very important that a commensurate investment in ACFL
staff support, stewardship, and public education occur.
Beyond the forest boundaries, a continuing effort to connect the woods through recreational trails and
wildlife corridors makes both environmental and economic sense.
228 Bring Anacortes shoreline into the 21st century, to include new marine related industry - both soft and
hard.
229 1. Remove barriers to development. We have a tendency to " dare" businesses to develop here. Need
to look at Development fees, unnecessary regulations, permits. City Hall should be a " welcome
center" for business.
230 Actively seek out new businesses to move to Anacortes, and consider incentives to attract these
businesses to our city.
231 I would like to see businesses brought to town that will provide jobs while not doing harm to the
environment.
232 Encourage residential use of space above stores in downtown area. Encourage affordable accessory
dwellings and conversions. No affordable rentals = no affordable local employees. Seek small
manufacturing/industrial companies and encourage attractive business park, mixed use design.
Livability, bike-ability walk-ability access.
233 Having a vision for the future is step 1. Acquiring the resources / people to drive ED is second (note:
this is not being adequately handled by either the City or the Chamber). Finally, we need a pro-active
approach to the business of ED that does not wait for the opportunities to arrive, but rather creates
opportunities that fit the visions, values and strengths.
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234 Recognize importance and appropriateness of marine/shipbuilding trades (good jobs).
Balance mix of industry/tourism-service/ educational-professional for family/living wage jobs.
235 Assuming that Anacortes is believed to need some, the first thing should be for the City Council to pass
a Resolution stating that and listing specific reasons why it is needed. Once that is done, follow the
steps listed below.
First Step. Decide specifically, what it is that you want to accomplish and be able to explain precisely
why. Is it jobs? If so, what type and at what level of pay....not in wishy-washy, sounds good words, but
in dollars. Is it tax revenue? If so, do we want more property tax, utility tax, sales tax or what? If it's
revenue, how much do we want, why does the city want it and what will it do with it? Does the city
want more revenue directly or indirectly. If you don't understand the difference, we're in trouble.
Second Step. Hire professional help to analyze what various categories of businesses would be
compatible with Anacortes and identify any which may be seeking to expand. Learn what they require
in terms of land parcel size, local market size, transportation, utilities, support industry, etc. What is
employee compensation like? What skill levels are sought? For example, the last time I looked, Denny's
Restaurants wanted a minimum lot size of 35,000 square feet with exposure to a fairly high traffic
count. Virtually all economic opportunities can be expected to have such requirements. It would be
wise to learn what they generally are before beginning to take shots in the dark and then analyze
whether or not Anacortes has parcels of suitably zoned land which meet the requirements that
businesses say they require.
Third Step. Do what it takes to convince the citizenry of the need to do what you've decided to do.
Don't just have a public hearing and ask them. The citizenry has long been fractured into various
factions including growth, no-growth, want more shopping, don't want big-box, want more jobs, don't
want views of bay spoiled, want industry, want more boat-building, don't want any change at all. The
citizenry will have to be intelligently led to a general consensus.
Fourth Step. Depending on results of the first three steps, adjust the comp plan and zoning boundaries
as needed to allow what you want to happen to be able to physically happen.
Fifth Step. Actively recruit the size and type of preferred businesses. Hire a pro to do it. No, not the
Chamber and not EDASC. Neither has done much so far even though it's sort of been their job.
236 Develop the waterfront -condos with small shops...village atmosphere, a reason for the ferry goers to
stop and perhaps stay overnight.
237 See above. Also the plan for the open space at the water and 17th st will hopefully include a double
launch ramp for trailer boats. Mixed use in this area to 22nd street could give it the feel of say
Granville island in Vancouver. I am not opposed to a small fred meyer but not at the expense of
keeping an area open for bigger industrial use and making more space for new businesses, large and
small. Can we give landowners some incentive to rent their buildings more easily. The big haul out
planned by Pac. Marine is very important to our marine capacities. I hope it will be accessible to all
tradesmen. We need more affordable housing to keep working people in town.
238 Look at the MJB property or similar parcels to create retail or other businesses to add to the tax base.
Please don't let any retail leakage go to the tribes. It doesn't matter if it is a Fred Meyer or Trader Joe's.
Whatever promise the make on the opening inventory will be changed in 2 years anyway. It is all about
the dollar! Don't over study a project either, comes a time to buy!
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239 Work with property owners along the waterfront to resolve development disputes (e.g. MJB
properties.) Develop a marketing plan and campaign for the industrial park at Sharp's Corner,
including an evaluation of the targeted industries that the City will pursue (identification of priority
industries consistent with community values and interest should be part of the Strategic Plan).
240 Allow: Enhanced retail with box stores, modified to smaller scale size to fit our community. When
property on Hwy 20 is sold to the native tribes (or others) the City is losing a revenue source when
businesses are started that don't or won't generate sales tax revenue for the City, County & State.
Allow: New large businesses to purchase property and create jobs even if they don't produce
$60,000/year jobs. It's not a perfect world and we can't all work for the City of Anacortes and other
municipal and government agencies or the refineries and make the big bucks and great benefits.
241 a. Work in partnership with the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce, Port of Anacortes, and other
Anacortes community stakeholders to develop a strategic plan for jobs and economic development to
include:
- Develop Anacortes Community Vision 2025 with community values clearly defined for insertion in the
2016 Comp Plan
- Land Use Goals, Policies and Action Items: Develop for the 2016 Comp Plan to clarify and simplify
the Anacortes Land Use code in order to reduce city dependence on the conditional use permit
- Housing Goals, Policies and Action Items for 2016 Comp Plan update.
- Develop Economic Develop Goals, Policies and Action Items for the 2016 Comp Plan Update. Identify
opportunities for economic revitalization and stability that are compatible with our values and island
environment including:
• Quality jobs
• Public/Private partnerships at the WSF terminal area
• Improved community connections throughout the downtown commercial core, waterfront, and
neighborhoods
• Enhanced retail opportunities
• Create a unified code that reflects the diversity of our city, allowing for flexibility while protecting
and enhancing design elements characteristic of Anacortes’ waterfront heritage and attributes.
• Continue work with the Guemes Trail Project, Redevelopment of the POA Cap Sante Marina North
Basin, connect The Depot with the downtown, the trails and the marina
• Collaborate with Island Hospital on their strategic plan, affiliation plans and Medical/Dental
expansion
• Collaborate and advocate with Anacortes School District and representatives from local colleges
and universities to promote excellence in education, strengthen school to work programs, develop a
community wide technology plan, support ASD on a solid strategic and capital building plan for a new
high school including science and technology infrastructure, facilities and building.
• Continue to strengthen and build our community partnership with our tribal neighbors.
b. Develop a City Technology Plan to encourage business retention and development
i. Redesign the City’s business web portal, to make it more useful and easier to navigate, on a
variety of devices.
ii. Increase community-wide fiber optic and wireless connection.
c. Recruit New Employers and Retain Existing Employers: Personally work with economic development
groups to expand existing business operations and recruit new employers to come to Anacortes. Focus
on attracting businesses that provide head-of-household jobs to the city.
d. Research the creation and funding of a new Anacortes Economic Development Manager position.
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242 I am not sure how to do this but I would like to see more retail development in the downtown area.
We need stores conducive to northwest lifestyles such as Stowes in Burlington
I don't think Fred Meyer is the answer.
Trader Joes would draw shoppers from a large range.
243 When I speak of green or tech companies, i refer to established companies, not the newer startups,
although if they are good enough why not. The consideration is for our children to provide really good
paying jobs that pull us out of being a retirement community and unaffordable for the average family.
And also environmentally friendly, keeping Anacortes beautiful.
Also there is a convention in the spring in South Africa with Al Gore, of the climate reality project.
People are trained on things they can do to help their community. I think it would be fabulous to send
one of our high school students. They could not only come back and create great inspiration in our
schools, but they could start a committee that then could make recommendations to the council on
how to better our city.
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Question 3) What safety concerns do you feel the city needs to address?
Responses
#
1
My concerns are with the new laws involving Marijuana. The state may have new laws, but that
doesn't mean Anacortes has to accommodate growers, and dispensaries. Customer can go the areas
out of the city.
If there is some here, then they need structures around them, not plastic hot houses with lights for a
growing operation that viewed by all especially neighbors
2
Roundabouts are expensive but effective. 12th and D Ave. would be a good candidate.
3
Every time a senior needs to buy anything but groceries they need to drive to Burlington. I-20 is
getting more and more congested.
4
I'll defer to Police, Fire, Public Works, and Legal on this one.
5
Better planning for bicycles and pedestrians. Roundabout concept is good but not always best. some
way to keep downtown more pedestrian and bike friendly is in order.
6
Minimal staffing of police and fire departments.
City should pledge full support to the new county jail.
Support for EMT services is vital.
8
We have a fantastic police and fire department.
9
Lots of break-ins at local residences seem based in desperate drug users looking for valuable
objects, or even groups of organized criminals . . . can Anacortes control incoming boat traffic with
border style patrols ?
10
I feel badly when I cross against the light on 6th & Commercial. Maybe you could add a walk button
on the traffic lights?
11
12
Upgrade streets and sidewalks.
Domestic violence. Burglaries. Hardcore drugs (pot is NOT a hardcore drug). Sidewalks along Oakes
to the ferry (a trail along the water is not the solution although it would help).
13
32nd and H Ave need a round-a-bout… or even only one stop sign. So much of the time, people on
32nd have to stop when no cars are in sight.
Night walkers should be educated to wear white or carry a light, just like bicyclers.
Skate boarders: stay off major roads like D ave.
14
Basically the city’s police force does a good job. Anacortes does have a drug issue, as do most other
cities. The drug issues and theft need continued and stepped up vigilance in those areas.
15
Road repair - let's start fixing the pot holes.
16
Addressing the new marijuana issues in a fair and thoughtful way, so the risks of federal prosecution
are minimized and the threat to community, especially child, safety is also addressed. Continuing
attention to minimizing the threat of sexual predators (as with the recent task force) is also
important. It would be nice if meth labs didn't exist on the island, too. The overt use of drugs and
alcohol by teenagers (everyone knows where they go to use - even on AHS campus - but little is
done) is disturbing.
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17
Provide safe sidewalks for pedestrians and disabled parking for the disabled and seniors.
18
The Police Dept. does a great job. Maybe hold more neighborhood meetings like the one we recently
had with Old Town residents. discuss their neighborhood issues and set up neighborhood email
watches.
19
20
More police to focus on illegal drug use.
Neighborhood safety from home theft; forest lands safety -- parking without fear of being robbed
and do more to watch over the heavily trafficked areas of the forest in summer.
21
22
Build a consensus for the development of waterfront property
Curb property crimes by having more police on bikes patrollling neighborhoods.
24
Fix the roads. Improve signage. Stop building roundabouts where there is no legitimate reason for
them.
Bikes on sidewalks downtown.
Need more walking biking routes from center to out skirts.
25
27
We are unsure of the status of the City's disaster plan.
28
The increased drugs, especially heroin, that have caused serious problems for our youth. Human
trafficking and sexual predators via internet and social media have increased at exponential rates.
There is also an increased number of teens who are drinking at house parties on the weekend-sometimes even sanctioned by parents.
The number of police cars driven by the officers (part time) that are parked at their personal
residences and remain parked for days that could be utilized both as a cost-cutting measure and/or
an opportunity to expand police presence is also a concern.
29
Take no prisoners when it comes to drug law enforcement -- drive drug pushing and possession
completely out of this town once and for all. Fix potholes on heavily traveled streets without delay.
30
31
32
Meth issues that have increased crime.
Street paving
The City does a great job now. Just keep it up.
34
35
36
Speeding on 12th street.
None that I know of
Seems to be a lot of drug operations in town and even teens can point out where the "houses" are.
But the response from the APD has been that they need proof - realizing that, more needs to be
done to put a presence out there that it will not be tolerated. Heroin and coke do not belong here especially since they are apparently so easy to obtain. As this problem grows, so does property
crime and unfortunately assaults, etc. Break ins around town really concern me. Maybe an
anonymous hot line and/or help line?
37
38
Drugs
I feel that the city is safe!
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39
School safety. In light of last year's tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CN, schools need
to look at additional safety measures including the locking of exterior doors and buzzing in of all
visitors from the front desk.
Burglaries and home robberies.
Drug use.
40
Insuring the streets are walkable and bicycle friendly
41
The intersection at 11th and Commercial is a "blind corner" and needs some sort of re-design or
warning signage to increase the safety of the people crossing Commercial.
43
Need more crosswalks at busy locations along Commercial Ave.
44
We need more jail space and/or another way to deal with those arrested (generally for multiple
infractions). Too many times are they arrested and released due to a lack of jail space.
45
We need an effort to get drivers to understand that 'Courtesy is Contagious." Many drivers, both
male and female, put on their rudeness hat when engaging pedestrians. Many of the sidewalks
adjacent to Commercial Ave are either in poor repair or non-existent. We seem to be doing a good
job regarding the safe routes to school. We need now to make the town more user friendly to those
on foot or riding bikes. And many have spoken on the pothole condition of many
of our streets.
46
Parking downtown, drug use and sales, more police.
48
Crime and drugs, crime and drugs, crime and drugs. Please refrain from calling crime petty......it is
anything but petty.
49
More bike lanes in town. Low voltage lights lang the TT trail and in parks.
50
Traffic is a serious safety concern. Traffic load on 12th street & Oaks Avenue is causing west end
residents to take residential side street to/from downtown.
52
We have a very good police department and fire department.
54
Having moved here 15 years ago from a major population center, this is a very safe city. Keep up the
good work.
55
This is an extremely safe community. We need to continue to make sure our elderly citizens are
protected from fraud issues and approach the heroin problem as a community health issue not just a
crime issue. I need to disclose I work for APD.
56
* Sidewalks: Speaking only for Old Town, sidewalks appear and disappear on along streets. Sidewalk
construction is uncertain, since property owners decide if they want a sidewalk in front of their
homes. Thus, sidewalks disappear mid-block, replaced by grass, gravel, rocks or foliage. Although
dangerous--especially in the dark--for people without disabilities, people with disabilities are seen
walking with walkers from Safeway in the street, since they have no choice. In addition, some
sidewalks have been raised by tree roots, and people trip over them. The City should write a
sidewalk policy that guarantees safe sidewalks though out Anacortes.
* Truck routes through neighborhoods should be enforced.
* Ensure that police and fire departments are manned properly and given the equipment needed to
operate efficiently and effectively.
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57
We don't have the crimes here that many larger cities have, but there are some areas in Anacortes
which are over represented in the "Police Blotter". We need to insure that all of our neighborhoods
are safe. We don't have enough for young adults to do to fill their leisure time. Other safety
concerns would be in the areas of disaster plans and education for our citizens.
58
Drivers talking on cell phones, drives with pets in their lap while driving.
Let's enforce the laws.
60
61
Local home invasions
Enforce traffic laws, especially downtown
62
Pedestrian Safety
Bicycle Safety
I don't see officers out in the community and involved in what I do as much as I used to. I always feel
safer when I participate/ attend some event and see officers there too. I like being able to interact
with them and say hi, whenever I get this opportunity I always feel safe for my family and more
connected to Anacortes.
63
64
I believe that the Police Department should have more open conversations with the citizens of
Anacortes. Most of us do not know more than two police officers. There is no access to the Police
Department - you have to call 911 to talk to anybody. In addition, many cross streets have
obstructed views caused by overgrown foliage, for example: 22nd and Q Ave.
66
67
Drugs and petty crime
Possibly add more neighborhood watch programs.
68
We have a serious drug problem; we need to deal with it as it causes property damage, crime and an
impact on the way of life in Anacortes. It has been safe to walk the streets during the night as well as
the day for many years, it would be a shame to lose that feeling of safety. The new marijuana law is
going to impact Anacortes in many ways, none of them particularly good - I would like to see a
proactive stance by our city government now before there is any trouble here implementing the law.
70
Transportation, drugs and gangs. Also coal and oil and the associated products and by-products.
71
Probably traffic concerns along the major arterials, which are
being addressed, however 12th out to the ferry is getting worse all the time as well as Commercial.
Bikers and walkers who try to cross 12th take their lives into their hands even at crosswalks.
Very few cars will stop for them. They legally have the right of way,
so more police patrol might encourage motorists to stop.
A long range plan to have alternative routes out to the ferry or expanding 12th to accommodate the
increasing traffic.
Also, at the bottom of "D" avenue going north the right hand lane should be "right turn only" and the
left lane should allow motorists to go left or straight. That would increase traffic flow.
72
Illegal drug use and activities related - we are known in the county as "the pharmacy" because this is
where the good drugs are.
74
Drug trafficking. So much is going on out there that is ignored. Also senior drivers :-)
75
Substance abuse and addiction is the primary concern that the city should consistently address on
multiple fronts.
76
Rise in drug and burglary cases. We were personally affected when our home was burglarized in
February and to date, have never received any update/resolution from police.
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77
1. Maintain existing quality leadership and capability of police and fire departments.
2. Work with county and state authorities to maximize cooperation and support to local and regional
issues.
79
A stoplight is needed where Campbell Lake Road meets Route 20----very difficult to make a left turn
to the north. Recommend to the county?
A stoplight will be needed where access to San Juan Passage (near the ferry terminal) enters onto
Oakes.
80
Pursue cell phone drivers.
More pedestrian crossings. Designated bicycle lanes along Commercial Ave..
82
Our streets need to be repaired. Keep the fire station on the west side. Hire police to provide more
patrol coverage. Educate people about locking cars and taking care of their own property.
Keep the airport small - encourage use of the Skagit County Airport.
## Have the police department put a few police "walking the beat" (or bicycling) around downtown,
old town, and around schools. This would increase everyday interaction between police and citizens,
fostering trust and cooperation and making it easier for the police to realize when something is
amiss.
## Have a couple more crosswalks with pedestrian-activated flashing lights along the southern
stretch of Commercial Ave, if more stop lights to allow for pedestrian crosswalks are too expensive
(crossing the Highway 20 spur).
84
87
Providing parking for residents of New Wilson Hotel. Most are disabled and need access to close
parking. Only one disabled access parking spot on 9th right now. Need four or five more. The
variance which was granted to the developers of the NWH expired in 2008, with no further action
having been taken since then by city. Right now, the New Wilson Hotel is in non-compliance with
city code. Need assigned parking for every residential unit.
88
Small fixes like the new roundabout along R Ave are probably good. Didn't think much of the fix at
22nd/M.
25mph speed limit along H Ave seems inconsistent w/30mph on 32nd... both could be 30.
No thoughts about Police/Fire protection.
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89
I am a newly retired gov't attorney. I chose Anacortes over every other place in the country. I'm
very grateful to be here.
The one thing that concerns me (other than the store issue) is the increase and prevalence of home
break-ins. I bought a house and now I find myself afraid to leave it empty when I go out.
I helped to run a very large agency in a county of over 600,000 people. Part of my duties was to
prosecute child support (bring your money or your tooth brush). I am familiar with the job of
prosecutor and the justice system. I used prosecutorial discretion so as to avoid harsh results- WHEN
circumstances of an individual case called for it- I was not overly hard. However, sometimes I had to
enforce cases harshly.
We need a strong prosecutor who will make it sting when anyone is caught breaking and entering.
The single MOST important thing in any person's life is security in their home. Everything else pales
next to that need. I can see being lenient on some other things so as to give someone who makes a
mistake another chance- but not when it comes to breaking into a person's home. There should be
no mercy in that circumstance!!
The reason is NOT retribution. Rather it is PREVENTION. I am familiar with the underworld of society
and those who live in it. Lowlifes are not stupid! I've seen how when word gets passed around the
misfeasor types that some particular thing is being aggressively targeted, that sort of offence
declines. It is an accepted, well known phenomenon among those of us who run the government.
Making life hard on home breakers would result in Anacortes having a reputation as aggressively
targeting and prosecuting home invasions. The increased allocation of police recourses, aggressive
investigation of suspicious individuals roaming the neighborhoods, and imposition of harsh
sentences of those caught would literally discourage a substantial number of the lowlifes involved to
refrain from house breaking.
I am an active member of the "Newcomers' Club" (which is really a club for senior retirees), the
Eagles and the Elks here in town (I even played Santa at the annual "Kids Day" at the Elks). Thus, I've
had the opportunity to hear what concerns ordinary residents. I can't emphasize just how much and
how deeply we all feel about our home security. It is a driving issue among law abiding citizens and
the very fact that it is an issue shows that it has gotten out of hand- as security should be an
assumption rather than a growing issue!
Finally, home security involves security in one's own person. How often are assaults and murders
related to a home intruder being surprised by a home owner returning home (or waking up and
investigating a noise)! How long do we have to wait to aggressively put a stop to the home breaking
nonsense? Till someone is seriously, or even permanently injured? Or killed?? One never knows
what some idiot home intruder on drugs will doThanks for reading through these long notes- I very much appreciate your time!
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90
None. If anything, please stop using city resources to build a Granny-City. We do not need to waste
thousands of dollars on all of these over the top "safety" corridors on streets. If anything, its more
confusing to people from out of town to get a barrage of signs trying to tell them to be careful. We
have an extremely safe city already, let’s not get ridiculous.
91
Alley at end of 8th Street, E side of R Ave next to Anacortes Harbor House South end by picnic area.
Street drops off without warning. Until the alley is extended E a post should be added to prevent a
car or person from falling off the end of the road.
Thank You
92
93
Stop sign running.
The fire department is and has been understaffed for many years. AFD needs to be brought up to a
level where it can meet national safety standards (for response and personal on scene of structure
fires).
94
Right now we are severely under staffed at the fire department. We know it takes a lot of money but
as you know we are running a skeleton crew. Our citizens need to be aware of this and educated
along with our city council. I think every city council member needs to be open minded to the
education and not blow it off. This could be a serious problem. As a firefighter/paramedic I would
hate to see one of my fellow brothers or sister die in the line of duty because we did not have
enough people or I would hate to have one of our citizens die in a fire because we can't meet
minimum state laws to go inside a structure to rescue someone.
95
The Fire Department staffing needs to be addressed creatively so that they can better utilize their
life-saving skills. Minimum staffing should be increased to three at the main station and perhaps
more later. This would allow them to better provide service when needed.
Levy funding must be preserved (at least) for emergency medical services during this transition phase
to Health Department oversight. People here didn't resoundingly support the last EMS levy in order
to see funding levels reduced. Assure that the County Commissioners understand the importance of
that levy to our Fire Department operations.
96
Fire Department staffing! Before somebody loses their lfe in fire.
The Fire Department has been underfunded for over 20 years. Compare it to most any other Fire
Department and see. It takes up a very small portion of the city budget compared to other cities. In
most cases they are over double our budget percentage
97
a. Repair the sidewalks! Many people living in Anacortes do a lot of walking, as do I, and many of the
sidewalks are in very poor shape and if one is not very careful, one could trip on an up-heaved
portion of sidewalk and get badly hurt.
For reasons I cannot fathom, many sidewalks end one to five feet short of the street, leaving a patch
of often muddy ground to traverse. Repairing existing sidewalks would be a good idea, and building
sidewalks in areas lacking them would be a splendid plan.
b. We need to ensure that a working, efficient, and adequately staffed EMS system is in place.
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98
*Please work with the DOT on a safer intersection at Sharpe's Corner, specifically the left turn merge
coming north on Highway 20, merging left to go to Anacortes at the light. That left turn merge lane
from Highway 20 is so short and often there is on-coming traffic going west toward Anacortes when
we try to merge. It is very dangerous. On-coming traffic is going about 50 - 55 mph, and if those
drivers don't respond quickly and move to the right, the potential for collision is high. I'm amazed
that there are not more problems at that intersection. It really needs to be improved soon. At the
very least, a much longer left merge lane could be established. I'm not sure a round-about would
work due to the speed of drivers going west on Highway 20 into Anacortes.
99
Adequate Staffing for both Police and Fire Departments!
Educate the citizens on current staffing practices for EMS/Fire, Police protection.
NFPA 1710 and The NIST response studies are very good resources.
Include the Unions in growth strategy talks for both agencies.
100 I am concerned about the increases in thefts and drug related activities in the city.
102 Ferry traffic
103 The police dept. seems to be spread thin. They seem to spend a lot of their time in the commercial
area of town.
104 It would seem the Fire Dept. is understaffed and has virtually no volunteers to rely on. The county is
constantly threatening to cut EMS levy monies. What part of the city’s budget is directed to its Fire
dept.? How does that % compare to other cities?
105 Better street lighting at night.
107 Crime is low. Continue to do what seems to be working. Youth drug use is of highest concern and
focus.
110 Driving and parking on the wrong side of the road. It seems to be an epidemic. Driving at night in a
light rain and a car coming at you in your lane is frightening.
111 We need to give back jobs to our police department that the previous mayor cut so he could get paid
more. The kind of jobs and companies that we want to attract want to know we are on top of crime
etc.
PS. I found through this Tethys ordeal, that envision Skagit, is not a future forward thinking
organization as there name suggest. They are another good ole boy group disguised. Shame on
them!
112 None
113 drug users
114 “Complete Streets” – bicycle access; pedestrian safety.
Complete the Guemes Channel Trail
115 Do we have sufficient staffing of medical aid, fire and law enforcement personnel to provide
reasonable response times to the community?
117 There needs to be a handrail on the brand new sidewalk over the ACE of Hearts creek on 34th St
between M and K on the north side of the street.
Review of building plans and building inspections: Anacortes is a joke in Washington State because
we do not have engineers reviewing building plans that are submitted to the city. Also, our building
inspectors need a lot much more training or we should hire that out to companies that specialize in
building inspection.
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118 Public Safety is paramount for the residents. The level of service desired and economically feasible
must be reviewed by all City elected officials and then decide upon the level of risk was are going to
accept as a community.
119 Roads in Anacortes continue to deteriorate and need attention. I recognize we need to find a funding
source. While improving road conditions continue to accommodate bike and pedestrian lanes.
From what little I know about the current Fire Department budget it comes mainly from the county
wide EMS levy. I'm not sure the City is fulfilling its obligation for basic fire protection through
budgeting adequate City funds for staffing. Seems unfair to rely on County EMS dollars to find the
fire end of the business.
120 I think there needs to be a grant obtained to create a Public Utility District for the Georgia Pacific
Addition. That area was very poorly developed in the 1970-90 with half streets, poor drainage, no
sidewalks in many neighborhoods that were allowed by the city at that time. Today it is a horrid
problem. We should correct this with full width streets and sidewalks on side for safe parking, safe
walking, and safe runoff and control of water with a designed storm drain system.
I am concerned about two locations off Hwy 20 that are potential for deadly accidents. The access to
the new industrial area (near Scimitar) has double yellow lines that technically make it almost
impossible to get in and out at the moment. Also the access on and off Hwy 20 to Fidalgo Bay road.
These are not technically in the city but certainly are access for our citizens and deadly accidents will
not be good advertising.
122 Drug and alcohol abuse by youth and other citizens
Continued communication with local police department and citizens patrol to ensure neighborhood
safety
123 In our current highly mobile world we need to anticipate and prepare for crime trends including
terror acts. This means being connected and organized within our city and integrated with the larger
fabric of communities (up to and including world) beyond Anacortes.
The second concern is natural disasters where the same parameters apply.
124 Encourage and enable residents to walk/bike in town. Crosswalks, sidewalks need to be maintained
or built. This civilizes communities and makes them safer.
18 wheel over the road trucks using Old Town residential streets to access Trident Seafoods plant.
This is an ongoing problem, since the widespread use of GPS mapping devices came into play.
Trident needs to be notified and perhaps actual physical barriers need to be built as they have done
in every residential neighborhood in Seattle. Small planting circles at intersections to discourage
large truck traffic.
125 Petty crimes continue to be a problem. This is related to drug issues etc. Not sure what can be done
here other than a new jail - but that is an expensive solution.
Sharpe's Corner - the traffic backup for the turn to Whidbey will result in a fatal accident if this is not
addressed. The blood and guilt will be on the local and state officials who let this slide. Once
someone dies - action will happen. This needs to be a priority.
126 None that I am aware of.
128 Snow removal from business sidewalks. It looked like no one even thought of it last big snow we
had. If a business will take a few minutes first thing before the snow gets tramped it is easy and then
safer for customers to access the business.
We shouldn't need a law but just guidance from the city.
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129 we are in desperate need of a rec center for teens. Drugs and vandalism happen when there are no
positive outlets for youth.
130 Seafarer's Lane and Q - Due to ever increasing traffic on Q, it is getting dangerous to try to turn left
on to Q from Seafarer. Lots of people turn right and then jump into the left turn lane, and turn onto
the side street by McDonald's. With the big trucks coming from the port transfer station, and all the
commuter traffic after work and lunches are especially dangerous. Not sure how to solve this.
Ideally 17th Street should be punched through to R Ave by Thrive, but that's MJB Property and
probably not possible. Putting a light at Q and Seafarer's would work but then there would be two
lights close together.
131 We have been in Anacortes for a little over a year now and we have been broken into. We even lost
our instance over it. We now have an alarm system that we are getting used to and a house sitter
(We go to Mexico for 4 months a year). So I guess that would be a safety concern. We have made an
effort to get to know our neighbors an that has given us a greater sense of security.
132 Support for the homeless and drug users. Apparently our high school still has a lot of drug use going
on.
133 unpaved streets and uneven sidewalks
134 Too much traffic on 12th. Please don't add any more!
135 Last summer we bought our retirement condo overlooking Storvik Park. Since we've lived here at
the condo we have seen many bad things going on in the Park to include bullying, drug deals and
even doing drugs right here in the park. We feel the City police department needs to step up and
have a presence in the park, helping young people to make better choices.
136 Children biking and walking to school and playgrounds, and adult walking/biking safety is number
critical. Gun safety is another key safety topic.
137 Traffic is a major problem at peak hours, especially if you are trying to turn left across Commercial or
12th St. There needs to be another stop light somewhere on these two main streets. The intersection
at 31st and M needs to be a four way stop.
138 Help for folks who want to get off drugs, or who have mental health problems that they could deal
with if they had community resources here instead of having to travel to Mt. Vernon.
140 The patch of 5th Street adjacent to the Kiwanis Shop needs resurfacing. It is a tripping hazard in the
winter months.
141 Work with the police fire and Medic one to build public confidence in keeping Anacortes a safe place
to live and work. Work with the Chief to remind officers they are the city ambassadors not just law
enforcements,
142 Emissions from the refinery, drug trafficking, some poor road conditions, maintaining what we do
have (wonderful parks, art, activities, events, the library, historic architecture).
143 Better bike lane markings & routes.
Reverse the stripes on the angled parking on 6th in front of city hall so that people have to back into
the parking spot. Very hard to back out safely.
I feel we have a safe town.
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144 Police and fire department have had to cut in the past few years and it may be time to hire more
staff back. What do the models suggest for good police and fire coverage? Do we have that
number?
Consider development of a school/police officer. Prevention at early age does work. Not a dare
office but an officer that works with the school district to handle crimes, prevention of drug use and
truancy. Truancy begins early and leads to school drip out that leads to crime.
145 Our water needs to be audited on every level. The water smells highly of chlorine in the last year.
Why? We have invested large sums of money into this system. What is being done to oversee its
purity? How are those that are running the plant, which was put in position by the last mayor, are
they doing their jobs? How educated are they? The pay for those positions is extremely high where
we should have the best of the best, the most educated, in those positions Our water
is our most valuable asset. Who is taking care of it? Is the treatment plant putting money back into
the environment to insure pollutants from farms, neighboring lands to the river are being taken care
of properly?
146 None that I can think of.
147 Traffic
1. Direct E.bound traffic on Hwy 20 after roundabout to outside lane to avoid collision with cars
turning E at R Ave.
2. Enforce speed limits
3. Brighten up new roundabout on R with yellow paint to delineate edges
4. Install four way stop at 10th & M
Pedestrian:
1. Cross walks across R to marina at Safeway & the Market
2. Begin installation of sidewalks where they are lacking, i.e. Old Town
149 I am concerned about the effect of legalized marijuana on the ability of the current police force and
police auxiliary to handle the potential increase in both major and minor crimes. Maybe part of the
$8 million dollar reserve in the budget could be used to hire additional police personnel. The police
auxiliary should have newer cars to drive. As past members of the Downtown Patrol, in the car we
were assigned, we sat on springs and had to bring our own cushions. Since we volunteered for
several hours at a time, a comfortable seat and newer vehicle does not seem an unreasonable
request.
150 Monitor waterfront cleanup(s).
Check out the recent North Dakota train explosion - that could happen here if all the long trains are
going to be active in the area.
If trains are going to 'happen', then the companies involved should pay for building an overpass for
cars so traffic on Hiway 20 (and its side streets) won't be disrupted.
153 Drugs
Crime
Homeless/Transient Population
154 Sidewalks are a concern as there are very few in good repair. Many walkers are using the streets for
their daily walks
155 Base these decisions on data not emotion. Seek input from the Anacortes Police department and
other law enforcement agencies on the top contributions to accidental death and injury and these
priorities of emphasis.
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156 Why hasn't the railing been put up on the sidewalk bridge where 34th goes over Ace of Hearts creek?
