A-Town is Our Town Magazine: Spring/Summer 2023

Anacortes Police

Non-Emergency Numbers

For 24 hour a day non-emergent Officer contact, you can call 360-428-3211 and the Officers on duty will be advised to contact you in person or by phone.

Animal Control

Animal Control: Officer Zabrina Nybo, Community Services Officer: Phone: 360-293-4684

Email: zabrinan@cityofanacortes.org

For ongoing issues, you can contact dispatch at 360-428-3211

Officer Nybo is available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. After those hours, calls are handled by Patrol Officers, if necessary. Non-emergency services offered:

• Animal waste problems

• Barking dog complaints

• Control aggressive / dangerous animals

• Deceased domestic animals in roadway

• Dog licenses

Anonymous Tip

• Investigate animal cruelty and neglect

• Lost and found animals

• Nuisance wildlife information

• Provide education and training tips

• Respond to dogs running at large

If you wish to leave an anonymous tip about a crime, you may call: 360-299-1985

Please do not report crimes in progress to the Department phone number or to the anonymous tip line. Please dial 911

Questions & Messages

For questions about the Police Department or to leave a message for a member of the Department please call 360-293-4684, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Code Red Alert Sign-Up

Register to receive emergency alerts and notifications through the CodeRed emergency notification system. This alert is a great tool to receive local, timely, and critical information when it matters most:

Code Red Alert Sign-Up: skagitcounty.net/Departments/ EmergencyInformation/emergencyinfo.htm

City Council Members

Ryan Walters, Ward 1 360-610-7770

ryanw@cityofanacortes.org

Christine ClelandMcGrath, Ward 2 360-708-0267

christinec@cityofanacortes.org

Jeremy Carter, Ward 3 425-773-5935

jeremyc@cityofanacortes.org

Amanda Hubik, Position 4 360-499-3856

amandah@cityofanacortes.org

Bruce McDougall, Position 5 303-551-5554

brucem@cityofanacortes.org

Carolyn Moulton, Position 6 360-472-0335

carolynm@cityofanacortes.org

Anthony Young, Position 7 360-873-8407

anthony@cityofanacortes.org

Contributors

Editor

Jennifer Tottenham Executive Assistant, Mayor’s Office

Layout & Design

Adam Farnsworth

Education & Media Curator, Anacortes Museum

Photography

Colin Lloyd, Josh Eckstein, Marian Florinel, Pavl Polo, Emma Simpson, City of Anacortes Staff.

Special Thanks

Thank you to all the City of Anacortes staff for producing content making this magazine possible.

Table of Contents

Hello Anacortes,

Welcome to the Spring/Summer edition of the A-Town is Our Town magazine! As we look forward to longer days, more sunshine and warmer temperatures, we at the City are ever mindful of our responsibility to our citizens to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all.

This edition is dedicated to Health and Safety. In this issue you will hear from our police and fire department leadership on the challenges and opportunities to enhance public safety. Our collective commitment to public safety has led City Council to adopt Resolution 3103, which places Proposition 1 -- Public Safety Levy Lid Lift on the April 25th ballot. Within these pages, you will learn more about the potential impact this levy lid lift could have on our community.

You will also read about the resources and organizations dedicated to providing services to our citizens – organizations such as Skagit County Community Action, which is opening a satellite office in Anacortes to serve our local residents as well as a countywide commitment to navigate the challenges of homelessness and behavioral health through the North Star project.

Our focus on safety also includes infrastructure and environmental safety. The City recently released the SeeClickFix app that provides citizens a direct way to report safety hazard concerns to our staff.

Our city services such as library, senior activity center, museum, and parks and recreation department provide numerous opportunities for our residents to participate in activities that promote health, wellness, and community engagement.

While I was not so fortunate to be born in Anacortes, this is my home. I was able to serve my country here, my wife and I raised our children here, and we operated our family business here. I have been fortunate to travel the world, which only reinforced for me Anacortes is the best place to raise a family, start a business, or live your retirement dream.

It is no secret that Anacortes is a gem of a community and that our popularity creates its own demands. We grew by 130 new residents last year and our population is now 17,880. This growth brings many positives, but also means that city services must keep up with

this growth – particularly in the area of public safety. I share your frustration with the uptick of crime and its visible blemish on our community. I will not compromise our public safety and I am convinced that the city needs more police officers and more firefighters/medics to support our continued growth.

Together, in partnership with City Council and you, we can and will continue to protect and promote the safety and well-being of Anacortes.

I hope you will find this edition of A-Town is Our Town informative.

All the best,

Matt Miller, Mayor 360-299-1950 mattm@cityofanacortes.org

A Letter from Council Member Cleland-McGrath

On December 5, 2022, the Anacortes City Council unanimously approved Resolution 3103 to authorize a special election to raise the current property taxes for public safety staffing. The proposition will come before our citizens on April 25, 2023. The purpose of this levy is to add eight firefighter/ medics and five police officers. The eight firefighter/medics will allow around the clock staffing for a second unit at Station 1. The five police officers will better conform with best practices for the level of service expected in a community of our size.

Anacortes has three fire stations with response capacity divided equally. Station One is located in the heart of downtown and received 60% of calls in 2022. Station Two is in Skyline and Station Three is near March Point. Anacortes Fire Department is responsible for a surprisingly large geographical area. Over the last ten years, Fire/EMS calls have increased 60%. In 2022, there were 275 instances of “Level Zero” when no firefighter/medics were available to respond to a call because all three units were assisting

As behavioral health calls have become more complex, Fire Chief Harris and Police Chief Floyd have worked together to develop a coordinated response team. This team includes one patrol officer, community service officer, community paramedic and

patients. The same year there were 899 overlapping calls, which means at least two of the three units were out in the field with patients, resulting in a delay to reach certain areas of town in an emergency. Unlike Anacortes, the close proximity of Mount Vernon, Burlington and Sedro Woolley allow these cities to assist one another when necessary. When a few additional minutes can make the difference between life and death, neighboring departments would take valuable time to reach Anacortes.

The city has experienced a significant increase in stolen vehicles (105%) and thefts (52%), along with an increase in burglaries (35%). These cases require a patrol officer to gather information and a detective to investigate in a timely manner. The Anacortes Police Department is responding to more complex calls. De-escalation techniques take more officers and more time to be effective. Domestic violence incidents need to provide immediate resources to victims, thorough documentation, and possible apprehension of suspects. During certain times of the day, only two police officers are

community resource manager contracted with the Anacortes Family Center. This year, Chief Harris secured an Association of Washington Cities Alternative Response Team Grant to add a part time social worker and mental health professional.

on patrol for the entire city. Crime prevention requires regular community presence and timely detective work.

I am proud of the collaboration between city departments, nonprofits, and community stake-holders. There is a strong objective to utilize existing resources and avoid duplication of services. That being said, we are at a critical point where we need more patrol officers on duty and a second firefighter/medic unit at our busiest station, twenty-four hours a day. I am pleased that the Council clearly defined that this levy is to specifically increase staffing. On March 6, 2023, Council unanimously adopted Resolution 3113 supporting the one-time levy lid lift proposition. This is truly about the safety of our citizens.

Warmly, Christine Cleland-McGrath, Ward 2 360-708-0267

christinec@cityofanacortes.org

This group of professionals work with some of our most vulnerable citizens, including those experiencing homelessness, seniors, and the disabled. While this has been a focus of public concern, the levy does not directly solve this issue.

Cora and Morgan McGrath at AFD’s Annual Open House 2022

More Officers Make a Safer City

The job of keeping the city safe becomes more complex each year. Looking at the many tracked department statistics, some of the most common calls for service in Anacortes, including thefts, vehicle prowls, vehicle thefts and burglaries, are all on the rise. Overall calls for service are also rising year after year.

Based on the experience of those working at the APD, having more officers on shift leads to a better environment when it comes to addressing the calls for service received by the department. More complex calls take more time, and potentially dangerous calls benefit from more officers to handle all facets of the call depending on the type. Violence de-escalation has been a cornerstone of law enforcement training for years now, and increasing the number of officers on the scene of a call can drastically reduce the likelihood of uses of force in the field, making these calls safer for everyone involved.

Crucially, adding police officers can also have a direct effect on a city’s overall crime rates. In a paper published out of Florida State and George Mason universities1, researchers found that an increased police presence meant that crime decreased significantly. They did not find that adding police officers led to more arrests and incarcerations; they simply found that less crime was occurring, and that decrease corresponded with days when extra officers were on shift. A study conducted at NYU’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service2 shows that adding police officers to a city statistically reduces serious crime including robbery, aggravated assault, rape and murder. That NYU study also demonstrated that adding officers means that taxpayers get a lot more bang for their buck. As crime decreases, spending also decreases on prosecution and incarceration. Crime prevention is an extremely important component of what we do at the APD, and adding more officers to our family here can have a direct, positive effect on the residents we serve.

It is important to note that overall calls for service at the APD tend to increase in the spring and summer months as the weather gets nicer and the days become longer. To avoid property crimes like vehicle prowls and thefts in general, Anacortes residents should remember to lock their cars and, if possible, park in their garages. Remember to lock the door when you leave the house, and consider a security system as well.

The APD will always be committed to making Anacortes a safer place for residents and visitors, but the city is growing and changing with each passing year. The APD is constantly evaluating the ways we do our work and seeing process improvement. Safety is our motto, and we look forward to fulfilling that motto as more and more people endeavor to call Anacortes home.

1 KLICK, JONATHAN,AND ALEXANDERTABARROK. “USINGTERROR ALERTLEVELSTO ESTIMATETHE EFFECTOF POLICE ON CRIME.”THE JOURNAL OF LAW& ECONOMICS 48, NO. 1 (2005): 267–79. HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.1086/426877

2 AARON CHALFIN & BENJAMIN HANSEN & EMILY K. WEISBURST, MORGAN C.WILLIAMS, 2022. “POLICE FORCE SIZE AND CIVILIAN RACE,”AMERICAN ECONOMIC REVIEW: INSIGHTS,VOL 4(2), PAGES 139-158.

Health and safety are paramount concerns at the Anacortes Police Department. In fact, safety is right in our motto: “Ensuring public safety; Earning public trust.”

We are Hiring: Entry & Lateral Police Officers

$77,167 - $96,625 with excellent benefits

Average top step officer gross income $112,261*

*Includes incentives & OT

The City & Police Department

Benefits*:

• Four medical plans (100% employer paid for employee-only)

• Employer paid dental, orthodontia, & vision for full family

• Dual insurance incentives up to $740 per month

• Deferred compensation with up to 3% employer matching

• Vacation and sick leave accrual each beginning at 8 hours per month

• Take-home vehicle for Fidalgo residents

Entry level applicants begin here: publicsafetytesting.com/departments/anacortes/police-officer-3

Incentives

(% of base wages):

• 1 - 4% Longevity Payments

• 4% Specialty Premiums (Detective, SRO, K9, and FTO)

• 2% Instructor Premium

• 3% Education incentives

*See our job posting for full list of benefits and required qualifications.

Qualified candidates

to

Direct

are

reillyw@cityofanacortes.org.

The City of Anacortes is an Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug Free Workplace

AnacortesWA.gov | Spring/Summer - 2023 | 7 POLICE DEPARTMENT

Response to Persons Experiencing Homelessness

The Anacortes Police

What Officers Can Do

Trespassing on private property

What Officers Can’t Do

Camping on Public Property/RV parking

through reducing danger from criminal activity and improving community well-being; by identifying those who are most in need of aid, providing assistance and working in partnership with members of the community to achieve our common goals.

The Anacortes Police Department interacts with individuals who are unhoused or experiencing different forms of homelessness such as living in hotels, in their vehicle, or in homeless encampments.

The City of Anacortes works closely with the Anacortes Family Center to provide a contracted social worker and other community partners to provide access to resources.

In 2023, the City of Anacortes will add a Mental Health Professional (MHP) co-responder working with our community paramedic and a Community Action Care Coordinator to strengthen our outreach.

If a subject unlawfully trespasses on private property, officers will be dispatched to assess the situation. The property owner must desire prosecution for trespassing before officers take any type of enforcement action.

Abandoned vehicles

Abandoned vehicles will be marked and a warning will be placed on the vehicle regarding the violation. If the vehicle is not moved, the vehicle can be cited, and escalating enforcement actions may be taken.

Aggressive behavior

Officers can issue citations for aggressive or threatening behavior if the victim wants prosecution.

Outreach Team

Can provide resources and refer unhoused subjects to service providers.

Federal courts have ruled that cities cannot prosecute individuals as an unavoidable consequence of being homeless (unless alternative shelter is available). This includes sleeping/living in a motorhome, trailer, or on public land.

Panhandling

Asking for money is protected speech under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and cannot be prohibited.

Camping or Sleeping on Private Property

The individual property owner must request enforcement action for trespassing prior to any law enforcement action.

Department’s mission is to contribute to the overall improvement of the quality of life in the City of Anacortes

What you can Do

If there’s an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.

If there is not an emergency, please call 360-293-4684 to report illegal activity.

Encampments

(private property)

If you notice an encampment on private property and you’re not the property owner, please contact the Anacortes Police Department so they can locate the owner.

Encampments

(government property)

If you notice an encampment on property owned by other government agencies, please contact the appropriate agency.

Property Owners

There are things you can do to deter encampments, including posting signs, keeping your property well-lit and secure, and avoiding overgrown foliage.

