Juliet Kennedy

This Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan for the Town of Twisp aims to establish and maintain a diverse system of year-round parks, trails, and recreational facilities for residents and visitors. Key priorities include improving and creating new park facilities, developing a robust town trail system for recreation and connectivity, encouraging year-round use of facilities through programs, and establishing stable funding for regional recreational assets. The plan emphasizes a comprehensive approach to parks and open space, with a vision for a designated trail linking Twisp Park at the north end with the Sports Complex at the south end.

The meeting addressed multiple agenda items, including the administration of Oaths of Office for newly elected Council Members, Rosemary Seifried and Tim McGuire. A key action was the discussion and subsequent adoption of Ordinance #839 to terminate the Town's Municipal Court, effective January 1, 2026, transitioning court functions to the Okanogan County District Court. The Council considered the Twisp Police Department/Teamsters Collective Bargaining Agreement for 2026, which includes amendments for new Health and Welfare benefits and competitive wages for the Police Administrative Assistant. Appointments to the Twisp Creative District Board were recommended for approval. The Council reviewed and acted on an IT Support Service Contract with Cody's Computer Service. Furthermore, committee and liaison assignments for the Council were updated due to membership changes. Planning began for the 2026 Council Retreat, with recommendations to consider a 1.5-day session in March. The consent agenda included approval of Accounts Payable/Payroll.

The agenda for the meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office for two members, Sandy Liman and Allen Jircik. Following the call to order and roll call, there was a public comment period. The primary business item involved a discussion regarding the Master Plan for Twisp Park.

The meeting included public comments regarding property acquisitions related to a potential project, specifically addressing communication with property owners and the necessity of egress for a ceased project. Key agenda items included the approval of an Additional Services Agreement for Painter's Addition, which allows the right-of-way company to begin property owner discussions. Public hearings were held for and subsequently approved Ordinances #834 (Property Tax Levy), #835 (EMS Levy), and #837 (Budget Amendment). The 2026 Preliminary Budget was discussed during a public hearing. The Council also approved Ordinance #836 concerning EMS Contracting and affirmed the appointment of Judge Ebenger. The consent agenda, including Accounts Payable/Payroll, was approved for payment.

The meeting included a presentation from the Vice Chair of the Okanogan County Civil Service Commission, who explained how the county runs their commission. There was also a discussion on the introduction of commissioners, which was pushed to the next meeting, and a review of rules.