Alex Kovach

The council discussed various operational and municipal matters. Key topics included a public inquiry regarding planned road reconstruction on Apple Avenue, the decision to postpone the adoption of a resolution declaring certain real property as surplus pending a property appraisal, the authorization for the Finance Director to submit the annual report to the State, and reports regarding maintenance concerns for soccer field grass. Additionally, the council held preliminary discussions concerning the regulation of Kratom sales, which are scheduled for further review in a future session.

The City Council discussed the potential sale of the old library building and approved moving forward with an appraisal to prepare it for public bid. Key financial and contractual approvals included a TIB Consultant Agreement with Anderson Perry for a crack seal project, a contract with Live Nation for the Gorge, and a contract with Berk Consulting for the hazard resiliency element of the city's comprehensive plan. Additionally, the Council reviewed the first-quarter budget, received updates on the K9 detection school, ongoing police training, and planning for the 2027 periodic update regarding housing and population growth.

The City Council discussed a proposal from Harvest Foods to purchase the old library property for store expansion and noted that the Mayor will proceed with an appraisal of the property. The Finance Director reported a grant award for park tree removal and received authorization for a Youth Athletic Facility grant application. The Police Department requested and received approval for officer travel to training, and discussed future K9 detection training. Public Works reported on the completion of the soccer field project, awarded the Apple Avenue Construction project to Wheeler Excavation, LLC, and approved updated cost estimates and engineering agreements for the same project. Additionally, the Mayor announced that a food vendor ordinance is being drafted for future adoption.

The council meeting included a public comment regarding interest in purchasing the old library site by a local business. The finance department received approval to apply for a small project grant from the Recreation and Conservation Office for park development. The police department discussed the function of a potential guild for officers. The public works department addressed maintenance needs at the wastewater treatment plant, specifically the rebuilding of pumps for backup. Planning and building reports covered ongoing work on the Comprehensive Plan and development regulations, as well as infrastructure requirements for a convenience store development project. Future discussions were scheduled regarding the old library property, a food vendor ordinance, park regulations, and soccer field scheduling.

The City of Royal City's 2027 Periodic Update Work Plan details the process for updating its Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations to align with the Growth Management Act. Key phases include administrative work planning, public participation, comprehensive data gathering, drafting and public review of revised ordinances and plan elements (Critical Area Ordinance, Development Regulations, Comprehensive Plan), and a structured adoption process. The plan aims to ensure compliance with current legislation, incorporate projected growth through 2047, address community needs, and integrate new elements such as climate planning and housing regulations.