Resources

Anacortes Police Department

APD Outreach Team: APD, Social Worker, Community Paramedic

1218 24th Street, Anacortes, WA 98221

Emergency: 911

Non-emergency office: 360-293-4684

Non-emergency dispatch: 360-428-4684

Anacortes Fire Department

1016 13th Street, Anacortes, WA 98221

Emergency: 911

Non-emergency office: 360-293-1925

Community Paramedic: 360-298-5633

Anacortes Family Center

2707 Commercial Ave, Anacortes, WA 98221

Phone: 360-293-2993

anacortesfamily.org

Island Health

1211 24th Street, Anacortes, WA 98221

Phone: 360-299-1300

islandhealth.org

Salvation Army

3001 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA 98221

Phone: 360-293-6682

anacortes.salvationarmy.org

Community Action Skagit County 330 Pacific Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Anacortes satellite office: 216 Commercial Avenue

Phone: 360-416-7585

communityactionskagit.org

Helping Hands Food Bank

3014 Commercial Ave, Anacortes, WA 98221

Phone: 360-856-2211

helpinghandsfoodbank.org

Taking On “All Hazards”

To protect our citizens and visitors, the Anacortes Fire Department has taken the “All Hazards” approach in how we train and deploy our firefighters.

Everyone understands that firefighters respond to building fires but not everyone realizes that these same firefighters are also the skilled paramedics and EMTs who staff the ambulances that cover not only our community, but large portions of western Skagit County as well. Your firefighters are also trained and equipped to respond to wildland fires, high angle rope rescues, marine rescues, confined space rescues, vehicle and machinery extrication and hazardous material spills or leaks. Being isolated on Fidalgo Island means that it takes a long time for outside help to arrive so we must be prepared for any incident that happens here. Beyond 911 calls, our crews also participate in fire inspections, pre-fire planning, public education programs and all of

the training needed to be proficient in all of these varied disciplines.

Two of the most important factors related to protecting lives and property are how long it takes to arrive on scene (response time) and assembling the appropriate number and types of personnel and equipment (Effective Response Force) to solve the problem quickly and safely.

We strive for a response time of less than 4 minutes to any emergency. To accomplish this, we need to spread our limited resources between three stations: Station #1 Downtown, Station #2 in Skyline and Station #3 on March Point. Each of these stations is staffed by two personnel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These two personnel are responsible for “cross staffing” a Fire Engine and a Medic Unit. Cross staffing means that if the crew takes the Medic unit to a call, there is no longer a crew left to

staff the Fire Engine or vice versa. The two-person crew at Station #1 is also responsible for cross staffing the Ladder and Rescue Trucks.

What constitutes an Effective Response Force varies greatly with each type of call. We send only a single medic unit, with 2 personnel, to our most

basic EMS calls. This is not ideal for either the patient or the crews, but it is a difficult decision that has been made due to an increasing call volume and the need to keep the other crews available for other calls. Advanced Life Support calls such as cardiac issues, strokes or motor vehicle collisions receive a minimum of 4 personnel who usually respond with the closest medic unit and a fire engine from a more distant station. Some may wonder why a fire engine is sent to serious medical calls? All of our engines are equipped with the advanced EMS equipment needed to respond to medical emergencies as well as the firefighting and rescue equipment needed to respond to any other type of call. By keeping this crew in a fire engine we are able to maintain

the flexibility needed to be ready for anything that comes our way!

The Effective Response Force needed to combat a structure fire is much greater. Nationally accepted standards call for 16-17 firefighters on the scene of a residential building fire within 8 minutes. Our locally adopted standard is to assemble 12 firefighters within 11 minutes. With only 6 firefighters on duty at any given time, these standards have proven impossible to meet, putting our crew at risk, even with the utilization of our neighboring fire departments as provided through automatic aid agreements.

A related staffing concern is WAC 296-305, which states that under normal circumstances we are required to have a total of four personnel on scene before we can enter a building that is on fire to search for victims or to extinguish the fire. Our current staffing model has only two firefighters at each station, which means no rescue or fire attack can occur until a second

station’s unit arrives. If a fire occurs in any response zone, it will take 7-12 minutes for a second unit to arrive from a different station. That is too long for a fire victim to likely survive.

Over the past ten years, the call volume at the Anacortes Fire Department has increased by 60%, from 2694 in 2012 to 4317 in 2022. This high call volume creates many instances where multiple calls are occurring at the same time. In 2022, there were 899 times that 2 calls occurred simultaneously, 153 times there were 3 calls and 11 times there were 4 simultaneous calls. During these overlapping call periods, there were 275 instances in which the AFD was at “Level Zero”, meaning that there were no units left to respond to any type of call.

These standards and statistics are not just numbers; they were developed after comprehensive studies of things such as cardiac arrest survival rates and fire victim survival times. That being said, it does not take a study for you to know that the longer something is on fire or someone is suffering from a heart attack, is bleeding or cannot breathe,

the worse their outcome is likely to be.

Our strategic plan to shorten response times and increase the size of our Effective Response Force calls for the deployment of a second 2-person unit at Downtown Station #1. This unit will be able to handle second calls quickly or respond with the outlying stations to provide the personnel needed to administer quality medical care or search for fire victims.

The dynamics of our community are rapidly changing. We can soon expect more multi-story buildings, increasing tourism and higher population densities. The AFD will continue to plan for these and to anticipate future challenges that are not yet known. We will evolve with you to provide the highest levels of service possible. It is our goal, every day, to exceed your expectations!

Disaster Resilience

Disaster resilience begins with the individual and expands throughout the community.

There are several programs that can help you become prepared and learn how to help your community when the need arises.

Become Two Weeks Ready by following the Prepare in a Year program. If you spend an hour or two each month for a year, you can become aware of the types of disasters we may have and how to respond when

they happen. Learn how to work together as neighbors, in the work place, in schools, in houses of worship, and in community organizations.

When you are prepared, you will know what you need to do and will feel confident that you can be an asset at the time of the disaster. You will be able to help other people.

Every household is different and has different needs. Your plan needs tailoring to you and your family. Make a commitment to prepare. Then think about sharing what you are doing with friends and neighbors.

People can support one another in being disaster resilient. There are tools to use to prepare as shown in the list below. After a year, reevaluate and update your plan to reflect your life and your needs at that time.

Please start your preparedness process using the Prepare in a Year information. The booklet can be picked up at the Anacortes Fire Department or downloaded at :

mil.wa.gov/asset/5f171cc0a935f

Disaster Resources

Map Your Neighborhood (MYN)

MYN is a 90 minute digital media presentation that teaches the first nine steps to take as a neighborhood during the first hour following a disaster.

Organizations Preparing for Emergency Needs (OPEN)

fema.gov/event/organizationspreparing-emergency-needs-opentraining

Businesses, organizations, and houses of worship become disaster ready so they can continue to meet their goals and their visions.

Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide

to Citizen Preparedness

mil.wa.gov/map-your-neighborhood ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-11/ are-you-ready-guide.pdf

Ask yourself, “Am I ready?” “Can I be better prepared?”

youtube.com/watch?v=80twsCr7oyc

CERT was developed by the LA City Fire Department to train volunteers in how to keep safe while assisting others during and after a disaster.

Different variants of the Basic CERT Course are: Teen CERT, Business CERT, Airport CERT and Advanced CERT Training.

Did you know that January 26, 2023, was the 323rd anniversary of the last great Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake? We know this earthquake occurred from the documentation of a 10-12 foot high orphan Tsunami that struck Japan about 9 hours after the earthquake happened off our shores.

Rick Wallace

Skagit

County CERT

SkagitCoCERT@gmail.com

(435) 261-7921

HISTORY

A t A n a c o r t e s C i t y C o u n c i l ' s r e g u l a r c o u n c i l m e e t i n g o n D e c e m b e r 5 , 2 0 2 2 , C o u n c i l a d o p t e d

R e s o l u t i o n N o 3 1 0 3 , w h i c h p l a c e s a l e v y l i d l i f t o n t h e A p r i l 2 5 , 2 0 2 3 s p e c i a l e l e c t i o n b a l l o t

I f a p p r o v e d b y A n a c o r t e s v o t e r s , P r o p o s i t i o n 1 t i t l e d " P u b l i c S a f e t y S t a f f i n g " w o u l d a d d e i g h t

f i r e f i g h t e r s a n d f i v e p o l i c e o f f i c e r s

WHAT IS A LEVY?

P r o p e r t y t a x s y s t e m s c a n b e e i t h e r r a t e - b a s e d o r l e v y - b a s e d .

W a s h i n g t o n S t a t e i s o n e o f t w o s t a t e s t h a t u s e a l e v y - b a s e d p r o p e r t y t a x s y s t e m a s o p p o s e d t o r a t e - b a s e d s y s t e m U n d e r W a s h i n g t o n ’ s l e v y - b a s e d s y s t e m , s t a t e l a w a l l o w s a t a x i n g d i s t r i c t t o c o l l e c t a s p e c i f i e d t o t a l d o l l a r a m o u n t ( t h e l e v y ) p e r y e a r , a s o p p o s e d t o a r a t e - b a s e d s y s t e m w h i c h c h a r g e s a t a x r a t e o n a s s e s s e d v a l u e

T h e c o u n t y a s s e s s o r c a l c u l a t e s t h e t a x r a t e b y d i v i d i n g t h e l e v y a m o u n t b y t h e t o t a l v a l u e o f a l l p r o p e r t y w i t h i n t h e j u r i s d i c t i o n

T h e t a x i s e x p r e s s e d i n d o l l a r s p e r $ 1 , 0 0 0 o f a s s e s s e d v a l u e ( c a l l e d t h e m i l l a g e r a t e ) . S o , w i t h a l e v y - b a s e d s y s t e m w h e n t h e t o t a l v a l u e o f p r o p e r t y w i t h i n a j u r i s d i c t i o n f a l l s , t h e r a t e s i n c r e a s e t o r a i s e t h e s a m e a m o u n t o f m o n e y , a n d w h e n p r o p e r t y v a l u e s i n c r e a s e , t h e n t h e r a t e w o u l d d e c r e a s e t o c o l l e c t t h e s a m e a m o u n t o f m o n e y .

BALLOTS MAILED

APRIL 5, 2023

PROPOSITION 1

PUBLIC SAFETY STAFFING

WHAT DOES LEVY LID LIFT MEAN?

W a s h i n g t o n ’ s p r o p e r t y t a x i s a l e v y - b a s e d p r o p e r t y t a x s y s t e m , w h i c h m e a n s s t a t e l a w a l l o w s a

t a x i n g d i s t r i c t l i k e t h e C i t y t o c o l l e c t a s p e c i f i e d t o t a l d o l l a r a m o u n t ( t h e l e v y ) p e r y e a r

T h e C i t y i s j u s t o n e o f s e v e r a l t a x i n g d i s t r i c t s t h a t h a v e t a x i n g a u t h o r i t y w i t h i n t h e C i t y o f

A n a c o r t e s . S t a t e l a w l i m i t s l e v y i n c r e a s e s t o 1 % p e r y e a r f o r e a c h s e p a r a t e t a x i n g d i s t r i c t .

T h e e x c e p t i o n t o t h i s r u l e i s t h e l e v y l i d l i f t , w h i c h a l l o w s t a x i n g j u r i s d i c t i o n s t o a s k t h e v o t e r s t o a p p r o v e i n c r e a s i n g t h e l e v y r a t e ( l i d l i f t ) t o a n a m o u n t e q u a l t o o r l e s s t h a n t h e s t a t u t o r y m a x i m u m t a x r a t e w h i c h i s $ 3 . 3 7 5 p e r $ 1 0 0 0 o f a s s e s s e d v a l u e f o r A n a c o r t e s . S t a t e l a w r e q u i r e s t h e C i t y t o b a l a n c e i t s b u d g e t e a c h y e a r . I t m u s t a d d r e s s a n y g a p s b y i n c r e as i n g r e v e n u e s o r r e d u c i n g c o s t s . T h e C i t y h a s n e v e r a s k e d t h e v o t e r s f o r a l e v y l i f t s i n c e t h e 1 % p r o p e r t y t a x l i m i t w a s e n a c t e d i n 2 0 0 2 . T h e c o s t o f C i t y s e r v i c e s i s i n c r e a s i n g f a s t e r t h a n a v a i l a b l e r e v e n u e s o u r c e s , e s p e c i a l l y p r o p e r t y t a x .

WHY IS THE CITY SEEKING A LEVY LID LIFT?

T h e C i t y ’ s s i n g l e l a r g e s t s o u r c e o f r e v e n u e f o r o p e r a t i o n s i s p r o p e r t y t a x . S t a t e l a w l i m i t s t h e

a m o u n t t h e C i t y c a n c o l l e c t i n p r o p e r t y t a x t o a 1 % i n c r e a s e p e r y e a r O v e r t h e p a s t t e n y e a r s ,

( 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 2 2 ) t h e c o n s u m e r p r i c e i n d e x ( C P I ) , w h i c h m e a s u r e s i n f l a t i o n , h a s i n c r e a s e d a n a v e r a g e o f 2 5 % e a c h y e a r T h e C P I f o r a l l U r b a n C o n s u m e r s i n D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 2 w a s 6 5 % S o m e m a j o r C i t y e x p e n s e s o f t e n i n c r e a s e a t r a t e s e v e n h i g h e r t h a n C P I T h e C i t y i s r e q u i r e d t o p a s s a b a l a n c e d b u d g e t a n d m u s t a b s o r b a n y c o s t i n c r e a s e s

I f t h e r e i s n o l e v y l i d l i f t a n d p r o p e r t y t a x i nc r e a s e s r e m a i n a t t h e s t a t u t o r y l i m i t o f 1 % , t h e C i t y ’ s p u b l i c s a f e t y b u d g e t f o r p o l i c e , f i r e , a n d e m e r g e n c y m e d i c a l s e r v i c e s w i l l n o t b e a d e q u a t e t o h i r e a d d i t i o n a l s t a f f . I f P r o p o s i t i o n 1 p a s s e s , t h e C i t y w i l l u s e t h e a d d i t i o n a l p r o p e r t y t a x r e v e n u e t o i n c r e a s e t h e c u r r e n t l e v e l s o f s e r v i c e o f o u r p u b l i c s a f e t y d e p a r t m e n t s .

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE LEVY LID LIFT FAILS?