This is REQUIRED by code and is another example of the city kowtowing to the Memory Care Center
at the expense of the people who live in the neighborhood. Sidewalk has been in place for 1.5 years
but still no railing! City claims the railing has been backordered, but this is not believable after 1 1/2
years.
157 We are growing rapidly. Traffic is crazy! With an increase of people comes an increase in crime.
Make sure our police and other service industries have the tools necessary to do their jobs .
158 Anacortes has had a plan for handling disasters of all kinds. This is so important with potential issues
with the refineries, earthquakes, volcanoes, power failures, etc. Making sure the new leaders in
town (mayor, school superintendent, library director) are informed about their roles and actively
maintaining the network of relationships among the first responders and other key personnel (in
Anacortes, on Fidalgo Island, and in Skagit County) is essential.
159 Whenever possible more crosswalks/bicycle lanes. I do love the new roundabouts.
160 Love the installations of the roundabouts, the solar speed signs and the improvements for the
schools. .
161 Access to public transportation for seniors. SKAT has recently cut back on Dial A Ride service to areas
that used to be included in the program and it is affecting seniors who have come to depend upon
the service. I hope you will use your influence in the county mayor's forum to request that these
services be reinstated. I work at the Senior Activity Center and know of one senior who is no longer
able to get to doctor's appointments because the Dial A Ride service was cut in her Dewey Beach
area. She also was not informed of the change in service.
163 More crosswalks across Commercial Ave. There are plenty of crosswalks in the old town area but
very few between the roundabout and 12th. This makes it harder and more dangerous to walk, for
example, to the grocery store, or the Indian restaurant, or the marina, or the bowling ally. Planting
strips in the center turn lane would add safety and beauty as well, although that may be a difficult
project to get approval for.
164 With the elderly population I would provide information on how to keep yourself safe from identity
theft, mailbox theft and home/car theft. I would make sure there are enough resources and places
for young people to do in order to stay out of trouble.
I think it would be helpful to have more security at City Hall.
165 Would love to see more streets to go through especially around high school, middle and Is View.
There is a great deal of volume there. Open more streets up, starting on D then going east til M,all
the way to 32nd. Partnering with the school would be good in planning.
I would love an opportunity to do some drawings.
166 1) Climate safety, take the long view, where are the threats, what do we need to do, when do we
need to start. Be pessimistic, plan for the worst.
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167 Our fire department on the West End became a reality years ago, and, as I understand, is manned
with two firemen/EMT''s. What I didn't know until recently is that if they are called out from the
station for either a fire (not often), or an EMT call (more often), we have a fire station with no one to
respond to either type of call out here. As I understand, if our two-man crew is on an EMT trip
transporting someone somewhere, we have no coverage for anything in the West End. So, while
there is a physical station on the West End, it is anything but a full-service, emergency-ready facility,
because when it isn't manned by at least two people, there can be no response. For that reason, I
believe we need to hire enough firemen/EMT's to be assured of coverage when two are called away
for any type of emergency.
169 Education on how to use roundabouts.
No one seems to signal when leaving the circles.
171 None that is outstanding.
172 M ave and 32nd. H ave and 32nd. Make them a roundabout or a walk over bridge.
A round about on R and 32nd.
173 #1 Sidewalks: While appraising Anacortes (I do live here) for the Assessor it became even more
obvious that our sidewalks are deteriorating at a very rapid pace all. When we have guest from out
of state, etc. they all comment on the liability and the fact that we must not care about the old or
infirm trying to navigate these hazardous paths.
174 Many sidewalks are heaved and buckling due to tree roots that are a hazard to walkers. Reminding
drivers that pedestrians have the right of way. More and better designated crosswalks on
Commercial Ave.
It would help our city to encourage more walking for Seniors if we had benches placed along the
way. Walking areas like Thompson Trail and Cap Sante Marina are very adequate, I'm thinking more
along Commercial Ave from 12th St to 32 St. for starters. Maybe one at 22 nd St. and another at
32nd.. M Ave is pretty well traveled as well. At one spot-- There is a slight hill which leads to Senior
Center and Fidalgo Pool, A bench rest within a block on M before one starts the climb would be
great. Just a thought!
177 ISSUE: Safety of Anacortes' water front trail system.
With careless and irresponsible indifference to public safety, Anacortes has been intentionally
ignoring their own geotechnical consultants recommendations on safe design of the Guemes
Channel trail system, leaving the trail surface too low with respect to high wave wash over events
and associated safety of trail users.
The idea that City Hall has infallible knowledge of future weather, a perfection of action in "closing"
the trail, and the idea that the public has perfect knowledge of when conditions are potentially
dangerous and unfailing "responsibility of action" is totally ludicrous and refuted by the endless news
pictures of people placing themselves directly in harm’s way on stormy shorelines.
178 Biggest problem seems to be drunk drivers and petty theft. Not sure how to fix...
179 I've always felt pretty safe walking around town. The new roundabout makes it safer to be a
pedestrian, and my car likes it too. Home owners could trim plants off the sidewalks. These sidewalks
disappear for half blocks and blocks.
180 Pedestrian safety. It can be difficult to safely cross the street on many of the main roads
182 Heroine in the school system, burglery and car prowl rise and thefts in town. My neighborhood has
been hit 3 times this year.
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183 Hauling carbon black from the refineries through town is extremely risky. A spill is inevitable!!! How
would you clean that stuff up?
184 Make sure all departments are well staffed and trained!!
185 The 17 street round about is a good addition to our city it aids traffic flow. We do however need to
correct the 2 lane traffic, adjusting to one in the roundabout. I have noticed space is available on the
north side of the roundabout for this correction.
187 Take all reports of crimes seriously, including property as well as people. Especially where there is a
repeat pattern (i.e., being unsafe to park at Whistle Lake, etc.) to let bad guys know they can't keep
repeat offending and not get caught.
188 Houses that have been neglected by lenders are frequently a serious safety issue, especially for local
kids. The junker next to ours is a magnet for kids to get hurt.
189 We have a good police and fire department; keep it up.
190 a. Reduce crime. Reduce break-ins.
b. Build some incentives for city/religious organizations to provide support for the homeless. Ask for
some payback from them by way of city clean-up.
c. Build a network of "neighborhood watch" to look out for trafficing in human/sex/child
exploitation. Make it easy for people to tell what they are seeing.
191 slow traffic flow in Old Anacortes...
192 I don't feel there are any major safety concerns.
194 More police officers in our drug task force. Maybe a confidential website address for people to
report drug use and abuse. Agressive police force against drugs. For the police chief to be more
understanding of this need.
196 Shrubs growing on corner lots cut into an automobile driver's
ability to see pedestrians and/or other autos.
Home owners with these large view-blocking shrubs
should be requested to keep them cut back for visibility.
It is difficult to see through vans and large light trucks at corners
also.
197 Too much heroine and meth in this town. It needs to be cleaned up.
199 More drugs problems as well as mental health people with homeless issues, etc. need to be
addressed. More patrols at night and in early morning when teenagers are walking to school in the
dark.
200 Drugs in our schools, particularly the high school. Encouraging the school to set the bar high by
requiring all athletes to be drug tested.
Not allowing the sale of Marijuana in our city. If you do allow it enforcing the police to monitor minor
sales.
201 more and consistent bike lanes, more and consistent sidewalks, drug related issues especially among
our young people and families
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202 My most important concern is the drug availability and accessibility within our community; especially
to youth. There are very few connected sidewalks throughout the neighborhoods in or near
downtown. Increasing the number of sidewalks will be more safe for joggers, families and students
walking to school. Establishing a turn lane all the way down 12th/Oakes would make travel along
that corridor much more safe; finishing the trail from the ferry to downtown would make pedestrian
and bike travel along Oakes/12th much safer than actually walking/riding along 12th/Oakes.
203 I am concerned about the safety of those who remain below the horizon, the largely 'unseen' in our
community: the homeless, children and families in need, those with mental and physical health
disabilities, the elderly (particularly those whose income has not kept up with expenses).
206 Some roads are in need of improvement.
From the police blotter and the recent CHNA report it seems a huge safety issue is lack of mental
illness resources and illegal drug/alcohol resources/prevention.
West End Fire station is wonderful and need to be kept operational. However, it occasionally lacks
personnel and that is a concern out here for either fire or medical needs and could lead to loss of life
at some point.
207 The one I would like the city to look at is a left turn arrow at the light on 32nd. This is a very busy
intersection. I can't believe there is still not turn arrow there!
208 Crime, street conditions, potholes. Why do we still have
streets that have not been paved? Ninth street going west to the
dead end.
We see marijuana as a statewide problem. Let's not add to it
with a "shop" in the City of Anacortes.
209 The intersection at 32nd and M needs to be a 4 way stop. The skate park and Storvik Park need
more of a law enforcement presence. Our sidewalk connectivity is dismal in the older parts of town,
this is a major safety issue.
210 More sidewalks in the residential areas. Provide paths for bicycles and pedestrians so as to
encourage leaving the car at home. We could use more downtown parking.
211 I personally have not had any safety issues living here for the last 13 years. In fact, I think we have
too many street lights. I don't think they deter crime, but they block the night sky, and cost the city
a lot of money.
I also would look closely at the police budget. It seems high for a small city.
212 N/A
213 We have a growing number of homeless/mentally ill people wandering the streets - living in vehicles
etc. - and no unified coalition of groups/churches which have the 'power' to do more than provide
temporary food and shelter for these people.
A city wide plan to deal with ways to help these people, and to setup a communication system - to
help/protect the vagrants and the citizens alike.
214 1. Recently, several streets have been re-striped for diagonal back-in parking. This should be
eliminated except in cases where it provides clear and unambiguous benefit. As it is, it creates
increased dangers, both in the need to back into spaces and stopping traffic that may queue behind
vehicles attempting to park. This is especially true where such parking has been implemented on
side streets connecting to Commercial Ave. (e.g., 4th west of Commercial).
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217 I think that this city should really focus on pedestrian safety. I think that police officers in the city
should plan on several "stings" of giving out warnings to drivers in this town, and then follow that up
by issuing citations...and then keep it up. That is the only way people seem to learn. As someone
who walks a lot, I am amazed at how often I am not seen as I walk in a crosswalk by turning drivers,
or, even more alarming, how often my backside is nearly grazed as these impatient drivers try to
speed behind me to get on their way. I would like to see the laws on the books enforced in a way
they aren't currently. People must be made to feel safe to encourage them to walk; and we all know
that walking is a benefit to many things from individual to community to environment. I would like to
see Anacortes take a proactive and leadership role. Let's become a great and walk-able city. That
designation makes for destination appeal. We should do this also to support the many meaningful
and interesting walks that have been established to showcase Anacortes history and environmental
beauty.
218 More treatment for addictions and Mental Health locally.
I used to feel safe living near the Police Station, but when they had their tires slashed that has
dissipated.
More Neighborhood Watch programs.
219 Traffic. ? Coal export.
220 Coke trucks running through town at 3 minute intervals
Pedestrian walks across Commercial Ave.
Refinery stabilization. Soil remediation, Water quality in Bay, Air quality and Tsunami prevention by
adding plantings at March Point.
Remove fluoride from city water system
221 Drugs and alcohol issues among youth AND adults
I have been amazed by the DUIs in the area and those who drive after drinking heavily who do not
get caught.
Increase police force to deal with the above issues as well as traffic issues such as speeding and not
stopping at stop signs.
222 More police on foot or bicycle patrol in neighborhoods.
More communication with residents on issues that don't warrant calling 911.
Enforce laws that require vehicles to stop for pedestrians trying to cross intersections on M, N, O,
Commercial, and Q Avenues not controlled by lights.
224 Major crimes, theft. the City is relatively safe,
225 I feel very safe in Anacortes. I walk trails in Washington Park and feel very safe for the most part.
I've heard some concerns about things going on in the campground but haven't had any problems.
But it sure would be sad if that changed...
In addition, I think we could all slow down a bit when driving... me too!!
226 the City need to protect our image, " safe place to work and live"
227 Safety in the woods- Continue to build on police and fire dept. familiarity with ACFL and patrols.
Enforcement of off leash dogs and dog waste is of very high importance to us. Increased signage,
increase public education about wildlife, and proper response to witnessed violations, continue to
build on "eyes and ears" in the woods.
228 See question #4
229 None
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230 The increase in crime, particularly drug-related crime.
Revisit and update the city's emergency disaster response plan.
231 I'd like to see the city build on progress made in past years with streets and sidewalks to make them
more accessible, allowing for a safe, walkable city for all of our citizens.
I'd like to see all actions of the city take into account the concept of "universal design".
Universal Design makes things safer, easier and more convenient for everyone.
Universal Design involves designing products and spaces so that they can be used by the widest
range of people possible. Universal Design evolved from Accessible Design, a design process that
addresses the needs of people with disabilities. Universal Design goes further by recognizing that
there is a wide spectrum of human abilities. Everyone, even the most able-bodied person, passes
through childhood, periods of temporary illness, injury and old age. By designing for this human
diversity, we can create things that will be easier for all people to use. (from universaldesign.com)
232 Speed limits on streets such as "O" Ave. Perhaps paint speed limits on blacktop to reinforce limits.
Enforcement of stop signs, and running of "yellow" light violations, and pedestrian right of ways.
More Crosswalk designations on "Q" Ave between 17th and 9th St. Severe penalties for destruction
of forest lands and multi years penalties for
233 Frankly, I feel we have done a good job of making Anacortes a safe place. So, we should borrow from
our experiences and make sure we keep our funding and the safety priority in place.
234 Proliferation of B&E, petty crime and domestic violence.
Inadequate street presence of PD - speeding in residential neighborhoods.
235 Oh, I dunno. Maybe what happens if we get the mega-quake in the middle of winter, gas lines get
ruptured, power lines go down, bridge goes down, water tanks split open or pipelines rupture, fires
start, hydrants are dry, food runs out, no heat, very little heavy equipment available, snow on the
ground, stuff like that. We need a better disaster preparedness plan than one that calls for dept
heads to report to the court building and talk on phones. A quake like we're talking about will affect
the entire region so there's absolutely no rational reason to expect help will be available from Mt.
Vernon and beyond. We'll be on our own for a good long while. We'd better plan for it.
236 Unaware of safety concerns
237 Domestic abuse, hard drug use
238 My only concern is that motorists don't stop behind the crosswalks on Commercial ave. I have had to
walk around cars that are in the crosswalk, both in front and in the back of them. It is unsafe to go
behind them as then I am out of the crosswalk. One car didn't stop and I was able to put my hand on
their hood to balance and get their attention before they ran me over. I feel sorry for the tourists
walking in the downtown business district.
239 Air emissions from the refineries are an issue that the City needs to be more active in assessing and
working with the NW Clean Air Agency to protect public health. Also, with increased oil transport by
rail and continuing tanker traffic the area has a high potential for oil spills resulting from train
derailments or tanker spills. If a spill happened in Anacortes waters, this would be devastating to the
local economy. It needs to be something that is a priority focus of the City to ensure these
operations have the highest safety standards and accident preparation.
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241 a. Mayor’s Advisory Task Force on Drugs. Work with our City police department, schools, service
organizations and businesses to develop a program for awareness and reduction of our community
drug and alcohol problems.
b. Mayor’s Advisory Task Force on Poverty. Initially review existing programs and see what outside
funding is available to help address poverty at the city level.
c. Enhance the COA web portal to include a Crime Buster information page with Nixle links, current
scam deterrent information, citizen crime reporting link, etc. Display this same information on
Channel 10 with directions to web page reporting.
242 Our sidewalks and streets are very uneven. I have had two bad falls when out walking and my
husband has had a fall with severe injuries. I would like to see anacortes become the most walkable
city. It has great potential for this but needs to be safer.
In Edmonds, the traffic lights change immediately for pedestrians when you press the walk button!
Very walk friendly.
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Question 4) Are there any environmental issues that the city should address?
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Responses
Keep up the good work
Preserve and protect our community forests and parks.
None that I know of.
Review public notice minimum requirements to ensure they provide adequate opportunity for public input.
Is there a way to eliminate the Navy jet flyovers? This sort of noise is well know to have health
consequences. It also diminishes quality of life. As a whole, the major cleanup projects from the past
economic development are encouraging and a warning as well.
A wonderful improvement would be to plan for day-lighting of historic streams. There are many places
where water seeps from the ground (and freezes in sheets in cold weather. Are these old water courses
coming to surface?
Pollution (air, chiefly) from the refineries is likely linked to higher local rates of cancers and respiratory
diseases plus other maladies.
Intrusion on wetlands. Shell's in the application process for a 100-car oil train which is certain to impact both
land use and air quality.
The City should insure that new commercial bldgs. do not exceed reasonable square footage.
We are overly regulated by environmentalists who don't take care of their own backyards. Longtime
residents know more about our environment than newly brain washed college graduates. There is no global
warming. We have been global cooling for an 11 year cycle.
safety in regard to the oil refinery . . . this is quite scary really . . .anything could happen ....
Could the waste water treatment plant be made to supply energy?
Develop a plan to eliminate pesticide dependent landscaping.
Encourage our residents to do the same thing.
How about not walling off our water views along our thoroughfares? It would be a shame if all someone sees
along Oakes and R ave buildings with now view corridors. If you want to destroy our environment for both
residents and tourists go ahead and do that.
Restricting cutting of old established trees to the extent possible.
Fight any major new rail traffic from Burlington.
It is unfortunate that we do not have an architecture code which prohibits "tickytacky..all the same kind of
house" one after another, to be built in so many development subdivisions. It is too bad so many homes
have half the front of the house show cement and garage doors.
Plantings could help:
Plant more curb-side trees and also butterfly and bee friendly plants along all city streets with a campaign
that educates homeowners to take care to water them in the dry part of summer.
Some yards which are covered with vehicles, trash, or have large metal container units should be cleaned up.
The only issues that need to be evaluated are the Ports handling and shipping of prilled sulphur. Prilled
sulphur is a particularly nasty product that posses real risks and has no business in Anacortes. The only
reason The Port handles Prilled Sulphur is because the Port in Vancouver, BC has refused to handle the
product the Port of Anacortes handles, is because the product contains contains significantly more hydrogen
sulfide than Vancouver has determined acceptable.
None that I can think of.
A city program to minimize plastic bag use is a great idea. Working to be a certifiable green and sustainability
oriented city is also a healthy goal. The current cleanup projects around the waterfront are wonderful!
Encourage solar panels, help businesses efficiently dispose of waste products.
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I would like a study done re our local deer population. So much of their land is taken as they live on the fringe
of the forest and it is highly populated.
How can they co-exist within our crowded city...I've seen them walking down Commercial St. and of course,
8th Street, with speeding cars. Can we have a deer advisory committee within the Parks Dept.?
Is the City and are the residents interested in saving as much remaining forest land as is possible, especially in
the Mt. Erie area? Can we restart the acreage purchase program?
Complete the various site cleanups so waterfront development can occur.
Bring together representatives from local groups , have them decide priorities and chose one rep to sit on
your advisory council
Hoo-boy, yes there are many serious environmental threats that Anacortes must deal with. They are
described in Transition’s Vision 2030 (which will be completed in January 2014). Shell and Tesoro have both
been operating "out of compliance" with US environmental standards for years. We must help them operate
in compliance w/the Clean Air (and Water) Acts, to protect our citizenry from toxic releases. It will be very
difficult to attract the talent we need to transform our economy, if people realize that we have very high
cancer rates here.
Develop solar power in the city. Look for matching grants that will enable the public to donate towards
reducing our carbon footprint. PSE is giving us $20 K for a public solar installation. Why don't we double that
with the public contributing to make this happen?
The coal trains are very concerning given the close proximity to where they want them. The wind will bring
the pollutants here. The mile-long oil trains increase the possibility of a derailment, and I bet you we are
nowhere near prepared for that.
Making sure water quality is good and remains player in Shell's new railroad spur. verify no contaminated
soils,
Financial help with the Mount Erie Mediation efforts. Mount Erie presents a good attraction for hikers and
rock climbers.
The run-off of pesticides and fertilizers that threaten our oyster beds and seafood. As well as in increased
amount of "clear -cutting" our lands as housing developments expand.
There appears to be a plastic bag " issue" looming on the horizon that could be very divisive. Mayor Gere
needs strong citizen input to avoid being tagged as a "single issue" mayor before this comes before city
council.
Rescind the City's ban on creosote-treated timber products. It's a silly law that just makes us cut down more
trees and increases costs. Insist that any new environmental laws be based on hard science, not knee-jerk
emotion from Old-Towners.
Continue efforts in place that have continued to see Anacortes becoming one of the most beautiful towns in
the world.
No
None that I know of
Clean up the derelict buildings. Several tourists have remarked that it is not appealing to continue driving
north on Commercial - hey, maybe the City could buy that lot (from Commercial to Q) and make it an
appealing parking lot!
It would be good to see a report that lists the toxins in our air and water. It would be easier to answer the
question with this information. Beyond that, balance is key.
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Yes, please look at ways to reward certified green buildings (LEED, Built Green Washington, Passivhaus, Living
Buildings, Net Zero, etc.). About 40% of the energy used in the United States is used in homes.
Green buildings use less energy, less water (a touchy subject in Skagit County), save on natural resources like
wood, sequester carbon or use less in production, have lesser impacts on the surrounding environment (such
as erosion and water quality), are healthier to live in (better indoor air quality), and are even more
comfortable to live in (more even heating/cooling and better daylighting). Further more, green buildings are
typically more valuable and last longer than their non-green counterparts.
Green commercial buildings include all of the above, but can also increase worker productivity and are highly
marketable to customers (both attracting new businesses and marketing to the average lay person).
I think the city currently does a terrific job addressing environmental concerns.
Encourage more backyard composting
Ensure air quality is not impacted by oil refineries
South of 12th Commercial Ave. Architectural blight. A more comprehensive review plan. An architectural
review board that doesn't get hung up on details but also doesn't allow just any design that has no coherency
with the architectural plan.
We seem to be making very good progress in cleaning up various areas along the waterway!
I often wonder what chemicals are pouring out of the smokestacks at
the refineries. Converting crude oil to petroleum is a heavy duty
chemical business. I am not suggesting they should be shut down;
only that there be more transparency as to what is going on at
March Point.
Yes, keep the crazy environmentalist out of City Hall. Anacortes has a history of taking care of the
environment and being a place for PEOPLE and BUSINESS to work and live. We don't need to be overhauled
and more restrictions put on us.
Continue cleaning up and developing the waterfront.
Work with the port and the EPA to clean up old mill and cannery sites then sell to users or developers.
Population increase is possibly the biggest impact on the City’s environment.
1)Air pollution monitoring, especially for hydrocarbons from the oil refineries
2)Public Transportation: expanded bus routes and more frequent service would make public transportation a
much more viable option for residents going downtown or to Mt Vernon/Burlington
3)Carbon emissions- incentive programs and reduction goals (such as the Kyoto Protocol) for businesses,
families, City of Anacortes operations, and the community as a whole
no
No, those issues are adequately addressed by state and federal agencies.
* A local group is studying the high rate of cancer in Anacortes. Anacortes has earned the third highest rate of
cancer in the State and its citizens suffer from a 45 percent higher rate of bladder cancer than the rest of the
State. (This group will present its findings.) What are the causes of cancer and how does Anacortes reverse its
high rate of cancer?
Pollution of our lakes, waterways and keeping our forrest lands pristine.
We have plenty of green spaces, let work on some jobs
Our city is overzealous on environmental issues, the forest lands trails were created by motorcycles and
hydroplanes used to race on Heart lake now,.... phooey!
Downtown parking
City already doses a good job.
Be nice to quiet the jet noise. LOL
no
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We have an excellent environmental record except for the blockage of viable businesses locating in
Anacortes...Westport, MJB, GEM and Thethys are but a few that have not been allowed to build or expand
due to overzealous environmental concerns. We have more parks and green areas per capita than most
cities in WA, we protect our trees, waterways and waterfront. We are a clean city. We need to just keep
doing what we are doing, and we don't need to eliminate plastic bags at the grocery stores.
I think that this is a political issue that involves the Federal government and the Indian Nations. The issue has
to do with fishing rights. It appears to me that the Indian fishermen have a huge advantage over the U.S.
fishermen in that there are fewer restrictions imposed on the Indian fishermen, and that imposes impossible
limitations on the U.S. fishermen. Granted that the Indians were here first, but there have been many
generations gone past, during which time the restriction gap between the two governments should have
become more equitably merged so that neither has an advantage over the other's fishing rights.
The biggest one would be to be more vigilant concerning the air pollution put out by the refineries, chemical
plants and the new lumber operation out on Hwy 20. There are still tons of chemicals being released into the
air yearly.
Also, there are too many deer in Anacortes, which carry deer ticks and risk of lime disease. And too many
coyotes (none would be nice) I've lost two cats to coyotes and know many others who have lost dogs and
cats to them. Perhaps a relocation plan for coyotes would be a good idea. They have no natural predators
on the island and their population only grows.
Working with the state to streamline agencies to make it easier to do business in Anacortes and the state.
The environmental issue that is most important is to integrate environmental maintenance with our everyday
decisions, including the identification of industries to stimulate economic development.
None that I can think of.
1. Actively address only critical environmental issues.
2. Discourage / ignore activist activity on irrelevant ( plastic bag /coal train bans ) and fraudulent ( climate
change) issues.
3. In environment like so many things- perfection is the enemy of good enough. Economic impact must be a
part of any environmental discussion.
The coastline should be kept clean and free from industrial contaminants and pollutants.
Future industries should not contaminate local rivers, sea water, and the air by their activities.
The city should plan development based on new water supply projections given global-warming issues. Don't
sell our water supply!
Be sure to follow the recommendations of the Tree Preservation Ordinance---too many suburb developments
are losing their large stands of trees just for the convenience of the developers.
Add more vegetation. Trees along the waterfront to hide and help absorb the smoke from the refineries.
The refineries are the biggest detractors for this town. Air quality is not great because of being downwind
from them.
You can check it here: http://scorecard.goodguide.com/
Continue to protect the forest lands.
Protect our water resources. Continue to give port support for cleaning up the water front.
Is the city carefully assessing the residential developments along the Guemes channel? Is there appropriate
access built in for the public?
## We need to thoroughly study and map our levels of cancer and chronic disease on Fidalgo Island. The odor
that comes from the refineries is unhealthy, not just unpleasant. Whomever smells it is actively filtering toxic
pollution through their lungs. If the wind is not blowing the pollution towards you, it must be remembered
that it is still incessantly going into our air-shed and increasing the atmospheric pollution levels. Because the
State or National "acceptable levels" of some pollutants are not exceeded upon spot checks does not mean it
is safe. It simply means the acceptable levels are set too high and not inclusive of all the pollutants being
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discharged, without cost to the industry. The citizens' lungs bear the cost, with disease.
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City needs to address recycling of oil, oil bilge water, old fuel. There is a facility run by Cap Sante but it
accepts no fuel and is open only when port offices are open. It is a good start but needs to be expanded.
Facility needs to be in place at Skyline or at least advertised as being available on large visible signs.
Why are they considering building a "box store" on MJB property, along the waterfront? Why isn't the
former "Tethy's" sight being considered? It's not as if the Hwy 20 corridor between the reservation and
Sharpe's Corner is a scenic drive anyway. A Fred Meyer might go a long way to improve that area of the city.
While the City may have limited influence, anything that can be done to limit Navy touch and go ops
near/over the town needs to be done... there is an EIS scoping in process now. This noise is also an economic
development limitation.
The Port seems to be doing fine w/cleanups like that nearing completion at the old plywood site.
Expansion of the forest lands coincides with higher tourism. Coincide that action with more public water
access and you have a good recipe for bringing more people to town. I can't stress enough how people from
Anacortes from my generation (25-35) have witnessed this town grow by an enormous amount. We have all
seen enough, and future growth can occur in the current city limits.
Please do not start expanding the town out on highway 20. Its already a choke point for traffic and will
further take away business from downtown.
No. We do NOT need a ban on plastic shopping bags.
Continue protections in and around ACFL
Not to my knowledge.
Keeping the waterfront beautiful and people friendly is the biggest issue. Over use and inappropriate use
(motorcycles) in the ACFL areas, especially during the summer, is another. Finding ways to increase bicycle
commuting would be a great thing also. Assure that clean-up of our old industrial areas continues.
Continued clean-up of abandoned waterfront businesses.
a. Continue to co-operate with the Port of Anacortes, and county, state, and federal governments to clean up
our waters.
b. Institute a planned switch to L.E.D. lights in all City buildings, as the technology makes this efficient.
c. As street lights are replaced, install “Dark Sky” light bulbs.
*Air quality/refineries -- it is time to ask the hard questions about the refineries. What comes out of the
stacks? Who monitors? Which authorities oversee the refinery operations -- county? state? federal? How
often have one or both of the refineries been out of compliance with the amount/kinds of toxins being
emitted into the air? What are they doing about it? Are they doing all that they can and installing the best
possible technology to assure the lowest possible emissions? "From a story on Oregon Public Broadcasting,
we know that Shell’s refinery is a “high priority violator” of the US Clean Air Act. “Shell’s refinery has escaped
the intense publicity directed at its neighboring refinery in Anacortes, Wash., Tesoro, where a massive blast
killed seven workers in 2010. But Shell’s fines for environmental infractions actually outstrip Tesoro’s, with
Shell’s $291,000 in fines in five years numbering it as the No. 2-most-fined Clean Air Act violator in the
Northwest. Shell has also faced 16 notices of violation and 15 formal enforcement actions in that period. EPA
has classified the Shell refinery as a ‘high priority violator’ at least since the end of 2008, the ECHO database
shows.”
*Air quality/oil tankers - A 2006 Seattle Times analysis reported that areas with the worst air are those
around ports and refineries (i.e., because of diesel exhaust and hazardous pollutants). “Anacortes has some
of the region’s worst air, partly because huge oil tankers motor past and park at nearby refineries…. A single
freighter idling at port can produce as much diesel pollution as 2,300 semi-trucks driving down the highway.”
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*What about General Chemical? Any issues there? How about boat building in town? Are toxic emissions
from the products used tightly controlled?
*Please -- these concerns must be addressed, for the greater good, for everyone's best interest.
I can't think of any issues at this moment.
Keep an eye on refinery smell
The sanitation dept. recently notified citizens that bungee cords would no longer be allowed on trash cans. I
realize the reasoning of an identified danger this presents to sanitation drivers. But with the winds that we
frequently have, I think they should not change a rule, unless they can offer another solution. We will have
trash etc. all over the neighborhoods without an alternative to securing trash cans.
Perhaps the numerous boats docked here.
Plastic bags are hazardous to marine life..... Consider banning single-use plastic bags in the City limits.
Would like to see more recycling bins in the center of town.
Absolutely ! we have to be part of the future and that's what you represent! Bless you, I'm sooooo grateful
you took this on! I have never been so passionate about a political race before, I talked to and educated
everyone I could, in grocery lines, wherever! I was one of many that was dismissed at the city meetings! We
can't afford anymore polluting industries, we have enough, and they are not being accountable. We need to
go green, from using shopping bags to our individual carbon foot print, and the city, schools etc., can lead the
way by their example and it being talked about, on web sites, news papers, clam digger etc. I think more
people read the clam digger than the news paper. I think we should look into a group solar project, where if
enough people contributed it would cost less. Instead of coal trains, can we bring tourist trains?
Not really.
Wetland Protection – problems with Airport wetland protection
Under Maxwell/Munce –“ a culture of wetland neglect.”
“Don’t default to current protocol” (just because “it’s been done that way” doesn’t mean that’s the best or
most efficient way to do something.)
Laurie “should not have accepted Planning Commission recommendations. Some good candidates were left
on the sidelines. Concerned about 6 year terms. Serve at Mayor’s discretion and approved by council.
Fossil fuel depletion and increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will have a
devastating effect upon the future of Anacortes if we don’t start taking steps to manage events to sustain
Anacortes for future generations. We must start planning and implementing policies for Anacortes that are
not dependent upon fossil fuels. As politically difficult as it may be, the vision for the future of Anacortes, of
necessity, is one without the refineries. This is a dying industry like timber and plywood. Let’s make
Anacortes the showpiece for new sustainable communities that are not dependent upon fossil fuels or other
natural resources.
Longer term, we need to fix the ordinances to prevent inappropriate development in neighborhoods thru the
Conditional Use Process.
Is there anything the City can do to monitor and reports on emissions from the refinery? If this is already
being monitor, can the reports be made easily accessible? Does the City have emergency plans if there is an
oil spill, large fire, or terrorist attack on the refineries?
The City is environmentally prudent now and should continue to remain vigilant.
Port of Anacortes air and noise pollution, particularly Pier Two. It is known that one of the largest air
polluters on the west coast is now shipping. Large ports like Long Beach, Ca have begun to address the
problem. Although the City has little control over vessels underway they can regulate, or influence, ships at
berth. Ships tied to Pier Two run bunker fuel in generators and cause substantial pollution to the Cap Sante
neighborhood, including at night. At the very least a study group could be formed with the Port and the City
to address public concerns.
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I would love to see some sort of a program that encourages the central business district and Commercial
zoning areas to have a bit of an architectural cohesion. It should not be made to be overwhelming and
impossible for exterior improvements, but also I would love to see us defer the costs for the permit for a
couple years if an owner can make exterior improvements that go along with an architectural plan.
