City Council Regular Meeting - October 26, 2026

The Washougal City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting opened with an invocation by Ryan Kanzler, the Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call. Councilmembers Wagner, Robertson, Swafford, and Shiplinski were present, along with student representative Lars Lear. The agenda included recognition of Washougal Rising Stars, a consent agenda, and reports from the city manager, mayor, and council. No new business was conducted. The meeting adjourned with an exempt meeting scheduled for labor negotiations.

Washougal Rising Stars

• Mayor and council recognized several young community members for their achievements and service. Kaden, a first-grader at Columbia River Gorge Elementary, was honored for using his own money each month to buy food for the family resource center and for earning a leadership award at school.
• Winnie was recognized for her positive transition to a new school, caring for her two brothers with autism, tending chickens, and taking acting classes.
• Bowie was recognized for serving as a student secretary, tutoring first graders, being a Red Cross-certified babysitter, and holding a junior black belt.
• A scout group (referred to as "45703") was also honored for hosting booths, art projects, and park stewardship at community events such as movie nights and Saturday park activities.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent agenda by a single motion from Mayor Stevie, with no objection. Items included:
  • Workshop Minutes of October 12, 2026
  • Council Minutes of October 12, 2026
  • Payroll Claims of October 23, 2026
  • Accounts Payable of October 8-15 & OCT Credit Refunds
  • Agenda Bill #51-2026: Authorize the Transfer of Funds for Emergency Utility Assistance
  • Agenda #52-2026: Set Three Public Hearings for November 16th regarding the 2027-2028 Biennial Budget Ordinance, 2027 Property Tax Levy, and 2027 EMS Tax Levy

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public provided comments, either in person or via Zoom.

Reports and Communications

• City Manager: Reported on attending the ICMA conference. He reminded the council of the revised meeting schedule: meetings will be held on the first, second, and third Mondays in November and the first Monday in December, with a holiday break until January.
• Mayor: Mentioned being the target of an AI-generated fake report; encouraged people to ignore it. He highlighted the library groundbreaking, the mural dedication, and the pumpkin harvest festival, which drew a large crowd. He also praised staff for organizing the festival.
• Student Representative Jake Lear: Reported on the pumpkin harvest and haunted house, noting the haunted house had higher production value this year. He shared that FBLA took 14 members to a fall conference, with 18 total members this year—the highest in his four years. He announced an upcoming first-aid kit supply drive and asked council members to connect him with local businesses.
• Councilmember Dave (likely): Raised concern about youth riding e-bikes and motor scooters without helmets, citing a near-miss. He suggested working with the school district to hold an assembly on safety. He also mentioned ongoing work on a possibly related ordinance and asked for an update.
• Councilmember Michelle: Reported on the library mural ribbon cutting, parks board meeting, RFA planning progress, and pumpkin harvest. She also listed upcoming meetings and events.
• Councilmember Tia: Praised the public works team for excellent drainage and street cleaning during recent wet weather. She also complimented the school district's communication regarding a potential pathway closing and highlighted a smooth experience with an online school program teacher.
• Councilmember Marty: Reported attending AWC meetings, pumpkin harvest, and football season wrap-up. He noted that public works committee meetings have been canceled this year.
• Mayor and council members also discussed the school district's potential consolidation and capacity issues. One councilmember noted that three elementary schools each have roughly 200 students, well below capacity of around 400–500. Another noted that an existing apartment complex near the port has only seven school-age children, despite expectations of about 100.
• A councilmember promoted the annual "Run for the Hungry" on Thanksgiving morning, stating that over the last three years it has drawn 2,400 participants and raised $39,000 for food assistance in Washougal and Camas.

Key Outcomes

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously without discussion.
• No amendments to the agenda and no new business were considered.
• The council received a report on the upcoming meeting schedule and several community updates.
• The regular meeting adjourned, followed by an exempt meeting for labor negotiations.
• The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM, preceded by a workshop at 5:00 PM.