I f P r o p o s i t i o n 1 d o e s n o t p a s s , t h e C i t y ' s p u b l i c s a f e t y b u d g e t f o r p o l i c e , f i r e , a n d e m e r g e n c y m e d i c a l s e r v i c e s w i l l n o t b e a d e q u a t e t o h i r e a d d i t i o n a l s t a f f .

PROPOSITION 1

PUBLIC SAFETY STAFFING

WHAT IS DRIVING THE NEED FOR MORE PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL?

FIRE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

C h a p t e r 2 9 6 - 3 0 5 o f t h e W a s h i n g t o n A d m i n i s t r a t i v e C o d e r e q u i r e s f o u r f i r e p e r s o n n e l o n s c e n e b e f o r e f i r e f i g h t e r s c a n e n t e r a b u r n i n g s t r u c t u r e t o s e a r c h f o r v i c t i m s o r e x t i n g u i s h t h e f i r e F i r e f i g h t e r s m u s t k n o w w i t h c e r t a i n t y t h a t a v i c t i m i s i n s i d e a s t r u c t u r e f i r e t o e n t e r w i t h a m i n i m u m o f t h r e e p e r s o n n e l o n s c e n e a n d n o e n t r y m a y b e m a d e t o r e s c u e v i c t i m s w i t h l e s s t h a n t h r e e f i r e f i g h t e r s o n t h e s c e n e .

A n a c o r t e s c u r r e n t l y h a s t w o f i r e p e r s o n n e l a t e a c h f i r e s t a t i o n . T h i s m e a n s t h a t n o r e s c u e c a n b e a t t e m p t e d a t a s t r u c t u r e f i r e u n t i l a s e c o n d u n i t f r o m a n o t h e r s t a t i o n a r r i v e s , w h i c h c a u s e s a n a v e r a g e d e l a y o f 7 - 1 2 m i n u t e s . T h e i n c r e a s e d s t a f f i n g l e v e l s w i l l a l l o w f i r e f i g h t e r s t o i m m e d i a t e l y e n t e r a s t r u c t u r e f i r e t o c o n t r o l t h e f i r e a n d r e s c u e v i c t i m s .

S i n c e 2 0 1 3 t h e A n a c o r t e s F i r e D e p a r t m en t c a l l v o l u m e h a s i n c r e a s e d b y 6 0 % , f r o m 2 6 9 4 t o 4 3 1 7 i n 2 0 2 2 . T h e r a t e o f c a l l s f r e q u e n t l y m e a n s t h a t t h e d e p a r t m e n t i s r e s p o n d i n g t o m u l t i p l e c a l l s a t t h e s a m e t i m e . A d e l a y i n r e s p o n s e c a n o c c u r w h e n t h e r e a r e m u l t i p l e c a l l s b e c a u s e a u n i t m u s t r e s p o n d f r o m a n o u t l y i n g s t a t i o n .

T h e r e w e r e 8 9 9 o v e r l a p p i n g c a l l s i n 2 0 2 2 a n d 2 7 5 t i m e s w h e n a l l u n i t s w e r e r e s p o n d i n g t o c a l l s w i t h n o b a c k u p a v a i l a b l e to r e s p o n d t o a d d i t i o n a l c a l l s H i r i n g e i g h t a d d i t i o n a l f i r e f i g h t e r s w i l l p r o v i d e a n a d d i t i o n a l r e s p o n s e t e a m a t S t a t i o n # 1 , w h e r e n e a r l y 6 0 % o f c a l l s o c c u r T h i s a d d i t i o n a l u n i t w i l l r e d u c e r e s p o n s e t i m e s a n d i n c r e a s e s t a f f i n g t o r e s p o n d t o e m e r g e n c i e s . R e c e n t W a s h i n g t o n S t a t e l a w u p d a t e s h a v e i n c r e a s e d r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r p u b l i c s a f e t y o f f i c e r s r e s p o n d i n g t o e m e r g e n c i e s . T h e A n a c o r t e s P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t e m b r a c e s t h e u s e o f d ee s c a l a t i o n t a c t i c s , w h i c h r e q u i r e a d d i t i o n a l t i m e a n d s t a f f r e s o u r c e s w h e n r e s p o n d i n g t o c a l l s i n v o l v i n g s u s p e c t s a n d i n d i v i d u a l s i n c r i s i s . W a s h i n g t o n s t a t e r a n k s l a s t i n t h e c o u n t r y i n i t s r a t i o o f p u b l i c s a f e t y o f f i c e r s t o r e s i d e n t s . T h e A n a c o r t e s P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t o p e r a t e s 2 4 h o u r s a d a y , s e v e n d a y s a w e e k , 3 6 5 d a y s a y e a r , a n d m a n y s h i f t s a r e s t a f f e d w i t h o n l y t w o p a t r o l o f f i c e r s .

POLICE

A n i n c r e a s e d p r e s e n c e o f p o l i c e o f f i c e r s d e c r e a s e s t h e n u m b e r o f c r i m e s c o m m i t t e d i n a c o m m u n i t y b y p r o a c t i v e l y d e t e r r i n g c r i m i n a l a c t i v i t y . A n a c o r t e s h a s s e e n a s i g n i f i c a n t i n c r e a s e i n c r i m i n a l a c t i v i t y s i n c e 2 0 2 1 w i t h a d e c r e a s i n g p r o p o r t i o n o f t h o s e c a s e s b e i n g r e s o l v e d

T h e a d d i t i o n o f f i v e n e w o f f i c e r s w i l l p r o v i d e m o r e s t a f f t i m e t o r e s o l v e i n c r e a s i n g c a s e l o a d s , a l l o w r e s p o n d e r s t o t a k e t h e t i m e t h e y n e e d t o s a f e l y d e e s c a l a t e a n d r e s o l v e e m e r g e n c i e s ,

a n d w i l l a l l o w t h e d e p a r t m e n t t o s c h e d u l e m o r e p a t r o l t i m e f o r c r i m e p r e v e n t i o n a n d t r a f f i c e n f o r c e m e n t .

2023 LEVY LID LIFT PROPOSITION 1

PUBLIC SAFETY STAFFING

HOW MUCH OF MY PROPERTY TAX GOES TO THE CITY?

I n 2 0 2 3 , a t y p i c a l h o m e o w n e r w i l l p a y 1 3 % o f t h e i r t o t a l p r o p e r t y t a x b i l l t o t h e C i t y o f A n a c o r t e s , w i t h t h e o t h e r 8 7 % g o i n g t o o t h e r t a x i n g d i s t r i c t s , a s i l l u s t r a t e d b e l o w

WHERE WILL THE MONEY GO?

P r o p e r t y t a x e s c o l l e c t e d b y t h e C i t y g o i n t o t h e C i t y ’ s g e n e r a l f u n d , w h i c h s u p p o r t s a l l d a y - t od a y s e r v i c e s p r o v i d e d b y t h e C i t y o t h e r t h a n u t i l i t i e s .

I f a p p r o v e d b y A n a c o r t e s v o t e r s , P r o p o s i t i o n 1 w o u l d p r o v i d e f u n d i n g t o i n c r e a s e s t a f f i n g f o r p o l i c e , f i r e a n d e m e r g e n c y m e d i c a l s e r v i c e s .

WHAT IS THE CITY'S FINANCIAL POSITION?

WHAT ABOUT SENIORS ON A FIXED INCOME OR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES?

S e n i o r c i t i z e n s o r p e r s o n s w i t h d i s a b i l i t i e s m a y q u a l i f y f o r t a x e x e m p t i o n s o r t a x

d e f e r r a l s

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e s e o p t i o n s , p l e a s e c o n t a c t t h e S k a g i t C o u n t y A s s e s s o r ’ s O f f i c e a t ( 3 6 0 ) 4 1 6 - 1 7 8 0 o r v i s i t : h t t p s : / / w w w . s k a g i t c o u n t y . n e t / D e p a r t m e n t s / a s s e s s o r / m a i n . h t m

T h e C i t y m a i n t a i n s a M o o d y ' s A a 3 b o n d r a t i n g a n d a S t a n d a r d & P o o r ' s ( S & P ) f i n a n c i a l m a n a g e m e n t r a t i n g o f A A. A h o m e o w n e r w i t h a h o m e v a l u e o f $ 6 5 0 , 0 0 0 w o u l d p a y $ 2 3 4 m o r e p e r y e a r , o r $ 1 9 . 5 0 p e r m o n t h .

WHAT WILL THIS COST ME?

W e r e l y o n d a t a t o o p t i m i z e y o u r c a m p a i g n s f o r t h e b e s t p o s s i b l e o u t c o m e s . F i r s t , i d e n t i f y y o u r t a r g e t r e a d e r .

W e r e l y o n d a t a t o o p t i m i z e y o u r c a m p a i g n s f o r t h e b e s t p o s s i b l e o u t c o m e s . F i r s t , i d e n t i f y y o u r t a r g e t r e a d e r .

Who Needs a Permit?

Have you ever wondered if your project in or around your home needs a permit?

Living in different cities and states, the rules can vary quite a bit. In general terms, living outside of city limits, permitting requirements may be less restrictive, but within city limits where homes are built closer together, regulations are required to keep neighborhoods attractive, inviting, and safe. Here are some projects that require a permit that you may not know about and an explanation of why the city requires a permit:

FENCES:

To put up a new fence or replace an existing fence, a Fence Permit is required, and the permit fee is $15.00. Some of the reasons the city regulates fences are for safety as well as aesthetics. For example, fences in a front street setback have a maximum height of 42”. This is for safety so when backing out of a driveway you can see if people or cars are approaching. The lower height also makes the neighborhood more inviting. Another reason for the permit is to ensure the fence is being installed on the owner’s property and not intruding into a fellow neighbor’s

property or in the street right-of-way. There is nothing worse than installing a fence only to pay thousands of dollars to relocate it. Also, an existing fence may not meet current code, so the permit educates the property owner on new fence ordinances and requirements to ensure the fence is built and installed correctly, and with approved materials. Chain link fencing is no longer allowed in the front of a home because it can detract from a pedestrian-friendly streetscape.

REROOF:

About every 20 years or so, the roofing products on most homes begin to deteriorate and a new roof is inevitable. A permit

is needed to ensure that your investment stays dry. An improperly installed roof can damage siding, rot eaves, and eventually create leaks into the home. Inspectors check for proper flashing around chimneys, seals around vent pipes, and proper overhang over gutters and eaves, among other things.

SIDING:

Like roofs, siding can get damaged over time and need replacing. Many homes built in the 1990s had LP siding installed that proved to be defective and needed replacing

sooner than normal. A permit is required for new siding to help prevent improper installation, which can lead to rotting out windows and door frames, seeping moisture into home, and creating mold and rot on the interior of your home. Inspectors check flashing, caulking, and trim work and look for areas where water can penetrate the home.

PV SOLAR ROOFTOP SYSTEMS

Rooftop solar panels can add a lot of extra weight to your roof and can also create a wind hazard. They can also block access to your roof for firefighters during an emergency. A permit is required to ensure the extra weight on your roof is dispersed properly and under the maximum pounds per square foot. It also ensures

SHEDS:

that the minimum width needed for firefighter access is built into the solar array roof layout, and the panels are mounted to prevent wind hazards. As a side note, the installer is required to also obtain an electrical permit from WA Labor & Industries, who will inspect the electrical portion of the solar installation. The City of Anacortes does not do any electrical inspections.

A permit is typically not needed for a shed, but it depends on the square footage and height of the structure. Sheds that are accessory to a residential use and 144sf or less and 12’ tall and under do not require a permit. But there are some setback and location requirements. The shed needs to be away from side property lines a minimum of 3’ and 5’ from the rear property line (unless you have an alley), then it can be placed up to the rear property line as long as no portion of the shed hangs over the line. Also, sheds are not allowed in the front street setback. If the shed is over 144sf or over 12’ tall, a building permit is required, and different setbacks are required.

PLUMBING & MECHANICAL ITEMS:

Is it time to replace your furnace, water heater, gas fireplace, heat pump, or are you adding an air conditioner to your HVAC system? These are just a few of the plumbing and mechanical items that require a Building Permit. The permit fee is minimal and includes the inspection by city staff. The inspector will check to see if the item(s) are installed to current building codes and function safely. An improperly installed appliance can potentially cause a fire hazard or create carbon monoxide in your home which can be fatal.

If you are ever in doubt on whether you need a permit, please contact the City Building Department at: 360-293-1901 or buildingpermit@cityofanacortes.org and one of our friendly staff will assist you!

Housing Action Plan

The Anacortes Housing Action Plan (HAP) defines strategies and implementing actions that promote greater housing diversity, affordability, and access to opportunity for residents of all income levels. The process to develop the HAP included a review of our policies, programs, and regulations which shape opportunities for housing development and which impact the affordability of existing and new housing.

The purpose of this effort is to identify ways to encourage construction and preservation of both affordable and market-rate housing in a greater variety of types, densities, and cost levels. The priorities for the HAP were informed by a housing needs assessment, public engagement, discussion with the City Council and Planning Commission, and City staff.

The HAP is intended to inform updates to the Anacortes

Comprehensive Plan (most notably the Land Use and Housing elements) and to guide implementation strategies such as development regulations, housing programs, and infrastructure spending priorities.

Objectives

The HAP objectives listed below were developed from the original research questions and the results of housing needs analysis report. They drive the recommended actions and strategies.

1. Support the local economy and workforce with more rental homes.

2. Create a greater variety of homeownership opportunities.

3. Slow down and stabilize the rise in housing prices.

4. Refine regulatory standards to reduce barriers to housing development.

5. Adopt new financial tools to support and promote development and maintenance of housing.

Housing Vision

The housing vision is a common set of principles for people living and working in Anacortes. It builds off the vision statement of the Comprehensive Plan and the goals and policies of the Housing Element.

1. Everyone who works in Anacortes (from teachers and nurses to restaurant and retail staff) can afford to live in Anacortes if they choose.

