Washougal City Council Workshop – January 26, 2026

The City of Washougal City Council held a workshop on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 6:33 PM via a hybrid in-person and Zoom meeting. The agenda included one public comment, three discussion items (Police Justice Assistance Grant, 2026 Community Survey, and the Council Appointment Process), and reports from the City Manager, Mayor, and Councilmembers. No formal votes were taken; the council set guidelines for interviews to fill a council vacancy and provided direction for the upcoming community survey.

Public Comments & Testimony

• William Carter addressed the council, wishing everyone a great Council year. No other public comments were made.

Discussion Items

Police: Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Innovation Fund 2026-27 — Chief Zane Freschette

• Chief Freschette presented a grant application for a TruNarc handheld narcotics detection device, requesting $50,758.47 for the unit, startup supplies, a five-year warranty, and on-site training. The device would allow non-contact presumptive testing of suspected drugs, reducing officer exposure to fentanyl and other hazards.
• Councilmembers asked about the scope of the drug problem, data handling, and training. Chief Freschette stated the department would train all officers, and the device would not add staffing or significant administrative burden. The grant is highly competitive (only six awards nationally). The council expressed support for pursuing the grant.

Community Services & Strategy: 2026 Community Survey — Joe Walsh

• Joe Walsh, Community Services & Strategy Director, outlined the biannual survey administered by ETC Institute. The survey mails postcards to 3,000 randomly selected households; the 2024 survey received 507 responses. The survey is used to gauge resident satisfaction and guide policy decisions.
• Walsh proposed three potential question topics for the 2026 survey: community branding (to support the upcoming branding project), gauging support for a Metropolitan Parks District (MPD) (as part of the strategic plan and countywide exploration), and weighing trade-offs between tab fees and a 0.2% Transportation Benefit District (TBD) sales tax.
• Councilmembers debated the need for context in survey questions, especially for complex topics like an MPD. They requested additional input from the consultant and considered adding questions about development of the Pendleton property (e.g., desired uses like Trader Joe’s) and youth recreational needs.
• Student Representative Jake Larzalere highlighted a lack of activities for teenagers, suggesting bowling, mini-golf, or arcades, and noted that many young people leave Washougal due to limited options.
• Council agreed to refine potential questions with ETC Institute and bring final recommendations to the next committee meeting.

City Clerk: Briefing on Council Appointment Process — Daniel Layer

• Daniel Layer (Finance Director / City Clerk) presented the process to fill Council Position No. 5, vacated by the passing of Councilmember Molly Coston. Twelve applicants initially; one (Chuck Harpenter) withdrew, leaving 11 candidates.
• Layer explained the interview and voting process: candidates will be drawn randomly, interviewed in separate rooms using the same four questions (provided in advance). After all interviews, council will use a ranked ballot (first choice 10 points, second choice 5 points) to narrow to two finalists. Finalists will be interviewed again, and council will vote for one candidate. An executive session can be called at any time. The deadline to fill the seat is February 17, 2026, or the appointment falls to the county council.
• Mayor Stuebe requested a 2-minute time limit per question to keep interviews efficient. Council agreed and also unanimously supported holding an executive session after the first round of interviews to discuss candidates.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes or policy decisions were taken during the workshop. All three new business items were discussed in preparation for action at future meetings.
• Council set a 2-minute time limit per question for candidate interviews and will hold an executive session after the initial 11 interviews.
• Council provided initial direction for the 2026 Community Survey questions, emphasizing the need for context on complex topics and possible inclusion of questions about Pendleton property development and youth activities.
• The Police grant application will be brought to the regular council meeting later that evening (7:00 PM) for a vote of support.
• Councilmember Michelle Wagner reported on upcoming meetings (Arts Commission Jan 28, Regional Parks Feb 5) and praised the Mayor’s advocacy in Olympia. Mayor Pro Tem David Fritz thanked the community for the memorial service for Councilmember Coston and encouraged support for local businesses Takumi Co Japanese Restaurant and À La Mud Ceramics Studio, as well as voting on the Washougal School District renewal levies.
• Next Council Workshop: Monday, February 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM; Next Regular Council Meeting: Monday, February 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM.