City of Anacortes - City Council Meeting (7/13/26)

The City of Anacortes City Council held a meeting on July 13, 2026, which included several procurement and budget-related discussions. The council approved a contract worth $309,598.98 with Summit X Contractors for emergency replacement of a failing water main on Fort 34th Street, ratifying the emergency declaration to expedite the work. They also approved a budget amendment ordinance that included funding for the North Star project, insurance for the W.T. Preston museum, water fund projects, and the emergency water line replacement. Additionally, the council reviewed and discussed a comprehensive downtown streetscapes plan developed by consultant First Forty Feet, outlining a multi-year action plan for streetscape enhancements, public gathering spaces, parking strategies, and wayfinding improvements, with an emphasis on grant funding and partnerships for implementation. The council adopted a public participation plan for the periodic update of critical areas regulations as part of growth management compliance. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the confirmation of Mannix McDonnell as the permanent fire chief following a competitive recruitment process. The confirmation vote was contentious, with some council members requesting more time to consider new information, but ultimately McDonnell was confirmed by a 4-2 vote. The council also discussed and reviewed a new ordinance regulating motorized and non-motorized personal transportation devices, including helmet requirements and usage restrictions, with plans to bring the ordinance back for further refinement. The meeting included public comments on various agenda items and concluded with the council adjourning after the fire chief confirmation vote.