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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Washougal City Council Regular Meeting - Jan. 26, 2026

City Council — Monday, January 26, 2026

BodyWashougal, Washington

SessionCity Council

DateMonday, January 26, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

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Transcript — Verbatim

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Unassigned speaker

0:07

Dan we appreci your willingness to open with the invocation.

Speaker 1

0:11

Thank you for yours.

Speaker 2

0:17

Billy Graham's for a new year.

0:19

It's a bridge.

0:22

So let us pray.

0:25

Our father and our God, as we stand at the beginning of this new year, we confess our need of your presence and your guidance as we face the future.

0:36

We each have our hopes and expectations for the year that is ahead of us, but you alone know what it holds for us.

0:44

And only you can give us the strength and the wisdom we need to meet this challenges.

Unassigned speaker

0:50

Speaker 2

0:51

help us to humbly put our hands into your hand and to trust you and to seek your will for our lives during this coming year.

Unassigned speaker

1:00

And

Speaker 2

1:00

in the midst of our daily preoccupations and pursuits, open our eyes to the sorrows and injustices of our hurting world and help us to respond with compassion and sacrifice to those who are friendless and in need.

1:18

And so our father, we thank you for the promise and the hope of this new year.

1:29

Amen.

Speaker 3

1:30

Thank you, Dan.

Speaker 2

1:31

Thank you, Dan.

Speaker 4

1:33

Good evening.

Unassigned speaker

1:34

I'd

Speaker 4

1:35

like to recall the watchable city council meeting for Monday, January 26th to order.

1:40

Would you please rise and join me in the

Speaker 1

1:52

agents?

1:59

Monday understanding Justice Carl.

Unassigned speaker

2:09

I mean,

Speaker 1

2:10

I think we can please take a roll call.

Speaker 5

2:20

Councilmember Wagner, here council member Suggs.

2:24

Here Councilmember Robertson

Unassigned speaker

2:26

here.

Speaker 5

2:27

Councilmember Swafford.

2:29

Student Representative Lars Lear.

2:31

Here.

Speaker 4

2:34

Council, are there any amendments to the agenda?

2:42

Hearing none, we will move on to a proclamation.

2:46

This is for the future business leaders of America.

2:49

And Jake is going to read

Speaker 6

2:50

it for

Unassigned speaker

2:51

us.

Speaker 6

2:53

Whereas future business leaders of America, FBLA is the largest career and technical student organization in the world dedicated to preparing students for careers in business and leadership.

3:03

And whereas FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders through academic competitions, leadership development, and service-based learning.

3:13

And whereas FBLA members develop essential skills, including communication, problem solving, ethical decision making, and a civic responsibility that contribute to a strong workforce and economy.

3:25

And whereas FBLA chapters brought service to schools and communities while fostering partnership with local businesses and industry leaders.

3:33

And whereas FBLA provides an opportunity to recognize the achievements of FBLA members, advisors, and supporters who work to strengthen leadership and career readiness among students.

Unassigned speaker

3:46

Now therefore, I Dave Brace hereby proclaim the week of January 26, 2026 as FBLA Recognition Week and encourage all citizens, educators, and community leaders to recognize and support the efforts of FBLA in preparing for tomorrow's business and community leaders.

Speaker 4

4:06

And with that, we have an FBLA representative present tonight.

4:34

Liberty, thank you for coming in.

4:35

So can you tell us a little bit about FBLA?

4:39

Don't feel on the spot or anything.

Speaker 1

5:00

Great.

5:00

I'm glad to hear

Unassigned speaker

5:01

that.

Speaker 1

5:02

So we'll present this.

Speaker 4

5:09

Oh you're the FBLA person.

5:12

I think it's about you more than me.

Speaker 5

5:15

Ready?

Speaker 1

5:16

One two

Unassigned speaker

5:17

three

Speaker 1

5:18

bravo.

Unassigned speaker

5:37

Thank you.

Speaker 4

5:57

All right.

5:59

We will at this time move on to public comment.

6:02

If anyone would like to address the council, um, we ask that you um come forward, sign in.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Community Engagement██████████████████████████████████34%

Procedural█████████████████████████25%

Personnel Matters█████████9%

Public Engagement████████8%

Engineering And Infrastructure███████7%

Economic Development█████5%

Workforce Development█████5%

Public Safety███3%

Affordable Housing██2%

Summary of Proceedings

Washougal City Council Regular Meeting - Jan. 26, 2026

The Washougal City Council met in regular session on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM, in person and via Zoom. Mayor Pro Tem David Fritz called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM, with Mayor David Stuebe joining remotely and six voting members present. The council approved the consent calendar, passed three resolutions, and appointed David Szyplinski to Council Position No. 5 after public interviews and two executive sessions. The meeting adjourned at 9:06 PM.

