Town of Waterville

The meeting covered several key items, including approving the absence of one councilmember and various accounts payable schedules. A motion was passed to approve Amendment No. 1 to the Engineering Task Order for the North Chelan Avenue Reconstruction Project, increasing design and construction engineering costs by $15,000, funded by a Transportation Improvement Board grant. Public comments addressed the need for prominently posted physical addresses for emergency vehicle access, reported storage container violations, and discussed the town's stance on parade permits, agreeing that sponsor insurance proof suffices instead of a special permit. The Park & Tree Board reported on plans to replace a damaged hedge and potentially add a World War I Veterans monument. The council convened into an executive session to discuss agency enforcement action before adjourning.

The Planning Commission and City Council members reviewed Waterville's comprehensive plan, focusing on the capital facilities, transportation, and environmental elements. Key discussions involved concerns about downtown development, specifically residential uses in commercial areas, and efforts to balance historic preservation with economic vitality. Participants addressed infrastructure needs and zoning policies. A central outcome was the agreement to improve communication between the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Council, including proposing a Planning & Zoning Commission representative attend council meetings and scheduling a joint work session facilitated for collaborative planning.

The meeting agenda includes a swearing-in ceremony for the Town Attorney, Steve Smith, and several new council members. The consent calendar covers approval of various payroll and accounts payable items, totaling $90,608.66. Key discussion items involve public hearings and potential actions on designating the Central Business District as a Major Pedestrian Corridor, an interim zoning control ordinance, and agreements related to fire suppression services and a Department of Ecology amendment. The agenda also features a report on childcare issues presented by the Executive Director of Together for Youth. The Mayor's Report covers town hall closures for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, reminders regarding winter preparations such as RV removal and fire hydrant marking, and the availability of booster club calendars.

The meeting commenced with a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected council members Cody Preugschat, Don Files, and Michelle Mires, where Town Attorney Steve Smith administered the oath of office. A key discussion involved Pete Tiegen, Executive Director for Together for Youth, addressing the severe lack of licensed childcare in the area and outlining the organization's efforts, including a survey, to find solutions. The Council reviewed and approved financial items including payroll and accounts payable, and amended the agenda to prioritize the childcare discussion. In the policing and code enforcement report, the council reviewed incident data and noted the successful deployment of the recently acquired dump truck for snow removal. A public hearing was held regarding the designation of the Central Business District as a Major Pedestrian Corridor, followed by the adoption of Ordinance 2026-879 for interim zoning control under this designation. Further actions included the approval of an Interlocal Agreement for Fire Suppression Services with Douglas County Fire District No. 1 and the approval of Amendment No. 5 to the Department of Ecology agreement, which increased funding for the new wastewater facility treatment plant by over $1.9 million. The Mayor reminded residents about snow plowing season protocols regarding vehicles in the right-of-way.

The agenda for the combined council meeting includes standard items such as the Pledge of Allegiance and establishing a quorum. Key discussion topics cover the Policing Report, Humane Society Report, and Code Enforcement updates. The meeting also features a Quarterly Report for the quarter ending June 30, 2022, reports from various committees including the Douglas County Regional Council, North Central Washington Economic Development District, and Chelan Douglas Regional Transportation Council. Project updates concern the Lagoon Design and Construction Project Status and Funding, and the Library Construction Status. The Mayor's Report will address Wastewater Operator and Water Distribution Operator Training, a CLG Grant Proposal Presentation, and updates regarding the Waterville Farm and Craft Market and Waterville Rollers Car Show.