Public Meetings - Washougal, Washington

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.

The Washougal City Council met on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 7:02 PM. The meeting included approval of routine consent items, a public comment period, appointment of members to city boards and commissions, appointment of representatives to the CTRAN board, and reports from the city manager, mayor, and council members. An executive session on property acquisition was held with no action taken. Consent Calendar The council approved the following items unanimously without discussion: - Workshop Minutes of April 27, 2026 - Council Minutes of April 27, 2026 - Payroll Claims of May 8, 2026 - Accounts Payable of April 30 & May 7 - Agenda Bill 26-2026: Authorize Transfer of Funds for Emergency Utility Assistance Public Comments & Testimony - Margaret Tweet expressed concerns regarding the proposed 25-foot bicycle and pedestrian path in the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) project. She questioned whether current and projected usage data support the design and costs, noting that the project cost has risen from $2 billion to $3.5 billion. She stated that ridership is lower than 20 years ago and criticized the methodology for projecting future ridership. She urged the council not to support light rail extension, suggesting a bus system as a less expensive alternative. She also referenced a single-day count of 298 crossings on October 19, 2022 used to justify the path width. Discussion Items - Appointments to Parks & Cemetery Board and Arts Commission (Agenda Bill 27-2026): Community Engagement Manager Rose Jewell, on behalf of Mayor Stuebe, recommended Kevin Litzenberger for the Parks & Cemetery Board and Corrinne Freschette for the Arts Commission. Discussion followed, and the council voted unanimously to approve the appointments. - CTRAN Board Representation: City Manager David Scott reported that due to a change in CTRAN representation, the six small cities now share two seats. The mayors of those cities recommended Councilmember Tim Hein of Camas and Councilmember Rian Davis of Ridgefield to serve as representatives. An interlocal agreement will be developed to formalize the process. After discussion, the council voted unanimously to appoint Hein and Davis. Reports and Communications - City Manager: David Scott reiterated the upcoming AWC Annual Meeting delegate process, announced the Memorial Day holiday schedule change (next council meeting on Tuesday, May 26), and reminded of the Memorial Day ceremony at the cemetery. - Mayor Stuebe: Shared updates on regional mayor meetings, a groundbreaking for a Vancouver Clinic, collaboration efforts with Poland, and participation in the chamber golf tournament. He commended city staff and the council for financial stewardship and growth. - Councilmembers: - Student Representative Jake Larzalere reported on Washougal High School's production of Frozen, boys basketball advancing to districts, and a girls golf participant qualifying for state competition. He noted he is recruiting candidates for the Arts Commission student representative position. - Councilmember Suggs reported on preparations for the upcoming Stride event (fundraising for schools), a Port meeting, the Grove Field Airport Wheels & Wings event, and the chamber luncheon. - Councilmember Szyplinski reported moving his son with a military relocation to San Diego. - Councilmember Swofford noted his daughter graduated cum laude from Boise State University and will pursue doctoral studies. - Councilmember Wagner stated she had previously reported during the workshop session. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Kevin Litzenberger appointed to Parks & Cemetery Board. - Corrinne Freschette appointed to Arts Commission. - Tim Hein (Camas) and Rian Davis (Ridgefield) appointed as CTRAN representatives. - Next regular council meeting moved to Tuesday, May 26, 2026 (Workshop at 5:00 PM, Council at 7:00 PM). - Executive session on property acquisition held with no action taken.

