Washougal City Council Workshop: May 26, 2026

The Washougal City Council held a workshop on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 6:08 PM. The primary agenda item was the presentation and discussion of Community Development Code Updates Group 4, covering essential public facilities siting, transportation concurrency updates, septic system revisions, organic materials management definitions, and potential impact fee exemptions. The meeting also included public comments and council reports.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Richard Duncan-Verdier, president of the Gibbons Creek tenant organization, stated that residents received a 70-day notice on April 17 that the mobile home park is being offered for sale. He discussed opportunities for tenant or nonprofit ownership and suggested exploring tax incentives to support such purchases and preserve affordable housing.
• Port Commissioner Larry Keister reported that the Port is developing the Grove Field Airport Master Plan through community workshops and listening sessions to gather input and establish community-driven goals. He also confirmed that free hot dogs would be available at the upcoming Wings and Wheels event.

Discussion Items

• Community Development Code Updates Group 4: Mitch Kneipp, Community Development Director, and Jessica Herceg of DOWL presented the fourth group of code updates.
  • Countywide Process Update: Final EIS expected at the end of July. The city is not expanding its boundaries currently, but the framework leaves the door open for future use of transfer of development rights (TDR) if desired.
  • Siting Essential Public Facilities: A new code section establishes siting standards for essential public facilities (EPFs) that are difficult to site. Such facilities would require a conditional use permit, with criteria for review. Facilities with state or regional approval are exempt. Council discussed potential facilities (e.g., police station, mental health sites) and clarified the distinction from building code essential facilities.
  • Transportation Concurrency Updates: In response to state requirements, the code will now include assessment of Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) for bicyclists and pedestrians in traffic impact analyses. Further clarification on the analysis methodology is planned.
  • Miscellaneous Revisions:
    • Failing septic systems: Cross-reference to Clark County Public Health’s corrective measures, with flexibility for repair or sewer connection if feasible.
    • Organic materials management facilities: Defined and added to the definition of essential public facilities, consistent with the county solid waste plan.
  • Impact Fee Exemptions (Discussion): A preview of the next code update group. State law now permits cities to waive up to 80% of impact fees for low-income housing and early learning facilities without requiring repayment. Jessica Herceg clarified: waiving up to 80% does not require payback; only the portion beyond 80% must be reimbursed from other funds. Council debated the policy balance. Councilmember Swofford raised the example of early learning facilities like Goddard schools, noting the economic development benefit. Mayor Pro Tem Fritz shared a tangible example of a small urgent care clinic with a traffic impact fee of $33,000. Council expressed concerns about financial risk and infrastructure funding. Suggestions included a graduated exemption table tied to income levels (e.g., 30% AMI for full waiver) and possibly capping total units. Council directed staff to develop a more detailed analysis and return with a proposal for the next code update.

Reports and Communications

• City Manager David Scott: Two voting delegates have been registered for the AWC annual business meeting (virtual, June 25), with one additional delegate position available. The June 8 workshop will run from 5:00 to 6:00 PM to accommodate the Citizens Academy graduation ceremony, followed by the regular council meeting at 7:00 PM. The Community Market launches June 5, featuring 31 vendors, arts and crafts, live music, and weekly activities.
• Mayor Pro Tem David Fritz: Provided the introduction at the Citizens Academy on May 14. Attended the ICSC convention in Las Vegas, noting the unique perspective of sitting on both sides of the table (developer and local government). He highlighted Grant County’s coordinated approach to economic development. He will be unable to attend the June 8 council meeting. Upcoming engagements include the Community Development meeting (June 3), meeting with State Auditor (June 10), and Hamllik Park Basketball Court Improvements Ribbon Cutting (June 11).
• Councilmember Szyplinski: Attended a Community Chest planning meeting focused on doubling donation revenue for next year’s gala.
• Councilmember Swofford: Will attend a CREDC meeting on May 28. Reported that East County Little League officials expressed appreciation for Joe Walsh’s volunteer cleanup of the baseball field and are interested in future discussions about field improvements and partnerships.

Key Outcomes

• The council provided direction to staff to refine the impact fee exemption analysis, including a graduated exemption table and possible caps, for future consideration.
• The city manager noted that one additional AWC voting delegate slot is available; interested council members should contact staff before the deadline.
• The June 8 workshop will be shortened to accommodate the Citizens Academy graduation.
• No formal votes or ordinances were adopted; the meeting was a workshop for discussion and direction.

Adjournment: 6:08 PM.