I'd like to see the city establish a program to control our street runoff and treat it before it reaches salt water.
It can be done over time with small increments each year and would make an important contribution to
improving Puget Sound water quality.
Continue to support recycling
Monitor new businesses to ensure clean operations
We need to make as light a footprint on the environment as possible. This especially means maintenance and
improvement of our great existing parks and forest lands and directing future development, both commercial
and residential, toward minimizing that footprint while guiding reasonable growth and development.
Lack of shopping opportunities in Anacortes causes excess emissions in the region from cars. Residents have
to make a 30 mile round trip to get essentials. This alone would solve perhaps the largest environmental
issue we have right now.
Set scorecards for community environmental goals such as recycling and communicate our community
progress. Lead the effort.
Set a goal for more bike accessibility. Once we have the Guemes Trail completed we have serious bicycle and
walk-way bragging rights. Continue - lets be the Sun River of the north.
I just learned from a chemist who works at the refinery that there should never be any odor from the refinery
if they are running their processes correctly. They are actually fined if anyone makes a smell complaint
because it means they are polluting. I think the city could work to be more vigilant in making sure the
refinery is not unduly polluting.
I think the city could do more to promote composting through yard waste collection.
I would also like to see styrofoam banned in our city. It would be relatively painless for restaurants and
grocery stores to give up since there are compostable alternatives and it would help the environment.
I would also like to have something done about light pollution. I hate all the streetlights on my block. I wish
they were not on all night, or that the lights was more downwardly directed. I have had several friends
complain about neighbors with floodlights in their yards that are needlessly left on all night. I think it would
be neat if there were an ordinance that required lights to either be motion activated or to use a colored bulb.
I would like to be able to see the stars!! I think the city could consider having the lights of commercial go on
in alternating patterns to save energy and decrease the amount of light pollution.
Proper mitigation of critical areas and our shoreline.
Hopefully, save the rest of the trees that are on the island!
The refineries are starting to have really nasty emissions. I've lived in the same house - near the middle
school - since September 2003. I barely noticed the refineries at all up until the last year or so. Now it seems
like every evening a nasty odor shows up for a couple hours. I know they aren't within city jurisdiction, but it
is something the city could maybe look into. I lodged a complaint once, and WA State environmental
department did respond saying that mine wasn't the only complaint.
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Doing everything we can to keep our water resources!
I love the solar initiative that Anacortes is part of. We have signed up for that through PUD. The Solar display
on the middle school is very exciting. Hopefully the city will continue to look for chances to sue more solar.
protecting water trees and air. Holding the refineries accountable for their nasty smells.
none
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The new "products" in development at the refineries need a close watch. They are entirely different
substances than crude oil -- they will create new environmental hazards. Are there plans to put appropriate
new safeguards into place?
Work with the Port of Anacortes on storm water and outfall issues, as well as cleanup of contaminated
properties.
Unseen toxic emissions from both refineries are a consistent concern. The city should work more closely with
the oil companies to explain this concern and request assurance, with monitoring data that emissions are
well within federal and state standards.
none that I can think of at the moment
Keep doing a good job on this.
None I'm aware of.
No. There are plenty of folks to worry about those issues. Don’t waste your energy let others do that. Just
know when issues are coming and who are the folks driving issues usually they are not the ones doing talking.
Emissions from the refinery. Noise and air pollution (from automobiles and trucks) in neighborhoods near the
main gateways in and out of town (build the concrete divider walls as we see in other cities?), our water from
the tap, often smells like a swimming pool the last two years (a chlorine, cloroxy smell and taste).
I don't believe we have serious environmental issues. The creosote in the water gets address with
remediation plans.
Balance, balance, Balance
There is no right answer here. We need to economically grow and yet not destroy our environment. We
would not be the community we are today if it were not for the refineries. And yet, if they tried to move to
Anacortes today, they would get run out of town. I have found it quite embarrassing they way we have
handled the past few endeavors. Lets first-create a plan of BALANCE and then go out and find the industry
that fits the criteria. It will take MONEY--but will be worth it.
I read the reports from the county on the quality and farms that are contributing to erosion of unhealthy
contaminants that are making there way to the water. This is a slow process when it doesn't have to be. Our
environmental issues need to eliminate the idea of democrats vs republicans. This issue needs to quit being a
hot button of opinions and needs to be what it's really about, the truth. And the truth is it's the number one
priority, it's our fault and we need to take responsibility for it and do something about it. And as a small
community, we can.
We are on the right track.
1. Noise abatement from increased traffic at Whidbey Naval Air Station.
2. Increase in pollution from greater rail traffic to refineries.
3. Consideration of parking problems in the downtown area.
Now that the Tethys plant will not be built, I understand that a building of one million square feet will not be
allowed, so the potential environmental and traffic problems related to that size of plant are eliminated. The
current refineries bringing in and out one hundred car trains a day could be a potential environmental
disaster. Such a disaster has already occurred in Canada with the train overturning and catching fire,
destroying much of the town.
Protect the forestlands. Make sure there is no encroachment. That is the one feature about the town that
makes it truly unique.
Be careful about overbuilding, i.e. putting too many homes in a small area. Please be careful about changing
zoning. When people move in they don't want the area they have carefully researched to change.
There are natural areas in the city limits, especially wetlands, that should not be built on - be sure the city
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permitting department keeps track of this.
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Promote walking & biking to reduce car usage
The refineries are among the state’s worst polluters and this should be addressed for our safety. When the
wind is in our direction the smell is disagreeable even though they say it is harmless.
Make data based decisions by examining every environmental effort that has been done in the past 5 years
and determine how effective they have been. Apply the same successful strategies and tactics to programs
that are not producing satisfying results. “If it's working in one area duplicate it in areas that are not
working”
1. Keep the stink level down coming from the refinery. The refinery is important to Anacortes but that
doesn't mean they shouldn't be held to existing clean air standards.
2. light pollution - this should be taken into account when setting up city lighting
Storm water drains. Climate change. Protection of our forests and wetlands. Accessibility to our natural
resources and more public outreach and education.
Are we doing our part to insure clean water in the bays around us? Are we monitoring air quality (or working
with those agencies who do) to identify sources of pollution?
I'm impressed with what has been done and trust such efforts will continue
We are doing a lot for the recycling and garbage pickup. Education in the purchasing and sorting department
of each family, business would be of value to us all in the long run. More gardens, chickens need to be
encouraged. We also have a lot of dog's peeing all over the place----which is really hard to stop(unlike the
feces that is usually picked up by the owners of the pets). The winter rains usually take care of a lot of the
smell...etc.
We are also having a lot of deer, raccoons and gray squirrels that are overtaking the environment. Pretty
hard to stop but it needs a season for a few sharp hunters.
Add more public transportation options. I would love to not have to drive as much in town.
Make retaining our focus on green space and healthy environment a priority. Look ahead proactively to a
time, soon, when the oil refineries are not the powerhouse of tax revenue they are now. Use the Transitions
group -- there are amazingly knowledgeable, can-do people who care fiercely and will help.
Climate Change. Seriously, I know that's a huge issue but all the more reason it needs to be addressed. What
is Anacortes doing to prepare for the changes that will come as the weather becomes more unpredictable,
the sea levels rise, the ocean becomes more acidic, and the price of petroleum products skyrockets. We have
all of the makings for a vibrant and resilient community right here in our town. We should take advantage of
that and prepare for the future.
None that I am aware of except the refinery. I hope they are making it safe for their employees.
See #3
1) Protection of the south side of Mt. Erie, currently under threat to logging and development. It is the most
spectacular side of the mountain and it is not protected! I believe the City should look at purchasing this
property from the current owner, who is negotiating for either a sale or conservation easement. Please
address this situation.
Make the refineries cut back on the pollution.
I feel that this is one of the cleanest and most environmental cities I have ever lived in and know she will
keep it that way.
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I have to say when a city our size has its own cancer center and soon to be kidney dialysis center one has to
wonder what the air and water quality actually is. My question is how active and accurate (if they exist on a
regular, responsible, thorough, Impractical basis) is the monitoring system on pollution from all sources but
especially the refineries, added oil trains and types of oil now carried on these lines. and finally safety issues
on increased oil carriers on our water and land.
Congrats on your election! If you have the opportunity, I would like to speak with you or even your council
members sometime regarding the issues in our watershed. I believe Anacortes can play a very important roll
in cleaning up the current situation with the 2001 Instream Flow Rule. The history is quite revealing when
the facts are laid out. We would like to see a change of direction from Anacortes to support amending the
instream flow rule. I would be happy to talk with you anytime and would greatly appreciate the opportunity.
Thank you.
ISSUE: Respect for and protection of natural vegetation in the ACFL.
Development and re-development of recreational areas and facilities in the ACFL should place priority on
preservation and enhancement of natural vegetation and environmentally sensitive project design.
In response to the expected outcry from the ACFL bureaucracy that this has long been ACFL operational
policy, I will mention the Heart Lake Area Master Plan, which is an environmental disaster and monument to
gross environmental insensitivity and misdirection, but was approved in spite of multiple documented
protests to ACFL management.
ISSUE: Improved performance of Planning Department on application of Anacortes' environmental codes.
Laurie--as a longtime member of the Planning Commission, you are well aware of the long parade of projects
that arrived at public hearing with many problems of factual inaccuracy and ineffective and incomplete
application of environmental codes. There is no reason why many of these problems should not be
addressed during pre-hearing staff review of project applications, since the staff, not the public, is tasked
with and paid to properly and effectively administer City codes and ordinances.
Right now I find that the construction along Oakes Avenue where San Juan Passages is expanding, and has
obscured the bike lane almost 100% is unacceptable. We need to keep bikers safe! Please!
Please work towards safe biking routes so those of us who bike when we are not working (or bike to work)
can arrive safely.
Poor renters pay too much money for energy. Big can'o'worms there.
The refineries send a lot of pollution into town. The freaking Navy crop-dusts us with toxins and small
particulates every time those planes ROAR overhead. Not only noise pollution, but they poison our air. I
know, sound of freedom, jobs for America, blah-blah. There must be something we could do to chip away at
the death in the air we breathe here in paradise.
I think residents could be encouraged to assume responsibility in conserving our resources. A rain garden
project for homeowners encouraging the filtering of runoff through the ground, rather than running down
streets is good for the water that surrounds us. And encouraging residents to be careful using pesticides and
herbicides.
I think the EPA can take care of that. And the refinery’s manage their own very well.
Water availability in the future is likely to be a significant issue with low flow conditions likely to occur with
climate change. Do not commit so called excess water rights to schemes such as Tethys. Water is one of the
most valuable resources around the world. Proposals to contract Anacortes water rights away for long
periods at incredibly low rates are irresponsible and insane.
Finish the Guemes trail and NOT let a minority of property owners block a wonderful project.
We are fortunate to have a great deal of waterfront. We should develop it in a way which is beneficial to all
citizens, as well as visitors, and not just dedicated to special interests.
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Prevent clear cutting by developers as much as possible.
Establish wildlife corridors. Keep the tree ordinance.
a. There are so many unsightly and environmentally unfriendly issues, especially in Old Town. Get a network
to "beautify" and make environmentally friendly the city. For example--get rid of derelict vehicles, especially
near to runoff to water areas.
b; Provide assistance to people who are responsible for derelict buildings. Create ordinances for building and
vehicle upkeep.
c. Some people complain about the deer- but they don't bother me. But I believe that racoons are a health
hazard and should be culled.
d. Strong reinforcement for dogs on leash.
e. Is there a plan to remove creosote pilings?
we need a local recycling depot....
I believe they are being addressed in the comprehensive planning and permitting processes.
State ecology has noted a large amount of solid waste material being collected in storm drain filers at the
marina. I feel that the city could be doing more to assist the port with this problem. Bob Hyde has additional
information on this problem.
Reduce solid waste collection to every other week with bigger cans. Like Bellingham does. This reduces the
number of miles garbage trucks drive. That's half the pollution and half the road damage.
The persistent odors and particulate precipitation over the City appear to be unaddressed community health
issues
Plastic bags and discarded cans/bottles along our roadways
preservation of forest and park lands
Concern for air quality with the nearby refinery is a worry. How is the air quality? Previous city officials
never wanted to discuss this issue, for obvious reasons but it is necessary to address honestly.
Increased rail/truck traffic is a concern. The coal and other shipments on roads, rail and waterway are a great
concern. Recent spills on rails points to need to improve infrastructure...not just locally but nationally.
How are the rails in our (county?) area? Are they in need of fixing like other parts of the country?
Keep our water ways clean.
Animal poop (horse, dog?) has caused water quality issues at Heart Lake. Require animal owners to scoop in
the forest lands.
Seasonally there is creosote wood that floats onto our beaches. The ivy take over in our parks needs
constant attention. Greenbelts and bridges or tunnels for wildlife to move about without fear of ferry traffic
or hi-way crossings. Animals have rights to!
We should set an example as a green city (again, that plays into tourism). Have a campaign to encourage
residents to sign up with green power. Plant more trees and shrubs, especially along sidewalks. Connect
neighborhoods through bike and walking paths. Change the code so that new roads are not all gigantic.
Make this a pedestrian friendly town. Have restrictions on overly bright lights being on all night-quite
annoying for neighbors. Stop using plastic bags. Set up a city composting site and more community gardens.
N/A
I am not well informed enough concerning any environmental concerns to address this question Continue to protect existing Anacortes Community Forest Lands and existing City park lands. Be proactive in
defense of major landmark sites such as Mt. Erie (e.g., regarding potential negative visual and recreational
impacts from logging, as was recently proposed on the slope of Mt. Erie).
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Mentioned above: the sewer issue. I have read a little bit and spoken with a buddy who works in electric
infrastructure. Perhaps lining the deteriorating pipes with pvc.... That we are potentially having effluent
draining from the water table into the Sound is something that we should do something about immediately.
Also, I think there should be in place some kind of permit process to remove trees from private property. The
nature and character of neighborhoods can be so affected by large shrubs and trees, and thus cutting trees or
large shrubs can affect neighborhoods in a way that should be reviewed for the benefit of both the property
owner AND the neighborhood. I think the city should seek to encourage rain gardens, and also alternatives to
pavement when there is remodeling or new construction going on.
Have the City sign up for Green Power.
Install More Solar panels with Community Help.
More gardens for local food.
Air pollution from the refineries? This was NOT Allowed to be included in the Study by the City.
Rising Sea level and Ocean Acidification.
More Rain Gardens and Green Roofs.
Maintain trails and parks. Support outdoor recreation sites.
Storm water issues.
Increase rain gardens to address storm water issues.
Fluoride in water system should be eliminated=public and h2o hazard.
Protect the shore lines from developments that would pollute visually as well as physically, maintain forest
lands, a proper zoning code to protect the environment..
I have been dismayed by the junk piled around some houses. I do not know if there is a code to clean the
city up, but feel there needs to be.
Besides being visually disgusting I think it is also an environment that contributes to the rat population in this
town..
City should tell Whidbey NAS to stop training flights over the city by 9PM. They occasionally go on until after
midnight, rattling windows, frightening pets, and making conversation or sleep difficult.
(1) None! (Control of the climate by man is a costly national farce.)
More information about hazardous waste disposal and educating folks more about discharges into our storm
drain system.
For instance, where should I put those little propane canisters we use for our bbq - in the trash? And expired
marine flares... in the trash? Doesn't see like a good idea to me... So who should I call to ask about that?
Also, maybe an Eagle Scout/Girl Scout program might be to really educate folks about why they don't want to
wash there car, driveway, use herbicides, etc. and have it go down the gutter to the drainage inlet. We all
really love where we live and I don't believe folks understand the true impact of our urban/suburban
drainage on our marine environment.
Yes, the City needs to continue to be vigilant with regards to protecting our pristine waters with regard to
refineries/pollution; the safety concern is when they are lax when it comes to recruiting business or
manufacturing that compromises our environment.
Habitat and wildlife connectivity, recreational impacts education and mitigation, dog waste throughout city,
invasive species management, pesticide and herbicide impacts on wildlife and groundwater.
Critical environmental concerns with new program to move lard train loads of oil products; cannot stress
importance enough.
Storm water Outfalls into the bay, marina, and Guemes Channel need treatment.
None that I am currently aware of.
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I believe that a bag ban in our grocery stores would be a responsible move. I believe the city should look at
the feasibility of solar panels on city buildings and encourage solar panels on homes and businesses. I
understand that the city has a good record of regarding solid waste vs. recycled material. With the recycling
business constantly changing, changing, I think more could be done toward ongoing recycling education to
help the percentage of recycled material increase even more.
Severe penalties for destruction of Forest lands and multi-year penalties for abuse of code violations for such
destructions especially within residential areas.
Again, I believe we have an excellent track record in this area. But, we need to keep this has a major focus,
especially as it relates to the waterfront.
Brownfield site clean-up, runoff to Fidalgo Bay, encourage/require Low Impact Development and "Smart
Streets" (private and City developments).
I'm sure others will have plenty to offer.
I don't feel qualified to answer
Continued careful planning. Renewed commitment to protecting and repairing wildlife corridors between the
ACFL and the water. Promote a dialogue about the future of March's Point and the reality of living with global
climate change. (see below)
I hope they don't address the plastic bag issue with retailers. Anacortes's citizens are environmentally
responsible and don't need to be told to do something like this. I can tell you plenty of horror stories from
other retailers forced into this situation.
Climate change is a real and serious issue that will impact Anacortes in the years ahead. Skagit County
convened a Climate Change task force to make recommendations to the County. Anacortes should convene
a similar committee to look at climate change and sustainability to provide recommendations to support the
strategic plan development. The Swinomish Tribe issued an assessment of the threats of sea-level rise, which
could be expanded to look at specific threats to Fidalgo Island, especially since a lot of areas were developed
by filling and could be seriously impacted by sea-level rise in the future. Air emissions from the refineries are
an issue that needs to be addressed (see above). Also, storm water runoff into Fidalgo Bay and other
surrounding waters is an issue. Currently, the Samish Indian Nation monitors ~45 outfalls into Fidalgo Bay, so
a partnership with the tribe on storm water pollution would be prudent.
a. Environmental Leadership in green industries, such as alternative energy and outdoor recreation. Work
with local alternative energy and other “green” businesses to help them start up and grow.
b. Develop a Clear Water Policy that spells out a policy of conservation and economic development with our
water right assets.
c. Attend or hold a summit on regional climate adaptation planning and preparation.
d. Work with the parks and forestlands to ‘maintain’ not ‘enhance’ our forestlands and parks. We have an
envious infrastructure of parks and forestlands, maintain it but hold enhancement until the City budget and
infrastructure building and maintenance issues have been prioritized. Work with the Forestlands Advisory
group and the Parks Commission to develop a strategic plan for maintenance and future enhancement.
e. Walkways, bikeways, greenways: These provide benefits for transportation, the environment, health, and
recreation.
1. Meet with City staff regarding the status of development of these areas.
2. Meet with the Bicycle Advisory groups to help promote biking to work.
3. Consider promoting a weekly event called ‘Meet Me Downtown’ that promotes walking, biking, running
and downtown businesses.
4. Accelerate development and linkage of urban trails and greenways.
5. Favor mixed-use development that encourages biking and walking.
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Question 5) What suggestions do you have to make the mayor’s office more accessible to all its citizens?
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Responses
Major could hold open meetings for everyone bi monthly to be on any issues they may have.
A permanent survey site such as this one, so anyone (with a computer) can communicate at any time.
Appoint an Ombudsman to handle concerns by prioritizing and responding to them. You will not have time
to talk with a lot of people walking in your door.
None
Establish and maintain a Mayor's Office communications schedule. Every message from the Mayor should
include an invitation and method for contacting the Mayor. And every inquiry should be responded to
promptly. Again, you'll need a strong support staff.
Give yourself a filtered web site/ email address. Make sure that ALL ongoing actions are visible for public
access and keep the sort of pipeline you have here.
Give public coffees a la Jill Boudreau.
Be available to reporters.
Open door policy. Treat every person like you want to be treated...which you already do.
listen, read the emails,
First of all, many wouldn't participate. Maybe a 'salon' type get together for a half hour before council
meetings?
Implement a town hall meeting program - perhaps offer healthy snacks donated by local markets as a lure.
Swear you in as Mayor for a start. Don't let us all believe that out of towners have more access than we do.
Open up the City Council meetings with more public comment, especially about topics on the agenda that
are not quasi-judicial.
Not sure.
There is only so much the mayor can do as far as allowing access to the office and still have time to run the
city. The cities web site, if updated, can provide the citizens, what is being considered by our elected
officials.
That, and no more decisions made without letting the community knowing what is being considered should
satisfy the majority of the citizens of Anacortes.
Publish a brief council meeting minutes in the paper and on web page.
Publish a monthly summary of city hall goings-on in the paper and web page.
Surveys like this are great! Get the city and mayor's office on Facebook!
Coffee hours
Laurie might have a set time each month where citizens can drop in to discuss anything they are concerned
about.
a. Redesign the city's chamber to be citizen friendly
b. Hold city council meetings at different locations once-in-a-while and allow the public to speak at length
on any topic at these other locations.
c. Change the agenda to permit citizens to address any topic on the agenda.
d. Require the CC and Mayor to respond in writing (on the web?) to every question asked by citizens, and
don't permit action on a motion until all questions are answered. Some answers could be done verbally right
when asked during a meeting.
Have open house coffees or afternoons of Meet the Mayor; have someone who will return all emails and
phone calls in good time.
More dialogue between city council and public
Monthly coffee with the mayor.
Meet and greet.
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1. Establish a blog site so that people of all ages and occupations can weigh in with opinions and suggestions
on City matters.
2. Perhaps the Mayor could establish a schedule where she will be available downtown to have "coffee and
conversation “with everyday citizens.
Posting online information regarding the city council meetings' agenda. Perhaps having a "concerned
citizens" text or email notification. Expanding the opportunity for audience input at city council meetings.
Show that you are not beholden to any special interests as a carryover from election
None, it has always been accessible and should continue to be so.
I have complete faith that Laurie already has better ideas on this than I do.
With the load you now have it would seem nearly impossible to be readily accessible to everyone at any
time. Perhaps you could have a one or two hour time period once a week or twice a month or one a month
where citizens can register to have a one on one with you for 5 minutes...(kinda like the Godfather - lol)...but
they could sign in with their issue and then wait their turn to talk with you. And you could certainly have a
filter system or a neutral staff person in those meetings.
Have a citizen action committee. They could represent different organizations and companies, have a voice
for them and who keep lines of communication open with the mayor's office
Not sure...I've never had a problem reaching Dean or Laurie.
I don't believe accessibility is the problem. I think, as in most communities, that there is a large majority of
citizens who do not show up at city council meetings, or planning commission meetings, or visioning
sessions, etc., but they care just as much as anyone in our town about our future. I think it is important for
Mayor Gere to proactively reach out to those constituents and not wait to have them come to her.
Hold a regular "open office time" that is publicized.
Town halls or information gathering sessions such as what were done for the Anacortes Futures project.
Laurie's campaign to have regular meetings is a start. The Mayor's
annual address on the State of the City needs to be public - not just
to the Chamber of Commerce. She touts openness and transparency
and we need to hold her to it. I have no doubt that she means what
she says.
The mayor's office has always been accessible to those who are interested. Just because one shows up at
city hall does not mean they represent the majority of Anacortes - people let their elected officials know
when they have a problem with what they are doing and the silent majority does need to be considered.
On the City website, there should be a prominent spot on the front page where Citizens could "Report a
Problem or a Concern" the city could review these continuously and forward them over to the appropriate
department for response. Citizens don't always know which dept. is appropriate to take their concerns or
maybe more than one dept. might be involved. This "one stop" input point would allow the city faster input,
a chance at an even faster response and a way to track what has happened.
Making it a priority and always starting from the basis of "how can we bring more people into this
discussion?"
Tough to answer. Those that want to get heard will, as it takes effort on both sides. Don't get caught up in
the loudest group, as they don't often represent the majority.
Give a monthly report on what has transpired within city government. What public works are being done,
What is the schedule of upcoming meetings and agenda.
Get the waterfront user friendly to all not just boaters.
I don't think people realize if they call and ask to talk with a department head or the Mayor, they will receive
a call back. Our website is currently getting a long over do make over.
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* The mayor hosts quarterly town hall meetings, whereby he/she holds discussions with citizens without
stiff, city council format.
* That no citizen be denied a seat with the mayor for discussion within city hall. Citizens who wanted to talk
with Mayor Maxwell about Tethys before the 2010 contract signing were denied any accommodation with
him and were forced to hold a meeting with him and Ryan Larsen in a hallway.
Create an accessible online means for people to voice concerns and offer ideas. Form some citizens
committees that would be kept informed about what the mayor's office is doing and give them the task of
getting this information out to as many citizens as possible. These ad hoc groups would also be good
"ground troops" to gather suggestions and concerns and ideas from a wide variety of Anacortes residents. I
would forms these groups from a lot of different neighborhoods and age groups. Town Hall type meetings.
The mayor's office has always been accessible.
Open door
Stuff like this survey is great
Coffee groups (as Laurie mentioned during her campaign) with department heads and Mayor
Continue to be involved in community events and community service.
E-mail
Hold open discussion when possible.
We have had plenty of access to the mayor's office. Those who are rude, obnoxious and aggressive may
have had a problem but the rest of us have found the mayor's office open at any time for any discussion on
any topic.
Hold an open quarterly meeting with the mayor and the citizens of Anacortes. Similar to what certain
council members do now.
See the response to Item 1. above.
I think the plans she has in the works seem fine.
I can't imagine it being more accessible than it is. Perhaps hosting weekly coffee chats like Mayor Boudreaux
holds in Mount Vernon.
I think it should have town hall meetings with specific age groups to find out what their concerns are . . . Like
HS night when kids can voice concerns without adults over talking them. Also a Mom town hall where Moms
can voice their concerns.
A simple open door policy. You are already being proactive in this regard.
More public meetings, surveys such as this are also an excellent tool.
See 7. below
I have never felt the mayor's office is inaccessible.
A "Chat with the Mayor" session that is regularly held to have her hear citizens' ideas and concerns. Three or
four times a year?
Let us express our wishes this way, and observe what the majority of the people want.
Let the people vote on major issues.
Let us sit in on some of the meetings that happen with staff. It would be great if we really knew what hard
work goes into making things work. Encourage city council meeting attendance. Have neighborhood coffees
- they could be attended by the mayor and/or any of the staff. The city council members should meet with
their ward members on a regular basis.
How about hosting open house sessions for an hour or two, once a week or month with the doors open and
the mayor present for conversation. No corporate lobbyists allowed.
An open website such as this.
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Don't know... but I certainly felt short changed when an admin person responded negatively to the only call
I've made to the mayor's office since moving back.
Has also seemed difficult to get a call through to city staff, but that might be necessary for them to manage
their time.
Make the mayor’s office more tech friendly (ie Facebook, twitter, email). It’s the way we all communicate
now and is helpful to all citizens.
Use social media, city/mayor Facebook page, use IT more effectively, channel 10 could be much more
entertaining if some time/energy was invested in making it so.
Let the citizens know that the office is open and friendly.
Mainly I hope you don't undertake large changes, especially land use changes, without considerable input
from the community. We are all very passionate about this place.
Move your office to the first floor. Instead of sitting at the top of the "castle". Let the people coming and
going in everyday City business, see their Mayor.
Regular meetings in various parts of town would be a good idea. I have been impressed in reading about the
regular coffee events that Mount Vernon’s new mayor, Jill Broudeau, hosts. Friends living in MV seem very
happy with her administration and its accessibility.
Institute an established, monthly citizens’ comment period for discussion of any topic of interest to those
participating.
How about an open house sometime? I have never been through the City Hall and I don't know where the
Mayor's office is located, or where the other departments are either.
A monthly activity like hikes or coffee that are open to anyone. Be available to the public some place else
than the golf course...or your office for that matter, it can be intimidating to the average citizen. Something
that promotes the community and its attributes. A chance for anyone to participate.
You may consider having an email or phone hot line where citizens can call when they have concerns. Try to
have someone get back with the concerned party within a reasonable time frame.
Encourage more volunteers on city committees
This web site is a great start. I hope, unlike our previous mayor, if a citizen has a reasonable concern, they
can get past your secretary and get to actually talk with you. Also, quarterly town hall meetings would
improve access.
Brown bag lunches.
Encourage more participation of locals at City Council meetings.
Perhaps a quarterly Q&A with the Mayor open to the public.
A mayor’s internet forum.
Just do what you said, I know you will, and I know everything you have said is true and sincere and you have
a beautiful heart! If it can happen here, and it was very corrupt, maybe DC can change! We can be the
example for them! A email newsletter would be great, even if it was short.
112 Regular reports to the community. Put any personal agenda aside.
113 open door policy and an email site to speak our minds. Communication is vital. Also listen to the concerns of
those who live outside the city limits. What happens from inside town also effects those who live on this
island but have no vote.
114 Maxwell was “always accessible but you weren’t heard.”
“Never go in to see the Mayor alone.”
“always felt intimidated when testifying in front of the mayor. Entirely different atmosphere at county
commissioner’s hearings.
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115 I am satisfied that the electorate has chosen a Mayor who by her experience and personality is and will be
accessible to the all community members.
117 Post a summary of all meeting agendas on Facebook, twitter, email, everything as soon as they are available.
Then post summaries of the meetings in the same places.
118 Change the culture to be more of a listening and learning organization.
119 Basically an open door policy. Maybe public round tables a couple times a year.
120 I think you will be open and easy to reach, but caution may be needed if small interest groups are formed
that a select few do not control the decision of the many. Sometimes a vocal few overpower the voice of
the general public because most people do not want to publically speak up. Being a public servant is a lot
like being a parent, sometimes you see the whole picture and have to override a decision that is a piece of
the pie, but not representative of the whole.
122 Open communication
Friendly and informative website
Improve the educational channel ten to make it a viable communication source
City Council meetings open to public comment and concerns
123 Communication, communication, communication. You can't do too much communication both up and down
the command structure from citizen to Mayor/council, but also in parallel lines between members of each
level. Today there are multiple and expanding infrastructures (email, blogs, twitter, suggestion box at city
hall) and few people use all or even many of these lines. The mayor and city council should be connected to
as many as possible by spreading the responsibility for attending and reporting on within the government
structure.
124 None. How the Major responds to citizens is key to making it more accessible. You have demonstrated an
ability to actually consider other points of view.
125 This has not been a problem. While Dean was accessible and he listened, he mostly did what, in his view, was
best for the city.
He did not go out to seek input, but he was accessible.
I believe Laurie needs to spend some portion of her time continuing the dialog in the community. If she just
gets initial input from some people through her listening tour (and election doorbelling), and does not
continue the dialog - she will lose the political capital she is building. This is very important because she is
already being identified as leaning towards one group and their interests and not the general interests of
Anacortes. This is unfortunate.
Pick a theme. Put arms around it. Come up with plan. Execute without over-committing. Make things
happen.
129 Set more open community meetings at different times and venues.
130 Email access, posting on Facebook page, things like this survey.
Maybe a feature in the American as needed asking for opinions/feedback etc on upcoming issues.
131 Being new to town, I don't know what the mayor's office has done in the past, but probably some regular
office hours would be good; some times when people know that you will be in your office.
132 I think Laurie Gere will accomplish this on her own by her open and gracious personality.
133 it is
134 Publish council meeting agendas and the schedule of programming on the civic tv channel.
135 We have no doubt the mayor's office will be open to the opinions of all its citizens. Doing business behind
closed doors without transparency only makes people distrust.
136 1 - Provide a contact form on the mayor's website, and have her office share metrics on the number of
questions, inquiries, or complaints received by topic on quarterly basis. Allow submitters to request a reply
as an option.
2 - Conduct at least twice yearly town hall meetings, recorded for playback via web or cable, to accept
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questions from an audience of citizens and to speak to topics the Mayor deems important for discussion.
140 Maybe a regularly scheduled monthly coffee klatch.
141 Have a great office administrator and pay that person well.
142 We are blessed that Laurie has always been "around". This brings a sense of familiarity already - which
makes her feel accessible right away.... doing things like this survey - coming to public events - the way she is
already available and has an advisory/transition committee.
143 Hold periodic meet & greets in small groups so that each person feels listened to and not over-talked or
dismissed by others with strong opinions.
144 Just be ....
Have coffee hours once a month....
Be visible and open to ideas...
Laurie will do this just fine by being herself.
145 In how this is addressed in our small community, we can get beyond the political boarders that the media
has created. I'm sure you can remember in the 50s and 60s when the news was the real news, now the
corporations that run the world own the media. We, our children are being misled, hypnotized into the way
they want us to think and live. They used it to put a stop to the uprising of the people back then who were
taking a stand for goodness, our future. Take the drugs out of the 60s, and at its core it was a movement to
achieve what our forefathers intended our nation to be.
146 Questionnaires and surveys such as this one are a good start. Periodic 'town hall' meetings might be helpful
so long as they aren't too frequent.
147 1. Weekly listening brown bag lunch meetings at schools, churches, library, Seafarers, Skyline, and/or Depot.