Proclamation

Student Representative Jake Larzalere read a proclamation designating the week of Jan. 26, 2026 as FBLA Recognition Week, honoring Future Business Leaders of America for developing student leadership, career readiness, and community service. An FBLA representative accepted the proclamation.

Public Comments & Testimony

No public comments were made during the public comment period.

Consent Calendar

Councilmember Suggs moved unanimous consent to approve the consent agenda as presented; no objections were heard.
Approved: Workshop Minutes of Jan. 12, 2026; Council Minutes of Jan. 12, 2026; Payroll Claims of Jan. 23, 2026; and Accounts Payable for Dec. 31, 2025 (Batch 2 & 3), Jan. 1-15, 2026, December 2025 EFTs, and January 2026 Credit Refunds.
Approved Agenda Bill #07-2026, ratifying the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Leroy Lindsley for property at 513 N. Shepherd Road, Washougal.
Approved Agenda Bill #08-2026, authorizing the City Manager to sign the professional services agreement with CivicBrand.

Discussion Items

Agenda Bill #09-2026 (Federal Railroad Partnership Program): Community Services & Strategy Director Joe Walsh presented a resolution authorizing the city to apply to the Federal Railroad Partnership Program for additional funding for the 32nd Street rail crossing project. He noted the city has already secured more than $70 million for the project but is still working to fill a funding gap. The project is intended to eliminate a dangerous at-grade rail crossing, separate rail and roadway users, improve rail and traffic operations, and support local and regional growth. Staff said the program is federal and the maximum award is not yet known, and that success would close the remaining funding gap. The resolution passed unanimously on a motion by Councilmember Suggs, seconded by Councilmember Wagner.
Agenda Bill #10-2026 (Personnel Policy Manual - Shared Leave): Human Resources Director Teresa Stedman presented a resolution amending Chapter 12, Section 1205 of the city's Personnel Policy Manual. The current shared leave policy allows only voluntary donation of vacation leave, and the amendment would add the option to voluntarily donate sick leave. Councilmembers expressed support, noting successful use of similar programs by school districts. The resolution passed unanimously on a motion by Suggs, seconded by Wagner.
Agenda Bill #11-2026 (Byrne JAG Grant): City Manager David Scott presented, on behalf of Police Chief Zane Freschette via Zoom, a resolution supporting the city's application to the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program for approximately $52,000 for narcotics investigation and intervention equipment and officer safety. Councilmembers praised staff for pursuing grant opportunities. The resolution passed unanimously on a motion by Suggs, seconded by Wagner.

Council Position No. 5 Appointment

Twelve applications were initially received, but Chuck Carpenter withdrew before the meeting, leaving eleven applicants. Robert Krieger and Camron Stevens did not appear, so nine candidates were interviewed: Jerry Soehl, Tabitha Schmer, David Szyplinski, Jason Scott, Nell Perry, (Louis) Bradley Williams, Walida Horton, Tammy Windham, and Dave St. Clair. The interview order was drawn at random.
Each applicant answered four prepared questions with two-minute response limits, covering interest in serving, relevant experience and skills, top city priorities, and whether their interest was issue-specific or broad. Several applicants cited priorities including infrastructure, housing affordability, local business support, public safety, youth programming, and neighborhood traffic safety.
After the interviews, the council held an executive session from 8:11 PM to 8:21 PM to evaluate candidates. Ranked ballots were then submitted, awarding 10 points for a first-choice selection and 5 points for a second-choice selection. First-round totals were: Tammy Windham 30, David Szyplinski 20, Bradley Williams 15, Dave St. Clair 10, Jason Scott 10, and Walida Horton 5.
David Szyplinski and Tammy Windham advanced as finalists. A random drawing determined that Szyplinski would be interviewed first, followed by Windham. Each councilmember asked both finalists the same questions.
The council held a second executive session from 8:47 PM to 8:52 PM. In a roll-call vote, David Szyplinski received four votes from Councilmembers Wagner, Robertson, Swofford, and Mayor Stuebe, while Tammy Windham received two votes from Mayor Pro Tem Fritz and Councilmember Suggs. David Szyplinski was appointed to Council Position No. 5 and took the oath of office administered by Mayor Pro Tem Fritz.