The Washougal City Council held a workshop on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 6:34 PM via Zoom. The agenda included presentations on park naming and Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grants, a year-end financial review for 2025, and reports from the city manager, mayor, and council members. No public comments were received. Park Naming and RCO Grants - Park Naming: Joe Walsh, Community Services & Strategy Director, reported that the Parks Board recommends naming the town center park "Washougal Town Center Park." A resolution will be brought to council on May 26, 2026. - RCO Grants: The city submitted three grant applications at the end of April: - Sandy Swimming Hole: An acquisition and development grant to expand parking from 18 spaces to nearly 80, with a waiver of retroactivity to cover the cost of property already acquired. - Schmid Family Park (Phase I): Two grants applied for (in different categories) to fund basic amenities, including signage, wayfinding, shoreline restoration, and an overlook area. The grants are 50-50 matches, and both require council resolutions by July (to be brought in June). - Discussion: Council members discussed parking capacity, potential pay parking, maintenance costs, and the condition of existing parks, particularly Lower Hathaway Park/Bates Field, which was described as in deplorable condition with dog feces and poor parking. Council members expressed support for improving existing parks and highlighted the challenge of funding park maintenance and capital projects. City Manager David Scott noted that park impact fees are approximately $6,831.05 per single-family residence and are used to leverage grants. 2025 Year-End Financial Review - Presentation: Daniel Layer, Finance Director, presented the year-end review for 2025, covering key economic indicators (federal, state, county) and the city's financial performance. - General and Street Funds: The 2025 budget anticipated using $1.6 million in reserves, but actual usage was $1.2 million, resulting in a net surplus of $562,000. Total revenues were $22 million, expenditures $23 million. Revenues were 98.5% of budget, up 15.2% from 2024. Property taxes were up 5.8%, sales/use taxes up 6.7%, and utility taxes up 6.5%. Expenditures were 95% of budget, up 12.2%, driven by ARPA fund expenditure, fire truck purchase, comprehensive plan update, and new positions. The general fund ending balance is $4.9 million, with approximately $1.4 million in additional reserves. - ARPA Funds: All $4.5 million in ARPA funds have been programmed and spent, primarily on the town center project, with smaller projects including railroad crossing improvements, waterfront trail lighting, building upgrades, and security enhancements. None were used for operations. - Other Funds: The strategic plan implementation fund has a remaining balance; anticipated spending was $372,000 but only $189,000 was spent. Utility funds (water, sewer, stormwater) performed well, with water sales on budget and system development charges slightly above. The city's investments earned approximately $660,000 in interest. - Discussion: Council members discussed the surplus, potential uses including fleet replacement, park maintenance, and the need to leverage grants. The city's fund balance policy (16% of revenues) and additional reserves for one-time investments were highlighted. Reports and Communications - City Manager David Scott: Announced the AWC Annual Meeting on June 25, 2026, with online officer voting; the city can appoint up to three elected officials as voting delegates. Coordinated C-TRAN board appointments following bylaw changes (six small cities share two seats). Reported park impact fees of $6,831.05 per single-family residence. - Mayor David Stuebe: Deferred. - Council Members: - Mayor Pro Tem David Fritz: Will introduce at the Citizens Academy on May 14; Ivy League event on May 17 (likely at Mabel Kerr Park); traveling to ICSC in Las Vegas; reminded council that the May 26 meeting is on Tuesday due to Memorial Day. - Councilmember Michelle Wagner: Thanked Joe Walsh for grant work; congratulated police on True Narc grant; noted Parks Board meeting on May 20 may be canceled; needs alternate for Arts Commission on May 27; praised ARPA spending and ArtsWA visit. - Other council members deferred. Student Representative Jake Larzalere deferred. Key Outcomes - Park Naming: Resolution to officially name "Washougal Town Center Park" to be presented at the May 26 council meeting. - RCO Grants: Council resolutions authorizing grant applications to be brought forward in June, with deadlines in July. - AWC Delegates: City manager to send email requesting elected officials to serve as voting delegates for the June 25 annual meeting. - C-TRAN Appointments: Noncontroversial motion to coordinate appointments to be brought forward at the next meeting. - Surplus Funds: The $562,000 general fund surplus may be used for capital needs, including fleet replacement; a supplemental budget request is expected in coming months. - Next Meeting: The next council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM (workshop at 5:00 PM) due to the Memorial Day holiday.

