All right, good evening everyone. It's now 7 o' to our city council meeting for
Monday, August 17th, 2026. For all of you that are able to please rise for the
pledge of allegiance
to the flag of the United States of America
for it stands nation
for all. >> All right, city council members, if
we'll all turn our mics on and up so the audience can hear. Um, Miss Hogan, roll
call, please. >> Council member Dowy
» here. >> Council member Houston
» here. >> Council member Friend
» here. >> Council member Michaelelsson
» here. >> Council member Brown
» here. >> Council member Ray
» here. >> Council member Burke has called out this
evening. >> Motion to excuse. Council member Burke.
» I have a first for Miss Dowy and a second for Mr. Brown. Miss Hogan.
» Council member Dowy. >> Yes.
» Council member Houston. Yes. >> Council member friend.
» Hi. >> Council member Michaelelsson.
» Hi. >> Council member Brown.
» Hi. >> Council member Ray.
» Hi. >> All right. JJ is excused tonight.
» All right. Just a reminder for everyone to please silence their cell phones. And
now we'll move into citizen communications for items not on the
agenda.
That's really throwing my game off there. Who's is that?
» It's not. Is it me? All right. Um, hi. My name's Molly Malinowski. I haven't
met most of Well, think about half of you. Um, I've lived in Woodland since
2014. I am the listing agent for the Donald's 150 acres down there on Wayland
Road. So part of the discussion that you know everybody's having about the
development down there. I'm the listing agent for that. Um Donald's are close
personal family friends of mine. Um so I make no
um excuses about wanting the best thing for them. Um also as a realtor, like
that's part my job. Um I'm not going to sit here and and say otherwise, but I I
just wanted to kind of introduce myself to you guys. I was had the opportunity
to speak with Melissa, Jason. I was hoping to get you on the phone. I know
Gabe, we've had a couple conversations about this situation and I just wanted
to like show face. This is who I am. I'm happy to have all the conversations
about it. Um, ask all the questions. I've been working on it for over a year
and a half. I've learned a lot. I've gained a I feel like a very good
education between Kalitz County. Travis has been extremely helpful and
educational. Um, had a few chats with Riley, so
um, I don't want to sound arrogant, but I do feel like I've learned a lot, so
I'm happy to answer any questions that I can. Whatever I can answer, I will find
out. I wanted to read a little bit from your guys's comprehensive plan update
from less than a year ago. You guys wrote in emissions and goals sections
that Woodland will experience continued population growth, greater diversity,
higher citizen expectations, and increased demand for essential public
services. These challenges will be met through the innovative use of
technology, internal process improvement, creative programs, and
careful planning. So obviously you guys know what your jobs are as as the city
council is to plan for growth. Um, and so that's all I think the conversation
really needs to be centered around is there's no two ways about the fact that
we have a major interstate splitting our town and so growth is inevitable. And I
think that it's just the conversations need to be had about how to do that
smart. And I think that both my sellers, the developers, at least the ones I'm
working with, are all about how can we make this work for everybody? Um, that's
really all I wanted to say to you guys today. Plan to be back as much as
possible. So, I will stick around and if anybody doesn't have my number and wants
my number um for this purpose, I am married so easy.
I would be happy to share that with you. Nice.
» Appreciate that, Molly. Questions or comments from council?
Anyone else? I don't have anyone else on the agenda here for items not on the
agenda. So, if there's anyone, Miss Butler,
» Donna Butler. So, um, as we just heard about the comp plan and needing to plan
for growth, the city did that. We've had developments on the west side. It's
true. I mean the east side. And there are a lot of homes that have not sold
and properties. And so we've covered that for now. And um and I'm glad that
Molly wants to make it work for everyone. Um everyone I've talked to is
not interested in big developments in the bottoms. And I I just would like a
clarification if I understood this correctly that
the developer wanting to develop in the bottoms is the same developer that has
developed the right there on Lewis River that we're
going to start with apartments and then >> the sandbox.
» Is that what you're referring to? >> I I I'm just wondering if this it's the
same developer. And I don't know anybody that I've talked in this town that's
happy about that development. And so I would just say that and I think like it
was covered pretty well last time that now is not the time with our traffic. Um
this could be put on hold and just see what comes down. So thanks.