Reports & Communications

City Manager David Scott welcomed and congratulated Szyplinski, thanked all applicants, and encouraged them to consider the Citizens Academy, boards, and commissions. He reported attending AWC City Action Days in Olympia, where city priorities were shared with state legislators, and expressed hope that funding may be secured for the city's Veterans Memorial.
Mayor David Stuebe said he was honored to represent the city in Olympia, praised the strong applicant pool, and welcomed Szyplinski to the council.
Councilmembers thanked the applicants and noted the difficulty of the decision. Councilmember Swofford said City Action Days was educational. Councilmember Wagner commended city staff for grant writing and advocate Lloyd Halverson for representation in Olympia, emphasized youth engagement, and encouraged applicants to explore other city volunteer opportunities. Szyplinski thanked the council for the opportunity.
Student Representative Jake Larzalere said the applicant interest was encouraging, appreciated attending Olympia, and reported that ballots for the Washougal School levy are out, encouraging community members to vote.

Key Outcomes

Agenda Bills #09-2026, #10-2026, and #11-2026 were each approved unanimously.
The consent agenda was approved unanimously with no objections.
David Szyplinski was appointed to City Council Position No. 5, sworn in, and seated.
The next meetings are scheduled for Monday, Feb. 9, 2026: Workshop at 5:00 PM and Council at 7:00 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Dan we appreci your willingness to open with the invocation. Thank you for yours. Billy Graham's for a new year. It's a bridge. So let us pray. Our father and our God, as we stand at the beginning of this new year, we confess our need of your presence and your guidance as we face the future. We each have our hopes and expectations for the year that is ahead of us, but you alone know what it holds for us. And only you can give us the strength and the wisdom we need to meet this challenges. So help us to humbly put our hands into your hand and to trust you and to seek your will for our lives during this coming year. And in the midst of our daily preoccupations and pursuits, open our eyes to the sorrows and injustices of our hurting world and help us to respond with compassion and sacrifice to those who are friendless and in need. And so our father, we thank you for the promise and the hope of this new year. Amen. Thank you, Dan. Thank you, Dan. Good evening. I'd like to recall the watchable city council meeting for Monday, January 26th to order. Would you please rise and join me in the agents? Monday understanding Justice Carl. I mean, I think we can please take a roll call. Councilmember Wagner, here council member Suggs. Here Councilmember Robertson here. Councilmember Swafford. Student Representative Lars Lear. Here. Council, are there any amendments to the agenda? Hearing none, we will move on to a proclamation. This is for the future business leaders of America. And Jake is going to read it for us. Whereas future business leaders of America, FBLA is the largest career and technical student organization in the world dedicated to preparing students for careers in business and leadership. And whereas FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders through academic competitions, leadership development, and service-based learning. And whereas FBLA members develop essential skills, including communication, problem solving, ethical decision making, and a civic responsibility that contribute to a strong workforce and economy. And whereas FBLA chapters brought service to schools and communities while fostering partnership with local businesses and industry leaders. And whereas FBLA provides an opportunity to recognize the achievements of FBLA members, advisors, and supporters who work to strengthen leadership and career readiness among students. Now therefore, I Dave Brace hereby proclaim the week of January 26, 2026 as FBLA Recognition Week and encourage all citizens, educators, and community leaders to recognize and support the efforts of FBLA in preparing for tomorrow's business and community leaders. And with that, we have an FBLA representative present tonight. Liberty, thank you for coming in. So can you tell us a little bit about FBLA? Don't feel on the spot or anything. Great. I'm glad to hear that. So we'll present this.

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TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
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Washougal City Council Regular Meeting - Jan. 26, 2026

Proclamation

Student Representative Jake Larzalere read a proclamation designating the week of Jan. 26, 2026 as FBLA Recognition Week, honoring Future Business Leaders of America for developing student leadership, career readiness, and community service. An FBLA representative accepted the proclamation.

Public Comments & Testimony

No public comments were made during the public comment period.

Consent Calendar

Councilmember Suggs moved unanimous consent to approve the consent agenda as presented; no objections were heard.

Approved: Workshop Minutes of Jan. 12, 2026; Council Minutes of Jan. 12, 2026; Payroll Claims of Jan. 23, 2026; and Accounts Payable for Dec. 31, 2025 (Batch 2 & 3), Jan. 1-15, 2026, December 2025 EFTs, and January 2026 Credit Refunds.

Approved Agenda Bill #07-2026, ratifying the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Leroy Lindsley for property at 513 N. Shepherd Road, Washougal.

Approved Agenda Bill #08-2026, authorizing the City Manager to sign the professional services agreement with CivicBrand.