(Move them around.) These should be monitored time wise with acceptance of written comments expanding
on comments if necessary.
2. Drop off suggestion box and something in AA.
3. Listen to and talk with high school juniors and seniors at AHS as to their concerns and/or ideas.
4. Consider (at some point) having a "Mayor's Comments" in AA.
5. Later, a Mayor's walk along the trestle and or Washington Park could be a healthy way to connect.
149 I suggest that the first ten minutes of the City Council meetings be set aside for public comment, limited to
three minutes per person.
I also like Laurie's idea of a Citizens' Advisory Committee being established.
150 Go to as many meetings of the town's organizations/clubs as you can.
Go to activities sponsored by the town or its organizations.
Be available to speak about issues at the town's organizations meetings.
Be visible in the community.
Get an email account that constituents can use and that you or one of your team will monitor - respond
ASAP to concerns.
152 Copying Jill Boudreau's style in Mt. Vernon - publicized open attendance visits about town during her first
year for "coffee and chatting". Including one on Guemes Island since we can't vote for Anacortes mayor but
are totally dependent on the city for services/activities etc.
154 An open door policy which means no closed doors in city hall. Someone always available for information
when entering the hall.
155 Duplicate this effort in a direct mail campaign that reaches all citizens. Anacortes is an ageing community
and I believe information in mail box will get better results than emails and WEB sites. Do Both.
158 There must be a balance between accessibility and the time and resources spent to provide such access,
especially if only a few people are voicing their concerns. I think providing input means trusting elected
officials to use this input as one of their sources of useful information.
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160 As long as I have been here, we have been able to bend the ear of the city council, mayor, letters to editor,
or the meetings of the council. People need to exercise it more if they wish. I know the work has to
continue and we cannot spend a whole meeting on trying to get a store in town so we can buy underwear,
socks etc. as some have always brought up in open meetings
162 Town Hall meetings are good... Facebook and website is good... Any venue where Laurie can hear individuals
and educate us about the processes involved in making decisions and change.
163 Bring the mayor out into the city where citizens gather. I know you will be busy, but if you could regularly
take a little time to meet the people where they are, doing what they do, it would mean a lot. Go to events
at the Senior Center, go to open house in the Children's Library, go to a TimeBank social, go to the Farmer's
Market, go to school sporting events, attend a Transition Supper, and watch the Holiday Parade from the
sidelines. A personal connection, even if it is small, makes it easier to come to the mayor's office with
questions or concerns.
164 Make sure there is enough staff to greet the public. The front desk person is the first impression customers
get when entering the door. The front desk person should smile, be courteous, friendly and efficient.
166 Neighborhood forums, one each month, communicate well in advance, plan for maximum participation.
Meetings should be at least two hours and moderated. Include council members but not all at every session.
171 This sort of thing is good for starters. Why not continue this as a weekly Q&A that you could publish in the
Anacortes American?
172 Have an on line comment section.
173 That's a tough one, everyone wants something and it usually is different from everyone else... You can listen
to everyone but the final decisions must be based on clear, cogent convincing evidence, good information,
good science and in most cases majority and benefit.
174 A clear concise agenda for council meetings printed in paper and available on line in advance of meetings.
Notice and information on any special meetings that would be open to the public.
Summaries made available to public via newspaper or internet on decisions reached or points made from
those meetings.
177 Community members should feel comfortable in visiting the mayor's office to responsibly discuss any issue
of City Hall business. In the past (prior to the last mayor), I have been patronized and knowingly lied to in
visits to the mayor’s office. So that for 20 years, I have endeavored to avoid the mayor's office and the
frequent palpable atmosphere that would have varied from indifference thru disrespect to hostility.
178 Are your hours posted? I stopped in a few years ago after a snow storm left our streets in terrible shape (I
commute to Sedro Woolley five days a week) and no one knew when the mayor would be back in...
182 ....have an open house..... A tour of the city building with a bit of history included. From basement to
ballroom. The basement used to be a place available from sports to wedding receptions. Redo the ballroom
upstairs for events. We need more Venues where people from near and far can gather...... Make the
basement office space. Bring the history of your building back.
183 Distribute information on budgets, major activities and proposed actions in a timely fashion. The mayor
does not "own" meetings and should be prepared to respond to citizen concerns.
184 Never had any problem in the past.
185 This listening tour request is a very good start for citizens input.
187 Turn "business as usual" into something more creative. Make sure all members of the office know that every
citizen counts & should be treated that way.
190 a. Anacortes American--keep it up to communicate policy changes.
b. Have an "open door" time in your office, where people can make appointments to talk with you.
c. Radio and TV, city website. Where do you find these?
d. Have an open "suggestion box".
e. Go to the schools and get the kids on side--especially high schoolers.
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This has not been a problem to me.
Sounds like she is doing everything to make that possible. This survey was an awesome idea.
town hall meetings
Post job descriptions online along with the salary schedule. Just the salary schedule doesn't help because you
need to know what people do in order to know if their pay matches the job.
public coffees, attend events, etc.
Using the website to communicate more - like you are doing here.
If it does not already exist, an advisory board for the mayor formed of people representing the heartbeat of
different facets of our community (human services coalition, non-profit groups, the arts, commerce,
environmental, leisure groups (bike clubs, running clubs etc.) etc. When people have a chance to
communicate with the mayor in this way, they will pass it on to their circles of influence widening the
interest in our community.
Also to use the model of our town our park from a few years ago to approach some of the needs in our
community when possible.
Community open forum meetings are a start. Email access is good but not all folks have computers. Since
realistically Ms. Mayor will be quite busy maybe a liaison or ombudsperson would be good.
You are already doing the right thing. Perhaps allowing a
longer time period for public comment during the city
council meetings.
Have an open door, shop in town and attend a variety of events.
Electronic communication like this. I would use email for short videos or pictures. I believe the current
security levels may limit some high tech communication.
More information in a timely manner presented in many formats and places. The website, the library,
schools, in pubs and restaurants.
Perhaps having a few hours set aside each week where residents can schedule a brief personal chat with the
mayor about issues that are most important to them or their neighborhood. E-mail dialog is also fine though
nothing shows more sincerity than giving up valuable time to have an actual "face to face", no matter how
brief.
I personally did not feel that the Mayor's office was inaccessible under Dean Maxwell's administrationcontinuing many of the practices Dean put in place (City Department head meetings . - televised Council
Meetings - actively attending the many functions to celebrate successful endeavors - while being available
for casual conversations etc.).
The Mayor's planned regular public coffee meetings seem like a good step. Add to this the opportunity for a
regular public comment period at Council meetings, as noted above.
Please make an effort to let people know how they can get involved in their community through civic input. I
would love to see an invitation extended regularly to those open meetings where people might have input.
Make an effort to let people know about commissions or committees or advisory councils that they may not
easily find if they don't know how to best navigate a website, etc.. I love this idea here of a computer
generated survey; but I think it is wise to not expect that the entire citizenry has access to computer; so
paper copies on request at library or other city offices may be useful. I appreciate the efforts of the monthly
coffees and think that is a great idea. I think a monthly article in the American that cites what the city is
working on (in addition to that info on the website) might reach additional people.
Form Neighborhood Councils and attend some of the meetings.
Attend various group meetings for input.
Love the coffee dates, but how about Saturdays for those of us that are working?
On Site Community projects where we accomplish goals together.
Use of technology???
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222 Fostering a sense that the mayor actually wants to hear from the public. Regular, publicized coffees is a
good start.
Updating the city's web site will be a big improvement.
224 Inform in the newspaper and by internet that surveys like this are underway, happening.
225 I worked in local government for many years and the very worst thing that I recall is having someone show
up for a Council agenda item or public hearing and say that "they didn't understand" or that "they didn't
have the opportunity to comment". That is not right. Most (reasonable) folks are ok that we have a system
where others make decisions for us as long as they feel that they've been heard and that the process was
fair. It's not too hard to figure out how to do that when that is something you value equally with the
outcome.
226 None other than open communication
227 More casual forums, more participatory democracy etiquette education, promoting positive engagement
opportunities.
228 See question #1
229 See # 7 below.
230 I think one easy and powerful tool would be the use of social media.
231 I love the idea of "coffee with Laurie" on a monthly basis and am honored to have the first at the Senior
Activity Center.
232 Recent election should solve most issues.
233 More forums involving business owners and leaders.
Increased connectivity with the City's established groups and organizations.
Hold town meetings semi-annually, keeping our goals and accomplishments on the front burner.
234 Note Jill Boudreau's MT V coffee with the mayor, assure public comment time at CC and Planning Comm
meetings, quarterly ward/precinct mtgs with council rep, schedule mtgs with orgs, Chamber, etc.
235 First tell me what the Mayor should be accessible for? The Mayor is not the do-all, be-all, end-all. He/She is
not elected to be Emperor or King. Just like the President of this country, the Mayor is elected to carry out
the laws, be the chief administrator, and be the ceremonial figurehead for the city. Citizens would be better
advised to contact their elected Ward councilperson for most things or to simply contact the applicable
department. That's why the various departments of the city have phone numbers listed and email addresses
published on the city web site. That's why the city receives mail. And that's why the City Council provides a
specific time on their meeting agendas for citizens to address the Mayor and full Council with concerns,
questions, ideas, and complaints. If there's a problem which has led to this question, I'm not aware of it,
other than a few people being told no occasionally.
236 Open public forums with Q and A once in awhile...town hall meetings.
237 Constantly improving the city website so that it can be used as a complete resource for city input and
decision making.
Make the budget process transparent, make all budget numbers knowable.
238 I think the office has and will be accessible to the citizens.
239 Hosting quarterly community meetings - "talk to the mayor" with a brief update then time for discussion.
Develop citizen's working groups in various areas to help canvas the community on specific issues and to
help in developing the strategic plan. Also, there are many residents of Fidalgo Island (including me) who
live outside the City limits but who identify themselves as being from "Anacortes" and who do most of their
business, shopping, and community volunteering in Anacortes. Finding a way to include them would be a
good idea.
240 Suggestion boxes like this survey request are a great start.
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241 a. Assign a business and citizen advocate
b. Business and community round tables, neighborhood town halls, advisory committees
c. Redesign and enhance web portal for improved community access to information. Make public records
available online.
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Question 6) What is the one thing you want the Mayor to know?
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I would like Laurie to know that this town doesn't need to keep being stagnate. I am tired of looking at all the
vacant land because people can't agree to what to do with it. If you can build something then make a park.
RV, sites would be nice. Encourage more education facilities, or build more sores, like Fred Meyers, which is
considered a local business.
That even those of us who voted for Dean appreciate and will support you. Also, we should understand that
the City Council is responsible for many decisions that will be attributed (credit or blame) to you.
You have the community's support. :-)
As a retired academic couple we want the Mayor to know that as handsome as the Library is, it could be
more valuable to residents. if the resources were better known. Outreach to the school district and Senior
College would encourage more students and residents to use the databases, an expensive subscription
service.
The library should be the go-to for information locally.
Do not allow sexual predators to have free range. Bracelet them.
Noise changes our enjoyment of neighborhoods.
The Samish Indian Nation is part of our community too... let's help bring a major grocery store to or near the
Reservation ....
There's lots of talk about Fred Meyer coming into town, but could there be another store, like Trader Joe's,
that we could woo?
Yesterday I was horrified to see the guns racked up for sale in the Bton Fred Meyer.
I believe in her!
How much we appreciate that you have been elected!!!!!
We love and support her.
We respect the new mayor’s business acumen and trust her judgment to do the right thing.
For way to long, the city has been run by someone who meant well, but was limited in their ability to see the
future needs of the city.
She's on the right track. Continuing to lead with an open heart and mind - without ego involved - is so ideal.
I'm pleased she is mayor.
Everyone is excited for January and the new year!
Citizens are smart and experienced. Permit them to provide data that is broader than a parochial view. For
example, citizens could find data from throughout the country to demonstrate how a small box store can
affect small businesses in a community - and these data would not be anecdotal but substantive. These
smart citizens have already said they would volunteer their time to do economic analyses.
Make sure you listen to the more unpopular points of view as well as the ones that dominate the town.
The issue of sustainability is a county wide issue
If there's every anything I can do to help (market research, planning, focus groups, etc.), please don't hesitate
to call.
I appreciate a progressive approach, keep it up!
The City employees need to realize they work for us.
we need to continue to value business here in the city. we need the revenue to pay for police, parks, ETC.
Open government in all processes is key to a successful future.
It is my personal opinion that the Mayor Gere will need to closely monitor the loyalty of some of the current
city employees that have been tied closely to the outgoing Mayor and work to ensure they do not attempt to
undermine her efforts to improve the city.
That business makes this city work
That she will be supported in her endeavors. A position like this can be extremely lonely at times. Stay
strong and remember that you can't please all of the people most of the time!
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PLAN
This town needs new, mid-size companies to bring good paying jobs, increase the tax base and bring more
families to Anacortes.
The old guard wanted to grow housing which is OK but it cost the city money for infrastructure which takes
years to get back with taxes. Tourism creates dollars fast and steady we have good restaurants, marinas, and
motels but no real resort.
You have a lot of support in this town. The staff is not going to be openly vocal because of potential
repercussions.
We have faith in you. Making a few positive impacts quickly will be important as you plan for mid range and
longer term goals
Our community is a wonderful place and there is a great foundation in place, but if we want to maintain the
greatness that we have and strive to become an even better place to live/work/play, we need economic
development and family-wage jobs to pay for it. "Protecting the environment" can and should be a priority,
but it doesn't have to be mutually exclusive with economic development and the creation of much needed
family wage jobs. We can and must have both.
I am very pleased she was elected and look forward to her using her sound business experience in managing
the city
Glad you're here!
I'm disappointed that before taking office you let the out going mayor defer a decision on a Fred Meyer type
store for two years. I'm sure the Swinomish or the Samish will be thrilled to allow a store on their property
and make all the money that will result.
Many of us are so thankful that she bested Mayor Maxwell. She
knows that - but - what a breath of fresh air she will bring to our
city government. Looking forward to her having a fantastic future
as our Mayor.
Keep Anacortes a friendly place to live, don't pit one group against another, we have been well represented
in many county and state organizations and have been respected for the decisions made and the positions
taken - continue that image
So many support you in trying to make the City better. It is a great place and we have a lot going for us thanks
to Dean. We believe you can now take it to the next level. Good luck from all of us.
I want crime and drug use to be a rarity here.
No analysis paralysis. Get good info, then decide even if we don't all like the decision. State Rt 20 shouldn't
be industrial, it's created an ugly entrance to Anacortes and a huge loss of retail sales tax.nThis will not kill
old town. Fred Meyers should be there, capturing Oak Harbor traffic, not in town.
I appreciate her willingness to serve our city.
We need a box store so we get purchases locally because of price and products can not purchase here in
town. I would hate to see us loose our tax base.
1-Be very careful of any major changes. Progress is good, but at a reasonable pace.
2- Be careful of "special interest" groups.
She has dedicated city employees and public support. Also, that there are a small number of people who are
able to attend council meetings and comment on a variety of public policy decisions. However, the majority
of us elect our officials and trust that they represent our views. I only contact my council person if there is an
issue I feel really strongly about.
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* Above all, citizen comment is to be allowed and respected on all points of city government.
* Staff are to hold the same respect as above.
* Citizens who express opinions that differ from the mayor and city council are not to be labeled at city
council meetings as "rabble", "dangerous," people with "pitchforks," and people "with their hair on fire" by
the mayor and city council.
That we are proud of our city and want it to grow in a planned and productive manner.
We are behind her
I love Anacortes and am active in the Marine Trades
If you want support/input from Marine trades people let me know
Anacortes wants to hear what she has to say and citizens are ready to support her.
We voted for you because you're one of us, you're a breath of fresh air, you've been heavily involved and you
appear to be approachable and easy to talk to. Don't change!
Search for industrial companies that can supply new jobs. A grocery store like Fred Meyer will not produce
any new jobs as it will replicate anything from Anacortes that is already here. Groceries are non-taxable and
bring no income to the city.
The intersection of 32nd and H's pavement is embarrassing.
Do not "throw the baby out with the bath water"...there are very few things that could be tweaked but
basically, City Hall runs just fine the way it is. The city staff does a fine job, they are very professional, polite
and accurate in dispensing information. Anacortes is running smoothly for the most part, don't upset it to
assuage the ruffled feathers of a very few people who seem to feel whatever they want should have
precedence over the majority of citizens' wants and needs.
She's the boss and was elected by a mandate.
Listen to what people have to say, but don't let the "squeaky wheels" guide your decisions. Don't be
reactive, but proactive.
Just like with our children, our job isn't to be their "friend" so much as to do what we know is right. We
elected Laurie to represent us, to make the decisions for the people as a whole, not to allow the people to
make them.
You are going to do a great job and your Dad would be so proud of you
Laurie, I want you to know that I support you, and that I am willing to do what I can to help you.
I did not vote for Ms. Gere, but hope she does a good job in her new role.
You have my support. Your have the opportunity to move the city forward from the stagnation of the last few
years to a vibrant city that will grow and proper. Ask for participation, provide leadership, have courage to
move forward. Maintain ethical / competent governance. Develop a successful private sector and a
successful public sector will follow.
I don't want Anacortes to be a "retirement" community, or even a "vacation" community. I value these
aspects of our community - but they aren't the whole story. This is a real town, with real people. Sometimes
I think when people say "we want to attract the right kind of businesses", they really mean "we want to
attract the right kind of people." We need to value the people we have - the families who have been here a
long time - as well as the newcomers. I don't think we want to create an environment where anyone is
made to feel like they don't - or can't - belong here anymore. Sometimes I think that people who retire here
think this town was created so they could retire here, and so they want to maintain not necessarily what the
town is - but what they perceive it to be. I don't think it's right for people who moved here last year to try to
come in and tell us all what the town should be and how we should live.
Anacortes has a high proportion of well-educated, sophisticated citizens....use this resource. Try to bring in
more educational facilities like the marine sciences school. Expand medical facilities. Keep our young people
and bring more in with modern work opportunities.
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That we are fully behind her, and want to help her succeed.
How happy and proud I am of her and her campaign people to have given new interest to this little city buy
getting elected!
Support obviously is here, but we need to be encouraged to continue to support and take an active role.
Concern for economic development has to be balanced with concern for quality of life or the heart of
Anacortes will disappear.
This city, on this island, is priceless in its unique attributes and treasures. Economic development will follow
when careful environmental stewardship is coupled with knowledgable, researched civic leadership. You are
the mayor for democratic citizens, not just business. Making a place highly "livable" brings savvy business
owners because they want to raise their families there. We don't need to re-invent the wheel; peruse other
cities' Best Practices. They usually involve promoting some environmental or geographical highly prized
jewel.
Growth for growth's sake is always a mistake. Look at formerly attractive towns in the area (Marysville,
Puyallup come to mind) that have surrendered to growth without getting much in return. Our biggest asset
is our marine environment (physically, ecologically, commercially). Focus on this for growth.
Mayor Gere, please remember that 62% of the participating voters supported you. You have lots of
supporters and a mandate to do business a different way. While there will be ups and downs, we know you
will do your best for our city.
Residents of the Wilson Hotel are constantly being ticketed for overtime parking. When you go home at
night, you have the right to park in front of your home; why are we getting less. Two erroneous assumptions
were made when NWH was developed. First was, "the residents will all be working during the day, so won't
need to park near building". This is wrong, Only a small percentage of residents are actually away a work
during the day. The rest are disabled or retired.
The second assumption states "The residents of the NWH are going to be low income, therefore will not
likely own cars. Preference will be given to those who do not own cars." This is nothing short of
discriminatory. You will find these in the city council minutes around the time the NWH project was being
considered. Time to get something done on this issue.
While perhaps infrequent, Navy touch and go noise over/near the town is by far my biggest complaint... so
much so that I find myself almost always mentioning it when friends from out of the area ask about
Anacortes... even though I say a lot of good things, noise complaints can't be good news for econ
development.
Our town is unique for many reasons. Big box stores aren't welcome here, they take away from our town
character. The islands forests and lakes are important to us, and keeping a separation between that and the
city is paramount to the character of the city.
She is the mayor of ALL of Anacortes, not just a vocal minority or a silent majority.
This is a very affluent community. People will invest in enhanced public services if they are informed and
have an opportunity to participate in the process.
She knows it already.
That we are behind you; we appreciate your commitment to serve, and we think you'll be great.
That you have taken on a tremendous responsibility and there are people who truly believe in your ability to
handle it. Don't hesitate to ask for help from them.
We are all equal citizens of this community and should treat one another with respect. This respect needs to
work in both directions, not only of City elected personnel by the public but also of the public by elected
officials.
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I want you to know how much we appreciate you. Anacortes is at an especially opportune moment in time
because you have been elected, and you also have some new folks on the council who will be outstanding for
you to work with, especially Liz Lovelett. We have a lot of faith in what you hope to do, how you will go
about making positive changes, and what the outcomes will be over time.
Please also know we do not expect perfection. There will be ups and downs, and maybe some bumps along
the way. That's just life and you will be able to keep things moving forward because you are setting a tone of
support and collaboration.
Be strong, and don't let people talk you into things who are primarily self-motivated by big profits at the
expense of everyone else.
I am very excited to see you in action next year! This has been a long time coming...I am Proud to work for
the City of Anacortes and know that the potential this community has will get closer to that reality with you
at the helm. I hope you encourage the city council members to pursue attending Fire Ops 101.
I feel that the past city management could have been more supportive in helping Fidalgo Pool and the Senior
Activity Center. I believe both entities should be included in the City's comprehensive plan.
The Anacortes Housing Authority Board of Commissioners needs fresh people who will challenge the
Executive Director and require her to provide materials for meetings well in advance and be fully prepared
with specific answers to their questions. New board members should be required to visit buildings, meet
with residents and encourage maintenance of existing properties before acquiring additional units. Above all,
I hope that you, as our Mayor, will fully vet prospective board members rather than rubber-stamping Ms.
McCallum's choices.
We are glad you are here
Best wishes and good luck.
Very happy to have you as our Mayor!
The motor homes, old autos, boats, etc., parked on the sidewalk, and on the street is a disgrace.
Now I know why the real estate agents with potential clients drive from 26 street.
Investigate resurfacing "K" avenue. It’s the roughest street in town.
Everything about Anacortes is fabulous in our minds and attracted us to move here from California a few
years ago. It is an extremely special place and we hope you are able to build on what Dean Maxwell has
accomplished and not try to reinvent the wheel. A year of watch, listen and learn and taking time to assess
most urgent needs is recommended with maximum community participation.
I voted for you because the Tethy's episode was too far removed from viable citizen discussion/input. But I
want you to know Maxwell was an excellent fiscal manager. I hope you will be, too.
This is the best city in the US. I has been run exceptionally well.
We LOVE you!!!!!! : ) people are so excited about our future! The video that I'm suggesting to attract green
companies is important, rather than a fact sheet. Companies need to see our eagles flying through the air,
our Herron feeding, our children playing at the parks, the top of mt Erie, our beautiful lakes and oceans, the
ferry's horn in the fog, the children working together on a project in school, a stroll down old town and lunch
outside one of our restaurants, the tulips, a golfer on the backside of the course with the geese in the
marshes beside him or her, the boat harbors in the early morn with a family on a sailboat raising it's sails. We
have sooo much.
The waterfront should be developed , possibly as residential & commercial retail. Anacortes should be
promoted as an upscale waterfront/retirement community.
Girl Power!
Have a clear personal agenda for her 1st term. Keep it in her back pocket. Have a serious “gut-check” mid
way through first term (end of 2015)
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He left behind a collection of antique machines/engines that epitomize Anacortes history and a maritime era.
What a terrible shame if this collection is lost. The Depot and Maritime Center might be expanded to
showcase this wonderful collection.
Laurie should not be afraid to participate fully in the decision about Fred Meyer. If she thinks that it's a good
deal for the City, then so be it. If she thinks it's a bad deal, then she should veto it, if she is so authorized.
She should NOT shrink from this because of her role as a downtown business person.
Transparency is key. All contracts that the city signs (with contractors, etc) should be public and certainly the
council members should be able to see what is in these contracts.
What problems exist with the City infrastructure and level of service?
That I'm happy to see the City under new leadership with the potential to open itself to new ideas and
energy.
We really need to be aware of the shopping loss/leakage to other cities and position ourselves to take
advantage NOW because once stores are built in the Hwy 20 corridor outside the city limits our future
revenue stream for our city is gone.
She is supported by the majority of our community and we trust in her leadership, honesty, and integrity.
We will continue to be there to help our community grow
We are a diverse community which is a potential strength if we strive to reach a consensus through using the
strengths in that diversity.
Be courteous. I think that Dean Maxwell will be a valuable source of guidance for you and will help in the
transition. I like how you have acknowledged this and continue to respect his experience.
I suspect this goes without saying.
Unfortunately, expectations are very high - remember HOPE.
Set and communicate clear goals of interest to the community.
Communicate the progress on those goals.
Reach out beyond just the city to lead.
We have silos of power within the Port, ASD, Hospital and our major industries. Laurie, you have the the
opportunity to lead here.
Engage the public to help. We have intelligent people in this community willing to assist a good fair leader.
We have a big issue with poverty in Anacortes! We need to find ways for the city to hold up some critical
services for our families in need.
That I voted for her because I think she understands the balance between economy and environment,
growth and protecting our special atmosphere, and she wants to develop a collaborative vision of Anacortes'
future.
We moved to Anacortes because of the opportunities for recreation; community pool, forest lands, bike
friendly, easy walking to stores. We like the idea of getting out of our car.
That we are 100% behind her and ready to get to work!
just do your best
She really is a breath of fresh air....
She can usher in real change in so many areas of local govt.
We supported your campaign and are thrilled, enthused, and have great faith you will move the City of
Anacortes forward in a positive way.
We live outside the city on east Fidalgo Island and want to ensure the quality of life and natural resource
here are protected and maintained for all island residents and the public into the future. We have installed
solar PV on our home, have invested in the Anacortes Community Solar Project on the middle school, and
believe solar and other alternative energy methods should be encouraged for all island businesses and
residential dwellings.
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There are tons of great things about Anacortes. We are lucky to be living here. Don't let the nay-sayers get
you down by making mountains out of molehills.
City employees, service groups and a lot of people are ready to help her succeed. Look in-house for a lot of
needs -- for example the museum has traditionally done a fair amount of research, fact checking and
proofreading for Mayor and Council Members for things like presentations, speeches and publications.
The best advice I ever got was not to worry about who got credit for achieving the goals you set forth. Folks
will remember the goal not the process to get there.
That living next door to public housing, owned by the Anacortes Housing Authority, is a negative experience
and I don't feel it should be that way. Buildings are not being maintained and grounds look a mess. Our
neighborhood on 34th was invaded by drug trafficking, out of an AHA owned property, for a year. It was
awful and dangerous. This destroys a neighborhood and brings danger to our children. By not keeping the
building and grounds up, one invites a sense that the city does not care - which is encouraging to people who
are interested in doing illegal activities.
We support you as our mayor and believe that we can accomplish a lot as a united town. Separate meetings
by groups with divided views will not help this happen. People are brought together by enthusiasm and
separated by skepticism.
There are great things happening in Anacortes now. There are great people here and it is a wonderful place
to live and raise a family.
With some good planning, we can take this community to the next level.
In our thoughts, actions and deeds, we need to get beyond caring what closed minded people in the
community think, and again I believe to bring them up to speed with reality, if it is addressed beyond the
political side, this can be accomplished. You are about the future, our children, truth and those of us who are
of the same goals have your back. The times we are in, even though tough, are a great opportunity to shine,
to do what's right, to give our children a future.
Looking forward to your good works for the city.
Your campaign visibility was noted; please keep it up. Anacortes is comprised of "we the people". Not just
the Chamber and city staff.
You have a lot of good will coming your way. Respect for the citizens and all who work here along with as
transparent a government as possible will maintain this. This will benefit all of us including the staff.
She is a very experienced business person and is open to public participation. We have high expectations
that she will be an outstanding mayor who will ask for and tell the public what she needs. I do feel that, if
true, an $8 million dollar reserve fund is excessive and should be spent on much needed sidewalk
improvements and maybe making the look of downtown Anacortes more appealing, in addition to the money
for the police department already suggested
above.
I'm still unhappy about the fact that the Hallmark store in town is gone. What else can we do to keep our
'favorite' stores in town. I love Watermark Book Store - how do we help them stay?
Already submitted the survey but forgot to mention this - Anacortes' downtown needs public restrooms!
Like the ones in La Conner and Langley. The don't have to be fancy, just clean! The one stall at the Chamber
is not adequate. The restrooms in La Conner and Langley are always open, which is deeply appreciated when
you're out for a long walk early in the morning. I think people would stay downtown longer if there were
public restrooms. Also, during the Art Festival and other events, the port-a-potties become totally disgusting
by the end, and public restrooms would help. There should be at least 3 stalls for the women's. I don't think
Anacortes will ever fulfill its desire to be a tourist destination without an adequate number of public
restrooms.
The we want to continue to enjoy our home and life in Anacortes with carefully regulated growth
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Don't raise taxes----- attract jobs that create an expanded tax base. Pick 1 tax and actually lower it. Use that
as a campaign to attract the base of citizens who wanted to maintain status quo to join the new majority.
I could not be happier than I was not only to see Laurie win, but by such a hefty margin. I would have voted
for almost anyone who opposed Dean Maxwell, but how great to have a terrific candidate like Laurie Gere to
support.
It is important for the city to continuing supporting the Boys and Girls Club. The relocation to City Hall has
hurt participation (because of transportation/location issues?), but this program and its relationship to the
city is one of the really important resources for families with school-age kids. This is one of those factors that
makes Anacortes a great place to live.
Spend time listening, analyzing, and approach to how it will be carried out and the projected outcome of the
effect!
Don't fix what isn't broken in a currently well-functioning city operation. Learn first, then implement changes
for the better where needed.
I'm excited you're here! You have a huge mandate and lots of support. You have everything you need in
your own inner resources and others who will help. Go f or it and have fun!
I appreciate your responsiveness to the community. I hope that you can maintain a dynamic approach to
governing. I hope that you can shake things up a bit and get more people fired up and involved in the issues
before the city.
I think that Laurie will do a good job because she knows how to run a great business. Applying this business
ethic will be beneficial to the City.
We would love another grocery store!!!! not picky which one, Hagen’s, Trader Joes, anything..... Would like
the architecture to look classic coastal. the town has doubled in size since I was a kid and we still only have 2
stores. Frustrating every time I go there. I do more than half my shopping off island.
It is more important to me that we know who we want to be before we began to bargain away our future. Do
not be afraid to use outside and non-traditional resources to get the broad understanding needed as part of
any planning process.
Small is beautiful.
Our city can be a unique gem or become just like every other town full of franchises that pay poor wages and
damage the businesses already in place. I hope we can avoid the worst of our consumer culture and
corporate standardization.
Work for the citizens, not outside corporate interests.
I would like to see more water front (beach access) like the old plywood mill site be a Park for people use, sit
and enjoy the beach.
I trust you, support you and want you to succeed. DO WELL.
That I have the utmost confidence that Laurie will do an awesome job giving this huge task her best effort
toward moving our town forward with solid steady leadership. With support,understanding, a willingness to
be involved and do whatever needs to be done to succeed ---with an amazing number of loyal community
supporters for her to succeed.
Go for it! Be a mayor for all of the community and its environment, and endeavor to identify, understand
and implement community governance to the best of your and the City's ability while respecting the rights
and individuality of individuals. Understand what City Hall can effectively and legally and appropriately
accomplish, including preparations for future action, and don't waste time and effort on the rest.
Understand the difference between opportunities for leadership, cooperation, and encouragement and
support for others, and their mutual interactions.
Honesty is important.
A master plan...
Our ex- mayor started doing things behind the curtain. I think that was the undoing.
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That I am happy she is the new mayor.
I'm excited to have a smiling face to talk to and to know that she will listen. I think that she also needs to let
people know that change can be good for everyone.....everyone is so afraid. Sometimes you need change to
make it better.
The mayor does not "own" the position and serves at the will of the people - hopefully for a limited number
of terms.
AND
Anacortes should "grow up" and quit acting like a small town backwater.
Keep up with the projects that have been started. The city is in very great shape - keep it that way.
All citizens of our city have the right to express their opinions, but when citizens try to control working hours
in an industrial zoned area as DCI the city should work with the Port.
We are happy you won!
Please clean up Old Town! Improve the derelict buildings, remove the derelict vehicles, keep the homeless
busy so they are not threatening citizens.
I think it is most important to maintain the community we now have and resist the desire to bring in a big box
store as a quick source of tax revenue. I believe that much of the new revenue will just offset lost business
elsewhere in town. Long term I think that, other than groceries, shopping will increasingly move online. Other
than 3-4 trips a year to Costco we buy almost everything in Anacortes or online. I think a big box store will be
a vacant building in twenty years.
I'm very happy she is in office!!
many of the departments in the city have employees who are afraid to speak up about the treatment they
have received from managers etc and it has been going on for a long time. We are not fully utilized, listened
to and our work is given to volunteers. I think we could better utilized employees as well as value them. we
are all proud of our jobs and what we do for the city.