2. Children who grow up in Anacortes can afford starter homes in the town near their friends and family.

3. Seniors have options to gracefully age in place in the community near essential services and caretakers.

4. Local housing contributes to climate change and sustainability goals by allowing people to drive fewer miles and live near jobs and daily services.

Why Housing Matters

Anacortes has an interest in providing a sufficient supply, diversity, and price range of housing because of housing’s connections to all other qualities of the city and the needs of its people. Housing and shelter are essential to human health and well-being. The availability of housing for people in different stages of life and in different classes directly affects whether people choose to live and work in Anacortes, the success and vitality of local businesses, the protection of natural resources and rural lands, and the rate of climate-changing emissions.

Housing matters because people matter. Housing affects these major interests of Anacortes:

Quality of Life

Low vacancies prevent all generations and families from trading up or trading down their housing. Recent graduates looking for work seek housing they can afford at entry-level

wages. Families make decisions on whether and where to raise children based on the availability and location of housing that fits their needs. The ability of seniors to have familial or hired caretakers relies on the availability and price of housing for themselves and healthcare workers.

Protecting Rural Landscapes

The lack of housing in the city puts pressure on the development of rural farms, forests, and resource lands outside of the city. This effect occurs at both a local and regional scale across Skagit County. Compact and taller housing helps Anacortes grow up instead of growing out.

Economic Development and Essential Workers

Local Anacortes businesses, industries, and essential services like policing, teaching, and healthcare depend on a stable workforce.

Housing Actions and Strategies

The housing actions are organized by broader strategy sections of this plan. The implementation timeline is an estimate of how long it will take to implement an action. There are also many subsections, which may require different timelines if additional community outreach is needed, alignment with the City’s annual

budget process is necessary, or there is a desire to roll policy updates into the next major Comprehensive Plan update.

Having housing choices affordable to most people earning local wages is critical to building a diverse economy and thriving community.

Traffic and Emissions

Without financial and practical options to live where they work, workers will mostly drive into Anacortes from elsewhere. This contributes to increased traffic congestion, safety risk, and carbon emissions. Transportation is the biggest contributor to carbon emissions in the state.

Avoiding Displacement

Higher housing costs make more people more vulnerable to losing their home, which affects their ability to hold down a job, graduate school, care for children, or contribute to community.

Housing Action Plan (cont.)

Next Steps

The urgency of Anacortes’s housing challenges demand that a variety of strategies and actions be pursued immediately and simultaneously. This

plan informs and recommends code updates in 2023 (Strategy 2). Updates and evaluation are recommended in the next Comprehensive Plan update

in 2025, and other programmatic, funding, and planning actions can start independently as soon as resources are allocated.

North Star Project

In 2022, Skagit County Commissioners and the mayors of Anacortes, Burlington, Mount Vernon, and Sedro-Woolley came together

to launch the North Star Project, a whole-of-government approach to tackling the complex challenges of homelessness and behavioral health.

During the first year, this leadership group collected feedback from key players in our community who work with individuals impacted by homelessness, substance use, mental health disorders, and trauma. In

doing so, a better understanding of the problems and gaps came to light, as well as our community’s many strengths and opportunities.

Every day, our leaders and care providers in the community are witness to the incredible burden being placed on our local law enforcement, emergency departments, and jails. Our system is strained and disjointed, often failing the people who rely on systems of care the most. When individuals are in crisis, there are too many gaps—too many chances for folks to fall between the cracks and not get the care and support they need and deserve. We cannot continue to invest our limited resources in a fractured system that does not adequately serve our community members in need.

The North Star Project—through a collective approach to problem solving—seeks to not only fill these types of service and support gaps for our most vulnerable populations, but also seeks to improve the health and well-being of all. Through a coordinated and integrated system, we seek transformative change that positively impacts the lives of all Skagitonians.

One way to ensure that transformative change is successful is by developing a plan of action based on the Vital Conditions Framework. This framework looks at the factors that people depend on to reach their full potential, with belonging and civic muscle at the center.

As North Star leaders develop strategies to address the complicated issues that impact us all, they will be looking at ways to envelope those struggling the most within our community—giving them a place at the table while also giving them the necessary skills to move past crisis, to a stable and thriving state of being.

Want to learn more about the North Star Project? Visit our project webpage:

skagitcounty.net/northstar

Please contact us if you would like one of our team members to speak to your civic group, neighborhood group, church or spiritual group, or any other group about the North Star Project.

For more information: Jason.NorthStarSkagit@gmail.com

Community Action Set to Open Anacortes Resource Center

The nonprofit Community Action of Skagit County, the City of Anacortes, the Anacortes Housing Authority, and other partners are proud to announce the upcoming opening of Community Action’s Anacortes Resource Center.

The Office will open this Spring at 216 Commercial Avenue in the historic Olson Building.

Community Action’s Anacortes Resource Center is made possible by partners who share a common mission to serve low- and moderateincome households, neighbors experiencing homelessness, and others. The City of Anacortes is providing funding for one Community Action staff member, and the Anacortes Housing Authority is providing office space for the Anacortes Resource Center.

Since 1979, Community Action of Skagit County has helped stabilize hard-working families challenged with making ends meet. The agency also equips people to get ahead on

their goals with education, job skills and financial resources. Currently, Community Action operates Resource Centers in Mount Vernon and Concrete, as well as Skagit Vets Connect in Burlington and many other services and locations for special needs.

“The Resource Center will not only do a lot to increase access to services for people in Anacortes,” said Sandi Phinney, Division Director at Community Action, who is a resident of Anacortes, “but it will also support coordination and communication with other agencies providing housing, basic needs and behavioral health services. Partnership is essential to our collective success. Community Action is careful to not duplicate services, but rather add to the great work of the Anacortes Family Center, Salvation Army, churches and many others who are vital players in supporting Anacortes individuals and families.”

“All these services are already available to everyone in Skagit by phone, email, online, and in person,” said Sandi Phinney, Division Director at Community Action. “The new Anacortes Resource Center makes it easier for more of our neighbors to navigate hard times.”

Current Community Action services available to Fidalgo households include: Energy assistance and other ways to pay the bills; Basic Food (SNAP) application assistance; help for seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and families with children; WIC (Women, Infant & Children Program); monthly senior food box delivery; job prep and employment services; and more.

Community Action’s programs such as Coordinated Entry for homeless services, Street Outreach Team, and Recovery Navigator Programs have partnered with local housing and homeless service providers, law enforcement, and Skagit County Public Health to build relationships with neighbors without homes, walking alongside them to keep them safe and alive until ready to opt into housing and recovery programs. Volunteers with Seniors & Disabled and Medicaid Transport have helped lowincome seniors live independently at home, and patients to access lifesaving care. “Community Action has been here in Anacortes all along,” Phinney said. “This new Resource Center is just one more way to help.”

All of Community Action’s Resource Centers provide:

Information & Referral:

To Community Action programs and dozens of partner agencies helping access food and nutrition; housing information; physical and behavioral health services; English language, GED, and financial literacy education; job prep and employment programs; childcare; and more.

Application Assistance:

For Basic Food (SNAP); WIC; Energy Assistance; Working Families Tax Credit; senior food box delivery; and more.

Care Coordination:

Holistic case management for eligible households to help them set goals, overcome barriers, stabilize housing, access food, and get ahead on what matters most to them.

Help for Special Populations:

Families with children; seniors; adults with disabilities; Medicaid patients in need of transportation; veterans and their families; and others.

Homeless Services: Through Resource Centers and out in the field, Community Action’s Outreach Program meets people without homes where they are, and walks alongside them to connect to Community Action and partner agencies’ resources, housing and recovery programs.

Community Action’s Resource Centers do not directly offer childcare; after-hours emergency services; or medical, dental or behavioral healthcare.

How can you help? Stay tuned for the grand opening of the storefront. Until the storefront is officially open, current referrals can be sent to (360) 416-7585, or anacortes@ communityactionskagit.org

“And most of all, if you want to find out how to help or volunteer, get in touch at VolunteerCenter@ CommunityActionSkagit.org,” said Phinney. “Volunteers will help us extend hours and services of the new Community Action Anacortes Resource Center.”

Skagit Community Action

Phone: 360-416-7585

Email: anacortes@ communityactionskagit.org

communityactionskagit.org

"This new app is designed to allow you to report issues such as a downed street sign or street pothole straight from your smart phone!" Go to your smart phone app store and download today.

* Report issues such as downed trees, potholes, missed garbage, investigate plugged catch basins and more!

* Encourage citizens to report issues directly to city staff.

* Follow already reported issues in your area.

* Promote the service through your social media networks.

Safe Drinking Water is Not Just a Job, it’s Our Life

In our ongoing efforts to provide the safest drinking water possible, the City of Anacortes is revamping our water system backflow prevention program.

oversee the program, and new backflow data management software, SwiftComply, was implemented in January 2023.

This program ensures safe drinking water by the elimination or control of cross-connections. Cross-connections are points in plumbing systems where a contaminate could potentially enter the drinking water via backflow, which is water flowing in the reverse direction.

A new position has been created in the water department under public works to

Mike Henson, who has been with the city for over 22 years, has been selected as the new Water Quality Technician. Henson is a certified Water Distribution Manager 2 and a Cross-Connection Control Specialist. His new duties focus on protecting drinking water by administering the installation and maintenance of backflow prevention assemblies.

Kathleen Pangelinan, public works administrative assistant, who has been working with the city’s cross connection program for 8 years, has been key to implementing SwiftComply. This software improves efficiency by allowing backflow testers to perform tests that are submitted directly to the

city’s electronic system; eliminating paper, streamlining processes, and ensuring compliance.

The City Public Works (PW) and Planning, Community and Economic Development (PCED) departments have developed procedures and delineated the responsibilities of the two departments to protect the public drinking water through the backflow prevention program.

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding the backflow prevention program, please feel free to contact Mike Henson at:

hensonm@cityofanacortes.org or 360-588-8355.

What does it all mean?

What is potable water?

Potable water is another term for drinking water treated to safe levels to meet state and federal standards. In the case of Anacortes, our drinking water originates from the Skagit River and is treated at the City’s water treatment plant off Riverbend Road in Mount Vernon.

What is cross connection?

Cross connection refers to a physical connection between potable water and any source of non-potable liquid source, such as plumbing fixture or equipment, that could contaminate the drinking water supply by means of backflow.

What can cause backflow?

Backflow can occur when the pressure in a water system suddenly drops, causing non-potable liquid or water possibly contaminated with fertilizers, bacteria, or other harmful substances to flow backward into the drinking water system that could cause illness or worse. These pressure drops can occur in several ways, such as when fire hydrants are turned on, a line breaks or water is shutoff during repairs or maintenance.

What are examples of situations that can cause water contamination through backflow?

Some of the most common situations residents may have that can cause backflow are irrigation systems, hot tubs, boilers, and fire

sprinkler systems. Washington State Department of Health has identified specific businesses at risk of contaminating the potable water system, including car washes, chemical plants, dry cleaners, and food processing plants among several others.

What is a backflow prevention assembly?

A backflow prevention assembly is a device that eliminates a cross connection or provides a barrier from backflow. Some types of preventers are reduced-pressure principle assemblies, pressure vacuum breaker assemblies, and double check valve assemblies.

How do I know if I need a backflow prevention assembly? Backflow prevention assembly requirements are defined by the Washington State Department of Health and overseen by individual water systems. Residents and businesses who apply for specific City permits are required to fill out a survey to determine if they will have special plumbing or activities that pose an increased risk of contamination to the water system.

How often do backflow prevention assemblies need to be tested?

These assemblies need to be tested at the cost of the owner/water consumer annually by DOH-certified

Backflow Assembly Testers (BATs).

The city has a list of regional testers on its website along with brochures on cross-connection health hazards, backflow-preventer assemblies, and frequently asked questions. In 2023, the city will require all assembly test reports to be submitted by August 31. Backflow assembly testers will submit the reports to the City via the upgraded online reporting system.

What is the City required to do when it comes to crossconnection control?

The City of Anacortes and all other water purveyors are responsible for creating and overseeing a crossconnection control program to protect the public water system from contamination via cross-connections. This is required by WAC 246-290-490.

In addition, we must develop and implement procedures and schedules for evaluating new and existing service connections to assess hazards. Cross-connections are to be eliminated whenever possible and when not possible, they are to be controlled with approved backflow preventers in accordance with state requirements.

Water systems are required to assure backflow preventers are installed correctly as well as inspected and tested on an annual basis, maintain records, and report testing results to the state.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Lab at Work

Brandon Hiles and Corrin Hamburg (the photographer and blue glove) are growing Fecal Coliform colonies in your accredited laboratory at the Wastewater Treatment Plant! The Wastewater Plant closely monitors not only the effluent that the plant discharges to the bay, but also samples collected in streams and stormwater throughout Skagit County. The sample shown here is from a stormwater sample collected by Diane Hennebert. Diane and the stormwater team trace out potential sources of surface water contamination using results such as these, helping keep our beaches safe for swimming and our seafood safe for harvest. Good job, Team!

Report a Spill

Please Call: 360-293-1921

When you do, please provide us with the following information:

1. Spill location

2. Substance

3. Estimated amount

4. Did it enter the stormdrain?

Low Impact Development Retrofit Project

Want to learn a little more about Low Impact Development (LID)?

Come on down to City Hall (904 6th Street) and check out the LID installations in the parking lots on both sides of Q Avenue.

Bioswales

The City Hall and Q Avenue bioswales collect stormwater runoff from our parking lots. There it can soak into the ground, where the pollutants can be filtered out. Excess rainwater goes through an overflow and into the storm system.

Permeable Pavers

The City installed bulb-outs for safer pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Q Avenue and 5th Street. Instead of traditional materials, pavers were installed that allow rainwater to drain between the bricks to the gravel base below, instead of flowing across the surface.

