Misty Ruiz

The City Council meeting included the approval of the agenda, which included a discussion on the Flock camera system and the removal of Ordinance No. 973. The consent agenda, covering minutes from previous meetings and accounts payable/payroll reports totaling $1,703,898.93, was approved. Council excused the absence of Council Member Farrington. Under police department updates, the Chief reported steady calls for service, two arrests on a serious assault, and involvement in a multi-county pursuit. The Council approved a Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program Agreement and authorized the purchase of Axon Body Cameras and Tasers for $97,662.10, as well as three additional Flock Cameras for $28,750.00. Public hearings were held and closed regarding the Hernandez Variance Request (approved) and the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (approved via Resolution No. 2025-05 for 2026-2031). Ordinance No. 972 adopting the Complete Streets Plan was adopted, and Ordinance No. 974 amending the budget was also adopted. Public Works reported on progress with road work (chip seal), the installation of new LED luminaires, the delivery of a new service truck, and a requested payment plan from the Brewster School District for a fire line connection. Updates on current City projects were also presented by JUB Engineering.

Key discussions during the meeting included a presentation regarding the Three Rivers Hospital hybrid renovation proposal and its associated November 4th bond proposition, which seeks $45 million for infrastructure replacement and upgrades to vital departments such as the emergency room and surgery suite. The Council approved a 3.0% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) rate increase for Sunrise Disposal garbage collection services, effective January 1, 2026. Furthermore, the Council approved the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for consulting services related to the design and construction observation services for Anderson Field Airport. The consent agenda, which included the approval of previous minutes, accounts payable, and payroll, was also approved.

The meeting commenced with the appointment of the Public Works Director as the Council Chair for the August meeting. The consent agenda, including minutes from July 17, 2025, and various accounts payable and payroll items totaling over $2.2 million, was approved. Key discussions included approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Okanogan County Tourism Council for a kiosk at the City Park, approving the Jamaica Days Event application, and ratifying signatures on the 2027 Periodic Update Grant Application. Lease agreements for Airport Lots #26 (Justin Tverberg) and Lots #16 & #17 (Dave Sandoz) were approved. Financially, the Council instructed the City Clerk to conduct a comprehensive budget overview and mandated immediate spending cuts across all departments due to concerns over the General Fund status. Dates were set for the 2026 Budget Workshop, Preliminary Budget Hearing, and Final Budget Hearing. Several change orders related to the Sewer Treatment Plant Project were approved, including an additional cost of $37,268.01 for RFI-003 and a cost of $10,753.28 for three additional clean outs on Hospital Way.

The meeting included the approval of the consent agenda, which covered previous council minutes from September 25, 2025, and various accounts payable and payroll items totaling $1,397,874.03. Key discussions included cemetery rule amendments, following a public meeting on October 14, 2025, concerning care, maintenance, decorations, and prohibited activities, which authorized review and implementation of changes to Ordinance No. 977. The council also approved a request from a property owner to waive $1,260.00 in late utility fees and establish a payment plan for the outstanding balance for a pending property sale. The Police Chief reported normal operations but noted an increase in assault complaints and issues with State task force funding. A preliminary public hearing was held for the 2026 City of Brewster Preliminary Budget, with no public comment made. Public Works reported the installation of a Tourism Visitor Information Kiosk, completion of roofing and fascia work at the Rec Center, and ongoing HVAC replacement at the Boys & Girls Club.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda for the July 17, 2025 Council Meeting, followed by the approval of the consent agenda which covered minutes from previous meetings (June 19, 2025, and July 3, 2025) and various accounts payable and payroll items for June 2025. Under other business, the Council heard a presentation from WSDOT regarding the US97 Seal Project/Complete Streets scope and timeline. Police Chief updates noted steady calls for service and readiness for Flock camera installation. The Mayor presented several items, including tabling the discussion on Accessory Dwelling Units until August, adopting Ordinance No. 973 concerning Flood Plain Regulations, approving the Second Amendment to the OCCDA Facility Lease Agreement, and approving the Brewster School District Outside Water Use Agreement and 6" Fire Line Connection Fee Payment agreement. The Finance Director reviewed the monthly finance report, noting that future grant agreements will be reviewed by City attorneys. The Public Works Director reported that the 4th of July Celebration concluded without issues.