The roads also need to be addressed, spending less money on art and culture until our city is taken care of.
Anacortes is not a perfect community (no community is). Homelessness, teen pregnancy and drugs abound,
but are often pushed aside, especially in the press. Please bring forth these issues to our community so that
those who have the means can assist and be a part of the solution rather than disregarding the problems.
As one of many smaller churches in this community, we would like to hear from the Mayor how we can be of
help in the community. What support do you need from us? Where might the energy and synergy of our
faith communities be put to work for the benefit of the City?
Working together with the community for the good of this city. There will be difference of opinion on
subjects and maybe even direction but just listen to the different viewpoints and then give it your best
decision. You have been successful with a good business in town and on other committees so you know how
to be diplomatic and yet accomplish goals. We have entrusted you with ability to set goals for the city and
yourself. Good luck
Want you to take action - not just push issues down the road
Let's get rid of the "big box store" connotation. Look at the
South East corner of Commercial and 4th Street and you see
a big rectangle box.
The residents of Anacortes need a store that brings
variety to the city.
Welcome we are excited to have you as Mayor!!!
That we love you and support your efforts. The city will never be a perfect place. If you do the best you can
while you are in office, the next generation of politicians will have a good foundation to build from.
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Maximize the waterfront. Improve access, more waterfront restaurants. Do not put a big box store near
downtown or the waterfront. Out by the car dealerships and storage units would be the right place.
Its not just about maintaining the "brick and mortar" - historic preservation provides benefits on multiple
levels - it tells stories; it teaches our children; it evokes precious memories; it entices visitors; it spurs
economic development and it instills local pride.
We need to be more aggressive in our preservation efforts and I know the Mayor understand the enormous
"pay-back" that can be gained.
It is very important to many citizens that Anacortes retains her small town charm - many people have moved
to Anacortes for this reason - and would hate to see us become a Burlington or Mount Vernon just to
encourage economic development.
I'm glad she has become our mayor, and hope she can accomplish many of her stated goals. Maintaining
open communication with the public will be key to holding on to the broad support that put her in office.
Dear Mayor Gere,
I am excited with you about your new role as a government leader and have been praying for you regularly
for wisdom, favor and empowerment from God to be very joyfully successful!
Anacortes has a bright future!
As a spiritual leader I have sensed from God that part of Anacortes's destiny is to be a city for re-creation for
guests from all around the world.
I believe the city is to offer the best of western medicine for people's bodies and the best that Father God has
to offer for the healing and restoration of people's souls - all presented in this most beautiful corner of
creation (especially the water) which in itself revives humanity.
I believe as we continue to intentionally invite God's Presence and wisdom to overshadow the city and it's
leaders, guests will return to, and recommend, Anacortes because they felt something special and life giving
while with us.
We need to make Anacortes a destination. There are going to be huge increases in population in Skagit
County in the next decades. Anacortes needs to be a leader, we need to have superb infrastructure in place
and we need to seek to bring in the best, not the mediocre. I disagree with former Mayer Maxwell that it
would be inherently bad for Anacortes to become "Carmel of the North." Carmel is wealthy and well
supported. I do not think that these are bad things. Raise the bar, and then you invite everyone up to a
higher level.
I am glad that you are there. It will be nice to have someone who listens in the mayor's office.
Housing Industry needs to be monitored carefully to decrease over development and losing the character of
the city.
Remove and reduce waste.
Citizen patrol position should be reviewed. Is this position needed?
Sister City representatives funding limited to only what is necessary.
Our Library is the best used public service we offer. Keep open till 8pm
I moved here with the preconceived idea that Anacortes was a progressive area. I was dismayed to hear
really loud mufflers on a lot of vehicles, houses with junk piled about them, and what appears to be a drug
and alcohol problem. I hope that somehow pride can be instilled in some to clean up their areas and
somehow the numbers of those that drink and drive can be reduced.
I also feel that the streets in Old Town that are so cracked and in need of repair contribute to the lack of
pride in some of that area.
I have hopes for Anacortes with a new Mayor and a new outlook. I do hope that long range planning is
possible to establish proper growth that protects the shoreline. I would like to see the zoning codes
reviewed and tightened so that another event as the Memory Center does not occur.
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Make use of your honeymoon period to make changes. It won't last.
I wish that the City of Anacortes Water dept. would be a little more flexible when we try to get payments to
them before the clients water is shut off. They get a five day "final notice for shut off" and if it is over a
weekend or holiday weekend it is very difficult for churches/ organizations to assist by 10:00 am on the fifth
day when the shutoffs are all scheduled for. If that happens, there is an additional $75.00 reconnect charge
even if it hasn't already been turned off. I have been told that that is the policy and there are no exceptions. I
have a couple of ideas that may help with this: Make the " 5 day notice" five "business days". Or even
better, if we call and make a pledge of the amount needed, do not shut them off and we will hand deliver the
check. This is the procedure that Puget Sound Energy has for their disconnect policy. If we call their Pledge
Desk, they allow us to mail a check and they do not disconnect the client. Certainly if PSE is flexible it might
be possible for the City of Anacortes Utilities to follow suit. We try our best to help the poor in our
community and many times we "partner" with other churches and organizations to help keep people with
their basic needs but it does take some time to organize it.
Thank you for your consideration.
No big box stores!
I don't know if it's an available option in WA, but in CA where I worked we used Development Agreements
extensively to set out developer obligations and requirements (and stiff ones) in return for certainty in the
process and entitlements. It took the "value" that was going to consultants, attorneys and lending
institutions and instead that "value" went to parks, school and other facilities/programs valued by the
community. It's hard sometimes for community folks to understand the tradeoffs and to see that in return
for development that they really come out ahead. But it sure is gratifying to see that "value" going to the
community instead of attorneys, banks, etc...
Tap into the education and experience in our community, first, before you look to outside, un-invested
parties to solve our issues.
That we love the woods, support city staff, and look forward to our continuing cooperative relationship in
service to the ACFL. We are open to how to best organize our joint efforts to meet the growing and changing
needs of the community forest. We would also like to establish a regular mechanism for ongoing dialogue
about forest challenges with city leaders and ourselves.
That the community supports her and believes she is capable of accomplishing a lot.
N/A
We are excited to work with her in the future to help our neighbors in need here in Anacortes.
Honesty, integrity and transparency are crucial to good governance.
Great leaders are not afraid to take political risks in order to a realize a long-range vision. It is not good
enough to be a worthy administrator.
It's becoming more obvious that working families (with children) can't afford to live here, and this affects
potential new employers. City can partner to support more affordable housing opportunities and thus
strengthen the community.
That all the good ideas, knowledge, experience, wisdom, and creativity is NOT vested only in the Mayor,
seven city council persons, and the city staff.
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She represents a diverse city with a great number of volunteers that love where they live.
Seems like everyone thinks they will get what they want from your administration. And there is a lot to do.
Good luck managing expectations. Fortunately since there are so many able, active people here
things will hopefully work out. Together we may overcome the roadblocks in place.
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I think she will do a fine job if she follows her gut and heart while disregarding the critics. I wish her the best
of luck with the later.
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Economic development, sustainability, and environmental protection can be pursued together - we need to
look at all the factors that impact our future decisions. The partnership of the Port of Anacortes with Ecology
to cleanup sites along Guemes Channel and Fidalgo Bay is a good example of how this can be done and result
in a good outcome.
It's hard to generate more income. It might be easier to cut some expenses. I'd suggest a hiring freeze and
through attrition, retirements, etc. I would have a 5 year goal to trim staff 10%. There are way too many
guys driving around 2 to a pickup truck. COA takes too many guys to install 1 water meter. I know some of it
is training. Well let's get trained and be done, then let one person do the job. You don't see the service
trucks from private heating and plumbing companies driving around all day with two men. Let's cut some
waste. If it's working for the private sector it must mean someone is efficient and making money. And that's
only the portion of staff seen on the road regularly by the public. I don't know the percentage of staff to
residents. Is it 1%, 2%? Can it be streamlined?
If you call me I will give you an example of a job done by the City between 8th & 9th St. on N Ave. I
photographed a job done by 6 COA employees that is done in the private sector with 1 to 2 people. Contact
me and I'll show you.
It’s good to listen to people’s opinions on an issue, but develop an action plan, listen efficiently and quickly,
then make decisions and move on to the next issue.
I hope old town will remain as it is. I hope you will not allow houses to be replaced with condos and
apartments like so many other small towns.
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Question 7) What suggestions do you have for improving the way the city communicates with its citizens?
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Keep communication open
?? Dean did a good job with his newsletter. You could have a semi-monthly column in the Anacorte
American.
None
Communication needs to be timely, consistent, relevant to citizens, designed for the reader, and
interactive. Again, your staff cannot make it happen "on the fly." Establish written policies, procedures, and
standards.
Also, the website needs attention.
Perhaps a give and take web page. It would take a full time moderator/filter.
1. Up-to-date Minutes for City departments on the website, Planning Commission to Library, etc. The
grapevine is faster than the written record.
2. Web based information is invaluable. The staff are unfailingly courteous but a question that occurs
outside of 8 to 5 should be able to be posted.
3. A PC and projector at City Council meetings for online research such as the RCW, WAC, ordinances, etc.
so the staff and audience could answer questions authoritatively as they arise.
Town hall meetings at senior center on a regular basis. The Mayor's column in newspaper.
email, text, online web is required now, including billpay
Maybe a column in the Anacortes American?
Abide by campaign platforms - emphasize transparency - conduct
regular town hall meetings.
It will be amazing what just a change in demeanor will do for that. Back room deals will kill it (e.g. Tethys).
The Anacortes American should be unbiased. Perhaps Laurie could get a "Mayor's Column". She could get
someone to write it for her every week.
Modernize the cities web site. Make the web site truly informative. The web site as it now exists does not
allow the citizens to access meaningful information as to what is currently happening and being considered
by our elected officials.
Publish a brief council meeting minutes in the paper and on web page.
Publish a monthly summary of city hall goings-on in the paper and web page.
User friendly website
Simplify the City Website so we can find information. Publicize it in the utility bills ,with a flyer, which most
people see. Have the departments write news of current projects within their departments or links to their
newsletters, as appropriate.
When I go onto the website it usually shows the number of people currently logged on and its only about
10 to 40 people.
Maybe the Anacortes American would design a City Page, with all the meeting times , days, agendas, or
whatever in one easy location. Of course, news stories wouldn't be included, mostly announcements.
a. See 5 above.
b. Develop an online forum that sends frequent reports of city activities, including agendas, to any of
several formats online. A passive website is not enough - the city needs an active electronic outreach.
A column in the paper each week reporting on doings in city hall
(Transparency )
Written by the mayor
Redesign the City website so that it is easy to find information. Create a Mayor's blog so that anyone can
keep apprised of the challenges and opportunities facing the City (jumping in with assistance when we feel
we have something of value to offer). There's lots of talent in this town.
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See #1
Electronic email monthly of what is happening, the good, bad and ugly.
Notify citizens of meeting so that "all" can participate.
1. Upgrading the website. See Ashland, Oregon's website.
2. Have detailed agendas for meetings.
3. Allow citizens to speak on any subject at study sessions and regular Council sessions, unless legalities
dictate otherwise.
What about installing a "hot line" recording system to allow residents to voice/record their concerns?
Members of Congress frequently use this type of system to tally concerns/opinions of their constituents.
As internet and social media continues to expand everyday, we must also remember the citizens in our
community, for whatever reason, who have not tuned into the electronic conduits of information sharing.
Use electronic media and keep the content current
E-mail blasts?
Website is outmoded...needs updating.
Use social media, fb, twitter
City blog? Put your thoughts out there for us all to see.
You are off to a great start with this survey! While open Council Meetings are great, perhaps a one page
newsletter with the Anacortes American once a month or a Mayor's Corner in the paper.
Possibly a weekly article or column in the local paper and a blog updating citizens that also provides a way
to communicate with the mayor. This survey is helpful. Maybe sponsor them regularly such as quarterly.
Do you know who you are reaching today? Do you know who you are missing? It would be helpful to have
some kind of 'audit' with this information. Based on the findings it would help know who you are reaching
and then you can ask them directly. It also helps you know who you are not reaching-and then you can ask
them how they like to communicate. What are best practices across the country? Let's follow them. Or
lead in our own way so we become a model for other cities. And make sure you reach the younger
generations-they are our future.
Make it easier on residents who can't or are uncomfortable attending and speaking out in public meetings
or via letters to the editor. The folks who are willing to communicate in public that way should be valued
and appreciated for their time and their input, but others in the community care just as much and the
Mayor should consider their opinions equally. Perhaps better utilizing the water utility bill as a
communication tool, as well as Facebook, and other tools that broaden the way city hall communicates
would be beneficial.
Encourage and invite folks to public hearings
Be respectful of everyone regardless of their views
Expand citizen committees and allow them to report to council along with staff
More regular updates on the City's website. Too many times are current planning commission and city
council items (minutes, agendas, discussion items) not current.
Open up and mean it.
The Anacortes American has plenty of coverage of the city's activities now, continue the same avenues of
communication plus all social media.
See #5
Advertising and holding informal coffee meetings in local shops often and with various city officials i.e. The
police chief.
This questionnaire is a great start.
Keep the Anacortes American informed.
Have never had any issues.
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Reach out to people who don't have the time to attend city meetings.
* Hold town hall meetings.
* Present the state of the city report at a city council meeting--not to the Chamber of Commerce.
* Develop a budget format that the public and the city council understand.
* Invite citizens outside the Chamber of Commerce to the table.
* Take advantage of the educated and community-conscious retirement community that wants to be
involved. Anacortes' population consists of 23 percent retirees. The City's government health defaults to
them, as the majority of younger people seem to have no time beyond their families and jobs to take much
note of city government.
Some of the above mentioned ways.. Maybe a Mayor's Column in the newspaper. Maybe a Mayor's
Webpage?? Or City Webpage. Making sure that Council meetings are open to the public and well
announced in advance. Publicize the agenda so people can see if a particular concern is being addressed.
Start a citizens academy
Better use of local media
Weekly email update or Laurie have weekly column in paper?
It seems as though communication is very strong already so keep it up.
A more robust website?
I use to get the agenda for all meetings. It would be great if one could sign up to be on a regular e-mailing
of the meeting schedules, minutes and agendas generated by city staff and emailed out as they are
created.
The cameras and the quality of our Channel 10 needs to be improved.
Use more social media, continue to use the Anacortes American, perhaps an email newsletter - again, I find
very little problem in finding out what is going on at City Hall. I fear that the people who are having
difficulty in communicating with the City just don't want to hear what is being said.
A quarterly mailing to Anacortes citizens talking about the top 5 or 10 things on her plate and asking for
any suggestions.
Perhaps a monthly/quarterly newsletter like some of the congressmen put out.
I think the city has come a long way the communication. Perhaps (if the law allows) begin social
networking. We need to ensure that not only the citizens who take the time to attend city council
meetings are heard. The mayor and council need to represent all citizenry - even those who are too busy
to attend. Perhaps continuing to survey people.
Social media, you tube, email, etc. . . .
I am a print person but a magazine about the city that is distributed free online and in print would not hurt.
1. Keep the website current with important data and information.
2. Use Channel 10 effectively.
3. Request a Mayoral forum in the Anacortes American. Write regularly.
4. Have a blog that citizens can post questions and receive answers.
5. Get out of the office; visit groups; encourage participation
I've never had any problem finding out what I needed or wanted to know.
1. Read the newspaper.
2. Use the city web site.
The mayor and/or selected staff could have a regular column in the local newspaper explaining certain
topics. The subjects of the column could be to give progress reports on overall city programs, specific
future plans, as well as to encourage input on emerging issues.
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98
Communicate via the Anacortes American ( I get their online version also), as well as the Clamdigger, and
keep a website where people can express themselves (not just an email address), a blog. Open a Facebook
account. Twitter. You want to reach the young people too.
Have occasional meetings where the public can attend.
Is there a way we can be involved in the decisions about development? The San Juan Passage homes do
not fit in with the Northwest at all. They are an eyesore with their pointed roofs and there are so many of
them. How could that huge piece of property be so miss-used? They are expensive and must be appealing
to people who want a second home. Did the city see the plans before approval?
Now how do I really feel about SJP????
Don't set up some regular "here's what's happening" from the Mayor's office. Keep in mind how you feel
as a regular citizen of Anacortes; when difficult decisions get made [or not], when you hear that people are
concerned about something, then speak out. Have a "news conference", write an open letter, explain
what's happened and why. People may not agree with the City's actions but at least there will be
openness.
Including a paper newsletter with the water bill works well. Have a weekly article/bulletin in the Anacortes
American. Put up an electronic reader board on the city hall, and another at the library.
Monthly "Mayor's and City Council' column in local paper to give notice of pending decisions as well as
decisions made during the prior month.
Once again, a website like this is a great place to start.
Perhaps update the city home page with little things of interest daily and then encourage the American to
run a column covering the items, similar to the police blotter.
Updating channel 10 more often. Maybe having a quarterly coffee at city hall.
The City websites could be improved.
Why not give a "State of the City" video update on channel 10 every quarter? Let the people hear from you,
not just watch you at Council Meetings.
Regular, weekly updates to the mayor’s column on the City’s website; as more people learn of this avenue,
it will be used more and more. Another idea is a regular (monthly? weekly?) mayor’s column in the
“Anacortes American.” It might be useful to have such a column from the Chief of Police too.
I like frequent coffees that Mayor Boudreau hosts in various locations and dates over in Mount Vernon.
That has been a really good way for her to get better acquainted with various people in town who might
not otherwise cross her path in meaningful ways. I can see you doing something like that too.
Have a quick-response team so that if people contact you by email or by phone, they will receive a
thoughtful response within a day's time.
Set an open, responsive and respectful tone at city council meetings. You will. You know what is referred
to here
99 Social media might be a good option. A Mayor's blog could be a great thing.
100 I have heard that a few city employees need to be more timely when returning phone calls and emails.
Maybe have something like, we will get back with you in three business days. If you don't know the answer
in those three days, email the individual and tell them you are working on the issue and will be back with
him or her shortly. I do feel that there are some folks that are "trouble children" and only want to disrupt
operations and seek attention. I am sure that you have a policy and how to handle these individuals
correctly.
102 Let us know what events the mayor attends
105 Implement reverse 911 to notify the residents
106 Use the town's Anacortes American newspaper to explain and report current topics. And it doesn't have to
be every week.
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107 Advertise City Council meetings and maintain an open government. Don't become obliged to special
interest groups.
110 Keep the city web site current.
111 I think Anacortes American and the clam digger should put you in! for free as to show their dedication to
our future! That would be nice because not everyone looks to the internet. A news letter from you, a email,
would be great! For example, why was there another roundabout put in? Did we get gov money from the
gov and could not think of a better use? People can't believe it, it's a waste of money, if they are trying to
make something pretty, plant more trees, like Seattle did. The other thing is no one took into consideration
the run off from it, there are ways to build things that prevent run off and build habitats even in such a
small area.
113 website or blogspot.
114 Greater feeling of openness to public comment. Public shouldn’t feel intimidated when stating their
concerns, ideas, views on issues.
115 See 1, bullet point 3, above. Use the Anacortes Brief to inform and encourage public participation rather
than a self-promotion piece it has become.
117 Post a summary of all meeting agendas on Facebook, twitter, email, everything as soon as they are
available. Then post summaries of the meetings in the same places. I don't want to have to (and I
frequently forget to) go to the city website each week to look at the agendas.
118 Be nice, friendly, and accepting of differing views.
119 Continue the web site and newsletter. Flyers notifying the public of current events work well in the water
bills.
120 I really like the publication the Port Does and the School District do. I think the water publication is good
too. That said, the delivery via the newspaper is an ever shrinking group as the quality of newsprint
dwindles and fewer people subscribe to print and more subscribe to online access. There is value in print
for this publication, it may need postal delivery and they make a great piece for the Chamber of Commerce
too.
121 The city's website badly needs revamping. Also, communications by the city to the public usually stops
with the Chamber of Commerce. The city needs to establish other organizational channels beyond the
Chamber.
122 More open and inviting city Council meetings
More informative website
Citizens advisory council to represent the constituents
124 I like the quarterly publications. Perhaps the water dept. publication can be included to save that cost.
This seems to be sufficient.
125 Finish the new website project - Our current city website is an embarrassment.
Continue to use social media - it is very efficient and feedback is built-in.
Use themes to focus the discussions, meetings and issues.
Direct the conversation. We have too much of - Tell me what you think? Direct the discussion. You are
being paid to direct the issues and prioritize them.
ie. "Tell me what you think about parking downtown?" Should a developer be required to provide parking
on a 1:1 ratio?
Accessory dwellings - we still have not accomplished what we wanted in lower cost housing here due to
"owner occupied" restrictions.
The themes should lead up to a council issue - to action. Report back on the theme.
Treat the community like customers to get their feedback and provide a response. Consider CRM and its
application to communicate directly with "customers/citizens" on issues important to them.
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126 Having a Facebook page for important news, events, meetings, and links to issues would be very helpful. As
a younger person in Anacortes, I am interested in what is happening, but I don't subscribe to the local
paper, and Facebook is a convenient way for me to get my news.
127 A weekly/monthly item in the Anacortes American?
129 I think we will go a long ways with a change in leadership. I would personally like to get involved in creating
a youth council to achieve better participation from people between the ages of 18-45.
130 Announcements in paper, by email, etc. of upcoming issues, decisions, events that concerns citizens.
131 So far, we have found it easy to talk to people at city hall. The city's web site is very helpful.
132 Maybe a more active website. Again, Laurie will accomplish this by way of her personality.
133 no
134 I'm sure she'll be innovative in this area and I'll appreciate all her efforts...
135 Be open and transparent. Invite and consider public comment. There are some brilliant people living in
our wonderful town.
136 Quarterly newsletters are excellent. Periodic newspaper editorials on topics of importance by the Mayor
would be be helpful. Giving audience to and partnering on projects with groups like Transition Fidalgo,
Skagit Bicycle Club, Kiwanis, and other groups with perspectives on quality of life factors, improving
tourism traffic, and bringing progressive industry to the city would do much to open the flow of
information to citizens.
137 Something that might get the readership of the Anacortes American out of its doldrums could be a
"Letters" column to city hall where more people can get a good idea of what others in the community are
thinking and talking about. This could also be used by the city council as a means of taking the
temperature of their constituents.
138 Have a "what's up at City Hall" column on the website talking in conversational language about some of the
things staff is working on. Citizens may be surprised to learn about all of the things that go on. Also an
"Ask City Staff a question" place on the website where someone can get questions answered. Sometimes
the answer will be "we'll look into it and get back to you" but you'd be surprised how often common things
that staff takes for granted are unknown to the general public, but could be answered easily.
140 Just keep trying. but most people don't seem to come around until there is an issue that moves them.
Maybe quickie internet surveys? Only utility bills get to everyone, so you could put the link there -- "How
are we doing? Let us know at whoever@cityofanacortes.org" A Facebook page would be very helpful.
141 Keeping our web site current with good planning calendars so groups can coordinate projects and events.
142 When I have gone to a city complex - such as the Police Dept., HR or the Building Permit office - I have
found the city employees to be so helpful and inviting. Keep that going! It's that one on one that builds a
community!
143 True quarterly updates by the council and mayor.
144 Have opportunities..
Coffee hours
online surveys
use social media
Use the Anacortes American
145 I truly believe, if communications from you in the form of Anacortes American, the clam digger, online
news letters, are regular, once a month, the people will feel close to you, trust you and support you when
you make changes. This will help with the good ole boys gossip, closed minded people who have buried
their heads of what's going on in our world, and that will eliminate made up attitudes of where you are
coming from and why. People can certainly watch the meetings or go to them, but very few people do and I
see this as a way of keeping all on the same path and accepting change. When you state the why and
solutions etc., and it's out there for everyone, then there are no assumptions and your job will be easier.
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146 Messages sent via utilities bills are good. Otherwise, there could be a part-time ombudsman who could
field questions via the internet.
147 Movement toward more Wards instead of "At Large" would more directly tie people to their representative
(and vice versa).
Have the Department Heads get out of their offices and meet with people. This seems especially important
when several don't live in Anacortes.
149 Update the current City computer system to provide high speed internet to help the citizens as well as
helping to attract new business. Ryan Walters also had some excellent suggestions for improving the
system.
We attended one of the County Commissioners' meetings. They asked the audience during the meeting
for a show of hands as to how many people approved of the proposal and how many were opposed. This
was done very quickly and with no comments, only raising of hands. I was impressed that they would ask
for the public's opinion on the matter by this very quick non-vocal vote.
150 Perhaps you could have a 'committee' of one representative of each club/organization in town.
The city bulletin is great for long-term projects and activities - maybe a corner of the newspaper (AA) for
more immediate problems/issues.
154 More information on projects in the local papers. Since we are a seaport the movement of ships and
shipping news should be in the papers. The local paper seems not to be interested.
155 Add direct mail as a communications tool.
156 There should be an email list we can sign up for that would provide advance notice of the agenda for all city
public meetings so we can decide whether we want to attend. We should have a menu of which meetings
we would like to receive notices for. Like maybe city council only maybe city council + planning
commission, etc.
157 Keeping up with all the newest technology in media is so important but it is just as important to remember
our demographics. Not everyone here has access to computers, smartphones etc.. Public forums at regular
intervals and for special circumstances are key. We have a wonderful weekly paper, let's use it.
158 Improving the city web sites (and keeping them current) and using social media appropriately would be a
huge improvement. Facebook is a tool used by many if not most of our younger citizens but Anacortes has
avoided it like the plague - fear of "hacking," I guess.
159 Many of us read the paper and I for one, would appreciate a regular column (monthly would suffice I would
think but I'd read a weekly one as well) written by the Mayor updating us the city's affairs and the Mayor's
vision/efforts to improve it.
160 Building department needs to let neighbors of changes in a variance that was allowed but not carried out
the way it had been presented to the neighbors....i.e. mother-in-law studio/apt. changes that do not fit
the housing style in that neighborhood .
162 Facebook and email are the best ways for me. Surveys like this are great; this makes me feel like you care
enough to ask my opinion, and that is great.
163 Update the website. It is packed with information that is not intuitively accessible. It also has a design that
looks like it's from the 90s. Anacortes can do better than that. The cities of Bellingham, Mt Vernon, and
Seattle all have websites that provide good examples.
164 I think the website is the first place people go to get information. An helpful website is important to let
others know what is going on. The website should be easy to understand.
166 Make sure things are over communicated.
167 I don't believe the City can do anything about this, but those of us who have Direct TV rather than Comcast
cannot view the meetings on our televisions. Could there be another way, such as accessing recorded
meetings at the library? ????
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170 My suggestion is periodic columns in the local newspaper. My husband suggests Town Hall meetings. His
suggestion would allow feedback immediately but would cost more money.
172 Use the Anacortes American.
173 Make them understand that we cannot just hold meetings and talk about things, we must take action when
necessary and not everyone is going to be happy with all decisions.
174 Media- newspaper, radio and internet. Informal citizen’s forums on an ongoing basis. sort of like "fireside
chats" Think tanks.
177 Formal meetings such as Council meetings have much untapped potential for respectful and effective
communications between community and City, but prevailing attitudes discouraged and thwarted such
opportunities beyond staged "public relations" events.
Look for opportunities for "town hall" type meetings on important community issues and subjects where a
variety of viewpoints are encouraged and respected. City needs to identify such opportunities early
enough that pending projects do not impose ex parte restrictions on open discussion.
178 Email newsletter?
182 Love email newsletters. And definitely show yourself and work on social media. Don't be afraid of
Facebook. It is a great tool of communication for all ages.
183 Periodic (quarterly) newsletters.
184 Have department heads talk at service organizations, churches etc. Fred's presentation on water last year
was EXCELLENT!!! Perhaps have the newspaper have a weekly column for the city department heads.
185 Seems things at present are working.
187 More frequent out-bound communication, more effort to soliciting public feedback, less attitude of
entitlement coming from the Mayor's office.
189 Do not sign major contracts like the one with Tethy without talking with the people.
190 As above. Radio, TV, Website, Anacortes American, an "office hours" for people to speak with you by
appointment, if needed.
191
192
194
198
199
201
202
Keep the Parks and Rec functions front and center. It is a big plus for the city. Thanks for the development
of the N Ave Beach improvements-Hold more public meetings to air any problems the city might have....
This has not been a problem to me.
It would be nice to know what department’s heads made, it seems so secretive and it should be public. It
used to be on the salary schedules but was taken off about 10 years ago.
Use a Facebook page to post news and information.
Management in the departments are very closed in providing all the information they need to ..both to the
public and the employees. The employees are the last to know in many cases as well as not allowed to have
a voice.
using social media
- email updates
- Anacortes American
-public forums
-establish means to listen to the city so that the city can communicate with you too
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204 To keep the front window at city hall open with a staff person there so when citizen's come in the front
door they see a friendly face and can get direction. This person could also answer the main line instead of
other departments like as of late the line is often transferred to the parks and/or maintenance
departments. I called the main line last week and got a street department employee (who probably makes
$30 an hour, answering the phone?). Just seems more efficient for people to be able to call one number
and get answers or at least a staff person who knows who would have the answer not transferred to
someone in hopes of finding someone who can answer their question - less run around. Just a suggestion.
205 Be sure to get out once in a while and stop in the local retail stores if just to briefly say hello.
206 I enjoy Chan 10 because I find it difficult to attend evening meetings or there is a conflict between
meetings. More options for viewing i.e. more times, would be good.
A monthly letter in An American from you would be good.....to update the citizenry about your view of
what is going on...what you are working on and as a reminder of what the city is doing.
208 We appreciate the channel 10 access.
209 I like the email notifications sent from the police, could this be done with other city news?? Facebook and
Twitter are another option.
210 Continue to keep pace with technology. Give us a video website that isn't the boring still camera like view
of a monthly meeting. (Although that is OK) Show us a group of five minute or less youtube videos
outlining specific plans and have a comment section. Use the department heads to explain to you, what
they need, to make things better. Like so many forums we see online. I don't have all the answers.
Embrace technology. One picture is worth a thousand words. A video is priceless.
211 E-newsletters are good. A column in Anacortes American. Mayor and council coffee hours
213 I believe the ideas Laurie has proposed on the City page are a great way to maintain communication
between the mayor (and other city departments) and the public.
214 Encourage all Council members to hold periodic public meetings in their districts and at various locations
for at-large members.
217 I like what you have begun...
218 Make better use of Social Media Sites.
219 Transparency on internet and newspaper.
220 Open chats with citizens once a month at the Library
224 Local newspaper, active internet site.
225 This survey is a FANTASTIC way to start! Not everyone has the time or inclination to show up at a Council
meeting - but we all know that doesn't mean we don't have opinions or want to be involved in our
community (and of course, vote!). But getting feedback really needs to be coupled with getting factual
information back to the community. Knowing what the community is concerned about and not being
frustrated about the time it sometimes takes to get information out is invaluable. Once folks feel that they
are not being hear or are disenfranchised it takes 3x's as much effort to get them back.... You've got a very
difficult task... I think folks are a bit jaded over the lack of information re: Thethy's agreement. Many folks
don't take the time to understand but are quick to have opinions. I don't know if that was a good or bad
decision, but I know that the way information about what was in the agreement and why this was a good
agreement was not forthcoming.
226 Be honest; tell the truth...even if you know it will be unpopular.
227 Utilizing channel 10, web, and social media more to showcase city resources, link to school and community
groups, and provide more issue education for citizens.
228 7. I think that all the programs (street fairs, jazz, arts, etc.) and media do a good job of communicating with
the community.
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229 Move Council meetings out of City hall a few times a year, e.g., have a meeting at Skyline, at the senior
center, etc.
230
232
233
234
Again, I think expanded website use and social media would be very helpful.
Maintaining the high level of courtesy and respect by city employees to the citizens.
The major needs to be more proactive in visiting with people on their turf.
Regular active outreach via paper, CoA website, Ch 10; improve "newsletter" - less announcement, pat-onback and more "what's happening".
235 For starters, I'd suggest the Mayor invite the Anacortes American to a weekly press conference. In fact, I'll
make that suggestion myself to the Publisher. Next, I think a lot more use could be made of the city's web
site to disseminate information. The outgoing Mayor's message hasn't changed since we computerized the
city around 15 years ago. The outgoing Mayor has always delivered his "state of the city" address to a
private gathering such as the Chamber of Commerce or a Salvation Army occasion. It needs to be delivered
to the City Council....at a public meeting so it can be taped and replayed on cable and streamed on the
internet. And finally, there is no reason why channel 10 and internet streaming can't be utilized a lot
more....perhaps for programs showcasing various projects, tours of facilities, explanation of how things like
budget planning or capital facilities planning work.
237 If the inclusiveness of the campaign is any indication, Laurie's administration has all the tools at hand.
Looking forward to the change. Perhaps part of the city web site should be a blog on issues, etc.
238 None, the information is available to those who want it. You can't spoon feed the public.
239 Better use of internet resources to share information. Update and improve the City's website. It's fairly
outdated and could use a face-lift and update access to information as a tool for communication.