Modular Wetland

The modular wetland unit provides stormwater treatment in a small space. This unit captures water from part of Q Avenue and the south end of the Q Avenue parking lot. Stormwater that enters the unit travels through underground treatment chambers that capture pollutants including metals and oil. The stormwater leaves the modular wetland and enters the storm system much cleaner than it was to begin with.

North end of the LID project. Not pictured: Modular wetland.

Q Avenue bioswale capturing snowmelt and rain from a winter storm.ect. Not pictured: Modular wetland.

Permeable pavers in the bulbout for pedestrian crossing.

City Hall parking lot bioswale in springtime.

Modular wetland unit.

A new tax credit for Washington workers starts in 2023!

Working Families Tax Credit will provide payments up to $1,200 to individuals and families who meet certain eligibility requirements.

Who is eligible for a tax credit?

Individuals and families are eligible for the Working Families Tax Credit if they meet all of the following requirements:

• Lived in Washington a minimum of 183 days.

• Are at least 25 and under 65 years of age OR have a qualifying child in 2022.

• Filed a 2022 federal tax return.

• Eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit on their 2022 tax return.

– Go to www.irs.gov/eitc to learn more.

• Meet certain income requirements (see table).

How much will individuals and families get back?

The Working Families Tax Credit is dependent on the number of qualifying children and income level. The minimum credit is $50, regardless of the number of qualifying children. See table for estimates based on the 2021 income eligibility thresholds.

What

*Income eligibility thresholds are estimates only, based on the 2021 federal Earned Income Tax Credit. Eligibility thresholds may change for subsequent tax years.

Applications open in 2023 for the 2022 tax year and are accepted through December 31, 2023.

To access additional information or sign-up for updates, visit our website: WorkingFamiliesCredit.wa.gov

are the income thresholds?

Interested in Working for the City?

Human Resources: General Recruiting

The Human Resources department supports and encourages employment practices that allow our employees to best serve the Anacortes community. We recruit, retain, and motivate high-caliber employees who help shape the future of our community. Our goal is to instill confidence in our ability to pursue business strategies that support both the City and our employees.

Applicants are encouraged to review the employment opportunities page for current postings by following the code below.

Human Resources: Fire Department

The City of Anacortes is seeking fire service professionals to serve the Anacortes Fire Department.

The Anacortes Fire Department is an “All Hazards” organization. In addition to structural fire suppression, we provide wildland fire suppression, Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support transport services, high/low angle rescue and confined space rescue. A boat rescue program was implemented in 2022. In 2021 we responded to 4,209 calls for service. We operate out of 3 stations with a career staff of three chiefs, three captains, six lieutenants, sixteen firefighters, one community paramedic, one administrative assistant, and a part-time volunteer program.

Utility Bill Discount

Did you know the City of Anacortes provides a discount on utility bills for those households who meet certain low income guidelines? The City Council is reviewing the income guidelines and discount rate currently available, and plans to have the update to the program guidelines complete by the end of May. The new program will be available for application in May, with

Human Resources: Police Department

The City of Anacortes is seeking law enforcement professionals to serve the Anacortes Police Department.

the discount available for qualifying accounts on June consumption, which will be seen on July bills. Information on the UB Discount program can be seen on the Utility Billing website at:

The City of Anacortes Police Department offers more than just a rewarding and exciting career, it offers a supportive community, and is home to the highly desirable Anacortes School District and public hospital. The City’s quality of life, temperate climate, beautiful scenery, and a strong sense of community make Anacortes an attractive place to live and work, a fact that is proudly attested to by its 17,880 residents. Anacortes is well served by a dedicated, communityfocused City Council and staff who bring diverse experiences and are committed to the betterment of our community. The Anacortes Police Department has 27 commissioned officers, and special assignment opportunities, such as detectives, K9, bike patrol, narcotics detective, and a school resource officer.

cityofanacortes.org/187/

City of Anacortes Wellness and Safety Committees

Wellness Committee

The Association of Washington Cities recognizes workplaces that include the well-being of their employees in their core values and demonstrate that belief by creating a healthy work environment. Recipients of AWC’s WellCity Award receive a 2% discount on medical premiums.

In today’s world, workplace wellness is more important than ever. Years ago, the City of Anacortes created an employee-led wellness committee to assist in creating a culture of health and happiness in the workplace. In addition to improving the health of individual employees, the committee has also helped to create an overall more positive work environment. This committee is made up of employees from a wide variety of departments to ensure that needs are being met across the board. The team is responsible for creating and implementing programs and initiatives that encourage healthy habits and lifestyles among employees. By fostering open communication between employees and management, the committee

has encouraged employees to prioritize their wellness. The committee empowers employees to take ownership of their own health and happiness and to achieve their personal goals. While being actively involved in the process, employees feel a sense of responsibility and commitment to ensuring a healthy and positive work environment. This, in turn, leads to increased morale and job satisfaction among employees.

To continue the great work that the committee has done in previous years, the 2023 committee is underway and discussing goals to be accomplished this year. This year’s committee includes employees from Fiber, Finance, Fire Department, Human Resources, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Water Treatment Plant, and Wastewater Treatment Plant. We are currently looking into trainings and webinars to share, as well as brainstorming new challenge and activity ideas. The primary focus this year is to apply a more holistic approach to the City’s wellness program, an approach that will address all dimensions of wellness while promoting inclusivity to employees and their families. While we recognize that physical health is certainly an area

to focus on, it is also important to prioritize mental and emotional well-being, two areas of wellness that are oftentimes overlooked. The team is also working to create a work environment that encourages a better work-life balance, as well as provide programs and resources to improve activity, nutrition, and stress-management. By supporting and promoting these healthy habits, the wellness committee helps to increase productivity and create a positive and supportive workplace culture. Providing tools to help manage stress and anxiety and encouraging a well-balanced worklife relationship helps to reduce burnout amongst employees, and in turn, reduce turnover rates. Not only do we hope to focus on the work environment, this year’s hope is to ensure that healthy habits continue into employees’ personal lives as well, where they can then be a healthy and supportive influence to their loved ones.

Safety Committee

In any workplace, the safety of its employees is of utmost importance.

The City of Anacortes has been a recipient of the WellCity Award for the last 19 years.

The City of Anacortes employees are the ones who keep the city running and ensure that essential services are being delivered to its citizens. All employees want to know that they work in a safe and protected environment. With this is mind, the City has taken proactive measures to improve workplace safety. One such measure is the employeeled safety committee. The safety committee is a group of employees from each department who work together to identify and address safety concerns in the workplace. The committee provides a platform for employees to voice their concerns. This committee is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring workplace health and safety policies, procedures, and programs. The goal of the committee is to create a safe and healthy work environment by identifying potential hazards, investigating incidents, and recommending solutions to prevent future incidents. Through regular monthly meetings and communication, the committee

helps to maintain a culture of safety within the organization and ensures that all employees are aware of and trained in safe work practices. By creating a healthy and safe workspace, absenteeism and turnover will decrease and productivity will increase, all the while helping to protect employees from injuries and illness.

Over the years, this team has been instrumental in identifying and addressing a variety of safety concerns. This has resulted in increased training programs, such as CPR, first aid, and bloodborne pathogen training, and improved equipment for employees.

In addition to improving the safety of individual employees, the committee has also helped to reduce the number of workplace accidents and injuries. Not only does this improve the well-being of employees, but it has also reduced the costs associated with workplace accidents and injuries. The City of Anacortes

is a member of the Association of Washington Cities’ Worker’s Comp Retro Program. This program provides training and tools that empower employers to lower risks for on-the-job injuries. AWC’s focus on injury prevention and safety reduces overall workers’ compensation costs.

The 2023 safety committee includes employees from Municipal Court, Engineering, Fire Department, HR, Library, Museum, Operations, Parks and Recreation, Planning and Community Development, Police Department, Streets Maintenance, Water Maintenance, Water Treatment Plant, and Wastewater Treatment Plant. The team is already hard at work identifying issues to be addressed this year. The team will be reviewing safety procedures, checklists, and manuals, discussing important work safety issues concerning employees, organizing safety trainings, and discussing accident and near miss reports and how to prevent them from happening again in the future.

Current Service Area

Construction Underway (in-home installations start June 2023)

Construction Starting Early 2024 (in-home installation starting end of 2024)

Access Anacortes Fiber Internet

Access Anacortes Fiber Internet is Anacortes’ local choice for fiber internet service!

Access Anacortes Fiber Internet is owned by the citizens of Anacortes and operated by City staff with the purpose of providing our community with fast and reliable fiber internet service.

Local

Access is a department of the City of Anacortes. Affordability, performance, and reliability matter to us! We understand the importance of the fiber internet service and strive to exceed our customers’ expectations.

Accountable

Because we are local, we hold ourselves to a higher level of accountability. We take the responsibility to provide outstanding service very seriously. Our customers have the benefit of direct access to our board of directors, the Anacortes City Council. Customers can call

to speak with our staff who are familiar with our community. If there is a concern, we expect to hear about it. This differentiates us from other providers.

Reliable

In today’s world, having an internet connection you can rely on is essential. Over the past three years, our world has transitioned to being even more dependent on reliable high-speed internet access. Access Anacortes Fiber Internet is dedicated to continuing to evolve with the changing requirements of our customers.

History & Future Growth

In November 2019, the City installed its first fiber internet customer. Since then, we have continued to build and expand our network. Currently 63% of the City’s footprint has the ability to connect to the City’s fiber network. Construction is underway to pass another 900 premises along Oakes Avenue between A Avenue and Anacopper

Mine Road. The City has secured a $2.25 million grant from the U.S. Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration to construct another section of the City’s network that will pass an additional 1800 premises. No communications network technology is as reliable or as fast as fiber optics, and that is what we deliver to our customers’ homes and businesses.

The Access Anacortes Fiber Internet team has also worked to make the core of our network incredibly robust and reliable. Our infrastructure has been designed with redundancy and fail-safe measures in place. We even have redundant fiber paths out of Anacortes to provide us with an incredibly reliable connection to the rest of the world. By making the Anacortes community our primary focus, we continue to quickly respond to the needs of our residents and customers. Everyday it is our goal to earn your business, and we look forward to raising the bar for internet providers.

LIBRARY HOURS

Weekdays

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturdays 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Contact 360-293-1910

library.cityofanacortes.org

library@cityofanacortes.org

CLOSURES

May 29 – Memorial Day

June 19 – Juneteenth

July 4 – Independence Day

Sep. 2 – 4 – Labor Day

SERVICES

Passports (by appointment):

Tuesdays & Wednesdays 12:00 pm-5:00 pm

Saturdays 11:30 am-3:00 pm

Schedule an appointment online or by calling the library.

Tech Assistance

Monday-Friday 11:00 am-1:00 pm

FriendShop Hours

Mon., Tues., Fri., & Sat. 11:00 am-3:00 pm

Updates

Sign up for our eNewsletter online for the latest library news.

Library services are in full swing for all ages in 2023. See the library website, visit the library, or sign up for our eNewsletter for details on the following series and more.

ADULTS

ADULT PROGRAM SERIES

Select Wednesdays in the Community Meeting Room.

SPECIAL ADULT SERIES PROGRAMS

Yoga Saturday Series: Gentle Flow Yoga for Adults

1st & 3rd Saturdays – 9:00 am No yoga in July.

Join us at the library for a simple 60-minute yoga practice designed for every body. Great for beginners or anyone looking for a gentle practice. Bring your own yoga mat.

MARITIME SERIES

Second Saturdays – 2:00 pm

April: Captain Nathan T. Schwark, Western Washington University Shannon Point Marine Center

May: Susan Conner: Inside Passage

Solo Kayak Trip

MANIERI JAZZ AT THE LIBRARY

Concerts & lectures each month. See jazzatthelibrary.com for details.

Second Sunday Jazz: May 14 in the Community Meeting Room. June 11, July 9, August 13 at the Heart of Anacortes. 2:00 pm.

Jazz Lecture: May 18 – 7:00 pm. Summer hiatus, returns in September. Anacortes Arts Festival: A weekend of jazz at the Jazz Stage. August 4 - 6

ACCESS THE LIBRARY FROM HOME

You can access more than ever online with your library card.

In addition to our eBook and audiobook collections on Libby and HOOPLA, you can watch National Theatre Productions from London, explore music and films with HOOPLA and enjoy the newest addition to our library this year:

Enjoy access to the New York Times, compliments of Anacortes Public Library. Access it with your library card number from the Databases, References, & Resources page on our website.

Thank you to the Anacortes Public Library Foundation for providing this

Hey Teens! Sign up for the teen eNewsletter to get info on the latest teen programs, special events, & more!

CHILDREN SUMMER READING

DR. SYLVIA MAXSON CHILDREN’S LIBRARY UPDATE

Have you seen it? The new furniture, the expanded play area, the reading tugboat? They’re all part of the amazing update to the Dr. Sylvia Maxson Children’s Library.

Drs. Robert and Sylvia Maxson retired to Anacortes after successful careers in education. They have always loved libraries, and the first time they visited the Anacortes Public Library they said, “we were smitten with what we saw.” Robert recently shared, “What a blessing to have a marvelous library like this in Anacortes.”

Growing up, Sylvia went to the library every week with her father. She always had a passion for literacy and her belief that libraries can and should play a central part in children’s lives. Together the Maxsons have made reading a central part of their own lives. For example, as a University President, Robert shared a list of the best books he had read in the past year with his faculty and staff at his annual State of the University Address. Similarly, Sylvia emphasized the importance of literacy to future teachers as they completed their graduate programs. During their many visits to the Anacortes Public Library, staff shared with Sylvia the vision to further expand the play area for young children and to increase programs in early childhood literacy. Sylvia told Robert she’d like to be a part of those plans. Thanks to a generous donation from the Maxsons, library staff was able to update the space, all with a nautical theme honoring Anacortes’ rich maritime history.

