OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings
Washougal City Council Regular Meeting - January 12, 2026
City Council — Monday, January 12, 2026
BodyWashougal, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, January 12, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
Transcript — Verbatim
Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Parks and Recreation33%
Community Engagement26%
Procedural24%
Personnel Matters11%
Public Engagement2%
Arts And Culture1%
Homelessness1%
Environmental Protection1%
Fiscal Sustainability1%
Summary of Proceedings
Washougal City Council Regular Meeting - January 12, 2026
The Washougal City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026. Mayor David Stuebe attended via Zoom; Mayor Pro Tem David Fritz presided over the meeting, which was called to order at 7:01 PM and adjourned at 8:21 PM. The council addressed routine consent items, adopted the Schmid Family Park Master Plan, renamed a local park in memory of a former councilmember, and conducted the annual selection of the Mayor Pro Tem.
Consent Calendar
- The consent agenda (Agenda Bill #01-2026 and items A through E) was approved unanimously without discussion. The items included the approval of workshop and council minutes, payroll claims, accounts payable, and a transfer of funds for emergency utility assistance.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Megan Vandell introduced herself as the new Washougal representative to the Clark County Mosquito Control Board. She expressed her position advocating for “fiscal restraint and responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds.”
- Linda Bossell, President of the pickleball club, reported that the pickleball courts at Hathaway Park, resurfaced in 2022, have developed recurring cracks. She emphasized the need for safe courts given heavy community usage and provided information on a proposed “Right Way Crack Repair System,” including an estimate and photos.
- Brett Tarnet expressed strong dissatisfaction with the condition and management of Mabel Kerr Park, noting that despite $1 million in improvements, the park suffers from neglect, invasive weeds, and squatting. He offered his volunteer expertise from local wildlife refuge trail maintenance and requested the city install a single picnic table.
Community Impact Awards & Proclamations
- Nell Perry received the Community Impact Award for creating and growing a holiday parade to reach residents with mobility challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Latter-day Saint Full-Time Missionaries were recognized for over 20 years of community service, with more than 260 missionaries contributing.
- America 250 Proclamation: The council adopted a proclamation for the 250th anniversary of the United States, initiating a year-long celebration including banners, a day of service, and a July 4th parade.
Discussion Items and New Business
Board and Commission Appointments (Agenda Bill #02-2026)
- Community Engagement Manager Rose Jewell presented applicants Phyllis Carter (Arts Commission) and Anthony Metzidis (Parks and Cemetery Commission). The council agreed to fill the Parks vacancy for the remaining term and then extend it to a full 3-year term. The appointments were confirmed unanimously.
Schmid Family Park Master Plan (Agenda Bill #03-2026)
- Corinthia Barnhart presented the final preferred concept for the park. The plan represents the culmination of a robust public engagement process held throughout 2025, including over 450 survey responses, multiple open houses, and stakeholder interviews. Key features of the preferred concept include a grand lawn with underground stormwater vaults, nature-based play, water access stairs, a water play element, a bench swing overlook, and a tribute garden. The design emphasizes passive recreation and environmental restoration.
- Staff noted the project will be phased, with an application for the April 2026 RCO grant cycle planned. The timeline for the full buildout was described as a decade-long project. A resolution to adopt the master plan was approved unanimously.
Renaming of the Downtown Community Garden (Agenda Bill #04-2026)
- Councilmember Michelle Wagner read Resolution #1268, renaming the Downtown Community Garden as the Molly Coston Community Garden. The resolution detailed the recommendation from the Molly Coston Legacy Committee and the Parks and Cemetery Commission. It highlighted Coston’s role in the garden’s creation and her personal gardening (growing tomatoes, tomatillos, Anaheim chilies, and peppers from seed). The resolution included language ensuring the name follows the garden if it is ever relocated. The resolution was approved unanimously.
Council Committee Assignments (Agenda Bill #05-2026)
- Councilmember Wagner presented the proposed appointments for 2026. After discussion, several changes were made, including shifting Councilmember Fritz to the Public Works primary and Councilmember Suggs to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) primary. The assignments were adopted unanimously as amended.
