Washougal City Council Regular Meeting – February 9, 2026

The Washougal City Council met in regular session on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM via Zoom webinar. Mayor David Stuebe called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM and adjourned at 7:20 PM. The meeting opened with an invocation by Mike Hansen and the Pledge of Allegiance. There were no amendments to the agenda.

Councilmembers present: David Stuebe, David Fritz, Tia Robertson, Michelle Wagner, Marty Swofford, and David Szyplinski. Councilmember Ernie Suggs was initially excused and joined by Zoom at 7:07 PM. Student Representative Jake Larzalere was also present.

Consent Calendar

• Councilmember Ernie Suggs requested unanimous consent to approve the consent agenda as read; no objections were raised.
• Approved items included Workshop minutes of January 26, 2026; Council minutes of January 26, 2026; Accounts Payable for January 22–29, 2026 (agenda) / January 22–29 and February 5, 2026 (minutes) – source discrepancy noted; and Agenda Bill #13-2026 authorizing a transfer of funds for emergency utility assistance.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Douglas Tweet, a Camas resident, strongly opposed including light rail in the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) project. He argued that C-TRAN bus ridership across the I-5 bridge is low and declining, with roughly 900 boardings per week (about 450 people) on the route light rail would replace, and that bus service can meet demand at lower cost. He questioned ridership forecasts, saying IBR had reduced forecasts by half or more, and criticized the project's estimated cost potentially rising to $13–14 billion or nearly $18 billion. He urged removing light rail, prioritizing vehicles and freight, and putting the light rail decision to voters. He also raised concerns about C-TRAN governance changes affecting Washougal and Camas representation.
• Margaret Tweet, a Camas resident, echoed opposition and said public transit represents only about 2% of bridge users while more than 50% of bridge space is devoted to light rail and pedestrian/bicycle facilities, severely shortchanging cars and freight. She cited a Cascade Policy Institute memo indicating possible future tolls on I-205, questioned the use of a forecast for 2024 rather than actual ridership data, and asserted the project would make conditions worse than today. Both speakers urged C-TRAN not to pay for light rail operations and maintenance.

Discussion Items

• Agenda Bill #14-2026 – Boards & Commission Appointment: Salary Commission. Joe Walsh, Community Services & Strategy Director, presented the appointment of Ann Stevens to the Salary Commission. The commission consists of five resident/registered-voter members serving four-year uncompensated terms; this appointment filled one of two vacancies. The recommendation was to affirm Mayor Stuebe's appointment of Ann Stevens.
• Councilmember Michelle Wagner moved to appoint Ann Stevens; Councilmember David Szyplinski seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Reports and Communications

• City Manager David Scott said he gave his report at the workshop.
• Mayor Stuebe reiterated appreciation for city staff and Council, welcomed Councilmembers Swofford and Szyplinski, and welcomed Student Representative Larzalere.
• Councilmember Wagner reminded the public of Second Saturday in the Park at Kerr Park on Saturday, February 14 at 10:00 AM, including tours of recent ecological improvements.
• Student Representative Larzalere commented on another student observing the meeting; Councilmember Szyplinski emphasized the importance of student participation.
• Other Councilmembers gave reports during the workshop.

Key Outcomes

• Councilmember Ernie Suggs was excused from the meeting by unanimous vote; he later joined via Zoom.
• The consent agenda was approved, including the emergency utility assistance fund transfer.
• Ann Stevens was appointed to the Salary Commission by unanimous vote.
• Next scheduled meetings: Monday, February 23, 2026 – Workshop at 5:00 PM and Council at 7:00 PM, per agenda and minutes. The raw transcript appears to misstate the next meeting as Monday, April 23.