“Our hope is that this library will help launch children on a life of learning and a love of books,” Sylvia said. “Any interest a child might have will certainly be found there, there’s so much for them to do in the library.”

The Maxsons have two children, Todd, a pediatric trauma surgeon, and Kimberly, an attorney, and five grandchildren. Along with their love for their family and the library, the Maxsons have a passion for fly fishing on the Yakima River.

We hope you’ll stop in soon and visit this marvelous place. It will warm your heart and put a smile on your face.

Get the latest updates on Children’s programs, events, and more by signing up for our eNewsletter on the library website!

JUNE 16 - AUGUST 31

The library is excited to offer Summer Reading programs to children, teens, and adults this year. Summer reading starts June 16 and you can sign up at the library or on our website. All participants receive a free book!

Summer Reading Kickoff:

June 24 – 9:00 to Noon at Washington Park.

Other Programs TBA

PROGRAMS STORYTIMES

Family Storytime

Fridays 10:00 & 10:45 am

Library Community Meeting Room

Pajama Storytime

Second Thursdays 5:00 pm

Dr. Sylvia Maxson Children’s Library

LEGO Fridays

Fridays 3:00 - 5:00 pm

Dr. Sylvia Maxson Children’s Library

Tween Advisory Council

Dates TBA

4th and 5th graders, join us for fun activities, games, and book talking.

Stay & Play

Dates TBA

Drop in with your little ones for free play with toys, games, and a sensory station. Ages: Birth to 6 yrs.

Sign up for our eNewsletter for details & updates.

Friends of the Library supports: Storytimes, STEAM kits, Summer Reading, programs and special events like Fantasy Day!

Who They Are: a volunteer organization that raises money through selling gently used books in the FriendShop as well as from grants and donations.

Get Involved: Volunteer to staff the FriendShop! Please contact Kandy Dubuque at 360-770-2389 or kandydubuque@gmail.com.

Shop the FriendShop to browse our great selection of books and more. Donate your gently used books so we can add to our stock or donate funds directly. Like us on Facebook

@FriendsOfTheAnacortesPublicLibrary

FANTASY DAY 2023: THANK YOU

Fantasy Day at the Library, 2023 marked the return of APL’s annual Genre Night celebration. More than 1200 people attended, several hundred more than our last event in 2019. Over 100 volunteers put in more than 1000 hours of time to transform the library and make this first all-day event a huge success. Thank you to everyone for a magical day of book inspired fun!

The APL Foundation supports: digital resources like HOOPLA, the New York Times, music and maritime programming, and outreach for events like Fantasy Day, the Haunted Walk, and more.

Who They Are: founded to fund the library building, the Foundation now supports services and programs for specific emerging needs of the library.

Get Involved: Donate to the Foundation directly, or honor a loved one with a memorial gift.

Contact us at the Foundation page of the library website or email us at anacorteslibraryfoundation @gmail.com.

Events like Fantasy Day are 100% funded by donations from support organizations like these.

“Fantasy is so wide and diverse so it seemed very special!” - Fantasy Day visitor

“You did an incredible job transforming the library into an entire experience. I had so much fun finding my dragon name, what kind of character I was for my quest, having some popcorn and finding a dragon egg! I loved the maze, and seeing the world of the library through kids eyes, it was awesome.”

-First time attendee

Costume Contestants

A young visitor makes friends with a dragon

Adam Farnsworth & Nick Rennis (not pictured) hosted role-playing game sessions for kids & teens

Amazing costumes

“This will definitely be an annual event for our family where we can dress up and experience something different.” - Fantasy Day visitor

THANK YOU:

SPONSORS

Friends of the Anacortes Public Library

Anacortes Public Library Foundation

Emerald City Comic Con

Island Optometry Clinic

Make Northwest

The Business

Lil’ Tugs Children’s Boutique

Pelican Bay Books & Coffee

Watermark Book Company

Ace Hardware

Sebo’s Hardware

A’Town Bistro

Bodacious Slimes

Rockfish Grill

Safeway

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Laurie Racicot & Doug Woods provided these amazing photos of the event.

ARTISTS

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!

Thank you to all our amazing volunteers! Your hard work, creativity, and love for the library made Fantasy Day a positive experience for our entire community.

Nancy Wright, Ora Petersen, Julie VanQuickenborne, & Carol Grace showcased their magical masterpieces in our Fantasy Day decorations!

Nancy Wright & her dragon

Above: Volunteer Dawn Uroff at the maze entrance

Right: Willow & her facepainters delighted kids all evening

Rosemary Stevens as Professor Sprout

Molly Robbins, Sherry Chavers, & Svenja Marshall

Library staff Mia & Rebecca

Families loved dressing up together!

HISTORY OUTSIDE Murals, Signs, and Walking Tours

HIKING THE TRAILS AND STROLLING THE STREETS OF DOWNTOWN ANACORTES

is popular with residents and is also a unique tourist activity. The Anacortes Museum has created, consulted on, and maintained numerous signs displaying local history along the way.

The Anacortes Museum is continuing work in 2023 on a project to create new historic interpretive signs and update those that are worn and

faded. These signs are on walking trails such as the Guemes Channel Trail the Tommy Thompson Trail, and at the Cap Sante lookout.

MUSEUM

We thank the many donors to the Anacortes Museum Foundation who support our museum’s Mitchell mural conservation work, historic newspaper digitization, online hosting of museum

Recognizing an opportunity to present tribal history as part of content, city staff from the museum and parks and recreation departments have been collaborating with staff of the Samish Indian Nation on ways to include Coast Salish history on interpretive signage located in Anacortes parks.

VISIT THE INTERPRETIVE HISTORY OUTSIDE

photographs, curatorial and artifact shelving supplies, and much more.

ANACORTES MUSEUM FOUNDATION, VISIT:

Barb Smart, Beck Ivie, Sandy Mathis, Joy Walters, Erica Anderson, Creamy Wilkins-Manning The Questers donated funds to support mural conservation.

Samish Chairman Tom Wooten and Mayor Miller

Remi Starston reinstalls Steve Henry mural.

ANACORTES MUSEUM

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: a Year in Museum Education

HELLO, I’M ADAM FARNSWORTH,I’M THE EDUCATOR HERE AT THE ANACORTES MUSEUM, STARTING AT THE BEGINNING OF 2022.

Part of the educator’s job is presenting to the community, and we scheduled many programs over the last year. I’ve had the opportunity to speak to service clubs, yacht clubs, the Anacortes Public Library, and the Senior Activity Center audiences about the Photographers of Anacortes, our featured exhibit at the Carnegie Gallery. I spoke to the PNW Nordic Tug Association about the maritime history of Anacortes. That talk gave me a greater appreciation for the people who work on our waters. I spoke to the Soroptimist International of Anacortes club on the woman of early Anacortes. I have enjoyed becoming informed about names like Annie Curtis Bowman, Flora Mangan, and Eliza Schwarz, who happens to be Bill Mitchell’s great-grandmother. She was memorialized in one of his murals, and can be seen on our smartphone mural tour–my first major project at the museum. If your group would like a history presentation, please contact us at:

coa.museum@cityofanacortes.org or 360.293.1915

One of my main responsibilities is to be a liaison between the schools and the museum. We’ve hosted several class visits, ages ranging from kindergarten through high school. In partnership with the Anacortes Public Library, we taught middle school students how to record, perform, and edit interviews to be turned into oral histories; histories from a perspective not often heard: Anacortes Middle School students.

In between these larger projects, there have been smaller, but important, projects as well. We hosted a house history workshop, sharing the process to research one’s own house history. We also share history via Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And we’re working on interpretive panels in exciting collaborations with the Samish Indian Nation and the City of Anacortes Parks and Recreation department, and the Anacortes Rotary Club on a series of signs up Cap Sante. These signs all have QR codes, enabling us to extend the content with links to photos, audio files, and videos.

WALKING TOUR OF ANACORTES IPHONE APP

Learn about the history of local buildings while you stroll though Old Town with this self-guided iPhone tour.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TOUR AND DOWNLOAD THE APP: CURRENTLY IOS ONLY

HISTORY CLUB AT THE ANACORTES MUSEUM

• Bring your passion for local history

• Learn how to research your house, family, and other topics

• Participate in new research opportunities and programs

• All ages & backgrounds welcome

MAY 18TH 2023, 4:00-5:00 PM AND EVERY THIRD THURSDAY GOING FORWARD ANACORTES MUSEUM, 1305 8TH STREET

Creativity

Watercolors & Acrylics

Rock Painting

Table Loom & Basket Weaving

Mosaics & Stained Glass Art

Drawing

Woodcarving

Creative Circle (multiple crafts)

Cultured Purls (knitting)

Memoir Writing

InterPlay

Exercise

Silver Foxes Exercise

Functional Fitness

T’ai Chi Chih

Qi Gong for Chronic Pain

Strength and Balance Yoga

Seated Wellness

Line Dance / Ballroom Dance

Health & Wellness

Aging Mastery Program

Wellness Presentations

Blood Pressure Checks

Technology

Computer Assistance

Computer Room

Free Wifi throughout the facility

Hearing Loop for T-Coil Devices

State of the Art AV System with OWL Pro for Virtual Programs

Music & Entertainment

Ukulele Jams

Special Events and Programs

Cards & Games

Pinochle

Liverpool Rummy

Double Deck Canasta

Bridge

Mah Jong

Cribbage

Mexican Train Dominos

Women’s & Men’s Pool Groups

Language & Discussion

Spanish Conversation

Chat with the Mayor

There’s More!

Newsletter at seniorcenter.cityofanacortes.org

Foot/Hand Care Services

Community Resources for Seniors

Special Holiday Celebrations

Intergenerational Activities

Book Discussion Group

Lending Library

Sales of Books, Cards, Puzzles and Trinkets

Bake Sales

Pool Room with Two Tables

Hot Meals

Hot lunches are served Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. to12:30 p.m. No reservation necessary (except holiday luncheons)

Suggested donation for 60 and over is $5. Non-seniors are $7.

Meals on Wheels: To sign up for hot meals delivery for homebound seniors, call (360) 416-1500.

Volunteer Opportunities

Join the many volunteers at the Center.

Restroom Vandalism

Nobody likes a closed door when you need a restroom. Worse, a locked door. Even more troubling, a closure, or complete disappearance of the restroom all together. All of these scenarios have been experienced over the last few months in the Anacortes Parks system. The vandalism to our public facilities has been relentless, to the point of our Ray Auld Drive porta-potty having literally been blown to bits. The very popular Guemes Channel Trail / SHIP trail porta-potty at the Edwards Way cul-de-sac had to go on hiatus after it was being consistently used as a dumpster (and yes, there are two garbage cans provided on that same culde-sac). Most recently, the Ace of Hearts dog park and ballfield porta-potty had to be taken away due to ongoing vandalism.

We have also had the double whammy of the Depot restroom and the Heart of Anacortes restroom being entirely shut down. Again, due to significant destruction of and behavior in these units that make it difficult for those of us that just have to go. We aren’t interested in ripping doors and dividers off walls, we don’t need shelter for our nefarious

habits, we just have to go to the bathroom.

Here at the Parks & Recreation Department, we like to believe that public health and safety are two of the pillars holding up the work that we do. We have the great fortune to go to work each day in some of the most beautiful places anywhere. Anywhere. We want to keep our faith in the future, as does the public paying the bills so that we may provide for them, their guests and so many others drawn to our way of life here on the North Salish Sea. We also choose to spend our free time with our families in these same spots, enjoying all the same things our park visitors do.

Inevitably, it happens. Somebody has to go to the bathroom. If the door is locked, the facility shut down or can’t be found, a routine trip to the restroom takes on an urgent tone. Decisions have to be made and can’t always be executed in the best interest of public health. Now, we not only have a vandalized restroom, but we have human waste being introduced where

it does not belong. You start doing the math, and that human waste stream can really pack a punch.

We’ve taken a lot of phone calls here at the Parks & Rec Department from folks wondering why their public facilities are not available to them. Some are outraged, some disappointed, and some offer cash money to help us get the doors back open. Please know that we take our public restroom responsibilities very seriously, and are as distressed as anyone when we have to shut one down or ask for one to be hauled away. It is NEVER what we want to do, but are forced to on occasion.

If you happen to see any vandalism happening in real time, please call 911.

If you find vandalism or evidence of troubling activities, call the Parks & Recreation office. We want to provide you and your loved ones with a safe, clean restroom. We do this for your protection, and the protection of the natural world we keep trying to live in.

Bob Vaux Assistant Director Parks and Recreation bobv@cityofanacortes.org 360-293-1918

PARKS AND RECREATION - PROGRAMS

Parks & Recreation Programs

MAY 2023

Ballroom Dance

Offering a series of community dance classes at the depot.

LOCATION: Depot Arts & Community Center

INSTRUCTOR: Taylor Winningham

AGES: 12 - 99

FEE: $40/$50 per person

Night Club 2 Step

DAY OF THE WEEK: Tuesday

DATE(S): May 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

TIME: 5:30 – 6:30pm

Rhythm Line Dancing

DAY OF THE WEEK: Tuesday

DATE(S): May 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

TIME: 6:30 – 7:30pm

Country 2 Step

DAY OF THE WEEK: Wednesday

DATE(S): May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st

TIME: 6:00 – 7:00pm

Hustle

DAY OF THE WEEK: Wednesday

DATE(S): May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st

TIME: 7:00 – 8:00pm

** For those who would like to take different types of dance classes, the punch card is for you. Visit our website at: anacortesparksandrecreation.sportsites. com for more info and to purchase.

Community Dances

Offering a series of community dances at the Depot. Come dance or just enjoy the music. Depending on the day, different types of music will be played.