The Washougal City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, April 27, 2026. Called to order at 7:04 PM and adjourned at 7:27 PM, the meeting had a light agenda with no public comments or new business. After an invocation by Mike Hansen, the pledge of allegiance was recited and roll call was taken. Councilmember Tia Robertson was excused with unanimous consent. The main focus was on council member reports covering community events, regional collaboration, and a significant concern regarding a local RV park. Consent Calendar The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, as presented by Councilmember Suggs. This included minutes from the April 13 workshop and regular meetings, payroll claims ending April 24, accounts payable for April 9–23, and Agenda Bill 25-2026 regarding an Arts Commission funding request. Public Comments & Testimony There were no public comments made during the meeting. Reports and Communications - Mayor David Stuebe reported attending an Ending Community Homelessness Organization (ECHO) meeting with regional police chiefs, fire chiefs, and county officials to discuss respectful and effective homeless camp response strategies. He also announced plans to attend a conference in Fort Worth, Texas focused on infrastructure, affordable housing, and homelessness. The Mayor highlighted ongoing progress in the city, including downtown revitalization, the library project, Port of Camas-Washougal initiatives, and the wastewater treatment project. He noted his plans to host a small city mayor workshop to foster regional collaboration. - Student Representative Jake Larzalere promoted upcoming Washougal High School drama productions and a band concert. He briefly discussed communication challenges regarding the school activity calendar and committed to raising the issue with the school board. - Councilmember Michelle Wagner reported attending a branding consultant event and a Parks Advisory Board meeting. She noted that the America250 United States ground mural project at Hathaway School was coming together successfully and that multiple city volunteer board positions are open, including two on the Parks Board. - Councilmember David Szyplinski discussed the strong community involvement in the Citizen's Academy and the Community Chest, expressing appreciation for the Hometown Heroes volunteer recognition event. He noted he would be traveling to Texas to assist his son with a Navy deployment move. - Councilmember Marty Swofford issued a call for volunteer umpires for the East County Little League, noting that the league provides training and background checks. He also reported on upcoming Community Development and chamber charity golf tournament events. - Councilmember Ernie Suggs reported that the first week of the Citizen's Academy had 27 attendees, indicating strong community interest. He shared a letter of thanks from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and noted community anticipation for the library project. He highlighted the upcoming Stride event, which raises about $30,000 to $34,000. - Councilmember Suggs & Mayor Stuebe - RV Park Concern: Councilmember Suggs expressed significant concern over the potential sale of the RV park facility on Addy Street, which houses an estimated 300 residents. He noted the deep uncertainty and worry within the community regarding their future. Mayor Stuebe responded by acknowledging recent legislation that allows residents the right to purchase the park and expressed a desire to help facilitate a solution for the residents. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved: All listed items were approved unanimously. - Councilmember Excused: Tia Robertson's absence was excused by unanimous consent. - Upcoming Meeting: The council's Annual Planning Session is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 9:00 AM.

The Washougal City Council held a workshop on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 5:47 PM. The meeting included a funding request for an America250 mural project, the 2025 annual report from the Community Services & Strategy (CSS) department, and updates from the City Manager, Mayor, and Council. Discussion Items Arts Commission Funding Request Rose Jewell, Community Engagement Manager, presented a request from the Arts Commission to expend $1,500 for a USA ground mural at Hathaway School in celebration of America250. The project will involve student participation. Jewell requested the Council consider the item on the consent agenda to avoid delays due to the school schedule. Councilmembers discussed the itemized budget, a $500 teacher stipend, and procurement; Councilmember Swofford offered to seek a paint donation. 