Washougal City Council Regular Meeting - March 23, 2026

The Washougal City Council convened for a regular meeting on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 7:02 PM. Mayor David Stuebe presided. The agenda included a public comment period, four new business items that were all passed unanimously, and various reports from city staff and councilmembers. The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, which included the workshop and council minutes from March 9, 2026, payroll claims, accounts payable, and Agenda Bill #19-2026 for an Arts Commission funding request.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chris D'Antonio, a Granite Highlands resident, argued that a road modification variance granted for the Granite Highlands development allowed homes to be built up to an elevation of 385 feet, destroying the views of five homeowners on North 6th Street. He stated that the variance was processed without a public hearing, which he believes would have been required under standard zoning and planning procedures. Mr. D'Antonio alleged that the involved city officials were either "incompetent, negligent, or malfeasing" and requested that the Council launch an investigation and consider rescinding the road modification.

Discussion Items

• Contract Authority Delegation (AB 20-2026): City Manager David Scott presented a resolution to raise the threshold for his contract authority from $50,000 to $100,000, citing a survey of comparable communities and inflationary pressures. The resolution passed unanimously.
• South 2nd Street Right-of-Way Vacation (AB 21-2026): A public hearing was held regarding the vacation of a portion of South 2nd Street to facilitate a land exchange with the Port of Camas-Washougal. Receiving no public testimony, the Council unanimously approved the ordinance to effect the vacation.
• Permit-Only Parking Zone (AB 22-2026): Community Services Director Joe Walsh introduced a pilot program for a permit-only parking zone running from June to September to address summer congestion. Councilmember Michelle Wagner requested flexibility in implementation and a structured feedback process for residents. The ordinance was approved unanimously.
• City Office Hours (AB 23-2026): The Council unanimously passed an ordinance to comply with RCW 35A.21.070 by formally codifying city office hours. No changes to actual operating hours were made; the ordinance authorizes the City Manager to adjust hours for business needs, emergencies, and holidays.

Reports & Communications

• City Manager David Scott: Announced a trip to Washington, D.C. with Mayor Pro Tem Fritz and Director Walsh to meet with federal representatives, the Department of Transportation, and the Federal Railroad Administration to advocate for local projects.
• Mayor David Stuebe: Expressed support for the D.C. trip, highlighted the city's success in securing state and federal infrastructure funding, and reflected on his recent legislative experience in Olympia.
• Student Representative Jake Larzalere: Announced the upcoming FBLA fundraiser at Menchie's (March 24) and a K&M fundraiser (April 7), the high school spring musical "Frozen", and strong starts for spring sports, highlighting an 18-3 win by the baseball team.
• Councilmember David Szyplinski: Appreciated the strong turnout for the Camas-Washougal Community Chest event and the "Guys and Dolls" musical, and announced his son's enlistment in the U.S. Space Force.
• Councilmember Marty Swofford: Thanked volunteers and coaches for their efforts in launching East County Little League programs, noting rigorous training and safety standards.
• Councilmember Tia Robertson: Clarified that the Public Safety Meeting will resume on the second Monday of each month (starting April 13) at 3:00 PM.
• Councilmember Ernie Suggs: Reported on a Port of Camas-Washougal meeting, a meeting with the Ending Community Homelessness Organization (ECHO), and preparations for the spring season with the Washington Schools Foundation.
• Councilmember Michelle Wagner: Welcomed the Mayor back from Olympia, wished the D.C. delegation well, and announced upcoming arts events including a joint Parks and Arts meeting and a mural unveiling.

Key Outcomes

• AB 20-2026: Passed unanimously (Contract Authority Delegation).
• AB 21-2026: Passed unanimously (ROW Vacation).
• AB 22-2026: Passed unanimously (Permit-Only Parking Zone Pilot).
• AB 23-2026: Passed unanimously (Establishing City Office Hours).
• Note on Discrepancy: The meeting minutes state a unanimous consent motion was made to excuse Mayor Stuebe, but the roll call lists him as present and Mayor Pro Tem Fritz as absent. The transcript indicates the motion was to excuse Fritz.