LOCATION: Depot Arts & Community Center

DAY OF THE WEEK: Saturday

FEE: FREE

DATE(S): May 27th, June 17th, July 29th, August 12th & 13th

TIME: 6:00 – 8:30 pm 5:00 - 8:30 pm (AUGUST 12TH & 13TH)

Girls Basketball

Offensive Skills and the Seahawk Offense

In this camp, players will learn the basic layers of the Anacortes High School girl’s offense, focusing on movement with and without the ball. Footwork, passing, cutting, driving, and screening will be major points of emphasis during this two-day camp. Players will practice skills in a progression of settings from 1-on-0 half court to 5-on-5 full court.

The other focus of camp will be proper shooting form, emphasizing balance, foot positioning, and body alignment to make the transition to shooting with one hand while using the other as a guide. Players will have the opportunity to be filmed and given feedback to work on their shooting form for the future.

Players interested in this camp should be able to shoot at a regulation 10-foot hoop. Prior playing experience is not required, but encouraged, as players will be implementing skills in game situations. If your child is interested in playing high school basketball, this will be a great experience.

LOCATION: Anacortes Middle School

FEE: $50

AGES: 5th – 6th Grades

DAY OF THE WEEK: Tuesday & Thursday

DATE(S): May 16th & 18th

TIME: 4:00 – 7:00 pm

INSTRUCTOR: Nate Dunham

Over 20 years of coaching experience with kids from 5-25 years old. Current head high school basketball coach at AHS. Former NAIA 1st team All-American and Hall of Fame member at Whitworth University. Played professionally overseas.

Girls Youth Elementary

Have fun while improving your basketball skills in this active three-day camp. The fundamentals of dribbling, shooting, passing and footwork will be taught in an engaging way by Anacortes High School coaches and players. A camp basketball is included with your fee.

LOCATION: Anacortes Middle School

FEE: $50

AGES: 1st – 4th Grades

DAY OF THE WEEK: Tuesday - Thursday

DATE(S): May 23th - 25th

TIME: 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Girls Youth Intermediate

Have fun while improving your basketball skills in this active three-day camp. The fundamentals of dribbling, shooting, passing and footwork will be anacorteswa.gov/536

PARKS AND RECREATION - PROGRAMS

taught in an engaging way by Anacortes High School coaches and players. A camp basketball is included with your fee.

LOCATION: Anacortes Middle School

FEE: $50

AGES: 5th – 8th Grades

DAY OF THE WEEK: Tuesday - Thursday

DATE(S): May 30th – June 1st

TIME: 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Tots in the Park

Spending time with your toddler can be a walk in the park. Join our staff at Washington Park as we explore nature, get dirty and have fun. The semi-guided class will give children the chance to interact, try new activities, and play the day away.

LOCATION: Washington Park Group Camp

FEE: $25

AGES: 18 months - 3 years

DAY OF THE WEEK: Tuesday

DATE(S): Session 1: May 23rd - June 13th Session 2: September 5th - 26th TIME: 10:00 - 10:45am

Mini-Hawk Camp (Baseball, Basketball & Soccer)

LOCATION: Mt. Erie Elementary

FEE: $145

AGES: 4 - 7

DAY OF THE WEEK: Monday - Friday

DATE(S): June 26th - 30th

TIME: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Multi-Sport Camp (Baseball, Flag Football & Soccer)

LOCATION: Mt. Erie Elementary

FEE: $189

AGES: 6 - 12

DAY OF THE WEEK: Monday - Friday

DATE(S): June 26th - 30th

TIME: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

STEM & Play Soccer Camp

LOCATION: Mt. Erie Elementary

FEE: $119

AGES: 6 - 12

DAY OF THE WEEK: Wednesday - Friday

DATE(S): July 5th - 7th

TIME: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Tennis Camp

LOCATION: Anacortes Middle School Tennis Courts

AGES: 5 - 7 | 7 - 12

FEE: $79 | $145

DAY OF THE WEEK: Monday - Friday

DATE(S): July 17th - 21st

TIME: 12:45 - 1:30 pm ($79) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm ($145)

Track & Field Camp

LOCATION: Anacortes High School

FEE: $145

AGES: 6 - 12

DAY OF THE WEEK: Monday - Friday

DATE(S): July 24th - 28th

TIME: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Mini-Hawk Camp (Baseball, Basketball & Soccer)

LOCATION: Anacortes High School

FEE: $145

AGES: 4 - 7

DAY OF THE WEEK: Monday - Friday

DATE(S): July 24th - 28th

TIME: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Basketball Camp

LOCATION: Mt. Erie Elementary

FEE: $145

AGES: 6 - 12

DAY OF THE WEEK: Monday - Friday

DATE(S): August 7th - 11th

TIME: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Lacrosse Camp

LOCATION: Mt. Erie Elementary

FEE: $145

AGES: 6 - 12

DAY OF THE WEEK: Monday - Friday

DATE(S): August 7th - 11th

TIME: 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Multi-Sport (Soccer, Flag Football, Baseball)

LOCATION: Mt. Erie Elementary

FEE: $189

AGES: 6 - 12

DAY OF THE WEEK: Monday - Friday

DATE(S): August 14th - 18th

TIME: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

offered this summer. Registration is taken directly through the Skyhawks website at: skyhawks.com

PARKS AND RECREATION - PROGRAMS

JUNE 2023

Pee Wee Baseball

Spring is almost here and that means it is baseball season. If your child is between the ages of 4-6 years, they can play Pee Wee Baseball with APRD. The FUNdamentals of baseball (throwing, catching, batting, and running) will be presented in a fun and non-competitive atmosphere. Each player will receive a Pee Wee baseball t-shirt for their participation in the program! Space is limited so sign up early for one of the following sessions.

LOCATION: Storvik Park

FEE: $25

AGES: 4 - 6

DAY OF THE WEEK: Thursday

DATE(S): June 1st - 22nd

TIME: Session 1 - 4:00 - 4:45 pm Session 2 - 5:00 - 5:45 pm

Kids Fishing Day

Youth 14 years old & under can participate in the free fishing day at Heart Lake in Anacortes on June 3rd, 2023. Win prizes for the biggest and smallest fish as well as a certificate for a child’s first ever fish.

LOCATION: Heart Lake

FEE: FREE

AGES: 0 - 14

DAY OF THE WEEK: Saturday

DATE(S): June 3rd

TIME: 7:00 am - 1:00 pm

Youth Volleyball Clinic

Pass, set and attack the ball with the High School Girls Volleyball team and coaching staff. This fun three-day camp will cover the basic fundamentals involved with playing volleyball. A camp T-shirt is included with your fee. Knee pads are not required, but highly recommended.

LOCATION: Anacortes High School Gym

FEE: $50

AGES: 3rd – 8th Grades

DAY OF THE WEEK: Mon, Tues, Wed

DATE(S): June 5th - 7th

TIME: 4:30 - 6:00 pm (3rd - 5th graders) 6:00 - 7:30 pm (6th - 8th graders)

Bark in the Park

The 2023 Anacortes Bark in the Park is a special event all about the dogs! Come to Storvik Park on June 10th enjoy dog demos, silly dog contests, and the many dog vendors. For ALL AGES!

To participate as a Vendor or sponsor please email: travisa@cityofanacortes.org for more information.

LOCATION: Storvik Park

DAY OF THE WEEK: Saturday

DATE(S): June 10th

TIME: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Youth Soccer Camp

Fun for all girls and boys going into kindergarten through 5th grade interested in soccer. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for your child to increase their soccer skills through fun practices taught by the Seahawk girls soccer team. From goalkeeper to forward, your child will receive knowledgeable coaching through fun games, drills and small sided matches. All campers will receive a ball and player evaluation with a picture of their coach and camp team. This is a great opportunity for your child to see

positive high school role models playing a sport they love. Come join the fun! The camp is held rain or shine so it is important players come prepared with: cleats or tennis shoes, shin guards, water bottle, healthy snack, goalie gloves (if applicable) and appropriate clothing for all weather.

**A One Time Specific goalkeeper session will be available for 2nd-5th graders only.

LOCATION: Kiwanis Meadows

FEE: $75

AGES: K – 5th Grade (going into)

DAY OF THE WEEK: Monday - Thursday

DATE(S): June 19th - 22nd

TIME: 9:00 - 11:00 am

Dino Camp

Go on a Jurassic adventure! This camp will create a prehistoric adventure where campers will learn about some of their favorite dinosaurs while playing dinosaur-themed games and activities. Sign up your future paleontologist today!

** Due to limited space, we ask that you only sign up for one session of Dino, Survivor, OR Pirate Camp.

LOCATION: Washington Park Group Camp

FEE: $65

AGES: 5 – 12

DAY OF THE WEEK: Monday - Thursday

DATE(S): Session 1 - June 26th-29th

Session 2 - July 24th-27th

Session 3 - August 14th-17th

TIME: 9:00 am – 12:00pm

JULY 2023

Night out at the Park

Let’s get your summer vacation started right this year. Join the friendly parks and recreation staff as we spend the evening creating some memories. We will be spending the evening at Washington Park, making smores,

PARKS AND RECREATION - PROGRAMS

hiking, playing a few silly games, eating dinner, and some special sweet treats.

Parents, take advantage of this opportunity to do something for you, or enjoy some quiet time in the house!

LOCATION: Washington Park

FEE: $20

AGES: 5 - 12

DAY OF THE WEEK: Friday

DATE(S): July 7th

TIME: 5:00 - 8:00 pm

Pee Wee Sports Camp

Pee Wee Sports Camp is for kids ages 4-6 who want to participate in a different activity each week.

Participants will have the opportunity to participate in multiple sports and activities throughout camp. The entire program will meet at the volunteer fieldhouse at 1915 13th St, Anacortes, WA 98221. The camp will be held outside if weather permits, otherwise, activities will be inside the Fieldhouse.

LOCATION: Volunteer Park

FEE: $25

AGES: 4 - 6

DAY OF THE WEEK: Thursday

DATE(S): July 6th - 27th

TIME: Session 1 - 4:00 - 4:45 pm Session 2 - 5:00 - 5:45 pm

Kids R Best Fest

Celebrating kids in our Community for the past 31 years! Come join us and play with the giant inflatable bouncers, games and toys, game and informational booths, live entertainment, concessions, and craft projects! All to celebrate kids and what they contribute to the community. All activities are FREE; there is a nominal charge for food.

LOCATION: Storvik Park

FEE: FREE

DAY OF THE WEEK: Saturday

DATE(S): July 8th

TIME: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Kids Art Camp

Art is a great way to give your child a new learning experience. Projects will include drawing and painting in a variety of media such as acrylics, tempera, watercolor, 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional collages, and much more. All supplies are included. Each week will have a set of different projects building up the skills. Please dress appropriately for painting. Also, bring along your water bottle and a small snack. Space is limited, so sign-up soon.

LOCATION: Depot Arts & Community Center

INSTRUCTOR: Lana Hickman

FEE: $80

AGES: 4 - 6

DAY OF THE WEEK: Monday - Thursday

DATE(S): Session 1 – July 10-13

Session 2 – July 17-20

Session 3 – July 24-27

Session 4 – July 31–August 3

Session 5 – August 7–10

Session 6 – August 14-17

Session 7 – August 21-24

TIME: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Youth Art Camp

Encourage skills development and creativity with these innovative art classes. Projects will include: canvas painting in acrylics, use of tempera, watercolor and natural pigments, 3D project in air dry clay, 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional collages and drawing

lessons. All supplies are included. Each week will feature different projects. An art show will be held at the end of each week, allowing participants to build a portfolio of artworks. Please dress appropriately for painting. Space is limited, sign up early.

LOCATION: Depot Arts & Community Center

INSTRUCTOR: Lana Hickman

FEE: $100

AGES: 7 - 12

DAY OF T HE WEEK: Monday - Thursday

DATE(S): Session 1 – July 10-13

Session 2 – July 17-20

Session 3 – July 24-27

Session 4 – July 31–August 3

Session 5 – August 7–10

Session 6 – August 14-17

Session 7 – August 21-24

TIME: 1:00 – 3:30 pm

Pirate Camp

Arrr you ready for a great summer? Join our friendly park staff for a piratethemed adventure. The camp will be filled with treasure hunts, piratethemed games, and creative activities.

** Due to limited space, we ask that you only sign up for one session of Dino, Survivor, OR Pirate Camp.

LOCATION: Washington Park Group Camp

FEE: $65

AGES: 5 – 12

DAY OF THE WEEK: Monday - Thursday

DATE(S): Session 1 - July 10 - 13

Session 2 - July 31 - August 3

TIME: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

COMMUNITY SAILING

Water Sports—APRD: Age 8-12

Students learn on and in water safety through multiple water activities. Students may participate in paddle boarding, kayaking, introductory sailing, and other on water activities! Course content will vary based on weather and participant experience.

** This program has limited capacity and will fill up quickly, we ask that you only sign up for one session.

SESSION 1: July 10th - 13th - 1:00 - 4:00 pm

SESSION 2: July 24th - 27th - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

SESSION 3: July 31st - August 3rd - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

SESSION 4: August 7th - 10th - 1:00 - 4:00 pm

SESSION 5: August 14th - 17th - 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Adult LEARN TO SAIL—ARPD

Learn fundamentals of sailing with an emphasis on safety. By the end of the course, adults will be comfortable with rigging and handling a small sailboat; become familiar with terminology, basic knots and theories; and have skills needed to check out a boat at the AWA summer kiosk.

SESSION 1: July 14th, 21st & 28th - 1:00 - 4:00 pm

SESSION 2: August 4th, 11st & 18th - 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Beginner LEARN TO SAIL - Age 9-13

Learn the fundamentals of sailing with an emphasis on safety on the water. By the end of the course, youth will be comfortable with rigging and handling a small sailboat; become familiar with terminology, basic knots and theories; and have skills. Sailboats used will be singlehanded RS Tera Dinghies.