2025 Community Services & Strategy Annual Report Joe Walsh, Community Services & Strategy Director, presented the department's 2025 annual report, highlighting the following: - Economic Development: Business licenses increased 5.4% year-over-year. Median income is up to over $106,000. New construction sales tax has grown 7.9% since the start of the strategic plan. The Gateway to Success small business series launched successfully. The pre-application for a state Creative District designation was completed. - Capital Funding: The city advocated for projects in Washington, D.C., and secured $2 million in federal appropriations for the 32nd Street Overpass. Grants were received for the Town Center project ($500k RCO grant for 39th Street safety improvements), library ($2.2M), Schmidt Family Park master planning, and a new veterans memorial at Washougal Cemetery ($258k from the state capital budget). - Parks & Recreation: The Town Center project was named Project of the Year by the Vancouver Business Journal. The Camping Creek Reconnection Project was completed, removing hazard trees and adding a pedestrian bridge. A master plan for Schmidt Family Park was finished. - Community Aesthetics: Code compliance logged 411 complaints and 81 inquiries. The Washington Wins volunteer program recruited over 100 volunteers who logged 476 hours of litter cleanup. - Community Engagement: The Citizens Academy graduated 37 residents. The Community Market launched successfully. America250 celebration planning is underway. Councilmember Suggs praised the department's achievements, specifically complimenting the Creative District application and the rapid launch of the Community Market. Reports and Communications - City Manager David Scott: Reminded Council of the Annual Planning Session on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM. - Mayor David Stuebe: Expressed appreciation for the recent Washington, D.C., advocacy trip undertaken by David Scott, Joe Walsh, and David Fritz. - Student Representative Jake Larzalere: Inquired about traffic impacts and detours related to the 32nd Street Overpass and Safeway intersection construction. He reported on the Washougal FBLA state competition, noting Madeline Brock placed 8th in Public Service Announcement and Liberty Handleman placed 2nd in Future Business Educator (listed as "Future Business Planner" in the meeting minutes) for a project on social media marketing, qualifying for the national competition in Texas. - Mayor Pro Tem David Fritz: Announced upcoming attendance at the Camas-Washougal Local Connections meeting and the Community Development Committee meeting. Key Outcomes - The Arts Commission funding request ($1,500) was discussed and directed toward a consent agenda for formal approval. - The 2025 CSS Annual Report was presented to and received by the Council. - The Annual Planning Session was scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM. - Council received an update on FBLA state competition results and student success.

The Washougal City Council held its regular meeting on April 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting opened with an invocation by Don Anderson, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. All councilmembers were present with one excused. The council approved the consent agenda unanimously and heard public comments and reports from city officials. Consent Calendar - Council minutes of March 23, 2026 - Payroll claims of March 25 and April 10, 2026 - Accounts payable for January EFT, March 19–26, 2026, and April 2, 2026 - Agenda Bill 24-2026 authorizing the transfer of funds for emergency utility assistance All items were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Ron (no address given) alleged that city officials, including the police chief and an employee, tampered with body-worn camera evidence related to his criminal case. He stated that the city could face a judgment of $4–7 million due to the alleged misconduct. Reports and Communications - City Manager Teresa reported no comments. - Mayor Stevie reported on the Hometown Heroes event, a chamber luncheon, ribbon cuttings for Compass Coffee and Ace Hardware, and a mural tribute at Hartwood Park honoring the late Suzanne Grover. - Councilmember Michelle reported on the well-attended Suzanne Grover mural unveiling, upcoming meetings (parks and cemetery board on April 16, arts commission on April 22), a joint parks-arts commission meeting about America 250 beautification, and the Earth Day celebration on April 25, which will feature a pet costume contest. - Councilmember Jake reported on high school activities: eight members attending state competition the following week, the spring musical "Frozen" running May 15–17 and 22–24, spring sports success, and tightened security at the high school campus to restrict public access during school hours. - Councilmember Tia, attending virtually, reported an upcoming CTRAN board meeting and noted she would be unavailable for the May council meeting. - A councilmember reported on a successful chamber luncheon, the well-attended Hometown Heroes event, and attendance at the Suzanne Grover memorial. He also noted that the next meeting date might be canceled on the calendar. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously, including the transfer of funds for emergency utility assistance and routine approvals. - The next regular council meeting was announced for April 27, 2026, with a workshop at 5:00 PM and the council meeting at 7:00 PM.