241 1. Keep an open mind, be respectful and encourage respectful communication even when your public
citizen acts less than respectful. Staff should treat public with consistent helpful attitudes and great
customer service, just like you have to do in the private sector.
2. Redesign and enhance your city web site. Set up project pages for current city infrastructure projects
with timelines and safety information, and allow inquiries
242 Emails would be good
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Question 8) Is there anything you’d like to tell Laurie that we haven’t covered?
#
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Responses
Best wishes
No
No, but thanks for asking.
How will you maintain and modify your vision of community?
What will you do to maintain the integrity and to support the Anacortes Forest Lands?
GLAD TO SEE YOU IN CITY HALL!
Good luck!
Always vet people that you hire. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Not that you have any.
I knew your DAD for many years. He was a rough and tumble man. I always teased him when opportunity
aroused especially in church and Kiwanis. I life guarded him every morning while he swam with the Boy's
Club. Malcolm would be extremely proud of his daughter but maybe he is in Heaven now clapping.
The success of the Gere-Deli has been because of the QUALITY of the food. Bring the same concept to
Anacortes gov't and everyone will be well-fed...
I am so proud of your election, that is: your supportive community. You have a great chance to do us
proud!
Encourage our local eateries to offer organic (or certifiably clean) foods from local growers.
Promote our community health and fitness programs. Encourage self and staff to join Fidalgo Pool &
Fitness Center activities.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. And thanks to the new Council members.
The City should consider leasing water to the other municipalities and counties around (Burlington, Mount
Vernon, Skagit, etc.). It would seem that we have more than enough for our current or projected needs
for the next couple of centuries.
13
14
15
17
18
19
How will I know if she needs me for something? Will she e-mail me a request?
Good luck in this next chapter of your life!
No.
NO
Probably but I didn't have time to think about it:)
While there is a lot to do, I hope Laurie takes her time and develops thoughtful solutions that match the
campaign rhetoric. Unilateral and opportunistic decisions just don't work any more.
21
22
Build strong, city supported link between public schools and business
We're at a crossroads. After decades of inept leadership, our economy is very vulnerable. Expect
continued, repetitive contractions of the global economy, and lead us to burgeoning sustainable economic
opportunities. Remember, "there are organizations that make things happen, organizations who watch
things happen, and organizations who wonder what happened." Anacortes has been stuck in the latter
situation for decades, but we have unique assets we can use to our advantage. As an award-winning
marketing professional with 20 years of strategic planning experience, I believe, with every fiber of my
being, that Anacortes has what it takes to become what it has long desired: to be "a vibrant, waterfront
community." All it will take is leadership (you) and courage.
24
I would like the City Council to also realize they "work" for us. In the past I have had councilmen argue
with me when I am trying to convey my feelings. Wrong! Also, I would like to see the Mayor not be part of
the vote in council meetings. The Mayor's office should develop the packet, answer questions and then
perform the will of the council. Work on better council relations.
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25
27
28
29
30
31
32
37
39
44
Work with the port and find solutions of the disconnect.
We encourage the Mayor to use the skills and abilities of the citizens of Anacortes to assist her in making
her time as Mayor successful.
It would be a wise public relations move to issue a proclamation recognizing the efforts of WA Engage as
they hold a nation-wide awareness campaign to stop trafficking on January 11, 2014. The outgoing mayor
had originally planned to issue such a proclamation but rescinded it once he realized he would no longer
be in office......
At some point, the story circulated that Laurie was "not interested in this". This comment is in reference
to the concerns expressed in #6.
GOOD LUCK
Congratulations . . . have fun. I know you will work hard!
Stop asking for input and start leading...committees never accomplish anything.
Let's get that trail along the water from the ferry finished ASAP!
Surround yourself with good people. Don't be afraid to make decisions, not everyone will agree with you
and that is okay. Know your strengths and live them daily. Know your weaknesses and surround yourself
with people you value (and trust) who do those things well. Don't be afraid to lead and know when to
delegate. Good luck!!!!
Best wishes to you Laurie. The residents of Anacortes want to see you be successful! Thank you for this
opportunity to share some thoughts and ideas with you.
It would be a great improvement if something could be done regarding the number of vehicles, boats and
general trash around properties in old town (one of the most visible areas to our visitors).
Various properties have more than one old boat, truck, van, etc. parked along the street, in the yard, etc.
(9th, 10th, 11th from M to D).
45
46
Best Wishes.
Don't mess up what is working now, you don't need to" reinvent the wheel" as Anacortes is not broken.
49
Congrats, I look forward to new directions and no more Good Ol Boys leadership. Be open to change.
50
The City needs to enforce current codes. It has been allowed to grow to heights not allowed by a code
that the City, although aware of the violation, has ignored.
The Port is working very hard to bring in tourist dollars through visiting yachts, whale watchers, and other
activities connected to the marine industry. The port has spent millions in upgrades and it has paid off
where Anacortes is the second most visited port in Puget Sound. Then why is it that the block between
Commercial and Q avenue on 10th Street is such an eye sore? It would great if that could be cleaned up.
52
54
55
56
61
62
64
65
Good luck!
Good luck and thanks for asking.
Yes. Strength of conviction and endurance will be tested. "To thine own self be true." A moral compass
counters others' political pettiness, coverups, lies and dishonesty. A moral compass garners the people
trust.
Small businesses as you know is what America is all about....
Our City is way above average already, major changes not necessary, subtle tweaks in the right direction
are what we need.
There is a shortage of industrial property throughout Skagit County. Please keep our industrial property in
its present zoning. Anacortes MUST have industrial property available for jobs. Jobs are the most
important thing for our city.
No
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68
We have a wonderful place to live here, it's friendly, accessible, clean and safe; Anacortes' governments
have been progressive in securing our water rights, protecting our future by acquisition of land, looking to
cost effectiveness by promoting the consolidation of the local fire departments, having the water
treatment plant updated, etc. We are homogenous, we don't have gang problems, we don't tolerate
graffiti, we are law-abiding for the most part. Don't destroy what we have for some philosophical
socialistic societal nightmare that punishes achievers and rewards slackers. Those who want a more
socially and economically balanced, diversified community have the option of moving to the mainland and
live with all of the pleasures and pains that accompany those features. I like being able to walk our streets
at any time day or night and not have to worry about a drive-by shooting or being mugged for pocket
money. I
71
God speed. There are many people in the community that are
praying for you.
The town needs to grow to survive and attract tourists in the winter as well as summer. I know you will
make the hard changes we need to continue grow.
Just be who you are Laurie. You can't be everything to everybody. You can listen, but in the end it is up to
you to do what you know is best.
Remember, no matter how much you try to communicate, 20% of the people are going to do 80% of the
work, but the other 80% of the people will follow (and do their 20%) if you are honest with them.
74
75
77
1. I shared with you I was concerned about some of the the groups that were your campaign supporters,
especially the anti- growth groups. Thank them and move on to useful progress.
2. A city that is not growing its amenities, its private sector businesses and its desirability is a city that is
stagnating at best, slowly dieing at worst.
3. This is a very good city that could be a great city- lead courageously! At worst you get to go back to
running a wonderful deli!
78
79
Congratulations and good luck.
We would like to see the city give special emphasis on pushing through the Guemes Trail. Bike and
walking paths and trails are good.
Be open to all kinds of new ideas, and don't let the good old boys rule all the time.
I would like to see a "walking" street from the Depot to Commercial. Perhaps a portion of Six Street could
be closed to traffic - say from the PO to City Hall, cobble stoned a downtown "Park".
That is my dream
80
81
82
Could more condo building be encouraged? There aren't many choices now and many of us older
residents are thinking in that direction.
Keep up the good work!
83
It would be good if there was a sense that the City government and the Port cooperate more often---as
though both entities have the best interests of Anacortes in mind.
Thank you very much for this open ended format for a thoughtful survey. This is a great start!!!! Much
appreciated!
It goes without saying how fortunate we are to live where we live. With above issues solved, Anacortes
can only be an even better place to live.
Perhaps merge the region's libraries.
You have support of a large majority of the citizens of this City, as evidenced by your election victory.
Don’t be hesitate or shy about putting into place the agenda you campaigned on. Let’s get to work as a
community to make our town even better!
84
87
88
93
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94
95
96
97
98
Nope. She has talked with me and the firefighter union. She knows our goals and what we want to work
toward.
Just thanks in advance for your service. I KNOW you'll be great!
There is recognition for years of service. It's done at 1,5,10,15,20,25 and 30 years Perhaps instead of
grouping people together and thanking them at the end of the year, you could actually thank them on
their anniversary date (or close to it). It seems small, but it matters to us that we might be appreciated for
our contributions.
Why has no member of the Fire Department ever won the Mayors Service Award. Ever.
We are excited and happy as we consider the changes at City Hall and look forward to the implementation
of Laurie’s campaign promises.
How do we enhance relationships with the Samish and the Swinomish nations? They are each important
communities.
Will there be more community solar projects -- like on the library? How about wind power? Any
opportunities?
100 If I can be of assistance to Laurie, please let me know. I would like to help her and Anacortes as much as
possible.
102 Keep the Deli going strong
106 Explore the idea of rotating the trash collection routes. Our trash day is Monday; which seems to coincide
with a lot of holidays. If the routes were on a rotated schedule, then the "no trash collection this week
because it’s a holiday" would be shared via rotation.
107 Congratulations on your election. We wish you much success during your tenure.
110 The topic of plastic bags vs paper bags.
A woman has a choice to abort her baby so give her the option to choose paper or plastic!
111 Oh, regarding the retail, I love Johnny Picasso s short email of the soup of the day. I don't like to cook
anymore, and I have found it is not that expensive to pick up dinner in town ( this could really appeal to
people that are single or there are just two people to feed, it's hard and expensive to cut recipes small and
cook for one or two ), like I will pick up things at your place and I get two nights of dinners out of it! And
it's good food, we need to get people off of fast food, ( it's a myth that it is cheaper and it is so unhealthy),
if people were educated on how much it would cost them to make for example your lasagna, and how
large it is compared to a McDonalds burger. And I had another thought, if all the restaurants agreed on a
washable container for takeout, people could buy a couple, bring them clean to a restaurant for a takeout
and they would put their takeout food in the same kind of container. Thank you Dear Laurie! Please know,
you are so so loved! And we are soooo excited to be stepping into the future with you as our light leading
the way! Thank you for being real, humble, caring, loving our children and a better life for them! There is
one council member that I wish was gone, be tough with her and we will support you, she better get on
board with you, there are too many of us with the wind at your back! Be you, be outrageous, we will
stand behind you, we have to make big changes, some may not like it, but they will get over it, you have
the spirit of change and the future with you and supported by us! With love, support, and the greatest
gratitude!
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115 I doubt the City’s infrastructure and finances are in nearly as good a shape as your predecessor claims.
For example, the public works director recently disclosed that the volume of waste water treated
increases three to four times with heavy rainfall. Plainly, both the City Sewer lines and the storm drain
lines are suffering from neglect. Storm water is moving freely into the sewer lines and visa versa. This
did not happen overnight. Also, see the 2011 Water Plan. Metering of water utilization at the refineries
is evidently inoperative so it is impossible to compare the volume of water produced by the new
treatment plant with the volume of water utilized by customers. The ratio is an indicator of the condition
of the City water lines. The age of the lines as described in the plan suggest neglect. Likewise, City
finances are less than opaque. What funds are really “on hand” and what liabilities really exist seem to
change with shifting needs and circumstances.
117 The city should adopt Robert's Rules of Order as the first order of business. Having custom meeting rules
just for Anacortes is really bad.
118 No
119 Thanks for running and know that I recognize we may not always agree, I will not hold it against you. : )
120 So proud of you! You will be a great leader I know. Be a good listener, gather the facts, trust your
instincts even when it seems like you may in the short run be going against the views of some who have a
more focused view of an issue.
I know the Sharpe's Corner round-about is on hold, but I think you really need to stay alert to that
program and potential it has to us. I have worries about the most affordable design and am not so sure
we should be the ones to test out the largest round about to be built to date in our state.
122 Not at this time
123 The job you have chosen is at best challenging but I am optimistic that you will find the strength to remain
positive, inclusive, creative, and alert to outside sources of potential.
We are with you. Good luck.
124 Congratulations! Thank you for running a clean campaign.
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125 It will be very powerful for our mayor to be able to speak at a study session or council meeting and say when I went out to the community for comment they said to me _______________. This is an ongoing
process - not just the election and beginning of your term.
We need the feedback of the community and to know that our elected officials are listening. This goes
beyond the listening tour - which could give you too much feedback.
This will be more powerful than our vocal minority we now have in council meetings.
Take the energy of the - Just say no crowd - and channel it into something good. I hear what they are
against - but I have yet to hear their vision of what they would like? Nor do I see them taking any initiative
other than political. Lead them. Have them become part of the solution.
Base positions on facts. We have a community that is anxious for many changes and improvements - but
they have not expressed what they are willing to pay for. Should we fund some things with new levies?
Community Center for Performing Arts and Boys and Girls Club?
Can we do this while we are voting on significant funding for ASD.
We have a giving community and a community that wants more. Time for creative thinking to funding
issues for big community projects.
While we were able to fund an almost $1M roundabout on 22nd and R - was this a good use of our local
and state tax money? Sharpe's Corner is a higher priority. I understand we made a grant fit a need in
Anacortes.
Let the community develop the strategic plan. I am skeptical about Makers and the $200K Comp Plan
project. In the past they have gotten our feedback, reported on our dreams, but they did not and maybe
were not contracted to help frame our dreams to make them a reality - or not. I have yet to hear creative
ideas on how other communities achieved what they wanted to.
Dean is leaving with a solid infrastructure - now is the time to achieve great things, with realistic ideas and
funding - if we want to.
126 I know it seems petty, but I think the beautification of Commercial is really key. I am embarrassed when
visitors come to Anacortes for the first time and we look like a stretch of Aurora Avenue in Seattle rather
than the cute island community that we are. I really think that what we have going for us are our vibrant
art community and all of our outdoor activities. Neither of those are strongly communicated when you
drive through town. Please plant some trees! Paint the light poles. Cover them with native plants.
127
129
130
131
I think she's just swell! Looking forward to her new regime.
Looking forward to working with you, Laurie!
Looking forward to a great future!!
We are retired and have noticed that we are not alone here in Anacortes! I do hope that those of us who
are retired will continue to be sensitive to the needs of the young families in the community. Without the
development of jobs, we might become a pretty grey place!
132 I love her! GO LAURIE!!!
133 no
134 For the first time in 10 years -- since I arrived in Anacortes -- I feel optimistic about the town's future -even excited! I think thousands of local residents feel this way. It feels good! Thanks, Laurie!
135 Please continue to keep the police, fire, and public works departments top priority when considering your
future budgets.
136 Threats of forest clear-cutting in any form should be discouraged, and properties abutting the ACFL
boundaries with forest resources should be vigorously and proactively protected (using city and county
legal resources). This will keep these natural surroundings as attractions to draw the tourist public here
for recreation purposes, and their tourist dollars.
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137 I'm just very pleased that Laurie has been elected Mayor of Anacortes, and I look forward to helping in
any way that I can be of use.
138 You go, girl.
139 I'm not a supporter of a "big box" store in Anacortes.
Clean living wage jobs are high importance.
Environmentalists don’t create jobs. Their views are important but should not be allowed to kill job
creator projects that can address reasonably environmental concerns.
Distribution center jobs at March Point make sense.
You will do a great job. Thanks for running.
141 Observe, listen and trust your own experience.
142 Thank you for your years of public service and for loving Anacortes. I feel confident that you are going to
be an excellent mayor!
143 You are going to have to stand your ground with folks who talk loud are are demanding. Not everyone
gets everything they want. Sometime reason comes from the quiet voice.
144 Laurie is going to be expected to carry everyone's agenda forward (especially after they voted for her).
She is going to have to be the leader and take all of this information in and develop a message, and lead
us into the future.
145 It's all about the future. And I feel you are, we are, going to be a shining example for all communities!
There is a lot of info on the Fukushima and other tragedies that are affecting the whole world.
Here is some of the truth on Fukushima
http://enenews.com/gundersen-ocean-already-contaminated-from-deluge-of-fukushima-toxic-water-willstop-eating-fish-from-west-coast-of-u-s-cesium-levels-about-1000-higher-than-normal-in-middle-ofpacific
This shows the map of radiation and the Pacific Northwest is in it.
God bless you Mayor Laurie.
146 Don't expect change to come quickly. Hopefully you're in it for the long haul.
147 When making appointments, ask for input of Council. Give serious consideration to those who volunteer.
Have Council vote not rubberstamp.
Start small, get some successes before going for bigger changes which might be controversial.
148 Laurie, I took the survey previously, and alluded to a concern about the oil trains, amongst other things.
Now we know there was a derailment of a mile-long crude oil train in N.D. with subsequent explosion and
fire requiring an evacuation of a five-mile radius. A shift in winds there could result in potential health
hazards. I previously called for a community plan of action involving all appropriate agencies should this
happen here. I think the N.D. event proves the necessity. Thanks. Happy New Year!
149 I would like a better relationship between the Mayor, the Chamber of Commerce and the public. The
Chamber should not be characterized as a "dark force" in the City. Since Laurie has been a Chamber
member, she may have some ideas for improvement. It is too bad that the Futures Project results
apparently have been set aside for now. I contacted the Chamber just before the deadline to ask how I
could add input to the Futures Project. This was advertised for in the newspaper, but the person who
answered the telephone denied any knowledge of the Futures Project. Why?
150 People write letters to the editor when they are unhappy (mostly). They aren't as likely to write when
they are satisfied. Keep that in mind if people are discouraging you. You know at least 63% of the town
loves you for sure!
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154 Looking forward to a new era with you as our leader.
155 Read your speeches from your heart not a piece of paper. Don’t let fear of failure ever dissuade you from
trying something new. Failure, when it happens, is the greatest learning tool ever created, and success
from innovation is the greatest motivator that has ever been created.
156 I strongly support the extension of the Tommy Thompson trail out to the ferry. It is amazing how many
people use the section between 34th and the trestle. This will be a great addition to the town for
residents and tourists alike.
158 We all know Anacortes is a great place to live, filled with wonderful people. How do we maintain and
sustain our community in a changing world - that is the big question.
159 Congratulations on your victory! I love Anacortes, have lived here 10 years (not very long) but appreciate
how alive our community is. Thank you for your service.
160 Congratulations.
I am not sure what the current situation is in regard to the projected purchasing of marijuana, products
relating etc. History has shown us that prohibition doesn't work and never really has in anything else.
What is interesting is the state restricted liquor stores, did a good job of their business. People could
purchase it easily. Now they can get it anywhere almost any time of the day....and more people are
injured-killed from the effect of that product.....as it is legal. It is also legal in this state to purchase
marijuana....but some cities are saying no to sales in their city....children, students, etc.do not need easily
available products. Never mind that alcohol is a much more dangerous product, and should have
stronger laws regarding those who continue to drink and drive. I suggest that we allow those sales to
progress in this city and not be stopped. (Never used it by the way).
162 I know you have to be careful with your words, which are just reality. But when you are able to be relaxed
and unscripted and genuine is when you make the best connections with people and we can feel you
being real. You shine then!
163 Thank you for your fresh look at the city.
166 The decision that face our community are complex and require significant participation and buy in from
the citizenry. Don't let the citizens off the hook, this is their community; make them get involved in solving
the problems. Hold the citizens to as high a standard as they hold your office.
168 Laurie, I'm 71 years old, and I've seen one small American city after another destroy them with
development. Bellingham was the last, and before that I lived in Annapolis, Tallahassee, Sierra Vista AZ,
Cocoa Beach, Monterrey and Colorado Springs. All of these towns killed the goose that laid the golden
eggs. If development makes use of already torn-up real estate, such as abandoned factories etc., then it
does minimal harm to the quality of life. Development has to stop sometime because there is a limit to
resources. Why not stop it before nobody wants to live here anymore?
169 I am afraid I sound a bit negative about growth. I am aware that I should do some studying on this issue
to make reasonable comments. But I am afraid of the "socks and underwear" people and even the "more
jobs" people. Don't they ever want to get out of town? Don't they see all the people who work in or
near Anacortes and drive home to other towns on Highway 20 every night?
I wish you well! We all are sure you will do great things.
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170 There are areas of Anacortes that are not covered by public transportation. While we are within 3 blocks
of the bus, it is all up hill, coming back from town, and there is no way we can carry groceries up the hill. I
know this is only one area in town. As the citizens age this becomes more of a problem.
171 1) I believe the Hwy 20 corridor is close to reaching critical mass on traffic during some times of the day.
This is our lifeline. I feel it is important for the City to study ways to manage the flow to preserve
reasonable access/egress. This means careful study of further economic development along the corridor
in light of these issues.
2) I think the City needs to promote it's extensive trail system more aggressively. This should be a part of
an effort to attract visitors to the community.
3) Please complete the addition to the Thompson Trail, from the ferry landing to downtown.
173 I love living here and being a part of this wonderful town. Move us forward and make us proud to address
you as The Honorable Mayor of Anacortes.
Thank You.
174 Go slow--that's a reasonable expectation --and pace yourself --so you don't get burned out. Best of luck
on the next leg of your life. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!
177 Lots--but there is time and place for all of it beyond here if receptivity is present.
178 Maybe have a "healthy Anacortes" committee....
I work in healthcare (am a Nutritionist/Registered Dietitian), and think that we can look at our community
and see how we can be healthier. Positive community programs (no "gut busting contests) when
promotional things are done
179 It would be nice to have the shore-line trail finished.
180 I notice an effort on Laurie's part to include residents in the process of making Anacortes an even better
place to live. It makes us all feel vested in the community. Thank you!
182 Thank you for running.
183 Address the streets and roads repair problem. We need a viable plan for maintaining these essential
assets.
185 I for one wish Laurie well as the Mayor of our fine city
187 Good luck!
190 I am really, really glad you were elected! Thanks for offering this opportunity for input. Congratulations!
And best of luck!
192 Good luck !
193 Glad you won.
194 I'm praying for her and hope she enjoys this job and feels appreciated.
Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion anonymously with this survey.
198 They City should strive to save for the future. The water treatment plant project was great but would be
better if we didn't have to borrow money. We are spending more than $20 million on interest alone!
201 The drug problem in the town is a major, but silent issue and has to be dealt with. We need to balance
reaction to the problem with being proactive. Everyone needs to bee pulling together. This will take our
whole community to address it. Our future depends on it!
202 On behalf of all the struggling families, please increase goods and services in our local community so that
traveling all the way to Burlington can be minimized.
203 Thank you for your inquiry. We look forward to your leadership.
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206 Have appreciated the way you have handled being elected and yet being graceful about it in light of the
outgoing Mayor. Thank you. I think that sets the tone for working with all people, including those who
might disagree with your views, goals.
Keep up the good, positive attitude.
Economically things are supposed to be on the upturn but there is still a lot of unemployment and our
local businesses are not quite flourishing yet. How to address these issues is now a priority.
Oh, just thought of something many people have mentioned.....we have a beautiful water setting but have
not taken advantage of it. Working with Port and businesses to make the waterfront surrounding the city
more the focus is important, especially for tourism!
208 Thank you for listening.
We look forward to your guidance to the City of Anacortes.
209 A bike park in Anacortes is needed- it would be a healthy place for kids to hang out and exercise. We have
one of the most active cycling communities in the NW - this would be one of the most used city parks. A
great example is the Valmont bike park in Boulder, Colorado. This would be a great use for the land
between AHS and D Avenue above Smileys Bottom.
210 Welcome aboard! Full steam ahead!
211 More hours at the library and friendlier service. Join a county-wide system as soon as possible.
Laurie, you'll be great!
212 Thanks for setting up this dialog. (Sorry my entry is so late) It shows great initiative and outreach and
makes me, for one, more optimistic about Anacortes' future.
213 I wish her well! - and hope her administration will prove to be as successful at keeping us fiscally sound as
the last 20 years have been.
I've loved Anacortes since my husband first brought me here in 1964 to meet his parents. Protecting the
small town charm, the beautiful forest lands, and now the very lovely waterfront should (with the ongoing
Environmental Cleanup) should always be a top priority.
214 Not at the moment. Good luck!
215 Yes, , I want to offer my confidential services to Laurie and her team.
We have developed a program that resolves the "leader burnout" problem for all types of leaders from
marriages, business and government. Our passion is the healing, mentoring and training of emerging
leaders in inspiring nautical settings We would be honored to serve you with 'prosperity of soul' issues, as
well as seeking God's wise counsel with you as you tackle the challenges ahead.
Please know our prayers are with you and your team.
217 As Laurie seeks to engage the community, I think that it would be wonderful to have the city look into
really utilizing the skills of intelligent well educated retirees who move here. This will help to expand the
visionary prospects of this city. We can only be visionary by looking forward. If we have something special
here, there is no reason to be embarrassed by our riches. We must seek to exploit them for the good of
the community and its citizens.
218 Find out more about Human Trafficking in Skagit County.
220 Remove city employees that no longer are working towards our goals.
Thrilled to have you as our mayor. Thanks!
221 Best wishes to take Anacortes in a new and improved direction.
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222 Work to have solid waste collected either on holidays or at least the day after -- once weekly for every
residence in the city. Every city in the county manages to do this except Anacortes. The existing practice
contributes to the rat problems on Fidalgo, as well as litter that blows out of over-full containers held for a
second week. The current practice particularly impacts Ward 1 because most holidays fall on a Monday.
224 Make Anacortes attractive for light manufacturing, electronic industries. Support those industries in the
area. Support Boeing and help provide Boeing's needs with Anacortes small business providers..
No big "Box" stores with clerk level wages all waiting to be eliminated by robots and electronics..
225 I'm already so impressed!!!! You'll do a great job - the best you know how and that's all we can ask of you.
I'm very proud to have you as our Mayor. Congratulations!!!
226 Do not let individual groups with hidden agendas steer direction, embrace the young and old, longtime
residents and new residents in the same manor, respect everyone's ideas, good or bad, we are all
passionate about the place we live and work. Look to creating a strong new image for Anacortes, one that
embraces change, studies it and acts accordingly and intelligently.
227 Our organization is feeling stronger than ever with an increase in responsibilities and work. We are
striving to meet this increase with limited staff and with the full use of qualified volunteers.
228
229
230
231
8. She is the perfect representative for Anacortes
Without focus on jobs we will become by default a retirement town.
Looking forward to see the growth and change our city needs.
I would like to have a conversation between the Senior Activity Center, the Fidalgo Pool & Fitness Center
and Mayor Gere regarding long-range planning for our two facilities to meet the needs of our growing
senior population.
232 The high caliber of your campaign, it's management, and the wise and brilliance decisions of the voters is
a source of optimism for us all
233 Anacortes has a great future, but it is not boundless. It also cannot realize its potential without change,
even though some seem to resist this idea.
234 We will soon reach "build-out" and sustainability issues will become even more important. What is our
long-term viability in terms of providing/improving services if we become a retirement community with
lots of dry boats in the air? Expensive real estate means fewer working families, unaffordable housing,
and less diverse community. The city can help.
235 Yup! You need to hire a full-time City Attorney who's on call to you 24/7. You need one with good
background in city government because you need an advocate for the city and more importantly, for the
law as it's written. The second thing I'd tell you is this: Believe none of what you see on the internet, very
little of what you hear, not much of what you read, and be skeptical of what you see. Do your own
research....particularly the state law and most importantly, the Anacortes Municipal Code. When
analyzing a proposal, first decide whether it's something we really, really need. If so, ask whether or not
it's legal. If it is, ask how much it will cost and specifically where the money will come from. If all looks
good, go for it. Or, as Davy Crockett said on the Walt Disney series when I was a little kid 60 years ago, "Be
sure you're right, and then go ahead."
236 Keep the city in the "black" financially. Transparency in the City government.
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237 Another of my hopes for Anacortes is to have more science and tech study. The marine skills center is a
great start/model. We should be asking about the plan for the future remediation of March's point. We
should study the best ways to transition to a non carbon fuel future and meditate the impacts of global
climate change.. Shell should help pay for an institute to do science and tech. development and promote
results and spin off technology. Suggest
partnering with Climate Solutions in Olympia to create a world leading institute for this work. If not here,
where?
238 Best wishes Laurie and Good Luck!
239 "Failing to plan is planning to fail" - the future of Anacortes needs to have a roadmap. I admired the fiscal
conservatism of past Mayor Maxwell, which has seen Anacortes through difficult finiancial times with
minimal impacts. I hope you'll consider that as you move forward with your plans.
241 Congratulations. You have my complete support and attention.
243 Also, I would like to volunteer on a committee to contribute somehow.
Thank you thank you Mayor Gere.
Page 130 of 130
To:
City Council Members, Mayor Gere
From:
Fred Buckenmeyer, Director of Public Works
CC:
Marcia Hunt
Date:
1/16/2014
Subj~ct:
Art of Gardening
,.
Subject:
Anacortes "Art of Gardening" sponsored by the City of Anacortes
Location:
Downtown Anacortes adjacent to ~'The Depoe
Dates:
April 26 & 27, 2014
Time:
10:00 AM- 3:00 PM
Background:
This is an outdoor exhibit and market place for plants and garden related art work. It will
follow the same foot print that the Fanner's Market used in their 2013 season.
Discussion:
Street Closure:
•
•
•
RAve. between 6th st. and 7rh St.
The alley between 6111 St. and 7th St. will be blocked at Q Ave.
Streets will be closed from Hiday 4/25/2014 at 8:00 AM through Sunday
4/27/2014 at 3:00 PM.
Parkillg Restrictio11s:
Parking will be restricted on all closed streets and limited access streets. No parking
signs will be posted by the applicants 72 hours prior to the event.
Public Works Services:
• 'I'he City Building Depart1nent \\.:ill supply No Parking signs.
• Applicants will supply all co11es, pylons and barricades.
Police Services:
• None
Recon1me11dations:
Sta11' recommends approval subject to applicant's submitted plan.
Proposed Motion:
Recommend approval.
CtJntact:
Nichole Johnston 360-299-1967
--,-)f?(~iLDjlftJr~-,
1
ufll--L
STREET FAIR APPLICATION
Date Received
Received
1' 1
I
J JAN 1 4 2011+ !\j;
·u l
~(?L'.JLJlT[j-t}
!I
by:---"~
=------
NAMEOFEVENT~At=t~o=f~G~a~rd~e=ni=n~g--------------------~
DATES of Event April 25-27, 2014
TIME of Day lOam -4pm Saturday. April 26, 2014 & lOam- 3pm Sundav. April 27. 2014
NATURE/PURPOSE of Event Community Event focused on Art and Gardening
PARTICIPANTS/Attendees (estimated number) ~50~0~-~1~0~00~-------------
LOCATION of Event (include locations and dimensions of any structure to be erected, dimensions of
street/right-of-way to be used and dimensions of same to remain unobstructed) Event wilJ be at The
Depot. 611 "R" Ave both inside and outside. We are willing to have street closer benvcen 61h &
7th
on "R"
Ave.
DESCRIPTION of Event There will be vendors, displays and exhibitors all foe
ardenin .
FACILITIES requested (street, sidewalk, park, etc.) Street to be closed benveen 6111 &
7th
on "R" Ave.
Dates/hours requested Friday, April 25, 2014 at 8am until Sunday, April 27th at 3pm.
EQU IPMENT requested City's Street Closed Signs/ Barricades to be placed at either end of"R" Ave on
6th
1
& 71h Street.
Dates/hours requested Friday, April 25, 2014 at 8am until Sunday, April 2i11 at 312111.
SERVICES requested (eg. Custodia], traffic control) ~N_o~n_e_._ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Dates/hours requested _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ __
PARKING (include locations and dimensions of parking,space to be available/provided) Vendors will
park beh ind the Depot and directed to City Hall Parking lot. Customers will park on side streets in front
of the De ot.
INSURANCE (Certificate of Insurance must be submitted with Application)
Required _ _ Not Required -~FEES (itemize any Admission fees/space rental fees/sale of items/solicitation of funds) Non- profit
organizations are FREE to participate as a vendor. exhibitor or displav. All others will need to pay a
vendor fee of $100 for a 10 x 10 space or $15.0 for a 10x20 space. There is NO charge to attend the event.
APPLICANT/ORGANIZATION (Name) This event is a collaboration of the Anacortes Parks and
Recreation Department and the Anaco11es Farmer's Market.
Name ofresponsible person Nicole Johnson, Recreation Coordinator
Phone# 360-299-1967
Address 904 61h Street Anac011es. WA 98221
Date of Birth 09/_20_/_1978_
T he undersigned agrees to assume responsibility for the above described event, and to abide by all
\-_\Y
_· _-__,_\_.
~~-Date _ _
* FOR OFFICE USE ONLY *
Initials
Comments (Stipulate Conditions of Approval on Reverse)
Mayor
Building
Fire
Parks
Police
Public Works
********************************************************
*PERMIT*
Permit will be issued after review by above Depa11ment Heads subject to the following conditions:
Co1npliance \Vith all City Ordinances
Compliance with Departtnent with Public Works regulations
Sub111ittal ofC011ificatc of Insurance saving the City ha1mlcss fro1n any and all
AllIRDAI APRll 201
IOam. 4DDI
SIJNDAT AP 11 2116
IOam·SDID
Garden & Art Vendors • Displays
Exhibitors • Kids Garden Activities
Landscaping Inspiration • Live Music
CITY OF ANACORTES
GENERAL FUND
Revenues
January - December 2013
REVENUES
2013
Adj Budget
290 BEGINNING FUND BALANCE
310
TAXES
Property Taxes
Sales & Use Tax
Sales Tax - Crimintal Just.