For more information and to register, visit: anacorteswa.gov/536

Water Safety Swim Tests

Required for all Youth participants

Youth participants must pass a swim test at Fidalgo Pool prior to participating in any AWA

Session 1:

LOCATION: Fidalgo Pool

DATE(S): June 19th

CLASS TIME: 6:30 - 8:30 pm

TEST TIME: 7:00 - 7:30 pm

sailing classes. During the pool session students will have their life jackets checked for

Session 2: LOCATION: Fidalgo Pool

DATE(S): June 26th

CLASS TIME: 6:30 - 8:30 pm

TEST TIME: 7:00 - 7:30 pm

Intermediate LEARN TO SAIL - Age 10-14

Build on skills learned in the Beginner course. Sailors will continue to advance boat handling skills with sailing drills. Sailboats used will be singlehanded RS Tera Dinghies.

SESSION 1: July 17 - 20 | 1:00 - 4:00 pm

SESSION 2: August 7 - 10 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

proper fit and students will be tested on swimming, floating and other water safety skills.

Session 3: LOCATION: Fidalgo Pool

DATE(S): July 8th

CLASS TIME: 3:30 - 5:30 pm

TEST TIME: 4:00 - 4:30 pm

*New INTRODUCTION TO RACING

This course is geared towards sailors who have attended the Beginner and Intermediate courses and are ready to take their sailing skills to the next levels. An emphasis will be on preparing sailors to participate in the Seahawk Sailing Team. Sailboats used will be singlehanded RS Teras, Lasers, double handed Lidos or FJs.

SESSION 1: July 10 - 13 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

SESSION 2: July 17 - 20 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

SESSION 3: July 24-27 | 1:00 - 4:00 pm

SESSION 4: July 31 - August 3 | 1:00 - 4:00 pm

More information & registration: anacorteswaterfront.org/ learn-to-sail-classes

HIGH SCHOOL:

August 28 - 31 | 1:00 - 4:00 pm

MIDDLE SCHOOL:

August 28 - 31 | 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Hawkeye Youth Wrestling Clinic

The Anacortes Hawkeyes Youth Wrestling Club 2023 Wrestling Day Camp is for beginners. Wrestling shoes are available to borrow, or participants can wear socks, please wear appropriate clothing such as shorts/sweats and a t-shirt. Campers will receive a Hawkeyes T-shirt at the conclusion of the camp.

If you have questions, contact Head Coach Rodney Bickley at 360-6309859 or atownhawkeyes@gmail.com

LOCATION: Anacortes High School Aux. Gym

FEE: $60

AGES: 1st – 6th Grade (GOING INTO)

DAY OF THE WEEK: Monday - Wednesday

DATE(S): July 17th - 19th

TIME: 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Survivor Camp

Sign up today for this awesome summer camp! Spend time out at Washington Park exploring, competing in challenges as a team and as an individual. You will also get dirty, try new things, and hopefully make some new friends. Each day at camp we will provide a light snack and encourage kids to have as much fun as possible.

** Due to limited space, we ask that you only sign up for one session of Dino, Survivor, OR Pirate Camp.

LOCATION: Washington Park

FEE: $65

AGES: 5 – 12

DAY OF THE WEEK: Monday - Thursday

DATE(S): Session 1 - July 17th - 20th

Session 2 - August 7 - 10 Session 3 - August 21 - 24

TIME: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Youth Softball Clinic

Are you looking for a fun and engaging activity for your kids this

PARKS AND RECREATION - PROGRAMS

summer? Look no further than our youth softball clinic! Our experienced coaches and players will provide a safe and supportive environment for your children to learn and improve their softball skills. Not only will your child learn to hit, field, throw, and run like a pro, but they will also develop important teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership skills. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up your child for a summer of softball fun with us!

LOCATION: MDD Softball Field

FEE: $40

AGES: 8-13

DAY OF THE WEEK: Saturday

DATE(S): July 22nd

TIME: 9:00 - 11:00 am (ages 8-10) 12:00 - 2:00 pm (ages 11-13)

Anacortes Pirate Fun Run

Trade-in your pirate boots for running shoes and be a part of the Puget Sound’s largest gathering of Pirates on July 29th for the 2nd annual Anacortes Pirate Run!

Races Available

• Kids 1 Mile Fun Run

• 5K

• 10k

All runners receive a free eye patch and race bandana!

The Pirate Run is a partnership between the Arts Festival and the City of Anacortes Parks & Recreation, with proceeds funding public art projects.

LOCATION: Rotary Park

FEE: $15 - $25

DAY OF THE WEEK: Saturday

DATE(S): July 29th

AUGUST 2023

Family Dance Night

With the popularity of the Daddy Daughter Dance the Parks and Recreation department wishes to hold a dance for all members of the family to enjoy.

The night will include dessert, music, dancing, and a family photo to remind you of that special night. Prizes will also be raffled off and more! Capacity is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance. We’ll see you on the dance floor!!!

LOCATION: TBD

AGES: All Ages

DATE(S): August 12th

PARKS AND RECREATION - PROGRAMS

OCTOBER 2023

Haunted Forest

Wind your way through the Haunted Forest at Washington Park! Your journey will be filled with suspense, dark corners, and creatures lurking through the trees. Starting at 6:30 pm the sun goes down and the fear is cranked up. This walk

Special Olympics

Calling all Special Olympics athletes.... the Special Olympics is coming to Anacortes for the Summer of 2023! Dates and location available soon, but now is your time to sign up. The Special Olympics are open to all children, teens, and adults with intellectual disabilities who have a passion for sports, being active, and bringing inspiration to their communities. Events will include Bocci Ball, Softball, and more!

And don’t forget, Special Olympics athletes count on you! We need volunteers and coaches, so show your love and support by signing up today!

To register or learn more about volunteering, email: specialolympicsanacortes@gmail.com

is only for adults and older children. This is a Night Trail Walk so it is required for safety to bring a flashlight or headlamp. Costumes are encouraged!

** Tickets sellout fast, so register in advance. No dogs. No alcohol.

LOCATION: Washington Park Loop Road

FEE: $10

AGES: 10+

DAY OF THE WEEK: Saturday

DATE(S): October 28th

TIME: 6:30 - 8:30 pm

ADULT PROGRAMS

Adult Co-ed Softball League

We are accepting team registrations for our annual Adult Co-ed Softball League. For more information or to register your team online visit the Parks and Recreation page at: anacorteswa.gov/540/

Games will be played again on Sundays taking place in July and August. Deadline for

teams to register will be Friday, June 2 by 5:00 p.m. If after looking online, you need more details please email: dustins@cityofanacortes.org or call: 360-299-1948.

Adult Drop-in Sports

We are continuing the popular drop-in adult sports programs including Co-ed Volleyball, Pickle Ball, and Basketball, etc. To view the schedule for these upcoming activities please visit our website at: anacorteswa.gov/971/

Adult Kickball League

Wanna feel like a kid again? Anacortes Parks and Rec is bringing a recreational kickball league to the community. All ages are welcome. Exact game times will be adjusted based on signups. For more information contact: travisa@cityofanacortes.org

DATE(S): September 3rd - October 1st

2023 Youth Soccer League Don’t Wait, Register Today!

We are now taking registrations for the Fall season! Starting in late August, practices are held on weekday evenings and games are played on Saturdays. This is a recreational program where rules and

City League

All practices and games are held in Anacortes. Teams will play on smaller fields with fewer players on each team.

FEE: $42

AGES: Co-ed Under-6, Boys Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, and Girls Under-8, Under-10, Under-12

DAY OF THE WEEK: Weekday Evenings, Saturdays

DATE(S): September 18th - October 23rd

field size are modified to increase learning of the game and maximize success. The league is available for boys and girls. Soccer team age groups are based on age as of August 31st. To see what age

County League

Teams participate in the Skagit Valley Youth Soccer Association recreational league. Teams will practice in-town but play games throughout the Skagit County, including Anacortes.

FEE: $70

AGES: Boys Under-11, Under-12, Under-13/14 and Girls Under-11, Under-12, Under-13/14

DAY OF THE WEEK: Weekday Evenings, Saturdays

group your child will be in or to register online visit: anacorteswa.gov/552/ The fee includes a team shirt/jersey only, participants are responsible for providing their own cleats and shin guards.

Registration Deadlines

DATE(S): July 17th

TIME: 5:00 pm

Volunteer coaches are needed for City and County teams. Interested? We will help train you and provide you with tools/resources to coach a team. Please contact as 360-293-1918 for more information about coaching.

Anacortes Music Project Presents:

AMP CAMP 2023!

When: July 24th-28th or Aug 7th-11th

Where: Buxton's 1904 Commercial Ave, Anacortes

Time: 10-4 PM

Who: anyone 12-18 years old (any level of experience)

Fee: 275.00

(financial assistance available)

AMP Camp is a week-long rock camp centered around inclusiveness and creativity. Students will form bands, write original music, attend daily workshops and end the week performing with their band on stage for family and friends. This a great chance for teens to learn how to play music as a group and meet friends!

More info and registration @ www.anacortesmusicproject.org

2023 Solid Waste Holiday Schedule

There is no garbage collection on holidays. Garbage collection shifts one day.

Memorial Day

Monday, May 29, 2023

NORMAL COLLECTION DAY:

Monday COLLECTED ON:

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Juneteenth

Monday, June 19, 2023

NORMAL COLLECTION DAY:

Monday COLLECTED ON:

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Independence Day

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

NORMAL COLLECTION DAY:

Tuesday COLLECTED ON:

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Labor Day

Monday, September 4, 2023

NORMAL COLLECTION DAY:

Monday COLLECTED ON:

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Veterans Day

Friday, November 10, 2023

NORMAL COLLECTION DAY:

Friday and Monday COLLECTED ON:

Monday, November 13, 2023

Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 23, 2023

NORMAL COLLECTION DAY:

Wednesday and Thursday

COLLECTED ON:

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

**If your collection day is Thursday be sure to put your garbage out a day EARLY!**

NORMAL COLLECTION DAY:

Friday, November 24, 2023

COLLECTED ON:

Monday, November 27, 2023

Christmas

Monday, December 25, 2023

NORMAL COLLECTION DAY:

Monday and Tuesday

COLLECTED ON:

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

New Year’s Day

Monday, January 1, 2024

NORMAL COLLECTION DAY:

Monday and Tuesday

COLLECTED ON:

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

ECRWSS Resident

Thank you to the many community donors who made the rebuilding of the Thompson Trail Trestle possible. A special thanks to the Anacortes Parks Foundation for organizing this fundraising effort.

Construction Partners

Culbertson Marine

Strandberg Construction

Transpac Marinas

Orca $50,000 and over

Miller Group Charitable Trust

Eagle $25,000 - $50,000

Anacortes Noon Kiwanis Foundation

HF Sinclair Puget Sound Refining, LLC

Marathon Refining

Samish Indian Nation

Osprey $10,000 - $25,000

Anacortes Rotary

Charitable Association

Skagit County Commissioners

Soroptimists International of Anacortes

Otters $5,000 - $10,000

Julie Kinder

Roxann Kraft

Sidney McHarg

John & Michele Pope

Puget Sound Energy Foundation

Seals $1,000 - $5,000

Dakota Creek Industries

Kaylene Farley

Fidalgo Island Rotary Foundation

Jay & Micky Field

Patricia Howe

Steven Johnson

Marathon Employees

Philip McLoud

McMullen & Ochs, PLLC

Attorney at Law

Rick Starr at Rockfish

Grill-Anacortes Brewing

James & Michele Tangero

Paul & Rene Vance

Milton & Miriam

Waldbaum Foundation

John & Diane Wilkinson

Oysters $500 - $1,000

Lauren Baker

Samantha Burfield

Sommer Carter

Jill Connell

Marc Estvold

David Hall

Jean Hawk

Elsie Johnson

Ronald Lindsay

Patrick Lyons

Malcolm & Michelle McPhee

Erica Pickett

Vicki Stasch

Patricia Sterling

Warren Tessler & Kathleen Root

Clams $100 to $500

Adele & Thomas Andrews

Dana Andrich

Jacqueline Armstrong

Tom Balestreri

William Barfoot

Paul Eric Becker

Richard Bowen

Bonnie Bowers

James Brossard

Mildred Brown

Camano Sail and Power, LLC

Steve Clarke

Jeffrey Coblentz

James & Margaret Collinge

Coralie Meslin Bachman

Environmental, LLC

Richard & Patricia De La Chapelle

Raymond Desy

Maureen Dougherty

James & Kathy Edris

William & Susanna Epler

John & Marie Erbstoeszer

Kim Erickson

Susan Eslick

Walt Farmer

Dawn & Jay Gillman

Roy Graves

Wendy Gray

John & Geraldine Gunn

Koll Kitty Hagen

Jay Hamm

Christopher & Stephanie Hankey

Bruce Henderson &

Susan Hanneman

Ruth Hunter

Pat Jackson

Steve & Dian Jahn

Martin Johnson

Aaron Katz

Joan Knowles & Howard Dawson

Troy Kunz

Susan Lahti

Joshua Lancaster

Deborah Lawrence

Janet Lowry

Sonja Maricich

Edmund Marmol

Robert & Carol Masters

Jennifer McCoy

Bruce McDougall

David McMillan

Irene Meyer

Matthew and Heather Miller

James Kenneth Morrison

Kenneth Oates

Gordon & Joanne Odegaard

Jeannette Papadakis

Herbert Pearson

Mark Peek

Nat Peterson

Andrea Petrich

Kenneth & Janet Ramble

Jim Richardson

Denise Rousseau

Daniel Schual-Berke

Charles Schultz

Robert Shelly

Richard Shirk

Julie Shumway

Scott Smeltzer

Alan Smith

David S. Smith

Jean Smith

Ann Spiegel

William & Ann Testerman

Kathleen Thornburgh

Dean & Allyson Tilles

Ron & Jan Wesen

David White

John Whitehouse

Robert Whitford

Clay Wilcox

Douglas & Gay Woods

Bill Woyski

Philip & Carolynne Wright

JoAnn York-Gilmore

In Kind Donations

Denis Law

Annamarie and John Lovric

West Marine