Kalista Hamilton

The meeting included a public hearing and new business review regarding the Cascade Business Park Binding Site Plan Proposal. Following staff review and discussion concerning site location, services, contamination cleanup, street access, and future development types, the commission approved a recommendation to the city council for final approval. The commission also reviewed the process for filling vacant commission positions, suggesting the use of news and notables to generate public interest. A closing public inquiry addressed accessing Cascade Business Park (CBP) information on the website, followed by favorable expressions regarding future development within the CBP.

The City Council meeting agenda included several critical items for deliberation and action. Key discussions involved the approval of Ordinance No. 1174 adopting the 2026 budget, the appointment of Kalista Hamilton as the new Fire Chief to complete the previous chief's term, and approval for Jeremy Tennison to act as a signer for city Columbia bank accounts starting in 2026. The council planned to vote on approving the TIB Citywide Pedestrian Improvements grant, an Interlocal Agreement for Prosecuting Attorney services, Resolution #592 for the Special Market Condition purchase of a dump truck, Resolution #593 declaring certain property surplus, and an Interlocal Agreement for Law Enforcement Services. The agenda also noted the requirement to excuse Councilmembers Randall and Baxter from the November 25, 2025, meeting.

The City Council meeting included citizen comments thanking the outgoing Mayor for his service and inquiring about the transition to the Mayor Elect. Department reports were delivered by the Sheriff and City Clerk, recognizing Public Works for storm response efforts and acknowledging the Mayor's service. The Planner's Report outlined upcoming public hearings and plan updates, specifically regarding the Cascade Business Park, Lift Station #2 Replacement, Periodic Review of the Critical Areas Ordinance, and the Capitol Facilities Plan. New business involved approvals for revising the 2026 budget, appointing a new signer for City bank accounts effective in 2026, extending a personal service contract for city website maintenance, and approving a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) for Consultant Services with Swank CPA. Closing comments honored the departing Mayor and Councilor Randall for their dedication and service to the community.

The meeting included a public hearing and new business concerning the Livestock Conditional Use Permit Application for 828 Celilo, which was subsequently approved by a 5-0 vote following a positive recommendation from the Planning Advisor. Unfinished business was noted as none. During housekeeping, there was a discussion regarding term expiration for positions 3 and 4.

Key discussions during the meeting included reports from the Sheriff regarding the appropriation of SRS funds and availability of sandbags, and concerns raised by the Mayor about a broken pumphouse motor requiring replacement. The Planner updated the council on the lift station #2 replacement, updates to the capital facilities plan, and ongoing concerns regarding boundary overlaps with the Cascade Renewable Transmission project, which will include a Public Hearing on January 6th regarding the Cascade Business Park. New business saw the approval of Kalista Hamilton as the new Fire Chief, the adoption of Ordinance No. 1174 incorporating a grant into the 2026 budget, approval for TIB Citywide Pedestrian Improvements grants, and the approval of Interlocal Agreements for Prosecuting Attorney and Municipal Court Services. A motion to table the approval of Jeremy Tennison as a bank account signer was made. Closing comments reflected on the service of departing Mayor Sabo and Councilmembers Norris and Randall, while also highlighting the need for volunteer firefighter recruits.