Anacortes council waives second reading for raptor exemption, approves STAR Center funding and Station 1 remodel
March 10, 2026 | Anacortes, Skagit County, Washington
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On March 9 the Anacortes City Council took a group of formal actions that included adopting an animal-control code update, approving county collaboration on a behavioral-health center and awarding a capital contract.
Ordinance 5025: Council voted 7-0 to amend AMC Chapter 6.16 to add an exemption for institutions authorized by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to possess potentially dangerous wild animals. Staff said the change would allow licensed falconers and similar institutions to operate under state licensing even though the city's code previously listed raptors among potentially dangerous wild animals. Council moved to waive the second-reading rule and adopt the ordinance the same night; the roll-call votes were recorded as unanimous in favor.
STAR Center interlocal agreement: Staff presented an interlocal agreement with Skagit County that commits $250,000 from the city's opioid-settlement funds to help start and operate the STAR Center through June 30, 2028. The agreement requires quarterly reporting from the county on how funds are used. Resident Susan Hill provided public comment in support of the city's contribution. The council moved and approved the interlocal agreement by voice vote.
Station 1 contract award: Fire Chief Harris presented a contract for a Station 1 remodel with a total contract price of $260,704. Chief Harris said roughly 90% of the project cost (about $235,000) will be paid from fire impact fees. Scope highlights include an expanded kitchen and dining area, additional upstairs workstations and storage, flooring replacement on the second floor, and an outdoor cooking area. Council approved the contract by voice vote.
Procedural notes: The consent agenda (items 5a and 5b) was approved earlier in the meeting by voice vote. The meeting concluded with a scheduled executive session on litigation; no final action was taken in open session after the executive session.
Ordinance 5025: Council voted 7-0 to amend AMC Chapter 6.16 to add an exemption for institutions authorized by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to possess potentially dangerous wild animals. Staff said the change would allow licensed falconers and similar institutions to operate under state licensing even though the city's code previously listed raptors among potentially dangerous wild animals. Council moved to waive the second-reading rule and adopt the ordinance the same night; the roll-call votes were recorded as unanimous in favor.
STAR Center interlocal agreement: Staff presented an interlocal agreement with Skagit County that commits $250,000 from the city's opioid-settlement funds to help start and operate the STAR Center through June 30, 2028. The agreement requires quarterly reporting from the county on how funds are used. Resident Susan Hill provided public comment in support of the city's contribution. The council moved and approved the interlocal agreement by voice vote.
Station 1 contract award: Fire Chief Harris presented a contract for a Station 1 remodel with a total contract price of $260,704. Chief Harris said roughly 90% of the project cost (about $235,000) will be paid from fire impact fees. Scope highlights include an expanded kitchen and dining area, additional upstairs workstations and storage, flooring replacement on the second floor, and an outdoor cooking area. Council approved the contract by voice vote.
Procedural notes: The consent agenda (items 5a and 5b) was approved earlier in the meeting by voice vote. The meeting concluded with a scheduled executive session on litigation; no final action was taken in open session after the executive session.
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