Kirk A. Ehlis

The Battle Ground Comprehensive Plan Update outlines the city's long-term direction and strategies for sustainable development from 2025 to 2045. The plan envisions a vibrant, growing city that offers an unsurpassed quality of life, balancing economic development with environmental protection. Key focus areas include enhancing livability, guiding land use for a mix of jobs and housing, ensuring a range of affordable housing options, managing growth and annexations, preserving critical natural resources, and fostering a strong, diversified economy, supported by efficient public services and infrastructure.

The meeting commenced with the administration of the Oath of Office to four re-elected or newly elected Councilmembers. The primary order of business involved the selection and appointment of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, resulting in Eric Overholser becoming Mayor and Aimee Vaile becoming Deputy Mayor. Key actions included the approval of the agenda, councilmember reports such as the Discovery Clean Water Alliance Board meeting report, and the approval of re-appointments to the Salary Commission and the appointment of a new member to the Planning Commission. Appointments were made for Council Liaison delegates and alternates to the C-TRAN Board of Directors and the Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC). The Chief of Police acknowledged contributors to the Thanksgiving event and presented the new Police Department badge design. The Communications Manager presented plans for the City of Battle Ground 75th Anniversary Celebration. The Consent Agenda, including the approval of previous minutes and various financial vouchers, was approved. A Public Hearing was held concerning the adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-01 regarding the KinderCare Utility Easement Vacation, which the Council subsequently adopted. Administrative reports noted upcoming events and a consensus was reached to proceed with Right of Way offers for the Parkway and Main Signal Project. Councilmembers requested a review of the RV Parking Ordinance and communications process, leading to a consensus to place the matter on a study session agenda and institute a temporary fee moratorium.

The agenda for this meeting included a call to order and roll call, followed by discussion items. Key topics included planning efforts related to the City of Battle Ground 75th Anniversary and a preview of Parks and Recreation Spring/Summer Events for 2026. The board also allocated time for general communications from the audience, staff, and board members on items not otherwise on the agenda. The minutes of the January 14th meeting were slated for approval.

The regular meeting included key actions related to the agenda amendments, which involved removing appointments to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) to be revisited in March. Council discussed and ultimately approved all committee appointments for various liaisons, including the Clark County Mosquito Control District Board of Trustees, City of Battle Ground Ethics and Administration Committee, EMS District 2 Board, LTAC, Urban County Policy Board, Budget Advisory Committee, and City Manager Evaluation Committee. Key reports were provided by councilmembers on regional task forces and the Mayor reported on EMS District 2 and C-TRAN boards. Public Works presented traffic safety solutions for Main Street & Grace Avenue, recommending Option #3 (Flashing Beacons), which the Council reached consensus to implement. New employee Jennifer Conde, Associate Planner, was introduced. The Consent Agenda was approved minus the minutes from the previous regular meeting of January 5, 2026.

The meeting agenda included a Study Session to review the Municipal Code and Communications Process concerning RV, Trailer, and Boat Parking, presented by the Police Chief. Key discussion items for the Council Meeting involved the Federal Legislative Agenda for 2026, including requests for funding for infrastructure projects like the Eaton Boulevard Improvement Project, public safety technology upgrades, and the Downtown Revitalization Project, as well as wastewater transmission planning. Another main business item was considering a possible Code Amendment for RV/Trailer/Boat Storage (BGMC 17.135.150). The Consent Agenda included the approval of the January 20, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes, financial vouchers, payroll, and the renewal agreement for the Battle Ground Little League Sports Field Lease at Fairgrounds Park.