Alicia J Vodros

The meeting included reports from the Mayor, Student Council representatives, various Councilmembers, and staff, along with a presentation on the 2025 4th Quarter Budget and a presentation from the Timberland Regional Library. Legislative actions included the first reading of an ordinance creating a Customer Assistance Program fund and an ordinance amending code regarding the City Council. The Council authorized the execution of a contract for MTC Testing Services. Additionally, the Council approved hosting a workshop for the Economic Development Committee and scheduled future townhall meetings.

The Council received reports on EMS rates and the 2025 4th Quarter Budget. Key Public Works approvals included an agreement for the Farragut Stormwater Pump Station project, a construction contract for the US 101 Safety Improvement project, and the setting of a public hearing for the 2026 Stormwater Management Program. Additionally, the Council approved the 2026 Transportation Benefit District Plan, including specific sidewalk repairs, adopted a revised FTE schedule, issued a proclamation for Red Cross Month, and confirmed multiple appointments to various boards and commissions.

The committee meeting focused on reviewing and recommending the 2026 Lodging Tax Grants. Key discussion topics included the evaluation of grant applications from various community organizations and city departments, as well as a motion to amend the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee recommendation to specifically exclude an award to the Intermountain Foundation.

The meeting included significant public comment regarding EMS funding, where a speaker advocated for treating EMS as a standalone utility and passing the proposed full tax rate increase despite potential negative impacts on low-income residents. The consent agenda covered minutes from the January 28th meeting and accounts payable. Council reports detailed participation in the AWC conference, Port of Grace Harbor activities, and efforts to fill vacant committee seats, specifically the Parks Board. Staff reports provided a summary of 2025 fourth-quarter metrics across six focus areas: workforce engagement (noting the implementation of a succession planning and mentorship program), vibrant safe and healthy communities (noting missed goals for business inspections and fire response times but exceeding fire training hours, alongside positive police clearance rates and increased DUI arrests), fiscal responsibility (achieving high compliance in accounts payable and utility payments, with ongoing efforts to improve business license compliance), economic development (goals met or exceeded for permit processing and inspections, though the T-Mobile grant application was missed), infrastructure investment (noting missed goals for catch basin inspections due to equipment downtime but exceeding sewer pipe replacement targets), and communication and outreach (reporting improved citizen action request response times and the creation of a new civics academy).

The meeting included public comment regarding the proposed increase in EMS fees and concerns about the method of collection. The consent agenda, which included minutes from the January 10th meeting and accounts payable, was approved. The Mayor reported on attendance at the downtown association meeting and City Action Days in Olympia, and suggested forming a committee to enhance city Christmas decorations and related activities, like holiday shops and parades, using ELAC funds and potential support from the Grace Harvard Community Foundation. The student representative reported on student interest in improved traffic safety near the high school and job/volunteer opportunities. Reports from the Public Safety Committee detailed police activities showing a decrease in total calls, staffing updates, and fire department milestones, including the cost-saving self-build of a new battalion chief unit. The Community Development Director presented a year-end wrap-up for 2025, noting record permit revenue of $1.4 million and 94 new housing units, and achievements in code compliance, rental inspections, and reducing unhoused populations. The Shannis River Basin Flood Authority provided an update on investments in the lower basin flood mitigation projects.