La Conner’s Planning Commission laid out new priorities this week, turning its focus from long-range planning to near-term goals.
The five-member advisory panel met for 45 minutes at Maple Hall Tuesday. Fresh off a two-year comprehensive plan update, the commission explored upcoming projects for the second half of 2025.
Eills outlined key areas for attention: reviewing the town’s Historic Preservation District and commercial sign codes and launching efforts to identify accessibility barriers for people with disabilities.
She gained support from commissioners John Leaver, Bruce Bradburn, and Sommer Holt to host a “community mingle” Aug. 19 at Maple Hall. The event will gather public input on “ADA pain points.”
“It won’t be an overnight fix,” Eills said, “but I think it could be a good start.”
Eills also flagged some urgent code revisions.
“I don’t know that [the Historic Preservation District sign code] is fully functional for the Town at this point,” she said. She called the sign code “clunky and contradictory,” and difficult for residents and staff to interpret. “I think it needs some clarity.”
Commissioners suggested additional priorities. Leaver advocated revisiting downtown traffic and parking concerns, along with revitalization plans for the town’s south end. Holt voiced disappointment that the town council approved the updated comp plan in June without the commission’s final input.
“To me, it needs to align more with our data,” Holt said. “I think we rushed it. I’m not coming from a place of criticism. I’m just doing my due diligence.”
Eills noted that edits were made by planning staff before the council vote, including input from then-planner Michael Davolio. She acknowledged the process wasn’t perfect but said, “I think the dialogue did result in a stronger document.”
She reminded commissioners and the public that the plan can be amended in 2026 and encouraged residents to read it on the Town’s website and petition proposed changes for free in January.
Two commission vacancies remain after Cynthia Elliott and Carol Hedlin stepped down. Eills also reported that student rep Maxwell Page will no longer serve due to a conflicting school sports schedule.
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter who covers Town government, schools, and spot news.
