Matthew Cox

The agenda for the Town of Yacolt Council Meeting included administering Oaths of Office for Council Members #2 and #3, who were newly appointed to terms beginning January 1, 2026. Key discussion items involved updates on the Elevator Services RFP and the Comprehensive Plan Resolution, as well as addressing the Gravel Pile in Recreation Park Parking Lot stemming from a failed agreement with One Way Trigger, LLC. New business covered securing a Consultant Agreement for the Seal Coat Grant, discussing a Code Enforcement Action at 301 N Pine Ave., considering an appointment for the Clark County Arts Commission Representative, and rotating appointments for the Mayor Pro Tempore and the Finance Committee. The meeting also included reports from the Town Clerk, Public Works, and the Attorney, as well as planning for an Executive Session regarding real estate acquisition and potential litigation.

The meeting included the addition of an agenda item regarding Town Hall Siding Rehab. Key new business involved the interview of candidates for Council Position #2, which concluded with a tie-breaking appointment of Kim Glassett, followed by the administration of oaths of office. The Council adopted legislative priorities, received a presentation from the Columbia River Economic Development Commission, and renewed the contract with Gordon Thomas Honeywell. Regarding the Comprehensive Plan Update, the Climate Resilience Element was accepted, and authorization was granted for its submission for review by state departments. Old business addressed the adoption of Resolution #641 for the 2026 Engineering Services Agreement with Jackson Civil Engineering, extension of the GEM Agreement through 2031, authorization to commence a lawsuit against One Way Trigger, LLC concerning gravel in the Rec Park parking lot, adoption of the 2026 Budget (Ordinance #605), and a wage increase for the Town Clerk (Ordinance #606). Following committee reports and citizen comments, a 60-minute executive session was held to discuss real estate acquisition and potential litigation, resulting in authorization for the Mayor and Attorney to respond to the C-Tran situation.

The Town Council agenda for December 8, 2025, included several key items. New business covered interviews and potential appointment for Council Position #2, discussion of Legislative Priorities, a presentation from the Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC), renewal of the contract with Gordon Thomas Honeywell, and consideration of the Comprehensive Plan Climate Resilience Element. Unfinished business involved resolutions for engineering services and a GEM Agreement, discussions on gravel placement in the Rec Park parking lot, and ordinances related to the 2026 Budget adoption and a Clerk wage increase. The associated minutes from November 10, 2025, detailed council actions including accepting a resignation, approving previous minutes, discussing the Comprehensive Plan Update, adopting a Fire Marshal Interlocal Agreement, approving a real estate purchase completion, scheduling a workshop for Nuisance Code Enforcement, appointing a UCPB Board Representative, and holding public hearings for the 2026 Proposed Budget, EMS Tax Levy, and Yacolt Tax Levy. The special meeting minutes from November 20, 2025, focused on further discussion regarding Nuisance Code Update and Enforcement, and the elevator maintenance and repairs contract RFP.

The special council meeting included discussions regarding the Nuisance Code Update and Enforcement, focusing on stricter enforcement measures, daily penalties, escalating fines, shifting the burden to violators, and tightening timelines. The council also discussed building code violations. A key agenda item involved the Elevator Maintenance and Repairs Contract, where the Council suggested drafting an RFP and discussed procurement advice, anticipating its presentation at the January meeting. The meeting concluded with a 45-minute executive session to discuss litigation, potential litigation, and potential real estate acquisition.

The agenda for the Town Council meeting included several items of unfinished business such as discussions on Resolution #636 regarding an Interlocal Agreement with the Clark County Fire Marshal, Resolution #637 concerning final approval for a Real Estate Purchase, Nuisance Code Enforcement updates, appointment of a UCPB Board Representative, Budget Hearing #2, a draft Request for Proposals for Elevator Services, and the Comprehensive Plan Update. New business items included discussion on an NCEMS Interlocal Agreement Addendum, EMS Levy Hearing and Resolution #638, Yacolt Revenue Hearing and Resolution #639, and a Surplus Sale Resolution #640. The meeting agenda also listed reports from the Town Clerk and Public Works Department, attorney's comments, and time reserved for citizen communication.