» So to touch on that development if you remember um back I want to say it was
2023 because I think I was running back then
that it was going through it was housing development then it was if they didn't
get the lot sizes and the help me if I'm wrong here Travis um variances it was
going to then be the apartments and that's why for the time there was a sign
that said 268 apartments were there. Um and then council at a later meeting gave
them a variance um slight variances and then that's where they were able to
develop call it roughly 75 homes in there now. But yes, that is the
developer.
» I just wanted to make one quick correction. um that developer only owns
one of the multiple pieces of property and I want to say they own like in the
neighborhood of 15 acres >> you're talking about now down on the
» on the bottoms >> correct yes absolutely
» so they are one of the multiple developers
good point >> okay any questions or comments on that
piece miss shop
» I am still totally against houses down in the bottoms. With the infrastructure
the way it is, we can't get in or out of town. When there's an accident, you're
backed up on the freeway. During the flood, we couldn't get out of town. We
had to go up the river and cross over at Jacks and go down Vancouver Clark County
side. I am totally against it until they do something about their infrastructure.
» Thank you, Michelle.
Hold on here. Hold on.
increase your rates by 7%.
Any other comments from council?
I just I wanted to make clear that um we are all in agreement that not right now.
That was something that Melissa kept saying. Um these houses are not going to
come up out of the ground. And um so yes, 100% not right now. I live on Park
Street, so I I I am going to be just as impacted if not more so than some of you
guys. And so I completely agree. I also want to like nobody's excited about
this. The things that we love about Woodland um I would hope wouldn't change
because I think the things that we love about Woodland is the fact that it's the
people and the people that we know and the people that we love and we get to
control our circles and keep our circles small if we want to. Um
I don't disagree that traffic is an issue. Neither do the developers and and
yes, this is a sad thing. I grew up on 160 acre wild rice farm farming pigs 72
miles from the closest freeway. I know what a small town is. My graduating
class was 58 people. It still holds the record to this day as the largest class
since 1920. So I know small town. I understand small town. This has never
been a small town in my opinion. The second that the freeway came through
that that wrote the fate. PDX is 25 minutes from us. So, closest hospital
where I grew up, hour and a half drive. You have an emergency, good luck. Um,
it's not like that here. And so, I think the sentiment that I also wanted to
convey from my sellers is, yeah, we're all in agreement, guys. We're all going
to be crying some tears and mourning the loss of
what once was. However, I do have four children that I would love to be able to
afford to live in the town that they grew up in. And right now, the way that
things are going, that's not a possibility. Basic economics tells us
supply and demand is what drives the market. The demand is high, the supply
is low. If we increase the supply, it's it's going to give us a shot at maybe
bringing back what was a starter home, which doesn't really exist right now.
» Um, >> can I challenge you on that? So, there's
300 new homes going in. >> What has that done to supply and demand
and the price? >> Great question.
» So, you're saying is. >> Yeah. So, I here I'll give you I'll give
you a real life example of what I think is like a tangible effect of that. So,
Dr. Horton has a home right now, three-bedroom, two-b small backyard for
3.90. I had a listing there on Meadowwood, no backyard. I was trying to
sell for$425. I had to cancel the listing. the things that are driving
down. If I if I'm looking at a house and I've got a house from 1953 that they're
asking for 50 or I can go get a brand new house with a 10-year roof warranty,
a 10-year foundation warranty for 390. What do you think I'm going to choose?
They also have the best rates. So, although we're all we are calling it the
sandbox, I'm I'm assuming that's what we're talking about.
» I I don't there's a place for it. There's a need for it. It is driving the
those prices down. Like any of us that have sat on a listing for six months
know that this new construction is and so I hear what you're saying like six
these homes we're talking if they're selling for $600,000 how is that going
to bring back a starter home? Well, I'm going to tell you my house was built in
1943. And so if I have there's a $500,000 brand new home, guess what? My
house is going to have to be pretty cheap to be able to bring in an an
asking price. Yeah. >> Well, and ask ask the people that are
living in there. Most of them, I believe, young couples that couldn't
afford. I know my kids can't
» to be able to get into something under 400,000.
» Yeah. So, it's it's I think it's like I don't want to misconrue or misrepresent
my sellers or even myself. This is a sad thing and I think it's okay to be sad
about it. Um, and I and I I just think it's Gabe I feel like has had the
approach of like, yeah, this kind of this kind of sucked.
