Waitsburg City Council Update

Public Comment

Park & Recreation District Board Chair Danielle Carpenter requested that the mayor (who holds the authority to waive fees) waive fees to use Preston Park for small Park & Rec events, for 20 or so people, that don’t use electricity. Mayor Dunn waived fees for the July 13 event, but opted to follow the fee schedule for further events.

New Business

Representative Bill Jenkin (R-Prosser) provided a legislative session recap. He reminded the council that he is on the Housing, Community Development and Veterans (ranking minority member), Capital Budget and Commerce and Gaming committees. He also had four bills passed by the governor including:

HB 1563 allowing college and tech schools to allow underage students to taste (sip and spit) alcohol when enrolled in specific programs. The

HB1499 authorizes public facilities districts (PFDs) to establish recreational facilities.

HB1469 requires drivers to reduce speed, change lanes and moved away from emergency and work zone vehicles. Speeds reduced by 10mph below posted speed.

HB1014 requiring motorcyclists to now meet the same insurance requirements for registered motor vehicles under law.

Council member Kate Hockersmith commented that HB1563 got its start in Waitsburg with Youth & Government students, including her son John Hockersmith, who proposed HB1459 in 2010.

Discussion of 6-Year Transportation Plan: Much work has been completed with maintenance projects left to accomplish. Sidewalks are 70% complete, street chip-sealing has been underway. A storm water project main between Third and First streets is most in need of chip-sealing and repair.

Council adopted the 6-Year Transportation Plan for 2020-2025.

Public Hearing re: Charter Cable franchise renewal: Discussion of renewal the 20-year contract with Charter Cable. Hockersmith asked if there was a way to exit the agreement if technology changes over the next 20 years should warrant change and questioned the City’s protection.

Council Approved cable franchise with Charter Cable

Council approved Ordinance 1057 updating the 2019 Budget to account for the outsourcing of garbage, receipt of grant funds for solar signage, Complete Streets and loan funds for the vactor truck.

Council approved adoption of the Blue Mountain Region Trail Plan which will allow for application for future trail funding.

Council approved moving the Aug. 21 council meeting to Aug. 14 to accommodate the City Administrator’s schedule.