Washougal City Council Regular Meeting - February 23, 2026

The City of Washougal City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026, starting at 7:03 PM and adjourning at 10:35 PM, following an extended executive session. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, a consent agenda, a presentation on property tax exemptions, two new business items, and reports from council and staff.

Proclamations

• American Red Cross Month – March 2026: Councilmember Michelle Wagner read the proclamation honoring the American Red Cross for its humanitarian mission, including providing relief to over 900 households in 2025, collecting over 166,000 units of blood, and training over 50,000 people in CPR and safety. Vicky Wessling received the proclamation and spoke about ongoing needs.
• Youth Art Month – March 2026: Student Representative Jake Larzalere read the proclamation recognizing the importance of arts education. Aaron Hansen from the Washougal School District accepted the proclamation and highlighted partnership events throughout March.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brett Tarnet spoke at length about the maintenance and management of Mable Kerr Park. She listed 31 specific issues and conflicts she has encountered, including contradictory statements from city staff, conflicting land designations (park vs. natural area), jurisdictional questions, invasive species control, safety concerns, and personal threats from residents. She requested clear direction from the council on the future stewardship of the park.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent agenda unanimously, which included:
  • Workshop Minutes of February 9, 2026
  • Council Minutes of February 9, 2026
  • Payroll Claims of February 25, 2026
  • Accounts Payable of February 12-19, 2026
  • Agenda Bill #15-2026: Authorize Transfer of Funds for Emergency Utility Assistance

Presentation

• Clark County Property Tax Exemption Outreach: Deputy Assessor Michael Fish presented information on the Washington State property tax exemption program for seniors (61+) and persons with disabilities. Key details included:
  • No payback requirement, no lien on the home.
  • Freezes assessed value of home and qualifying land.
  • Exempts certain voter-approved levies.
  • Current income threshold is $62,000, expected to rise in fall 2026 due to statutory review (likely to around $100,000 based on median income).
  • Three tiers of exemption benefits based on income.
  • Allowed deductions for medical expenses ($500 without receipts, more with documentation).
  • Sign-up events are scheduled, including at Washougal Community Center on March 6, 2026.
  • Approximately 11,000 people currently enrolled; potential for up to 20,000.
  • Councilmembers asked about regional income differences and future rate changes; Fish clarified the adjustments are statutory.

Discussion Items

• Agenda Bill #16-2026 – South 2nd Street Right-of-Way Vacation: Public Works Director Trevor Evers presented a resolution to set a public hearing for March 23, 2026 at 7:00 PM to consider a petition to vacate property for realignment of South 2nd Street in connection with the Waterfront development. The council discussed the project (a road alignment swap to straighten the road). Motion by Councilmember Suggs, seconded by Councilmember Wagner, passed unanimously.
• Agenda Bill #17-2026 – Resolution in Support of Community Project Funding: Community Services & Strategy Director Joe Walsh presented a resolution expressing council support for federal appropriations (Fiscal Year 27) for two priority projects: construction of a default remediation facility and enhancements to the emergency operations center. Motion by Councilmember Suggs, seconded by Councilmember Wagner, passed unanimously.

Reports and Communications

• City Manager David Scott: Announced that both the Washington State House and Senate capital budget proposals released today include funding for the Washougal Veterans Memorial – $257,000 in the House, $258,000 in the Senate. He expressed gratitude and noted the chamber luncheon on Wednesday at Washougal Times.
• Mayor David Stuebe (via Zoom): Explained the application process for capital budgets, expressed appreciation that the memorial project was in both proposals, and noted he will return for the State of the Cities luncheon on March 25. He thanked Mayor Pro Tem Fritz for presiding.
• Student Representative Jake Larzalere: Recapped student sports achievements (girls wrestling state champion, many podium finishes), announced FBLA fundraisers (K&M on March 3, Menchie’s on March 24, and a fundraiser on April 7) to help students afford state competition costs.
• Councilmember Michelle Wagner: Announced Arts Commission meeting on February 25 4:00-5:00 PM, Second Saturday in the Park on March 14 at Steigerwald Lake NWR (registration required), and regional Parks Advisory Board meeting on March 10. She commended staff for grant-seeking efforts.
• Mayor Pro Tem David Fritz: Reported on the Unite! Coalition meeting; noted vape cessation kits are now available at Washougal High School, with more going to Discovery Dental and Akin, funded by a Camas-Washougal Community Chest grant. He also highlighted the Community Chest Gala fundraiser on March 21 at the Black Pearl, and the Washougal Ivy League volunteer event on March 7 (location TBD, possibly Mable Kerr Park).
• Councilmember Ernie Suggs: Echoed praise for the Washougal Junior Basketball League, reported attending a Port meeting and chamber luncheon (preparations for Camas Days), and expressed excitement for the upcoming farmers market.
• Councilmember Marty Swofford: Thanked coaches and volunteers in the Washougal Junior Basketball League and noted baseball season approaching.
• Councilmember David Szyplinski (via Zoom): Invited councilmembers to join him at his table for the Community Chest Gala.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Resolution to set public hearing for South 2nd Street right-of-way vacation passed unanimously; hearing scheduled for March 23, 2026 at 7:00 PM.
• Resolution in support of community project funding (federal appropriations for remediation facility and emergency operations center) passed unanimously.
• Washougal Veterans Memorial included in both state House ($257,000) and Senate ($258,000) capital budget proposals; further legislative steps remain.
• Executive session on potential litigation and property acquisition was held from approximately 8:00 PM to 10:35 PM with multiple extensions; no action followed.
• Council adjourned at 10:35 PM.