Discussion Items

Agenda Bill #09-2026 (Federal Railroad Partnership Program): Community Services & Strategy Director Joe Walsh presented a resolution authorizing the city to apply to the Federal Railroad Partnership Program for additional funding for the 32nd Street rail crossing project. He noted the city has already secured more than $70 million for the project but is still working to fill a funding gap. The project is intended to eliminate a dangerous at-grade rail crossing, separate rail and roadway users, improve rail and traffic operations, and support local and regional growth. Staff said the program is federal and the maximum award is not yet known, and that success would close the remaining funding gap. The resolution passed unanimously on a motion by Councilmember Suggs, seconded by Councilmember Wagner.

Agenda Bill #10-2026 (Personnel Policy Manual - Shared Leave): Human Resources Director Teresa Stedman presented a resolution amending Chapter 12, Section 1205 of the city's Personnel Policy Manual. The current shared leave policy allows only voluntary donation of vacation leave, and the amendment would add the option to voluntarily donate sick leave. Councilmembers expressed support, noting successful use of similar programs by school districts. The resolution passed unanimously on a motion by Suggs, seconded by Wagner.

Agenda Bill #11-2026 (Byrne JAG Grant): City Manager David Scott presented, on behalf of Police Chief Zane Freschette via Zoom, a resolution supporting the city's application to the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program for approximately $52,000 for narcotics investigation and intervention equipment and officer safety. Councilmembers praised staff for pursuing grant opportunities. The resolution passed unanimously on a motion by Suggs, seconded by Wagner.

Council Position No. 5 Appointment

Twelve applications were initially received, but Chuck Carpenter withdrew before the meeting, leaving eleven applicants. Robert Krieger and Camron Stevens did not appear, so nine candidates were interviewed: Jerry Soehl, Tabitha Schmer, David Szyplinski, Jason Scott, Nell Perry, (Louis) Bradley Williams, Walida Horton, Tammy Windham, and Dave St. Clair. The interview order was drawn at random.

Each applicant answered four prepared questions with two-minute response limits, covering interest in serving, relevant experience and skills, top city priorities, and whether their interest was issue-specific or broad. Several applicants cited priorities including infrastructure, housing affordability, local business support, public safety, youth programming, and neighborhood traffic safety.

After the interviews, the council held an executive session from 8:11 PM to 8:21 PM to evaluate candidates. Ranked ballots were then submitted, awarding 10 points for a first-choice selection and 5 points for a second-choice selection. First-round totals were: Tammy Windham 30, David Szyplinski 20, Bradley Williams 15, Dave St. Clair 10, Jason Scott 10, and Walida Horton 5.

David Szyplinski and Tammy Windham advanced as finalists. A random drawing determined that Szyplinski would be interviewed first, followed by Windham. Each councilmember asked both finalists the same questions.

The council held a second executive session from 8:47 PM to 8:52 PM. In a roll-call vote, David Szyplinski received four votes from Councilmembers Wagner, Robertson, Swofford, and Mayor Stuebe, while Tammy Windham received two votes from Mayor Pro Tem Fritz and Councilmember Suggs. David Szyplinski was appointed to Council Position No. 5 and took the oath of office administered by Mayor Pro Tem Fritz.

Reports & Communications

City Manager David Scott welcomed and congratulated Szyplinski, thanked all applicants, and encouraged them to consider the Citizens Academy, boards, and commissions. He reported attending AWC City Action Days in Olympia, where city priorities were shared with state legislators, and expressed hope that funding may be secured for the city's Veterans Memorial.

Mayor David Stuebe said he was honored to represent the city in Olympia, praised the strong applicant pool, and welcomed Szyplinski to the council.

Councilmembers thanked the applicants and noted the difficulty of the decision. Councilmember Swofford said City Action Days was educational. Councilmember Wagner commended city staff for grant writing and advocate Lloyd Halverson for representation in Olympia, emphasized youth engagement, and encouraged applicants to explore other city volunteer opportunities. Szyplinski thanked the council for the opportunity.

Student Representative Jake Larzalere said the applicant interest was encouraging, appreciated attending Olympia, and reported that ballots for the Washougal School levy are out, encouraging community members to vote.

Key Outcomes

Agenda Bills #09-2026, #10-2026, and #11-2026 were each approved unanimously.

The consent agenda was approved unanimously with no objections.

David Szyplinski was appointed to City Council Position No. 5, sworn in, and seated.

The next meetings are scheduled for Monday, Feb. 9, 2026: Workshop at 5:00 PM and Council at 7:00 PM.

Meeting Transcript