Washougal City Council Regular Meeting: November 17, 2025

The Washougal City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Mayor David Stuebe presided over the meeting, which began with an invocation by Mike Hanson and the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmember Molly Coston was excused unanimously. The agenda was amended to add the Third Quarter 2025 Financial Update as the first item under New Business.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously by the council. It included the Workshop and Council minutes from November 3, payroll claims, accounts payable totaling $1,601,262.71, authorization for an Emergency Utility Assistance fund transfer (Agenda Bill #51-2025), and a resolution to set a public hearing for December 1 on the Mid-Biennium Budget Modification (Agenda Bill #52-2025).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brett Tarnet (Addy Street resident) addressed the council. He commended the city council on the Campen Creek improvements. However, he strongly criticized the management of Mabel Kerr Park. Tarnet stated that the "Kirk Park 2024 group" contributed over 250 hours of volunteer labor, which the city referred to as "encroaching" and, in his view, constituted "squatting." He claimed the group was ejected from the park and urged the council to take action to "rescue the park from neglect."

Discussion Items

• Third Quarter 2025 Financial Update: Finance Director Daniel Layer presented the Q3 update. General Fund revenues are at 71.2% of the adopted budget. Overall revenues are up 20% from Q3 2024, or 12.9% excluding a one-time $910,000 transfer for a fire truck. Retail sales tax revenue increased 7%, utility taxes grew 8.2%, and licenses and permits surged 90.3%, largely attributed to HighPoint permits. Expenditures are at 69.8% of the budget. Director Layer detailed the city's investment portfolio, which includes $12 million in the Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP) earning $534,000 in interest year-to-date, $2.3 million at Riverview ICS, and $23.6 million in bonds and treasury notes. The $1.14 million Downtown Bond fund is projected to become fully unrestricted, one-time general fund revenue in 2027.
• Parking Code Updates (Agenda Bill #53-2025): Police Chief Zane Freschette presented an ordinance amending parking regulations. The update clarifies what constitutes a violation of the 24-hour on-street parking limit, adding a provision to prevent vehicles from circumventing the rule by moving only a short distance. Councilmember Suggs made a motion to pass, post, and publish Ordinance 1997 in the usual manner, seconded by Councilmember Wagner. The motion was approved.
• 2026 Property Tax Levy (Agenda Bill #54-2025): Mayor Stuebe opened and then closed the public hearing after receiving no testimony. The resolution sets the property tax levy for 2026 at a 1% increase, as the Implicit Price Deflator (IPD) was 2.44%. Councilmember Suggs moved to pass and post the resolution, seconded by Councilmember Wagner. The motion carried.
• 2026 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Levy (Agenda Bill #55-2025): A public hearing was held and closed with no public testimony. The resolution sets the levy at a 1% increase. Council discussion clarified that the levy is set annually and that funds will be directed to the Regional Fire Authority (RFA) upon transition in 2027. The existing voter-approved levy will remain with the city for its remaining duration. Councilmember Suggs moved to pass and post the resolution, seconded by Councilmember Wagner. The motion carried.

Reports and Communications

• City Manager David Scott: Announced the December 1 meeting is expected to be the final meeting of the year. He requested flexibility to present the remaining 2025 supplemental budget items and workshop an ordinance during the same meeting. He reported a meeting with the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB) was highly productive, with efforts underway to pull the $7.5 million for the 32nd Street underpass from the 29-31 biennium into the 27-29 biennium.
• Mayor David Stuebe: Discussed maintaining momentum for the Sister City program, noting volunteer Kate Anstett has stepped forward to coordinate. Reported on a complementary feasibility study for a symbiosis project (converting wastewater waste into potential revenue). Noted his attendance at the Veterans Parade in Vancouver and efforts regarding fireworks at Cottonwood.
• Student Representative Jake Larzalere: Reported the football team's season ended with a playoff loss. Inquired about city plans for improvements on J Street near the high school. Raised concerns about a rise in student vaping, asking if police could initiate an awareness campaign. Council members directed him to the UNITE coalition meeting for further discussion.
• Councilmember Michelle Wagner: Recapped the November 8 "Second Saturday in the Parks" event featuring a worn flag retirement ceremony. Announced the next event on December 13 at Dick Beaver Park with a winter holiday theme. Visited Mabel Kerr Park and Hartwood (memorial mural for Suzanne Grover). Attended the Refuel 10-year anniversary celebration and thanked its founders and volunteers.
• Councilmember Ernie Suggs: Reported on the Washougal Schools Foundation meeting, highlighting a new $4,000 four-year grant program. Attended the school district's multicultural family event.
• Councilmember Tia Robertson: Commended Jake Larzalere for his presentation at the school board meeting. Announced a free Festival of the Nativity event at the Black Pearl from December 7-10.
• Councilmember Julie Russell: Expressed that it has been an honor serving on the council and with the community, looking forward to her final meeting in December.
• Mayor Pro Tem David Fritz: Commended the mayor's push on the Sister City program. Praised the memorial mural at Hartwood Park. Attended a Prayer Breakfast, the Washougal Studio Artists event, and the Refuel appreciation dinner, where the city received a plaque. Encouraged participation in a volunteer planting event at Mabel Kerr Park on December 6 hosted by the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership.

Key Outcomes

• The Consent Agenda was approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 1997 (Parking Code Updates) was passed, providing clearer definitions for 24-hour parking violations.
• Resolutions for the 2026 Property Tax Levy and the 2026 EMS Levy were both approved with a 1% increase.
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for December 1, 2025, intended to be the final council meeting of the year.