Washington Common Council Meeting and Public Hearing, November 9, 2026

The City of Washington Common Council convened on November 9, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Common Council Chambers, following a public hearing on Ordinance No. 22-2026. The public hearing opened at 6:30 PM and closed at 6:32 PM with no public testimony. The regular council meeting immediately followed, including a moment of silence for veterans in advance of Veterans Day. All seven council members were present. The city attorney was absent due to illness. The council approved routine items and unanimously adopted the ordinance.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the minutes of the October 26, 2026, Common Council meeting (including the public hearing) was moved by Councilman Selby, seconded by Councilman Dahl, and unanimously approved.
• Written presentation of claims: A motion to approve and submit the claims to the Board of Public Works and Safety was made by Councilman Schuler, seconded by Councilman Emmons, and approved with one opposition from Councilman Lunsford (though roll call not recorded).

Public Comments & Testimony

• During the public hearing for Ordinance No. 22-2026, no members of the audience or council offered comments or questions. The hearing was closed after two minutes.
• During the regular meeting, no public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance No. 22-2026 (Final Reading): The ordinance authorizes additional appropriations from Equitable Sharing/Drug Enforcement and Forfeiture and Seized Assets funds. Councilman Campton moved to read the ordinance by title only, seconded by Councilman Schuler, and approved. Councilman Campton then moved to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Councilman Schuler. A roll call vote was taken: Councilmen Lunsford, Brown, Selby, Campton, Emmons, Dahl, and Schuler all voted "Aye." The ordinance passed unanimously and is now in full force.
• Mayor's Remarks: Mayor Rhoads announced receipt of a CMG grant of $344,000 for the coming year (one of two submitted). Bids will be advertised and opened, with completion by January 28, 2026 (likely 2027). He also reminded the council that comprehensive plan interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM to review two firms.
• Street Project (SR 50): Councilman Dahl noted that work on SR 50 is scheduled to start the following Wednesday (November 12) and is anticipated to be completed by mid-December. A question was raised about the inclusion of Cherry Tree Close/Drive, which was not on the schedule; the mayor indicated the design was not built to specifications and a timeline would be provided. The council noted the need to communicate traffic impacts via media.
• Mr. Bateman's Letter: Councilman Emmons reported that Mr. Bateman provided a letter to each council member regarding an unspecified matter. The council directed that the letter be noted in the minutes and referred to the city attorney for a response. Councilman Lunsford asked about a project on his property, and the mayor responded that work is ongoing and will be discussed at the next Board of Works meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance No. 22-2026 (additional appropriations) adopted unanimously by roll call vote (7-0).
• Minutes of October 26, 2026, approved.
• Claims approved and forwarded to the Board of Public Works and Safety.
• Mayor to provide information on Cherry Tree Close/Drive timeline to Councilman Dahl.
• Letter from Mr. Bateman to be handled by the city attorney.
• Comp plan interviews scheduled for November 17, 2026.
• CMG grant awarded; bidding process to be initiated.