Washougal City Council Regular Meeting - July 13, 2026

The Washougal City Council met in regular session on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 7:03 PM, with Mayor David Stuebe presiding. Councilmembers present were David Fritz, Tia Robertson (via Zoom), Ernie Suggs, Michelle Wagner (via Zoom), Marty Swofford, and David Szyplinski; Student Representative Jake Larzalere also attended. The meeting opened with an invocation by Mike Hansen and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Council added an executive session on agency enforcement and potential litigation under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i), with no action to follow.

Proclamation

• Councilmember Swofford read a Commitment to Volunteerism proclamation, declaring the city's support for volunteerism and the use of JustServe.org to connect residents with volunteer opportunities. JustServe representatives were present and thanked the Council for the commitment.

Consent Calendar

• Approved by unanimous consent without discussion: Workshop Minutes of June 22, 2026; Council Minutes of June 22, 2026; Payroll Claims of June 25 and July 10, 2026; Accounts Payable for June 18, June 25, July 2, and July 9, 2026, plus EFTs for January through March 2026 and June 2026 Utility Credit Refunds; and Agenda Bill #36-2026 authorizing the transfer of funds for emergency utility assistance.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brian Beeson expressed concern about the Storedahl Mabee Mines project. He said he is not opposed to mining or aggregate production, but he worried the city could be left paying for long-term impacts of up to 400 westbound heavy truck trips per day for 40 years. He noted that six proposed haul routes would pass through at least one roundabout, and two routes would use about 1.5 miles of Washougal River Road. He asked the Council to encourage Skamania County and reviewing agencies to require a full environmental impact statement evaluating long-term public costs such as pavement rehabilitation, bridge maintenance, emergency response, law enforcement, and administrative oversight, with enforceable mitigation. He said the comment period closes July 30 and asked whether the city is financially prepared for these demands or whether residents would be asked to subsidize a private, for-profit enterprise.
• Megan Light expressed concern about fully loaded westbound Storedahl trucks using the roundabouts during peak commute hours, estimating 200 westbound trips per day, or about one every 2.4 minutes over an eight-hour day. She said the project study appears to end at Salmon Falls Road and Highway 14 without analyzing the roundabouts, and she encouraged the city and WSDOT to evaluate traffic impacts. She also noted that the Treasure House needs more volunteers.

Discussion Items

• Agenda Bill #37-2026 - Council Rules of Procedure Update: City Manager David Scott presented a resolution updating the Council Rules of Procedure, originally discussed at the June 22 workshop. He said the amendments update remote attendance language to reflect current technology, correct inconsistencies about executive sessions and the chair, and reflect current standing committees. During discussion, Councilmember Suggs asked whether the Council should establish a minimum in-person attendance requirement, noting that some committees he serves on do not allow remote attendance. City Manager Scott said staff could bring back options and examples from other communities, including legal considerations. The motion to pass and post the resolution was made by Councilmember Suggs, seconded by Councilmember Szyplinski, and carried unanimously.
• Agenda Bill #38-2026 - 2026 Supplemental Budget #2: Finance Director Daniel Layer presented the ordinance, discussed at the June 22 and July 13 workshops. The summary showed an increase to beginning fund balance of $2.6 million, an increase to revenues of $9,141,416, and an increase to expenditures of $16,635,725. The ordinance also included awards recommended by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee for tourism dollars. The motion to pass, post, and publish the ordinance was made by Councilmember Suggs, seconded by Councilmember Szyplinski, and carried unanimously.

Reports and Communications

• City Manager: David Scott gave his report during the workshop meeting.
• Mayor David Stuebe: Reported that the Fourth of July Parade was successful and thanked staff, volunteers, sponsors, and participants. He noted upcoming events, including the Washougal Motocross and a Camas-Washougal Rotary presentation, and he said the motocross drew about 20,000 people last year, mostly from outside the area. He congratulated the Wastewater Treatment Plant staff on state recognition for keeping Washington's waterways clean. He also reported the July 5 passing of former Councilmember Paul Greenlee, noting his 12 years of service to the city, local businesses, and community organizations.
• Student Representative Jake Larzalere: Reported on attending the NextGen Roundtable 2026 in Washington, D.C., where about 400 young adults from across the country discussed national and local issues. He expressed optimism about constructive civic engagement among young people and noted discussions about challenges facing schools nationwide. He also said he plans to assist with a School District legislative committee and future advocacy in Olympia, and he acknowledged the recent passing of a local graduate and its impact on the school community.
• Councilmember Szyplinski: Reported on Community Chest fundraising for the Spring Gala, participation in the Fourth of July Parade, service as a voting delegate at the AWC Annual Meeting, and correspondence with the Port of Camas-Washougal about construction phases.
• Councilmember Suggs: Reported on attending the well-attended Fourth of July Parade, the upcoming Camas Days, and the removal of overgrown vegetation near the Two Rivers Heritage Museum to improve visibility. He also noted the upcoming Arts Fair, volunteer preparations, and attendance at Washougal's Farmers Market.
• Councilmember Swofford: Reported on a Parks funding subcommittee meeting with staff and Councilmember Wagner, noting that the group discussed funding needs and opportunities and requested more information to better define the issue and potential direction.
• Councilmember Wagner: Expressed condolences on Paul Greenlee's passing and recognized his mentorship, knowledge, and service. She reported that the previously approved U.S. map playground project may initially be completed at Columbia River Gorge Elementary because an art teacher is available there, with the intent to later complete a map at Hathaway and potentially other elementary schools. She thanked those involved with the Fourth of July Parade, noted upcoming Parks Board and Arts Commission meetings, and requested information about the quarry, potential impacts on city infrastructure, and blasting regulations. She also praised efforts to improve the Two Rivers Heritage Museum's visibility.
• Councilmember Robertson: Reported that planning continues for the August 1 event at Hathaway Park. Vendors are being coordinated, including a shaved-ice vendor and potentially a food vendor, and community outreach has begun through local social media and the Fire Department.
• Councilmember Fritz: Offered condolences regarding Paul Greenlee and recognized his knowledge, kindness, and contributions. He highlighted upcoming events, including Local Connections, a Public Works Committee meeting, and a July 31 event and concert at Marina Park.

Executive Session

• After a five-minute break, Mayor Stuebe called an executive session at 7:50 PM for agency enforcement and potential litigation under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). The regular meeting resumed at 8:10 PM, and no action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously.
• Agenda Bill #37-2026 passed unanimously; staff will return with options on possible remote-attendance requirements.
• Agenda Bill #38-2026 passed unanimously, enacting the 2026 Supplemental Budget #2 and the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee tourism-dollar awards.
• The executive session ended with no action to follow.
• The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM. The next regular meeting is Monday, July 27, 2026, with a workshop at 5:00 PM and Council at 7:00 PM.