Shawn Balzer

The City Council Meeting addressed several operational items. Key discussions included how to present new business applications to the council, with a consensus to include copies in the meeting packets. The Police Department report detailed activities such as local first responders' training, assistance with a murder trial, drug seizures, fraud investigations requiring warrants, and a review of legislation concerning reserve officers. The Fire Department confirmed the 6-wheeler equipment is fully operational. Council members raised questions concerning HB 2489 regarding the homeless population and the potential acquisition of the old health district building. A resolution was passed amending a prior resolution regarding the rate increase for the Interlocal Law Enforcement Services Agreement.

The meeting commenced with the Mayor-Pro Tem calling the meeting to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the swearing-in of three Council Members. Key discussions included updates from the Police Department regarding six vicious dog reports since the start of 2026 and growing concerns over drug-related incidents in the area, as well as setting up an interview for a Reserve Officer position. Council communications addressed discussions about potential additional mini round-a-bouts in Clarkston and concerns raised regarding recent notices for increases in water/sewer charges, including a suggestion to offer a sewer plant tour. The Council conducted second readings and passed two ordinances: Ordinance #2025-907 amending sewer rates and charges, and Ordinance #2025-908 amending minimum and excess water rates and fees. The meeting adjourned at 5:54 PM.

The meeting commenced with a call to order and the pledge of allegiance. The agenda was amended to include Resolution 2026-758 concerning a Prosecutor Agreement. The Consent Calendar, which included approval of minutes from the previous meeting, payroll, and expense claims, was approved. Under department reports, the Police Department provided a brief overview of its extensive 2025 report, covering citations and arrests. The Mayor reported that the school light is being fixed and that two staff members passed their WWTP Certification. A key action was the approval of Resolution 2026-758, which amends the Prosecution Service Agreement to allow for a rate increase for 2026. The Clerk's report noted that DeBella Roofing Company is scheduled to attend the next meeting regarding a business license revocation.

The City Council meeting included approval of the consent calendar, which covered minutes from the previous meeting, payroll, and expense claims. Under consultant reports, Keller Engineering provided an update on submitted applications for the Water Plan and noted the upcoming start of work on the Critical Area Ordinance in 2026. Department reports were minimal. Council communications included noting upcoming absences and efforts to repair flashing signs with WSDOT and address a variance request at 1st and Washington. The meeting concluded with the second reading and approval of Ordinance #2025-906, which fixed the assessed valuation for the Fiscal Year 2025 and adopted the budget for 2026.

The Regular Council Meeting agenda includes several key items for discussion and action. Following the call to order and pledge of allegiance, there will be a swearing-in ceremony for Council Members Cowdrey, Ottmar, and Stein. The agenda includes a section for Public Hearings and Oral Communications (Public Comment). The Consent Calendar covers routine items, including the approval of minutes from the December 22nd, 2025 meeting and various payroll and expense claims spanning late December 2025 through January 12th, 2026. Under Ordinances, the Council is scheduled for the second reading of two ordinances: Ordinance #2025-907 regarding Sewer Rates and Charges, and Ordinance #2025-908 concerning Minimum and Excess Water Rates and Fees. Informational reports are scheduled from various department heads and consultants, including the Police, City Attorney, Fire Department, Planning Commission, and the Clerk.