The Washougal City Council held a workshop on April 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The meeting included public comments, the presentation of the 2025 Police Annual Report by Chief Zane Freschette, and a review of Community Development Code Updates – Group 3 by Mitch Kneipp. No formal votes were taken during this workshop. Written minutes were not available for this meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Christy Antonio (2310 North 6th Street): Raised concerns about a non-conforming road in her backyard. She stated a manhole was installed two feet above the road elevation and that the developer plans to pile dirt six to twelve feet high against her and her neighbor's fences. She requested a contact in City Engineering to review the grading plans. - Larry Keister (Port of Washougal): Announced the opening of a permanently affixed boathouse at the Port's marina, managed through Airbnb with a maximum stay of four nights. He stated its purpose is to provide non-boating community members an opportunity to enjoy the marina and to provide an overnight presence for security. He also reported that the Highest Point housing project is on schedule, with walkthroughs next month and occupancy expected in early 2027. Discussion Items A. Police: 2025 Police Annual Report – Chief Zane Freschette - Staffing: Chief Freschette reported the department was fully staffed at 22 sworn officers for part of 2025 but currently has one vacancy. An animal control vacancy was filled after an officer transitioned to patrol. - Fleet Management: The department's fleet operates approximately 23 hours per day. The last major patrol vehicle purchases were in 2022. Chief Freschette stated the ideal model is a single-officer-per-car assignment with a ten-year replacement cycle, but funding remains a challenge. A leasing option through Enterprise was explored but did not meet the city's needs. The department uses hybrid vehicles, improving fuel economy but increasing maintenance costs. Council members stressed the need for a sustainable fleet replacement plan tied to city growth projections. - Public Safety Sales Tax (HB 2015): The city has submitted its application for grant funding. Council approved the concept in late 2025. Collection of the 0.1% tax is projected to begin July 1, 2026, with 180 days to achieve state compliance. - Call Data & Workload: The department received 12,616 calls for service in 2025, resulting in over 19,000 individual officer responses. Chief Freschette noted Washington ranks 51st in the US (including D.C.) for police officers per capita. - Public Records & Personnel Needs: Chief Freschette highlighted a rapidly increasing volume of public records requests from outside the city, creating the most critical workload pressure. This was identified as the top staffing need. - Medical Saves & Equipment: The department has had eighteen months of documented life-saving events using modern defibrillators. A JAG grant (approx. $50,000) was awarded for a TruNarc drug testing device. The department's K9, Cassius, was revived with Narcan after a fentanyl overdose during a warrant search. - Reserve Program: The program has been ended due to state law (HB 2015) and increased training and liability standards for volunteer law enforcement functions. - Community Engagement: Programs continue, including Drug Take Back, Coffee with a Cop, National Night Out, PAL, and the Pink Patch Project. B. Community Development: Code Updates – Group 3 – Mitch Kneipp - Comprehensive Plan Update: The county planning commission has recommended a preferred alternative that matches Washougal's. The county council hearing is scheduled for April 27. A potential issue regarding excess capacity for housing may require rebalancing population numbers if other city expansions are denied. - Affordable Housing Density Bonus (Town Center): The existing program is being updated to comply with state statutes. Changes include tying income limits to Area Median Income (AMI), implementing a mandatory fifty-year affordability term, removing the requirement for applicants to demonstrate a need, and requiring integrated placement of affordable units with market-rate units. - Religious Organization Density Bonus: A new state requirement mandates allowing a density bonus for affordable housing on property owned or controlled by religious organizations. Staff proposed a 10% density increase for single-family sites and a 20% increase for multifamily sites. Council discussed parking and traffic impacts and generally supported the tool, with one member suggesting higher percentages. - New Housing in Existing Buildings: The state requires allowing up to a 50% increase in housing unit density within the footprint of existing buildings in zones permitting multifamily. Key provisions: no additional parking can be required, the projects are exempt from concurrency and SEPA review, building and fire codes must be met, and the building must be at least three years old. Council expressed concerns about the parking and environmental review exemptions. - Smaller Updates: Staff presented updates on archaeological monitoring standards, exceptions to the annual plan amendment cycle (including emergency amendments), and new notice requirements for development within 500 feet of resource lands such as farms. Key Outcomes & Next Steps - Council Direction: Council accepted the 2025 Police Annual Report. Staff was directed to continue developing a sustainable fleet replacement plan and staffing model. - Code Updates: Council provided feedback on the proposed code changes. Staff will return with revisions for further discussion at the workshop scheduled for May 11, 2026. - County Hearing: Council was informed of the County Council hearing on the Comprehensive Plan preferred alternative on April 27, 2026. No formal motions or resolutions were passed during this workshop.