Utility Taxes
Leasehold Tax
TOTAL TAXES
0
0.0%
BUDGET
712,040
2,587,991
290,213
3,232,411
172,919
6,995,574
% OF BUDGET
6.9%
24.9%
2.8%
31.1%
1.7%
67%
YTD
737,029
2,980,800
298,338
3,240,721
181,442
7,438,329
100.0%
103.5%
115.2%
102.8%
100.3%
104.9%
106.3%
223,447
58,111
211,613
16,061
509,232
2.2%
0.6%
2.0%
0.2%
5%
YTD
234,137
62,445
446,320
16,955
759,858
100.0%
104.8%
107.5%
210.9%
105.6%
149.2%
0.2%
1.2%
0.0%
6.4%
YTD
10,692
143,464
4,580
571,943
100.0%
53.5%
119.6%
229.0%
86.1%
7.8%
726,098
90.0%
0.2%
0.1%
0.1%
YTD
45,865
26,566
23,985
100.0%
293.5%
510.9%
229.5%
0.3%
96,416
308.3%
187,659
3,452
191,111
1.8%
0.0%
1.8%
YTD
196,057
4,175
200,232
100.0%
104.5%
120.9%
104.8%
65,737
15,500
10,643
0.6%
0.1%
0.1%
YTD
4,430
15,638
35,353
100.0%
6.7%
100.9%
332.2%
91,880
0.9%
55,422
60.3%
961,033
440,914
17,500
9.2%
4.2%
YTD
961,034
431,131
36,650
100.0%
100.0%
97.8%
209.4%
1,419,447
13.7%
1,428,815
100.7%
10,705,169
10,146,178
103.0%
97.7%
340
CHARGES FOR GOODS & SERVICES
Planning & Legal
15,625
Public Safety
5,200
Culture, Rec, & Other
10,450
TOTAL CHARGES FOR GOODS
AND SERVICES
31,275
350
FINES & FORFEITS
Local Infractions
Parking Infractions
TOTAL FINES & FORFEITS
360
MISCELLANEOUS REVENUES
Investment earnings
Leases
Misc. Revenue- other
TOTAL MISCELLANEOUS
REVENUES
EXPENDITURES
% Rec'd
3.3%
330
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVENUES
Liquor/Beer Excise Tax
20,000
Liquor Control Board Profits
120,000
In Lieu of Taxes
2,000
Grants
664,632
TOTAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL
REVENUES
806,632
TOTAL REVENUES
Year to date
Actuals
344,485
320
LICENSE & PERMITS
Franchise Fees
Business Licenses
Building Permits
Other
TOTAL LICENSES & PERMITS
380 / 390 OTHER SOURCES
Overhead Accruals
DIS reimbursements
Disposition of Capital
Operating Transfers
TOTAL NON-REVENUE
% of Total
Budget
10,389,636
10,389,636
CITY OF ANACORTES
GENERAL FUND
Expenditures
2013
Original
Budget
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Legislative
Executive
Judicial
Finance
Data Processing
Human Resources
Planning
Legal
2013
% of Total
Adj Budget
January December 2013
Actuals
100%
% Exp
173,270
179,072
322,205
641,863
421,659
334,013
524,697
217,130
173,270
179,072
322,205
641,863
465,659
334,013
563,983
263,631
2%
2%
3%
6%
4%
3%
5%
3%
172,506
175,517
324,285
604,156
475,227
303,800
566,695
264,601
100%
98%
101%
94%
102%
91%
100%
100%
4,319,785
1,327,807
4,319,785
1,845,308
42%
18%
4,137,841
1,863,356
96%
101%
PUBLIC WORKS
Engineering
Facilities
Water Maint.
85,173
392,625
65,502
85,173
392,625
65,502
1%
4%
1%
88,741
388,657
39,663
104%
99%
61%
QUALITY OF LIFE
Museum
262,158
270,159
3%
268,944
100%
NON-DEPARTMENTAL
260,689
467,389
4%
472,189
101%
9,527,648
10,389,636
10,146,178
97.7%
PUBLIC SAFETY
Police
Medic/Fire
2013 Budget
2013 Actuals:
2012 Actuals:
2013 Sales Tax Budget to Actual
4,000,000
3,500,000
3,000,000
2,500,000
2,000,000
1,500,000
1,000,000
500,000
0.071097 0.169035 0.234334 0.292055 0.38216
January February March
April
May
2013 Budget
209,626 498,391 690,923 861,109 1,126,778
2013 Actuals:
248,145 535,886 767,659 1,002,624 1,281,240
2012 Actuals:
214,602 507,235 687,445 894,466 1,119,129
Year % change:
15.6%
5.6%
11.7%
12.1%
14.5%
Actual Receipts:
2013 Total:
248,145
15.6%
Month % change:
2012 Total:
214,602
287,741
-1.7%
292,633
231,773
28.6%
180,210
234,965
13.5%
207,021
278,617
24.0%
224,663
0.46088
June
1,358,881
1,572,988
1,345,604
16.9%
0.542648
July
1,599,970
1,865,560
1,600,733
16.5%
291,748
28.8%
226,475
292,572
14.7%
255,129
0.640015 0.7325334 0.825291
August
September October
1,887,050 2,159,837 2,433,329
2,198,446 2,507,566 2,817,846
1,893,011 2,202,940 2,504,050
16.1%
13.8%
12.5%
332,886
13.9%
292,278
309,120
-0.3%
309,929
310,280
3.0%
301,110
be
r
D
ec
em
be
r
N
ov
em
ct
ob
er
O
be
r
Se
pt
em
Au
gu
st
Ju
ly
Ju
ne
ay
M
Ap
ril
ar
ch
M
Fe
br
ua
ry
Ja
nu
a
ry
0
0.9211
November
2,715,816
3,109,876
2,794,636
11.3%
1
December
2,948,448
3,394,646
3,073,880
10.4%
292,030
0.5%
290,586
284,769
2.0%
279,244
CITY OF ANACORTES
Impact Fees
Impact FeesStreets
2012
2013
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
July
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
104
2,583
900
2,676
18,486
1,754
522
2,700
8,306
948
9,900
2,700
To date
51,579
Budget
% received
Impact FeesParks/Rec
2012
2013
Impact FeesFire Protection
2012
2013
82,418
7,761
5,400
9,927
2,493
6,300
2,400
615
1,845
6,060
615
1,064
2,842
4,805
1,815
1,200
1,845
32,795
7,350
5,445
7,845
615
4,890
10,966
-
114,299
25,106
58,940
21,000
280.67%
76,076
150.24%
Cumulative Impact Fees
2012
2013
% Change
-
104
5,087
6,602
11,123
35,669
38,038
39,624
45,166
69,243
72,006
83,106
87,651
115,213
130,324
141,169
158,941
162,049
173,239
10,966
-
87,651
173,239
-
-
-100%
-100%
-100%
-100%
-100%
-100%
191%
189%
104%
121%
95%
98%
97,076
178%
Cumulative Impact Fees 2012 - 2013
250,000
2010
2011
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
July
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
CITY OF ANACORTES
REET Revenues
Monthly REET I
2012
2013
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
July
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
To date
23,354
13,460
12,864
25,750
16,246
15,972
32,949
27,420
28,488
33,271
20,934
25,959
276,667
Monthly REET II
2012
2013
17,130
11,555
23,857
24,015
18,383
28,951
40,514
37,470
34,373
46,606
8,331
23,902
315,087
23,354
13,460
12,864
25,750
16,246
15,972
32,949
27,420
28,488
33,271
20,934
25,959
276,667
2012
17,130
11,555
23,857
24,015
18,383
28,951
40,514
37,470
34,373
29,882
24,802
23,526
314,458
Cumulative REET
2013
% Change
46,708
26,920
25,728
51,500
32,492
31,944
65,898
54,840
56,976
66,543
41,869
51,917
34,260
23,110
47,714
48,031
36,766
57,901
81,028
74,940
68,746
76,489
33,133
47,428
-27%
-14%
85%
-7%
13%
81%
23%
37%
21%
15%
-21%
-9%
553,335
629,545
146%
2013 Budget
430,588
Cumulative REET
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
-
2012
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
July
Jun
May
Apr
Mar
Feb
Jan
2013
CITY OF ANACORTES
ALL FUNDS
Revenues/Expenditures
2013
Adj Budget
Year to date
Actuals
% of Total
Budget
100%
001
101
102
103
104
105
107
108
110
112
GENERAL FUND
Revenue
Expenditure
Difference
10,389,636
10,389,636
0
10,705,169
10,146,178
558,991
103.0%
97.7%
PARK & RECREATION
Revenue
Expenditure
Difference
1,239,260
1,239,260
0
1,210,245
1,218,498
-8,253
98%
98%
CEMETERY
Revenue
Expenditure
Difference
187,247
187,247
0
128,840
176,807
-47,967
69%
94%
LIBRARY
Revenue
Expenditure
Difference
1,136,003
1,136,003
0
1,120,855
1,113,100
7,755
99%
98%
STREET MAINTENANCE
Revenue
Expenditure
Difference
1,289,331
1,289,331
0
1,103,951
1,117,584
-13,633
86%
87%
ARTERIAL STREET
Revenue
Expenditure
Difference
2,072,641
2,072,641
0
1,836,985
1,968,394
-131,409
89%
95%
WASHINGTON PARK
Revenue
Expenditure
Difference
224,868
224,868
0
224,979
219,722
5,257
100%
98%
PARKS CAPITAL
Revenue
Expenditure
Difference
267,700
267,700
0
277,668
266,359
11,309
104%
99%
AMBULANCE FUND
Revenue
Expenditure
Difference
3,059,177
3,059,177
0
3,095,352
2,970,238
125,114
101%
97%
DEVELOPMENT FEES
Revenue
Expenditure
Difference
0
0
0
173,239
0
173,239
CITY OF ANACORTES
ALL FUNDS
2013
Adj Budget
Year to date
Actuals
% of Total
Budget
100%
113
135
180
200
209
335
356
401
440
445
ACFL MANAGEMENT FUND
Revenue
Expenditure
Difference
81,345
81,345
0
50,276
43,558
6,718
62%
54%
219,392
219,392
0
279,190
214,215
64,975
127%
98%
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Revenue
362,800
Expenditure
362,800
Difference
0
314,395
257,468
56,927
87%
71%
2000 GO BOND DEBT SERVICE
Revenue
503,585
Expenditure
503,585
Difference
0
477,677
503,586
-25,909
95%
100%
2009 PUBLIC SAFETY REFUNDING
Revenue
263,402
Expenditure
263,402
Difference
0
263,384
263,400
-16
100%
100%
TOURISM
Revenue
Expenditure
Difference
GROWTH MANAGEMENT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
Revenue
535,617
630,052
Expenditure
535,617
96,617
Difference
0
533,435
LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION
Revenue
Expenditure
Difference
118%
18%
0
0
0
142
0
142
WATER
Revenue
Expenditure
Difference
17,197,766
17,197,766
0
15,619,396
14,513,631
1,105,765
91%
84%
SEWER
Revenue
Expenditure
Difference
4,937,370
4,937,370
0
5,070,241
3,858,256
1,211,985
103%
78%
STORM DRAIN
Revenue
Expenditure
Difference
969,161
969,161
0
955,508
775,968
179,540
99%
80%
CITY OF ANACORTES
ALL FUNDS
2013
Adj Budget
Year to date
Actuals
% of Total
Budget
100%
450
501
602
611
SANITATION
Revenue
Expenditure
Difference
2,102,021
2,102,021
0
2,047,506
2,039,693
7,814
97%
97%
EQUIPMENT RENTAL FUND
Revenue
1,855,127
Expenditure
1,855,127
Difference
0
1,372,693
1,651,411
-278,718
74%
89%
FORESTLAND ENDOWMENT FUND
Revenue
Expenditure
Difference
0
0
0
15,512
0
15,512
29,000
29,000
0
18,777
25,130
-6,353
65%
87%
GRAND TOTAL FOR ALL FUNDS
Revenue
48,922,450
Expenditure
48,922,450
Difference
0
46,992,032
43,439,812
3,552,220
96%
89%
FIREMEN'S PENSION FUND
Revenue
Expenditure
Difference
(S',.
\~11
it
''1Co!\.~
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, COMMUNITY, & ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
DATE:
January 28, 2014
TO:
Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM:
Ryan C. Larsen, Director
Planning, Community, & Economic Development
SUBJECT:
MJB Properties, LLC Proposed Comprehensive Plan Map and Zoning Map
Amendments for the 2013 Amendment Cycle Public Comments
Attached are the most recent comments submitted regarding the above subject. We will provide
any additional comments as they are submitted prior to the meeting.
William Dietrich, 1/24/2014
Cynthia Richardson, 1/21/2014
Anthony Cowen, 1/21/2014
Jim Taylor, 1/21/2014
Gary & Joy Walter, 1/21/2014
Unsigned letter received 1/22/2014
Jeanette (Jeanie) Browne, 1/21/21014
Heather MacPhail, 1/21/2014
Hap Bailey-Hudec, 1/27 /2014
Judith Seay, 1/24/2014
Ivar Dolph, 1/20/2014
Mike & Betty Townsend, 1/22/2014
Jean Fantini (Chamber's Retail Group), 1/16/2014
Nicole Joy Preston, 1/21/2014
Anthony & Julie Cowen, 1/21/2014
Jake Verschuyl, 1/24/2014
Stanley Shimkus, 1/24/2014
Walter Guterbock, 1/26/2014
Larsen, Ryan
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Gere, Laurie
Tuesday, January 28, 2014 11:45 AM
Larsen, Ryan
FW: Fred Meyer proposal
Thank you,
Laurie Gere
Mayor
-----Original Message----From: William Dietrich [mailto:williamdietrich@comcast.net]
Sent: Friday, January 24, 2014 2:15 PM
To: Gere, Laurie
Subject: Fred Meyer proposal
Dear Mayor Gere,
While I have mixed feelings about the MJB/Fred Meyer proposal (like many
Fidalgo residents) on balance I would support it for the tax revenue (fix
those streets!), the convenience, and the opportunity to eliminate some
carbon-spewing trips to Burlington. I am concerned, however, about the
competition to existing businesses, including The Market. I wish the
economic analysis had more to say about that. I don't want one big-box
store to drive out another!
I encourage the city to work with the retailer on a more intriguing design
than the typical Freddies, as MJB promised. Maybe warehouse-brick or
boathouse New Englandy to tie into the boat community.
The proposed location is serviceable, but I wonder if there is opportunity
to think more creatively. The R Street location will add to the stretching
of the city's commerical core and discourage pedestrian connection with
other retail stores, especially downtown. Same old, same old, 1950s carcentric thinking at a time millenials are reportedly shunning cars.
Concentration adds vitality; sprawl dilutes it.
One alternate could be a land swap with the Port (I'm assuming it's Port
land) to locate it between the sewage treatment plant and Cap Sante marina
in that little-used parking area behind the Depot and WT Preston. Fred
Meyer would then serve as more of an anchor store for a downtown ''mall,''
meaning shoppers could park once - either downtown or at Fred Meyer - and
walk between the big box store and smaller establishments, possibly to the
benefit of both. It would also help link the marina to downtown.
An example of a smaller "general store" serving both water and town is
Mouatt's waterfront store in Ganges on Salt Spring Island, B.C. It caters
to both boaters and locals. Smaller, but their integration of water to
retai is something Anacortes could take a look at.
1
I have no idea if the land footprint is big enough, a swap is
feasible/legal, zoning could be amended, or if this could idea be sold to
nearby neighbors ... but I do think Anacortes would be more vibrant if its
retail were more concentrated instead of stretched.
With retailers anxious to come in, this might be an opportunity to do
something special and ground-breaking, if we use our imaginations and
suggest as well as react.
Bill Dietrich
P.S. I rarely come to council meetings but when I do it's always standingroom only ... can the city invest in another rack or two of folding chairs to
be wheeled out for big crowds? It would fit your communication message.
2
Date: 1/21/14
To: Anacortes City Council
From: Cynthia Richardson
315 V Avenue
Anacortes, WA 98221
360-299-9081
Re:
2013 Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations Proposed
Amendments, Exhibit 3 - Comp Plan Map I Rezone - MJB Properties, LLC
As I reviewed the material for tonight's meeting, it dawned on me that the City
Council has no choice - you must deny MJB's rezone request. To approve any of
the 3 alternatives as presented would be illegal because it would violate a specific
requirement of our Comprehensive Plan.
Let me explain. Goal 4 of the Commercial section of our Comprehensive Plan
says:
Goal 4:
Do not rezone additional areas for commercial development until existing
commercial areas are fully developed or shown to be inadequate for the need.
This could be achieved by expanding existing commercial zone(s).
Neither the applicant nor the staff has presented any analysis to show that
existing commercial areas are "fully developed". Since there are numerous
vacant lots, vacant buildings, and old buildings suitable for re-development it
appears that this is not the case.
Nor has the applicant or the staff offered any analysis to show that existing
commercial areas are "inadequate for the need".
The applicant contends that there is a need for a large-scale retail store, and no
suitable sites are available. However, no supporting documentation or analysis is
provided quantify the need for such a store, the amount of land needed, or the
un-availability of sites.
Richardson comments
1/21/14 Page 2
But even if one could justify a need for larger stores, the proposed zoning changes
are not specific to providing for that potential need. Instead, the proposed
changes allow for expansion of all types of commercial development - medical,
fast food, gas station, restaurant, hotel, etc., etc.
The application says," The addition of a C2 zone is necessary in order to
create a commercial zone that allows for the development of a larger retail
store." MJB proposes new Comprehensive Plan wording to read: "(F) The C2
district shall be principally used for large scale commercial developments."
But the zoning code text proposed for the C2 zone allows for commercial
development of any scale - thus the proposed zoning text is inconsistent with the
proposed Comprehensive Plan text.
In other words, MJB says that the intent of their proposal is to provide for a
larger-scale retail store. But the proposed language provides for all kinds of
commercial uses, not just a large-scale store. It could result in 10 acres of tacky
little stores. If a larger store is the intent, the wording should be specific to that,
and not include every permitted and conditional use already allowed in the
Commercial zone.
To expand commercial zoning in general (for which there is not a demonstrated
need) would be a violation of Goal 4, which specifically says "Do not rezone
additional areas ... ".
To approve this request would therefore be illegal, because it would be doing
exactly what the current Comp Plan says not to do.
You could open up the City to legal challenge if you approve a change in zoning
which the Comprehensive Plan specifically directs you not to do.
If you cannot approve this proposal because it would be illegal, what can you do?
You can consider the issues raised by this proposal during the 2016
Comprehensive Plan update process.
Richardson comments
1/21/14 Page 3
Specifically, these issues could include:
• Should Anacortes allow large-scale retail? If so, where, and with what
restrictions?
• Should the Commercial zone be expanded, and if so, where?
• Should any portions of the Industrial area be re-zoned to another zoning
category?
• Should large-scale retail be added as a permitted or conditional use in the
Industrial zone? If so, with what conditions?
These issues should be thoroughly analyzed, and a decision made based on
accurate information about the positive and negative effects on other zones, on
existing and future commercial and industrial businesses, and on the character of
Anacortes.
This morning, because I am a member of the Chamber of Commerce, I received an
e-mail containing an "ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND
MARKET FEASIBILITY FOR A NEW FRED MEYER STORE IN ANACORTES" prepared
for MJB Properties LLC. I don't know whether Council or the public has seen this
document, but since its publication date is yesterday, clearly none of us has had
time to fully consider it.
During the Comp Plan update, this document can be reviewed, along with
analyses of impacts on industrial uses and various types of existing and future
commercial businesses, to get a more complete picture of the pros and cons and
potential impacts of making a zoning change.
If it is the applicant's intent to accommodate a large-scale retail store, then during
the Comp Plan update they can propose specific zoning language that is tailored
to this need, which the current proposal does not do.
I strongly recommend, as did the Planning Commission, that you deny the current
MJB application and consider the issues that it raises as part of the 2016
Comprehensive Plan update process.
January 21, 2014
Dear Sir or Madam:
We are writing in opposition
properties.
to the proposed rezone of the MJB
We feel strongly that the main asset of Anacortes is our downtown
core and our small town feel. We should not alter our current zoning
laws to encourage the building of a large box store.
Every job that such a development will create will be offset by the
loss of jobs in the existing businesses that will be unable to compete.
One goal of the Growth Management Act is to "promote the retention
and expansion of existing businesses ... ". The current proposal would
invite businesses which compete all too well with small town
institutions. The tax base will not be increased when empty
storefronts begin to line Commercial Avenue.
We also believe that such a business will not survive long in
Anacortes and will leave us poorer in the long run.
The effects of such a commercial store (and whatever ancillary
businesses sprout as a result) on the traffic and character of R Ave.
will be a detriment to our city. As the street is currently configured
there is a lack of parking and a dearth of safe pedestrian
crossings. Any increase in traffic would necessitate drastic changes
which would mar the character of one of the main entrances to our
city.
Thank You,
Anthony P. Cowen
Julie C. Cowen
13417 N Green St
Anacortes WA
98221
299-8866
112112014 City Council Public Hearing
Mayor Gere, and City Council,
I am Jim Taylor and I live at 301
~ ~~·- L- '\'}Iv"' .,
5th
Street in Anacortes.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak.
I believe no action should be taken on MJB's request to change the Comprehensive Plan
and related zoning. The MJB issues should be taken up as a part of the review of the
2016 Comprehensive Plan - the document which determines land use for the long
range.
A sentence in RCW 36.70A.70, the state Growth Management statute, requires that the
city's Comprehensive Plan "shall be be an internally consistent document". The MJB
request, if acted upon now, can not be a part of an internally consistent document.
Discussion of the use of the MJB property will be a part of the 2016 Comprehensive
Plan update. At that time its development and resulting effect on the whole can be
addressed. Changing a Comprehensive Plan to suit the economic desires of a developer
is not in accordance with the Growth Management statute nor is it necessarily in the
best interest of the community.
Properly, in a capitalistic system, MJB's motives for the requested changes are
economic. For many years the city has rejected MJB's requests for plan and zone
changes that would increase the value of the site. Land use decisions at the local level
are required to follow the state Growth Management legislation. The basis for land use
regulation is to protect the community's health, safety, and welfare. Economic return for
the developer is not a criteria. City planning is the means by which land use decisions
will counterbalance the needs of the community with the economic desires of a
developer.
Public participation is one input by which these basic decisions are made. The Planning
Department's draft Citizen Participation Plan has a provision for open discussion. The
many conflicting citizens' views for commercial use location and building size can be
best worked out with an opportunity that allows the open exchange of views as a part of
the 2016 update of the Comprehensive Plan. In this manner an internally consistent plan
can be developed.
Please put off any amendment to the city's Comprehensive Plan until consideration can
be made based upon the will of our citizens as part of an updated internally constant
Comprehensive Plan, rather than making the decision based upon a developer's request
for his economic benefit.
5007 Heather Drive
Anacortes, WA 98221
January 21, 2014
Anacortes City Council
City Hall
Anacortes, WA 98221
Dear Members:
Re: MJB's rezone request
When zoning was changed from residential to industrial for those properties currently owned
by MJB, many homes were condemned and those families were forced to move. This rezoning
was done to benefit the city at large by providing the potential for more well-paying jobs. Let
us not forget the sacrifice made by these people in considering a rezone.
MJB knew what the zoning was when purchasing the property and, to my knowledge, have
made no proposals to comply with it. If rezoning will not bring a much greater profit for MJB,
they would have not kept it vacant all these years.
If Fred Meyer were to build on its smallest buildable footprint, it is logical that selections there
will be drastically limited. It makes more sense to drive 20 miles to Burlington were selections
of most anything would be decidedly greater. If building a Fred Meyer store on the Swinomish
reservation made economic sense, it surely would have been done long ago.
When my wife Joy and I moved here in 1990, what attracted us was its small town atmosphere.
Then there were a dry goods store and a shoe store here. These businesses are long gone,
probably due to low demand. Forsaking the "small town soul" of Anacortes seems foolhardy.
Recommend that MJB's rezone request be denied.
Respectfully yours,
I
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Joy Walter
Thoughts and questions on Anaco changes.
We are very much in favor of having a Fred Meyer in the area. The
location at MJB would be good for many reasons, but most important,
what other option in this town is available for expansion?
Currently, over 300 employees from Dakota Creek drive by this location
every day. Presumably, if reasonable shopping options were available,
more money would stay in the Anacortes area. Probably the majority of
people that work in Anacortes don't live here and opportunities to shop at
decent prices, which are not available here now, would also be welcome
by those employees.
This would also be more convenient for those of us within the zip code
vs. driving to Mount Vernon and Burlington and Oak Harbor for
reasonable shopping options, minus "Island Pricing" that is so popular
with the local businesses here.
Wouldn't it make more sense to use this MJB location for retail then
another boat storage facility, if those are the only two options? FYI, not
all people who live in the area own or want yachts, some of us are only
here for health reasons, and are on a tight budget.
Having a retail store conveniently located, but not on Commercial, would
allow the downtown area to keep its small resort feel, but provide a real
answer to shopping issues for those that choose to use it.
I personally know of a resort area in New Mexico. Ruidoso is the main
city and is part of what we call the Micropolitan area of Lincoln County.
It is a gateway area, much like Anacortes, but is known for its skiing,
winter sports, milder summers and much more, (see Ruidoso.net). This
area has about 20,000 residents; about 45% are seasonal owners, not to
mention the tons of tourists in the area year round vs. this areas seasonal
dependent tourist attraction! Land mass is about 18 sq. miles. The fine
people of New Mexico were open minded enough to have Walmart in
their area and this seems to serve them well. The area is very popular,
downtown keeps the resorts feel and the residents and tourists have better
economical shopping options at the same time in a nearby location, not
15+ miles away.
The questions are: Does Anacortes want money, jobs and affordable
options enough to act on the MJB proposals immediately or will they
once again drag their feet on worthwhile opportunities? Shall we all sit
on our thumbs and watch the local Indian tribes seize great financial
opportunities. Also, one might ask if Anacortes stays with the status quo,
how anyone in City management, or local business owners, complain
about how and where many of us choose to spend our money.
OR, is a location on 20 is available, already in the tax base. The
convenience for shoppers from Whidbey Island, and the 800+ employees
from the refineries and those of us that live outside the town limits, that
would be an excellent option.
For those of us that work elsewhere, after making a 50 mile commute per
day, why would we want to come into Anacortes for high priced, limited
options in shopping, etc.? Just a half to one mile detour on our route, and
we have a Fred Meyer, Target, great restaurants, etc. That's a small price
to pay in time vs. the hassles, inflated costs and limitations of Anacortes.
Why not have it all. ... and offer us many more options for our tightly
stretched dollars?
1/21/2014
To: Mayor Gere and the Anacortes City Council
From: Jeanette (Jeanie) Browne
1004 Commercial Avenue PMB #1045
Anacortes, Wa. 98221
Re: MJB rezone proposal
The rezone proposal from MJB brings forth more questions than it answers. My hope is that
as representatives of the citizens of Anacortes, that you put the brakes on the rezone
proposal and take the time to consider this in the 2016 Comprehensive Plan.
From my perspective, there are several problems with this proposal. I have always
questioned that a big box store would be interested in locating on R Avenue. (I see that the
proposal is now being referred to as a 'medium box' store). I believe this rezone proposal is
ultimately only for the financial benefit it would bring MJB, and that they have no potential
client.
Last fall, when Mr. Blais spoke at the Depot, I remember asking him when he last spoke with
Fred Meyer about their interest in locating a store in Anacortes. He said the last talks were
five years ago. Mr. Blais said that Fred Meyer is also considering the area on Highway 20, by
the casino. From a marketing standpoint, I would be surprised if Fred Meyer or any other big
box store would consider locating on R Avenue. If you were the person in charge of site
selection for a new store, wouldn't you select a site that has constant, heavy traffic driving
by? Why would you select a site on a road in Anacortes that has only 685 peak hour trips? It
seems obvious that any big box store situated in Anacortes on R Avenue, with less traffic to
catch, would have to be a smaller version of any big box store we are accustomed to in
Burlington, which is why a potential store is now being referred to as a 'medium box store'. A
medium box store would mean a reduced and limited selection of those goods we now travel
to Burlington for, which means that many, if not the majority, of residents would travel to
Burlington even if we had a medium box store here.
Mr. Blais purports that a medium box store would capture traffic from San Juan Island
residents and Oak Harbor. Think about it. Do you believe the people arriving by ferry are
likely to do all their shopping in Anacortes, even ifthere is a medium box store here? I believe
most of them would do what they are accustomed to, and would still drive 20 miles further to
Burlington where they could buy in bulk at Costco and take advantage of more selection and
comparison shopping at larger dry goods stores.
And what about the people from Oak Harbor? If you were driving from Oak Harbor, would
you turn left at Sharp's Corner to drive four miles into Anacortes to shop at one medium box
store, when for an extra 16 miles, you would have the choice of several stores who compete
for your business?
What about taxes? Grocery sales would not add anything to our taxes. A third grocery store
would dilute business away from our two existing grocery stores, with perhaps some negative
consequences.
What about the grocery stores prices? Some have claimed that we pay more for our groceries
in Anacortes. I have word from the Safeway manager that prices at Safeway in Anacortes are
identical to the prices in the Burlington Safeway store. Savvy shoppers do not need to go to
Fred Meyer for considerable savings on groceries.
What about wages? I read somewhere in the proposal that Mr. Blais claims a $17/hr. wage
for employees of a big box store. That's unlikely, and furthermore, a $17/hr. wage is not a
living wage in Anacortes.
The best letter I have read is Cynthia Richardson's. She writes with facts and common sense
and asks relevant questions that should all be addressed and answered before any decision is
made. I hope you will use her letter, questions, and suggestions, and process the MJB
proposal with the 2016 Comp Plan update.
Sincerely,
7
Jx~::~:~e
Esteemed City Council of Anacortes:
I have attended the presentations of MJB's "Market and Feasibility Study for the New Dry
Goods Store in Anacortes," and fully read through the 116-page packet your Council has made
available to us citizens online. Thank you for that online feature, as it saves a considerable
amount of paper and ink!
First, let's just get past the title of MJB's (repeated) presentation, wherein the term "dry
goods store" was put forth in an ill-disguised attempt to minimize the reality_of a Fred Meyer
grocery/box store. I find this ingenuous reference to be insulting, but aside from that, even the
later continued references to Fred Meyer are misleading: MJB admitted at the first
presentation that it has no promise, no contract, and no guarantee that Fred Meyer will move
here. Indeed, MJB admits that Freddie is looking at other sites. We have no assurance that, If
Freddie ever mentioned the possibility of Anacortes land, it's not just part of a ploy to negotiate
with the Swinomish for land on the reservation. Or, for that matter, for MJB to negotiate with
the City to get MJB rezoned and therefore revalued.
The Council's online packet contained two letters that summarize my thoughts so well that I
will just refer you to them rather than repeat them. The first was a letter from a Mr. Ed Gegen
at the Mt. Vernon Building Center, wondering why we would waste our beautiful waterfront
possibilities. Other letters echoed his, and the vision in his third paragraph is not only possible
and desireable, but would provide plenty of jobs. Why not?
The second letter, dated 1/11/14, was the thoughtful three-page argument written by
Cynthia Richardson, who probably has more facts at her fingertips (and experience to
understand them!) than anyone else involved. Like many others, she urges everyone to be
patient and wait for the Comp Plan update process. That the Council already has taken this
decision is a relief to all of us who earlier watched helplessly when the City leapt before it really
looked (or allowed citizens to look!) at Tethys.
In sum then, thanks for believing in your own Process. I look forward to it.
Sincerely,
<.
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Heather MacPhail
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2303 Sundown Court
January 21, 2014
cc: Mayor Laurie Gere, Director of Planning Ryan Larsen
1
Page I of2
Larsen, Ryan
From:
Gere, Laurie
Sent:
Tuesday, January 28, 2014 11 :42 AM
To:
Larsen, Ryan
Subject: FW: MJB property
Thank you,
Laurie Gere
Mayor
From: Hap Bailey-Hudec [mailto:happyhudec@mac.com]
Sent: Monday, January 27, 2014 12:22 PM
To: Gere, Laurie
Cc: Sandra Spargo
Subject: MJB property
Dear Laurie,
Following are my thoughts, hurriedly written on the Fred Meyer/ MJB property subject:
I believe the best use of this prime property would be to generate tourist dollars. I can envision a
grouping of architecturally smart buildings housing a small hotel and surrounding specialty shops
designed to attract conventions and tourists. I am aware that in the past a hotel was shot down because
of height limitations, but does it have to be a high rise?
