Gary J. Hirst

The meeting involved approving payment vouchers and the previous payroll. Department Head Appointments for 2026 were confirmed for various city roles including City Attorney, City Clerk-Treasurer, and Police Chief. Committee Appointments for 2026 were announced for several bodies, and the Mayor Pro-Tempore rotation schedule was established. The Council accepted an application for the AWC CQC scholarship and authorized its submittal. An Interlocal Agreement with Okanogan County for backup Building Inspector Services was authorized for the Mayor's signature. Superintendent Thompson provided an update on surplus items slated for resolution at the next meeting. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Public Comment Period, where residents extensively discussed strategies to address local crime, particularly concerning juvenile accountability under RCW 13.2. The Police Chief outlined a plan including patrol strategy, inter-agency cooperation, and stressed the critical importance of filing immediate and thorough police reports. Residents showed strong interest in forming neighborhood and business watch groups.

Key discussions included the ongoing negotiation of the renewal agreement with the EMS District regarding ambulance service formulas, following a previous disagreement after a workshop. The Council noted the cancellation of an Okanogan County Health Board meeting due to a lack of quorum and a cancelled Okanogan County Public Transportation meeting. Resolution numbers for the 2012-2017 and 2013-2018 Six-Year Street Improvement Projects required changing. Approval was granted for Ambulance Coordinator Debra Donahue's request to approve Neysa Roley as a member of the Ambulance Department after Roley passed her EMT tests. The Council authorized the Mayor and Attorney to sign a Transfer form regarding the donation of Oroville's FY2009 FAA Nonprimary Entitlements ($76,163) to the Grant County International Airport/Port of Moses Lake; staff will review future projects. A request for the Mayor to consider funding Steve Johnston's participation in the Washington Airport Manager's Association was noted. The Council reviewed quotes for 2012 TIB Overly Projects Small Works Roster, with one quote received from Granite Construction that exceeded the project budget, which TIB might cover.

Key discussions during the meeting involved a presentation and support from the Revitalization Committee for the proposed Eco Fiber Mill Company, which plans to locate in Oroville and provide an outlet for local wool. The Council reviewed a draft Litter Ordinance, using Chelan's ordinance as a model, and decided to review further before the next session. The Council approved Okanogan Council of Governments Resolution #542 and the related Interlocal Agreement, and also approved Signature Authorization Resolution #543 to update authorized signers. Recommendations for Engineering Services consultants were approved, selecting SCJ Alliance for Street Consultant and Varela & Associates for Water/Sewer Consultant. Emergency Aid letters of resignation were received from five individuals. The Council received an update on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting and approved Superintendent Noel's request to submit TIB grant applications for various programs. A serious concern was raised regarding the use of consumer-operated drones near the airport in violation of established regulations. Following an executive session to discuss emergency medical services, the Council authorized the Mayor to sign the Emergency Contract and continue negotiations with the County on the agreement. Finally, outstanding vouchers and payroll were approved for payment.

The meeting covered several topics, including requests from the Tree Board for the removal of two specific trees. Discussions addressed the need for the City to plan for the maintenance of streetscape items currently handled by a retiring volunteer and the ongoing issue of stolen crosswalk flags. The Oroville Initiative proposed three capital projects utilizing lodging tax funds: installing a Stone Monument at Triangle Park, setting up a bike repair station at the Depot, and placing a kiosk at the Similkameen Trailhead; the Council supported these and tasked staff with further discussion. An update on the Andrews Annexation Petition noted that a public hearing was set, and the need for a pre-annexation agreement and clarification on zoning conditions was identified. The Council authorized the Mayor to sign the agreement for a $10,000 Regional Impact Grant for the Oroville Police Department AED Program. Further discussions involved the potential need for a School Resource Officer, the status of a ladder donation from Microsoft, and tabled discussion on the Similkameen Trailhead property transfer from the County pending receipt of further information regarding grant conditions. Follow-up was requested on the Rancho Grande signage and parking regulations.

Key discussions included updates from J-U-B Engineers on Airport projects, specifically the Aviation Fuel and Runway Relocation Projects, detailing design and construction schedules for 2025 and 2026, and associated FAA funding mechanisms like the BIL Grant and AIP funds. The Council unanimously approved a Professional Services Agreement with J-U-B Engineers for the Aviation Fuel System Design and Bidding, and authorized the Mayor to submit a corresponding FAA grant application. The Planner presented revised Zoning Code for review, aligning it with the Comprehensive Plan, with further input requested before the next meeting's public hearing. The Park Use Application for the Gold City Trucks 67-72 Truck Show, requesting permission for camping and alcohol use at Deep Bay Park, was approved with stipulations regarding emergency vehicle access. Department head updates included the receipt of two new police radars and a plan for temporary reduced office hours due to staff absence. Additionally, a quote for water/sewer line replacements was accepted, and a resident expressed ongoing safety concerns regarding neighborhood disturbances and blocked alleys, which Police Chief Hirst and Superintendent Thompson are developing a joint enforcement plan to address. Finally, the Council approved various payments, including outstanding bills and payroll.