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.

Mayor Pro Tem Fritz called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. Councilmember Swofford moved to excuse Mayor David Stuebe, who was absent due to legislative duties in Olympia; the motion passed unanimously. The invocation was delivered by Julie Dayley. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the transfer of funds for emergency utility assistance (Agenda Bill 18-2026) and routine financial approvals. Public Comments & Testimony - Mike Anderson, Vice Chair of the Clark County Commission on Aging, provided an update on the Commission's work. He noted the annual report is in development, meeting dates have moved to the third Monday of the month, and the current focus areas are housing and transportation, which alternate monthly. He announced three upcoming vacancies on the commission and strongly encouraged applications, particularly from East County, noting an estimated commitment of 5 to 10 hours per month. Discussion Items City Manager's Report - David Scott announced the March 25 Chamber luncheon featuring the State of the Cities address and encouraged councilmembers to attend in support of Mayor Stuebe, as Scott and Mayor Pro Tem Fritz will be in Washington, D.C. at that time. - Scott proposed increasing the City Manager's contract delegation authority from the current limit of $50,000 to $100,000. He reported that this recommendation was based on a survey of comparable cities (Battle Ground, Ridgefield, and Camas at $100,000) and received unanimous support from the Administrative Committee. A formal resolution to enact this change will be presented at the March 23 council meeting. Councilmember Reports - Swofford: Attended the Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC) annual meeting on February 27, noting it was informative and included discussions on regional economic development and support for farmers market activities. The March CREDC meeting has been canceled. - Wagner: Announced a "Second Saturday in the Park" volunteer event on March 14 at 9:30 AM in partnership with Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge. She noted she would be absent from the March 19 Parks Board meeting and requested her alternate attend. She also discussed a joint Parks Board and Arts Commission meeting scheduled for March 25, noting the originally planned March 19 Parks Board meeting would be combined with this joint meeting. - Suggs: Highlighted the upcoming Community Chest auction dinner on March 21 at the Black Pearl and conveyed the importance of the Ivy League volunteer group. - Larzalere (Student Rep): Reported that spring sports have begun at Washougal High School. He announced FBLA fundraisers at Menchie’s on March 24 and K&M on April 7. He also shared he was invited to attend the Camas-Washougal Community Chest fundraiser on March 21. - Fritz (Mayor Pro Tem): Recounted his interview with the WA State Building Code Committee (SBCC) and participation in a CivicBrand call. He visited the Two Rivers Heritage Museum on its opening day and expressed appreciation for the local history map brochure. He reported volunteering with the Ivy League at Mable Kerr Park, removing invasive species and collecting trash. He expressed concern over political campaign signs and other signage being left as litter in parks, finding a sign from the 2018 city manager election, and urged candidates and residents to promptly remove signs from public spaces. - Robertson: Apologized for missing the February 24 East County Ambulance Advisory Board (ECAAB) meeting due to a lack of notification and committed to following up to obtain the full schedule to ensure future attendance. She confirmed receiving resident surveys in the mail and encouraged participation. - Szyplinski: Had nothing to report. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously, authorizing the transfer of funds for emergency utility assistance and approving routine minutes and claims. - Executive Session: The council entered an executive session at 7:30 PM for agency enforcement and potential litigation under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). The session was extended and adjourned at 8:15 PM. No action was taken following the session. - Upcoming Action: City Manager Scott will present a resolution at the March 23, 2026 meeting to increase his contract delegation authority from $50,000 to $100,000. - Next Meetings: Workshop at 5:00 PM and Regular Council at 7:00 PM on Monday, March 23, 2026.