This, rather than a huge box store and necessary parking lot that would be an offensive eyesore no
matter how attractive the design in our small community. I think the thought of Fred Meyer coming to
Anacortes is a fme idea and agree with the need of this type of facility for our citizens, however, build it
on highway 20 out where the auto agencies are, not on R Avenue. I believe this would be more
appealing and better situated for Fred Meyer, having more traffic and more exposure.
I have been obsessed with a "wish list" as long as I have lived in Anacortes. I dream about properly
utilizing that beautiful building that currently houses the School District, making it available for a
convention center. With this as the center of such activity the MJB property, not far away, could fit into
the puzzle. It has been rumored that the School District does not have long term plans to stay in that
location, and they have admitted their use is entirely inappropriate. If it did become available, might
the city be in a position to acquire the property?
Best of luck to you, Laurie. You are doing a fme job. I am so happy and proud to have you in City
Hall!
1/28/2014
Page 2 of2
Hap Bailey-Hudec
happyhudec@mac.com
5010 Doon Way
Anacortes, Washington 98221
360-299-2258 H
360-961-5646 c
1/28/2014
Larsen, Ryan
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Gere, Laurie
Tuesday, January 28, 2014 11:41 AM
Larsen, Ryan
FW: Fred Meyer
Thank you,
Laurie Gere
Mayor
-----Original Message----From: Rwseay [mailto:rwseay@comcast.net]
Sent: Friday, January 24, 2014 7:15 PM
To: Gere, Laurie
Subject: Fred Meyer
Hi Laurie,
I am opposed to a Fred Meyer for the following reasons:
-the main one would be the damage local merchants would incur. It is hard
enough for many to stay in business through the winter.
-F. M. Doesn't have very good merchandise and the prices are inflated for
what you get.
-I fear if locals go out of business the character of our town would be
compromised. We are a charming, unique town. We don't need a big box store
to ''cheapen'' us.
We have owned property here since 1988 and built our house in 2001. I'm
proud of our town.
Please don't "cheapen" our town. Out by the casino, if it has to be but NOT
IN TOWN.
Thanks,
Judith Seay
4085 Islander Way
Sent from my iPad
1
Page 1 of 1
Larsen, Ryan
From:
Gere, Laurie
Sent:
Tuesday, January 28, 2014 11 :37 AM
To:
Larsen, Ryan
Subject: FW: MJB property
Thank you,
Laurie Gere
Mayor
From: Phyllis & Ivar Dolph [mailto:pidolph@frontier.com]
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2014 7:25 PM
To: Gere, Laurie
Subject: MJB property
Mayor Gere,
I am not in favor of the suggested store at the MJB property. I have seen the disaster that is caused by
such stores on local businesses. We already have too many empty buildings in town. I favor the kind
of development you promised to seek out in your campaign.
Sincerely,
Ivar
Ivar Dolph
2320 26th St
Anacortes, WA 98221
360-293-5951
oidolph@frontier.com
1/28/2014
Page 1of1
Larsen, Ryan
From:
Kahns, Cherri
Sent:
Wednesday, January 22, 2014 1:18 PM
To:
Larsen, Ryan; Grage, Libby
Subject: FW: Proposed Rezone of MJB Property
Cherri Kahns, Executive Assistant
City of Anacortes - Mayor's Office
cherri@cityofanacortes.org
P0Box547
904 6th Street
Anacortes, WA 98221
360-299-1950
Maintaining and improving the quality of life reflecting community expectations through a focus on public
participation and employees-mayor-council teamwork.
CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT: This message may contain content that is protected by state or federal privacy laws. If this message
was sent to you in error, any use, disclosure or distribution of its contents is prohibited. If you received this in error please contact me at the
telephone number or e-mail address listed above and delete this message without printing, copying, or forvvarding it. Thank you.
From: mikeandbettyz@comcast.net [mailto:mikeandbettyz@comcast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, January 22, 2014 12:54 PM
To: ma.mayor; Adams, Brad; Walters, Ryan; Johnson, Eric; Miller, Matt; Pickett, Erica; Archibald, John;
Lovelett, Liz
Subject: Proposed Rezone of MJB Property
Members of the Anacortes City Council:
Please vote for the proposed rezone of the MJB property tonight so that a
Fred Meyer or similar business can be located on the subject MJB parcel.
This project will not only create needed jobs in Anacortes, it also has the
potential of producing much needed sales tax revenue for the City, as well
as providing a new shopping opportunity for not only the residents of
Anacortes but also the residents of the surrounding islands and
communities.
The information contained in the Hebert report gives further detailed
information for your consideration.
Thank you,
Mike & Betty Townsend
5214 Maritime Court
Anacortes, WA 98221
1/22/2014
Page 1 of 1
Larsen, Ryan
From:
Jean Fantini [donatelloflowers@gmail.com]
Sent:
Thursday, January 16, 2014 3:30 PM
To:
Larsen, Ryan
Cc:
Walters, Ryan; Johnson, Eric; Miller, Matt; Pickett, Erica; brada@anacortes.org;
johna@anacortes.org; lovelettl@anacortes.org; coa.mayor
Subject:
MJB Rezone
Attachments: retail letter.docx
Ryan, please include this letter from the Chamber's Retail Group in the Council Packet for
January 21, 2014, meeting. We represent many businesses in town.
Thank you,
Jean Fantini
Donatello Flowers and Gifts
Dave Sem
Sebo's Hardware
1/22/2014
From the Retail group of the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce:
As our town debates the issue of a property rezone to allow a big box store to come into Anacortes, we,
a group of retail business owners who run stores in Anacortes, would like to submit for the record our
consensus on the affects of the business environment changing.
Anacortes's current retailers have
created and operated our businesses with the premise of no big box stores our town. We would like to
convey to you that our business plans would all need to be changed to react to the requested rezone.
We all continuously make changes in our businesses as trends, demographics, and customer's shopping
habits change. However, these are smaller changes that we adjust to over time. A change in rezoning a
large area that is currently industrial to a "newly created" commercial zone (C2) would have a dramatic
impact that would cause much bigger and immediate changes in how we do business. The following
issues must be brought to your attention:
*A rezone of the property will totally shift the retail district from its current location. Anacortes will not
increase how much retail we have but merely make a lateral shift in where the retail is located and
where the dollars are spent. The CBD will essentially just be relocated but leave vacancies behind.
*Our current businesses will absolutely see a decrease in our sales which will result in a reduction of
employees and then an evaluation of whether it is economically feasible to stay in business. Most of our
current businesses cannot withstand any reduction in sales and remain viable. Several businesses have
already decided to close their doors if a big box comes into town. They will not take a wait and see
approach.
*The property values of the current commercial spaces along Commercial Ave will dramatically decrease
and many buildings will see increases in vacancies. The rezone will dramatically INCREASE the value of
the MJB land while DECREASING the current downtown commercial values.
*Anacortes is a small town and increasing our retail square footage by 100,000+ square feet is more
than.we need or can support with our population.
*Any big box store in Anacortes will not solve the retail leakage out of town nor does it bring more
people into town.
*We will see a decrease in tourism with no viable downtown - including boat moorages and hotel stays.
Anacortes will not remain a unique town. We will become Anytown USA.
*A true dry goods store does not need to be lOSk square feet. Target Stores, among others, have a
business model for a SSk square foot store. There is currently room for that in our current commercial
district. Scale is an important component to fit into our community.
*This rezone will result in a trade of many stores for one store. A big box store will be a lateral change
with a zero net change in sales, jobs and tax revenue.
*Once the property is rezoned additional retail development on the property can and will occur bringing
more erosion of
the Central Business district and the transfer of sales to the new location.
*It is true that a big box store would bring jobs and tax revenue to Anacortes, but the net result will be
near zero since the town would lose all of the current jobs the current retailers provide and well as the
sales tax currently generated. If we lose tourists in the process this net loss is greater.
A big box store on R Avenue in Anacortes has the potential to destroy or disfigure our small town
character. Mount Vernon's College Way and Stanwood's 271" Street have examples of ugly emptiness
where the retail district has shifted away to wrap around new development. Here, some businesses
would close, some would shrink, some would move, but all would be affected. Anacortes has worked
hard to develop a charming, walk-able, lively, unique downtown central business district and it would be
a shame to put that at risk.
There are too many unresolved issues at this time. The community does not have all the facts to make a
hasty decision for a single landowner's gain. We believe the rezoning decision should wait until the
2016 Comp Plan Review.
Page I of2
Larsen, Ryan
From:
Nicole Joy Preston [cocopreston@gmail.com]
Sent:
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 5:52 PM
To:
City Council; Larsen, Ryan
Subject: MJB property public comment
Dear City of Anacortes Council Members & Ryan Larson,
I do not think the city should re-zone this property to allow commercial
development. I am a young professional who has lived in Anacortes for the
last five years. This. type of store would take business away from existing
stores such as: Ace, Sebos, The Market, Safeway, RiteAid, Walgreens, Boxes
and Bears, Watermark, Bayshore, and Epicurious, to name a few. The
amenities that it would offer still would not compete with the larger
commercial cores of Burlington and Mount Vernon. I specifically chose to
move to Anacortes because it had no big box stores and was much more
charming than other towns in the vicinity. The CBD is already struggling with
many empty stores and this type of development would only further these
problems.
I cannot think of many cities that would allow waterfront property to be
developed in this manner. What is our vision for our town? Do we want to
become the next Oak Harbor or Burlington? Do we want our locally owned
companies to become even more economically depressed? My vision is of a
town that thrives on tourism and living-wage industries. A town where people
want to live, not just shop.
I think this property would most appropriately be re-zoned for mixed-use and
low-income housing so that more of the people who work in Anacortes can
afford to live in Anacortes.
A big-box such as this would not bring many family-wage jobs to Anacortes
and so most of the employees would not live in Anacortes. Per the Anacortes
Future Report (http:ijwww.anacortes.org/pdf/AnacortesFuturesReport.pdf),
Scenario E "Mixed Use w/ Code Changes", the average wage for this type of
development would be below $31,000, which is the second lowest of any of
1/22/2014
Page 2 of2
the scenarios. We need to attract businesses with family-wages job to Anacortes,
not low-paying jobs.
Again, I don't think that this area should be re-zoned to commerical. But, if the City
Council decides to allow this re-zoning, they should ensure that MJB gives back to
Anacortes since re-zoning this property will significantly increase the value of this
land to MJB. For instance, the city could ask MJB to build low-income housing, and
start a bicycle loaner program so that tourists or locals can explore the Tommy
Thompson trail for free. Or, they could have MJB put money in a fund to improve Ravenue or the South end of Commercial avenue.
Nicole Preston
1119 36th St
Anacortes, WA 98221
1122/2014
Page 1of1
Larsen, Ryan
From:
Tony Cowen [toadcowen@hotmail.com]
Sent:
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 5:59 PM
To:
council@cityofanacortes.org
Cc:
Gere, Laurie; Larsen, Ryan
Subject: mjb rezone
Dear Sir or Madam:
We are writing in opposition to the proposed rezone of the MJB properties.
We feel strongly that the main asset of Anacortes is our downtown core and our small town
feel. We should not alter our current zoning laws to encourage the building of a large box
store.
Every job that such a development will create will be offset by the loss of jobs in the
existing businesses that will be unable to compete. One goal of the Growth Management
Act is to "promote the retention and expansion of existing businesses... ". The current
proposal would invite businesses which compete all too well with small town institutions.
The tax base will not be increased when empty storefronts begin to line Commercial
Avenue.
We also believe that such a business will not survive long in Anacortes and will leave us
poorer in the long run.
The effects of such a commercial store (and whatever ancillary businesses sprout as a
result) on the traffic and character of R Ave. will be a detriment to our city. As the street is
currently configured there is a lack of parking and a dearth of safe pedestrian crossings.
Any increase in traffic would necessitate drastic changes which would mar the character of
one of the main entrances to our city.
Thank You,
Anthony P. Cowen
Julie C. Cowen
13417 N Green St
Anacortes WA
98221
299-8866
1/22/2014
Page 1 of 1
Larsen, Ryan
From:
Jake Verschuy/ Overschuyl@gmail.com]
Sent:
Friday, January 24, 2014 8:50 AM
To:
Gere, Laurie; Adams, Brad; Archibald, John; Walters, Ryan; Johnson, Eric; Miller, Matt; Pickett, Erica;
Lovelett, Liz; Larsen, Ryan
Subject: Pro Fred Meyer
Dear Mayor Gere and the City Council,
Please bring Fred Meyer to Anacortes.
The environmental concerns associated with the proposed tribal siting make that not a preferred
location for the Fred Meyer. The area near the Swinomish bridge is naturally a very diverse and
sensitive wetland. A huge amount of fill will need to be brought in to make the "pad" for the
proposed store. In addition, it would be nice to capitalize on the local sales taxes brought in by
having it cited within city limits (currently Burlington benefits from most of that $ gain for
Anacortes residents). The distance currently traveled by Anacortes residents for many shopping
needs is> 15 mi (to Burlington). It would be nice to have an option IN TOWN, where families
could have access to the products provided by Fred Meyer without having to drive long
distances, and for many ... without having to drive at all. For many, it is 2 gallons of gas round
trip to Burlington; multiplied by 4000 households making that trip Ix per week and we could
estimate 416,000 gallons of fuel wasted in just 1 year. At current gas prices that is close to $1.5
million dollars, not to mention the significant environmental impact that could be avoided by
having a Fred Meyer in Anacortes. Fred Meyer is a large store, but one that pays their
employees well, is Northwest owned, and is NOT Walmart.
Thanks for considering this.
-Jake Verschuyl
2210 21st St.
Anacortes, WA
1/24/2014
Page 1of1
Larsen, Ryan
From:
stanley shimkus [sand28@frontier.com]
Sent:
Friday, January 24, 2014 9:47 AM
To:
Larsen, Ryan
Subject: rezone
Yes, allow the rezone
Stan and Dee Shimkus
1124/2014
Larsen, Ryan
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Walt [wmguterbock@earthlink.net]
Sunday, January 26, 2014 6:37 PM
Larsen, Ryan; Gere, Laurie; lovelett@cityofanacortes.org
MJB rezone
I am an Anacortes resident.
I am in favor of rezoning the proposed MJB land for retail. Anacortes
needs the property and sales tax revenue and the jobs.
Seasonal boating
and tourist activities can not sustain a year-round economy. If the store
goes to the tribal lands, we lose tax revenue and continue the hemorrhage
of shoppers out of our town.
The argument that it will hurt the downtown
merchants is weak. Most don't compete directly with Fred. A serious
shopper for hardware, for example, is going to go to Sebo's for good and
quick customer service rather than wander the aisles at Fred's looking for
what he needs.
Local merchants are already losing the sales to all of the
people from Anacortes and the islands who drive past them to Burlington to
shop.
If there is destination store in Anacortes, those shoppers are less
likely to make the long, expensive drive to Burlington.
They may stay in
town and do more of their shopping in town. Every gallon of gas saved
means five less pounds of C02 in the atmosphere.
We already have the example of Anthony's. The local restaurants have done
better since the big bad chain came to town.
Let's not drive away another project with endless planning and dithering.
Anacortes needs to be have a vital economy and economic growth.
It can't
become a museum. Without a vital economy, the only way to raise revenue is
to raise real estate taxes on existing residents, never popular.
Walter Guterbock
2005 29th Place
Anacortes.
Walt Guterbock
wmguterbock@earthlink.net
1
,,_,,_
..c·"°"'tY .. . . ,_. ."""
ror.~~
1
~
,'----:.!__Jrn~
4~~1
'~
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, COMMUNITY, & ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
DATE
February 3, 2014
TO:
Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM:
Ryan C. Larsen, Director
Planning, Community, & Economic Development
SUBJECT:
MJB Properties, LLC Proposed Comprehensive Plan Map and Zoning Map
Amendments for the 2013 Amendment Cycle Public Comments
Attached are the most recent comments submitted regarding the above subject.
Tom & Sara Longworth, 1/31/14
David & Diane Groves, 2/1 /14
Dave & Kay Smith, 2/1 /14
Kay & John O'Connell, 2/2/14
Mark Bunzel, 2/3/14
Mark & Marilyn Stadler, 2/3/14
Kathleen Lorence-Flanagan, 1/27/14
Larsen, Ryan
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Sara Longworth [sdlongworth@gmail.com]
Friday, January 31, 2014 5:05 PM
Larsen, Ryan
Tom Longworth; Laurie Gere; Allen Rhoades
MJB Proposal
Greetings Mr. Larsen:
My husband and I attended the City Council meeting of Jan 21, 2014 but will
be out-of-town for the upcoming meeting on Monday, Feb. 3. We would like
to submit written comments on the subject of the MJB proposal to rezone.
It appears to us that there is confusion on the part of many citizens about
what the Council is being asked to do.
This confusion was reflected in the
public comments and, in our opinion, fostered intentionally on the part of
MJB.
To be clear:
1)
The question of whether or not Anacortes should have a "box store''
of any size is a reasonable question, but not the question at hand.
2)
The question of whether that retailer would be Fred Meyer vs some other
retailer is an interesting question, but not the question at hand.
3)
If one assumed that (a) we did want such a store, and (b) it could be
assured to be a Fred Meyer, there would still be considerable room for
debate on the subject of the most appropriate placement of such a store.
Many people would favor a location on Highway 20, but again-- that is not
the question at hand!
What the Council is being asked to do is rezone a specific piece of
waterfront property.
To do so has several obvious implications:
It assumes that the current zoning is not the most appropriate for the
subject property.
This decision is being requested "re-actively'' to MJB's
request, not ''pro-actively.'' This proposal is not a response to the
community's belief that the zoning is wrong in light of current City goals,
or that the zoning should be changed to support the City's future plans.
This proposal also precludes other uses which can only be served at the
waterfront, in favor of a use in which the waterfront is of no value.
MJB has a vested financial interest in this proposal, and it is their right
to ask for the change.
The City Council has a responsibility to serve the long-range interests of
the citizens of Anacortes, and the proposal should be judged in that
context.
To that end, if the Council were to grant the rezoning request:
1)
The City gets no material commitment from MJB in return.
2)
The City loses material leverage in influencing MJB's future
actions.
1
3)
The legitimate questions referenced above cannot be fully
explored, as the City will have lost many degrees of freedom in addressing
them.
If the City denies MJB's request, all of the questions above can be
addressed in an objective manner.
It may be decided that the City wants a
''box store." It may be decided that it favors Fred Meyer.
If these
questions are answered in the affirmative by the citizens and their
designated planning representatives, then MJB can make a proposal to be
evaluated based on the criteria identified in the plan, along with other
legitimate proposals from other developers and for other locations.
To
deny the rezone request does not preclude a future ''box store,'' or Fred
Meyer, or even an MJB proposal, it merely gives the City more control over
the outcomes.
In summary, we know that the City Council has the interests of the City at
heart, even when there is disagreement on what specific actions best
support that objective.
We would hope in this case that the Council's
focus would be on the specific impact of granting a rezone to MJB, and not
the diversionary tactics MJB has used with the debate about box stores in
general, and the sentimental favorite--Fred Meyer--in particular.
The
proposal lacks both a larger planning context and any material commitments
or protections for the City, and thus in our opinion should be denied.
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this discussion.
Tom & Sara Longworth
4219 Mitchell Dr.
Anacortes, WA 98221
2
DAVID J. GROVES
506 - 33TH Street, Anacortes. WA 98221
360 333 1028- dave506@frontier.com
February 1, 2014
Mayor Laurie Gere
City of Anacortes Council
My wife and I are in favor of development of the MJB Property for a retail
so called box store. Fred Meyer being the proposed tenant would be a
excellent fit for Anacortes. I often shop in the Fred Meyer Burlington store
for their very competitive pricing. While there I see many other Anacortes
residents also shopping. Let's keep those retail dollars in Anacortes.
I understand the fear residents have regarding the future of our current retail
base. I was a small specialty store (Ideal Photo from 1968 to 2004) in Mount
Vernon when the Malls were built. Surprisingly our sales actually increased with
my added emphasis on customer service. No box store can ever compete with
good customer service. Look around Mount Vernon and Burlington and note how
many locally owned specialty stores are thriving in a very competitive
Environment.
Thank you,
Dave & Diane Groves
Page I of I
Larsen, Ryan
From:
Pickett, Erica
Sent:
Saturday, February 01, 2014 9:57 PM
To:
Larsen, Ryan
Subject:
FW MJB rezone request
Attachments: MJB rezone request comments.pdf; FredMeyerSmallUrbanStore.jpg; WALMART
NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET CHICAGO.jpg; VancouverCaMarket.jpg
Don't know if you already have this one. If not, please include it in the record.
Thanks,
Erica
Erica Pickett
Councilmember at Large, Position 7
293-6264
From: Dave & Kay Smith [dssmithiu@yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, February 01, 2014 8:34 PM
To: coa.mayor; Archibald, John; Adams, Brad; Lovelett, Liz; Walters, Ryan; Johnson, Eric; Miller, Matt; Pickett,
Erica
Subject: MJB rezone request
Attached are my comments regarding the proposed MJB's R Avenue rezone request for a medium sized
department store.
Also attached is a Google map link to a schematic site plan which outlines a potential Old Town development
opportunity and a few photos depicting smaller general type stores in an urban infill situation.
Thank you for listening,
David Smith
5014 Macbeth Dr
Anacortes, WA 98221
https://mapseng ine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zYN DISrKbudA. kR 1SU N-vsSpO
2/3/2014
February 1, 2014
To: Anacortes City Council
From: David S. Smith
5014 Macbeth Dr
Anacortes, WA 98221
Re: MJB's rezone request
I am not opposed to a smaller general type retail store locating in Anacortes, but I am
opposed to the location and rezone request submitted by MJB.
Many of the larger retail (big box) operations have been opening smaller 'General' stores
in city centers in lieu of the suburbs for the past several years. This change in expansion
efforts is a result of local resistance to the super box store concept, new market
opportunities within city centers and creative city planning.
I am a strong proponent of 'urban infill' development and Anacortes' Old Town currently
has a generous amount of vacant or under utilized properties which could be creatively
developed to provide many sustainable retail and residential opportunities. 'Urban Infill'
provides a more efficient use of infrastructure and services as well as increasing the tax
revenues and minimizing the city's carbon footprint. Anacortes is a unique city and as
such requires a unique approach to planning and development.
The development of a smaller general type retail store within the Old Town area would
certainly increase tax revenue, employment, and services for local residents, but it could
also be a traffic generator for the current Old Town businesses if sited correctly.
One potential infill site is the half block area south of 10th Street between Commercial
and Q avenues. A creative design and development on this site would not only improve an
eyesore, but it could provide a very strong 'Commercial mall' anchor for Old Town
businesses. There are shared parking opportunities which exist with many under utilized
parking lots surrounding this block, a bus stop on 10th St., Cap Sante Marina a block
away, and a location which is very walkable and bikeable for many residents. Although
this site is approximately half the size of the MJB site, it would provide opportunities for
creating unique shopping levels.
Attached is a schematic site plan which outlines a potential development opportunity at
this location and a couple of photos depicting smaller general type stores.
Anacortes is a great community with great people and in order to maintain and improve
the lifestyle we currently enjoy, its time to think outside the Big Box!
Dave Smith
Page I of I
Larsen, Ryan
From:
Kay & John O'Connell [kayjocko@comcast.net]
Sent:
Sunday, February 02, 2014 4:54 PM
To:
Gere, Laurie; Pickett, Erica; Adams, Brad; lizl@cityofanacortes.org; Miller, Matt; Walters, Ryan;
Archibald, John; Johnson, Eric
Cc:
Larsen, Ryan
Subject: THINKING OUTSIDE THE MJB BIG BOX
First: we want to thank you for the care and consideration you are giving the MJB
proposal. As residents since 1979 we know that the MJB property has a long history
with the city.
We don't consider that Anacortes needs another grocery store. If a Fred Meyer were
built on R Avenue, The Market would go out of business, leaving Anacortes with an
abandoned concrete slab building in a vital location. College Way in Mount Vernon has
several examples.
Our preferences are two-fold: (1) endorse the idea of a land swap with the Port as
recommended by Bill Dietrich, to put a sto"re between the marina and the downtown.
This would entice boaters, serve locals and create a shoppers' path from the water to
the downtown retail core. (2) Recognizing that the Port land might not a feasible site, to
retain sales tax revenue an alternative might be Highway 20 in the Urban Growth Area
between Thompson and Reservation Road(s). That location would attract shoppers en
route to the San Juans plus Whidbey Island and Shelter Bay residents as well as
Anacortes
shoppers.
We remember The Islander, a real dry goods store. The time for a dry goods store is not
gone. In Freeland there is a contemporary dry goods store, Webbs Department Store.
Webbs has been in business for 10 years and it was started by Kay's family to provide
the goods that south Whidbey residents didn't want to go to the mainland to purchase
such as clothes, shoes and household linens.
We respect the fact that rezoning may have to wait for the 2016 Comprehensive Plan,
but why not take the momentum created by the Fred Meyer overture to plan for a store
that reflects the needs of Anacortes shoppers and the community at large? We both
worked in Snohomish County for 25 years and more without finding Fred Meyer an
indispensable retailer.
Kay and John O'Connell, 1401101h St., Anacortes
2/3/2014
Page 1 of2
Larsen, Ryan
From:
Mark Bunzel Fine Edge [mark@fineedge.com]
Sent:
Monday, February 03, 2014 10:43 AM
To:
coa.mayor; Johnson, Eric; Pickett, Erica; Adams, Brad; Archibald, John; Lovelett, Liz; Miller, Matt;
Walters, Ryan
Cc:
Larsen, Ryan
Subject: MJB Rezone
Mayor Gere and the Anacortes City Council
To follow up on my previous testimony regarding the request to re-zone the MJB property from
Industrial to Commercial or Commercial 2:
It is time this property be rezoned. Industrial use this close to housing and the city no longer makes
sense.
- When T-Bailey was in the large building in town there were regular noise complaints when they
worked.
- Noise complaints Dakota Creek continue.
- Smell complaints are regular with even our refineries
It would take a unique industrial use to work well that close to homes and marine industry. Unique
without noise, smell and not causing traffic issues.
The City of Anacortes has moved on. Our Industrial area is out at March Point.
I believe this will be a key outcome in the 2016 Comp Plan Update.
I do not agree with the sentiments of the downtown retailers opposing this rezone. Specialty retail is just
what it says - special. Special products and great service makes specialty retail successful. I think a
large dry-goods retailer will bring more business into the city just as Anthony's is said to have benefited
other restaurants and the Swinomish Casino hotel has benefited other hotels.
Weak grocery stores in the city and weak retail may be challenged. They already are.
Many of those same retailers complaining about potential competition are the same retailers who refuse
to be there for our tourists by staying open on Sundays.
The surveys taken by the Chamber and a private individual favor the re-zone.
The AFP visioning session for retail favored a medium box store in the city.
This is not a vote for a Fred Meyer - though as someone who has been involved with the parties I can
tell you that Kroger/Fred Meyer is involved in the background and watching the proceedings with the
intent to proceed if the property becomes available. I disagree with those who claim the re-zone will
lead to a tacky strip center. It is not in MJB's plans nor in their best interests to create a strip center of
small shops.
In addition, after working over the last 5 years with MJB, I believe them to be a responsible developer
who will develop their property in a manner that will add value to Anacortes. It is in their best interest
to do so for the benefit of their other real estate holdings.
I get a little angry when I hear citizens admonish the Council not to emich the land developers. Thank
God for developers who are willing to invest and take risks. Historically, they have added tremendous
value. Take a good look at San Juan Passage as a model for a developer who added value to Anacortes.
The naysayers, while passionate, have yet to come up with a reasonable idea for a better use for the land.
Waiting for the 2016 Comp Plan Update is not an answer, especially when there is a potential tenant in
2/3/2014
Page 2 of2
the wings that will bring investment and jobs.
Commercial 2 or Commercial will result in THE HIGHEST AND BEST USE for this land.
The community gets an amenity with more convenient dry-goods shopping - something it has been
requesting for over 40 years.
The City gets a new source of TRS revenue. We stop some of the leakage.
The community has a source of new jobs.
Leadership and doing what is best for Anacortes is a tough job. We have a strong and passionate
community intent on keeping Anacortes special. We have a vocal minority that wishes for no-change,
and does not offer alternatives. No change is not-sustainable.
We also have an opportunity to take vacant land and make it vibrant and an amenity of convenient
shopping for the community with many economic benefits and jobs ready to proceed.
Most importantly - at this time - no one has come up with A HIGHER AND BETTER USE for the
land, or even a better vision for this property.
I recommend you support the re-zone of this property away from Industrial and to the more
productive and relevant Commercial or Commercial 2 zoning.
Mark
Mark Bunzel
Publisher/Editor
Fine Edge Nautical Publishing
Waggoner Cruising Guide
14004 Biz Point Lane
Anacortes, WA 98221
C: 360.941.3786
P: 360.299.8500
F: 360.299.0535
Mark@FineEdge.com
www.FineEdge.com
2/3/2014
Page 1of1
Larsen, Ryan
From:
Marilyn Stadler [mcsta2007@yahoo.com]
Sent:
Monday, February 03, 2014 11 :58 AM
To:
Walters, Ryan; Johnson, Eric; Miller, Matt; Pickett, Erica; Archibald, John; Lovelett, Liz; Adams, Brad; coa.mayor;
Gere, Laurie
Cc:
Larsen, Ryan; jblais@gmccinc.com
Subject: RE: Rezoning MJB Properties
February 3, 2014
Dear Mayor Gere and City Council,
My Husband and I are in support of the commercial rezoning of the MJB properties located between the Tommy
Thompson Trail and R Avenue, north of 28th Street for a 105,000 square feet general merchandise store such as Fred
Meyers.
I have read the economic impact study by Hebert Research Group and believe that Fidalgo Island residents do spend an
estimated $88.5 million at retail establishments outside of Anacortes every year. My husband Mark and I are two of
these residents. The current stores in our area do not meet our needs because we are unable to find many of the items
we seek and/or the prices of purchases are much higher.
Many of the items we purchase at Fred Meyer's in Burlington
are substantially less expensive than the same items here. The cost reduction is significant enough to justify the
$7 /round trip it takes each week to shop in Burlington. We also tend to do other shopping such as picking up supplies at
Home Depot or Lowe's or stop for a meal just because it is convenient while we are over there.
We believe that City Council and you must address the cost benefits of having a medium retailer in this area. A new
retailer is estimated to add 90 full-time jobs and a similar amount of part-time positions. We are please that the first
year of business alone is estimated to provide $705,000 in tax revenue to the city, money that would help fund our City's
needs.
Approximately 20°/o of us in Anacortes are 55 and over, and that percentage is increasing. The trip over to Burlington
may be a mere 30 minutes, but for some seniors it is tiresome and costly, yet we continue to travel on a weekly basis to
shop. Mark and I are concerned that the senior population who wish to avoid the drive to shop here are not being
considered.
We should also consider that an estimated 35°/o of our Anacortes School District students are on the reduced cost or free
lunch program. Their parents would benefit financially by having a store such as Fred Meyer's to find a variety of clothes
and shoes for their children close to home.
We want to keep Anacortes the way it is, but we believe that this can be done successfully by having conditions to the
zoning, that would require the store to fit into Anacortes' surroundings. The proposal for a new Fred Meyers appears to
have taken that in to account.
Sincerely,
Mark and Marilyn Stadler
CC: Ryan Larsen
Jimmy Blais
2/3/2014
;-·1
~;
' ,__ ,
January 27, 2014
To Mayor Gere:
For the reasons listed below I am expressing opposition to the rezoning of the MJB
property along R Avenue, as well as the building of a medium sized retail store:
•
Making an exception to the current zoning regulations opens pandora's box to
further requests. Additionally, granting this request makes a mockery of the
current regulations.
Anacortes residents are encouraged to "Shop Locally," support their neighbors.
Even a "medium-sized" box store will likely destroy an economically fragile
downtown. As well, the needs of people who insist on shopping at big box stores
will unlikely be met.
If one needs items considered unavailable in Anacortes, one only needs to
PLAN, making occasional/rare trips to the Big Box stores for multiple items.
Organic foods? The Market has a wonderful selection. (Safeway may too, but
being a creature of habit, I rarely shop there). Offerings are complemented by
Anacortes Health and Nutrition and the summer Saturday Market. Underwear?
Walgreen's or the Upstage Boutique ..... or, again, just plan! It is not something
needed weekly!
When we all moved here we knew there were no big box stores. The absence of
those stores are what contribute to the charm, the character of the town. We
have all seen the negative impact of such stores on small towns across the
country. Please do not let that happen to Anacortes.
The argument about the cost of a trip to Burlington being "just a gallon of gas",
seems fallacious. There is the cost of time, mileage (over $.50/mile per federal
mileage allowance), loss of convenience, as will as loss of support for
businesses in one's own community.
Facts and figures presented by people wanting to promote an idea will, obviously,
hold a bias. Assessment by a person(s), adept at providing an unbiased
analysis of the statistics, is encouraged.
Sincere thanks for your time,
z~~--~_,~
Kathleen Lorence-Flanagan
200510th St
Anacortes, WA 98221
tomflanagan1@comcast.net
360 293-4090
cc: Councilpersons
U

Anacortes City Council Minutes January 21, 2014

Transcription

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