Waitsburg City Council Update

K.C. Kuykendall, Terry Jacoy, Kevin House, Mayor Marty Dunn, Jim Romine and Kate Hockersmith were all present.

Public Comment

-Commercial Club President Joy Smith said the Commercial Club has purchased some wayfinding banners to point out sites of significance.

-Jim Davison thanked the City crew for doing such a good job on keeping the sidewalks cleared.

-Justin Stegall provided an update on the Park and Rec Board. The three-year-plan has been drafted and will be reviewed and refined over the next few months. The draft includes review and listing of potential park assets, areas of responsibility for board and members, a brief history to date and outlines future tasks.

-Pam and Dave Chapman complained that numerous calls to the city and city crew manager have gone unanswered in response to charges they feel are unfair regarding sewer line installation. Mayor Dunn requested a meeting with the Chapmans, himself and the city administrator.

New Business

-Council approved a special use permit to the Society for Creative Anachronism (Middle Ages reenactment group) for camping in Preston Park on May 3-5 for the Canton’s annual Newcomer’s Encampment.

-Reviewed an updated interlocal agreement with Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office at $80,000 for 2019 coverage. The new agreement is similar to past agreements but drops coverage hours slightly from 29.36 hours/week to 25 hours/week. City Attorney Jared Hawkins noted that quarterly reports historically show that service has always exceeded the contracted hours. Kuykendall asked for clarification in the contract on what civil ordinances would and would not be enforced and noted some discrepancies in sections. Noted issues will be addressed and the agreement will return next month for approval.

-Approved legal services agreement with Hawkins Law Office with a slight increase of $5/hour for hourly staff rates.

-Approved payment #1 of $25,710 for Taggart Road Extension Project. Neighboring property owners in attendance expressed frustration and not being aware of what is involved with the plans. Kuykendall requested an on-site workshop with all involved neighbors to offer input or concerns. Mayor Dunn asked for a meeting to be organized.

Unfinished Business:

-Discussion on possible changes to the City Charter regarding the election process. With elections in April, any changes would need to occur next year.

-City Administrator Randy Hinchliffe provided previously requested details on the Taggart Road intersection design. Council approved the design.

Mayor Report: None

Council Reports

-Romine: Emergency management will meet with the Corps. Of Engineers to go over plans.

-Hockersmith: Almost done updating flood phone list. Randy Charles is on the Emergency Preparedness Committee and joined Kate in attending the District #2 fire meeting. Matt Spring will serve as a liaison between the fire department and Emergency Preparedness. The urban forestry group is planning to give elementary school kids trees for Arbor Day.

City Clerk Report

-The City should get some funds from the Complete Streets program to be used for sidewalks.

-The State will purchase three solar-powered speed signs to be placed at each entrance to the City.

-An application has been submitted to the State Military Department for an emergency generator and grant funding looks positive.

-Brian Schwer resigned from the City Crew and a replacement is needed.

-Election dates are rapidly approaching.

-The State Department of Health will perform a sanitary survey on the water system.

-The City is working with the architects that did the Downtown Streetscape Project for a downtown pocket park. The quote was $200,000, which Hinchliffe said could probably completed for much less. The largest expense is the bathroom.

-Discussed possible purchase of a backer truck located in Ravensdale. Hinchliffe will try to look at it before the March council meeting.

-The new water treatment plant press was set to arrive last month.

-The City is trying to get a direct appropriation from the State for the installation of water line in the Taggart Road area.

-The City will let the school alter one of the ball fields to meet current sports needs.