Selection of Mayor Pro Tem (Agenda Bill #06-2026)
- City Manager David Scott reviewed the statutory requirements and options for a one-year or two-year term. Councilmembers David Fritz and Ernie Suggs were nominated. Councilmember Wagner initially nominated herself but withdrew. Following a roll call vote that resulted in a 3–3 tie, Councilmember Suggs withdrew his nomination. Councilmember Suggs then moved to appoint Councilmember David Fritz as Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year term. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Wagner and carried unanimously.
Reports and Communications
- City Manager David Scott reminded the council of the upcoming AWC City Action Days in Olympia and the Celebration of Life for former Councilmember Molly Coston on January 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Washburn Performing Arts Center.
- Student Representative Jake Larzalere announced a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) field trip to the Capitol on February 4th.
- Councilmember Wagner reported on the Second Saturday in the Park event at Dick Beaver Park and upcoming regional parks meetings.
- Councilmember Suggs will attend the Camas-Washougal Chamber luncheon on January 28th.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
- Board Appointments: Phyllis Carter (Arts Commission) and Anthony Metzidis (Parks and Cemetery Commission) appointed unanimously.
- Schmid Family Park Master Plan: Resolution for adoption approved unanimously.
- Downtown Community Garden: Officially renamed the Molly Coston Community Garden (Resolution #1268). Approved unanimously.
- Council Assignments: 2026 committee appointments approved unanimously as amended.
- Mayor Pro Tem: Councilmember David Fritz appointed for a one-year term.
- Upcoming: Celebration of Life for Molly Coston on Jan 24, 2026 (11 AM, Washburn Performing Arts Center); next council meeting on Jan 26, 2026.
Meeting Transcript
Okay, it's seven o'clock. With that, I would like to ask Brian Counselor. He would come forward. He's going to deliver the invocation this evening. Our most kind and gracious father in heaven, we are grateful for the opportunity to gather this evening and to be here with this wonderful city council. We're grateful for this wonderful city of Washugal and for the beauty that exists here in our town. Grateful for all that thou does to watch over and to bless us. We pray now this night that this meeting will be led and guided by these good individuals to put the best effort forward to support these wonderful citizens in our town that we can continually find ways to come together to support each other and to move forward, combining our strengths and talents in a way that can continually bring joy to this wonderful community. We pray a blessing upon all these members that they and their families will be blessed and watched over, and that the individuals across our town will be protected and kept from harm's way, that we can continually find ways to bring thy peace to all the world around us that we can look for ways to build each other up and to find opportunities to grow together and to find the ability to find commonalities between us and opportunities to find support across our community. We love thee, Father. We're grateful for all that thou does for us, and we pray a blessing upon these meetings. This meeting this night. We do this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Thank you, Ryan. We appreciate that. Good evening. I'd like to call the Washumbo City Council meeting for Monday, January 12th order. Would you please rise and join me in this reciting the pledge? Amanda, if you would please take the roll call. Here council member Wagner, here council member Sachs, here Robertson. Here Swordford. Here student representative Lars and there. Here council, are there any amendments to the agenda? Hearing none, we will move on to some community impact awards. The first community impact award is going to be uh read by uh Marty Swafford and it's going uh for Nell Perry. Nell um she here no good. The city of Wafu Community Impact Award honoring Nell Perry during the COVID pandemic when the city was unable to vote public events. Nell Perry took the initiative to bring the spirit of Christmas to our community. She gathered a group of friends, decorated their vehicles, and created a holiday parade to travel through the Washable neighborhoods. Each year, Nell has continued to grow this event, expanding both its reach and impact. Many resident residents face barriers to attending holiday events due to mobility, health, or other challenges. Through her dedication, Nell ensures the spirit of Christmas reaches all. She skillfully coordinates the efforts, both campus and Washu, during all required permits and insurance. She is driven by a desire to share the joy and foster the connection through our community.
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