» Um, but I do think that it's it's something that needs to happen and needs
to be done, right? Sorry. >> I think what's alarming is the amount of
homes. 1,153 homes is substantial and that is where I
think everyone kind of goes, >> whoa. Yeah,
» it's a lot. It's alarming. I think that being so again I think pressing the
narrative of like they're not going to come up out of the ground. We're talking
about a 10-year process and the fact of like at the end of this year in December
of this year, again, I might be mistaken, but from what I understand,
Kitz County is putting out their comprehensive plan. They are going to
allocate 10,000 homes countywide. Of those 10,000, Woodland's going to be
expected to provide 2,000. As are you are you? Unless I'm totally off. Am I
off? >> So that's the expectation. We can't meet
it. We can't meet it. And I'm not saying it needs to be met tomorrow.
» Um but it's this look at a map. We know our limitations. We are not going to go
any farther up Lewis River. We are not going to come up Green Mountain Road.
Looking at a map that train track provides the perfect dividing line. And
as you it has been unzoneed. That area has been unzoneed. It has not been
agriculture. Yes, it's been used as agriculture, but it's not been zoned for
agriculture for a long time. And so that that train track provides that perfect
» dead stop. And I can tell you right now, those farmers on that ground are going
to fight tooth and nail to keep that in a
» um so >> so I want to challenge her something.
Again, I'm not trying >> No, I this is what I wanted. I wanted to
have a conversation >> because again, an investor
» pumping $15 million into land I can go invest in the stock market
today >> very conservatively and make four or
five%. >> Sure.
» Are you going to put $15 million and you're telling me we're going to sit on
it for 10 years and we won't see homes for that long?
» No, I think the first wasn't the first projection for 300. That was the first
» It is. It's 300. >> Um 200.
» So that's why when we I mean >> this is where my conversation is. I'm
happy to have dialogue but let's >> you know be realistic about what we're
seeing here and not thinking that, oh, there won't be houses here.
» We only have three months of inventory for home. If we were to stop listing any
houses right now, three months from now, there would be no more houses to sell.
» Lord willing, the market will go down. >> Yeah.
» Yeah. >> Agreed. So,
» so yeah, call me.
» Excellent. Thank you, Molly. Any other comments or questions from council?
» I think we need to to hear the the developers out because people are
coming. The population is growing above us and below us. It's going to happen.
So, do we want to be in charge or do we want the county in charge?
And it takes a while to generate the kind of growth that investments
generate. You know, like the S&P 500 averages
between 8 and 10%, but that's when you look back after a period of time. The
S&P 500 8% per year or 10% per year. It's up and
down as a lot of you know. So to close our minds as a city at this point is way
too early because the growth is going to happen. So from my perspective,
I want to hear them out because we're going to grow and if we want businesses
and our I'll put it gently, our downtown doesn't
exist. In fact, the highest amount of commerce
that's anywhere near downtown comes from Ace Hardware.
Uh, you know, so we need to keep looking at this. In my
opinion, it might be too soon to be like, yes, let's charge forward because
we don't know enough. But to say we don't want to know more, we don't want
to belly up for a conversation. I think that that's too close-minded. And I
think that puts us in a bad position from the perspective of inevitable
growth. >> I would like to throw out appreciate the
comments. Um, when you talk about Callis County and City of Woodland, just as a
reminder, the legal issues that happened here in 2002, 20 or 2022, 2023 over this
same area of property, um, where the county sued the city of, you know, where
steps were being made to, um, expand the urban growth boundary. So, just want to
be careful there. something you want to say, Travis? Got it. So, okay. Just a
reminder for our community. Okay. Anything else?
» Come on.
» You're fine.
» It's a small change of topic, but it is a big deal in our world. School starts
next Wednesday, and we're really excited. Um, so we've created a new
landing page for new families. if you're new to Woodland, where everything's kind
of all in one place as far as getting set up for um transportation,
um finding information out about your schools, um school supply lists, all
that good stuff. We've kind of created a new landing page. You'll see back to
school um signs throughout the community with a little QR code that'll take you
there. So, if you're a new family in Woodland, um hopefully that'll help you
get registered and set up for next week. Um we talked about our school budget
last Thursday. That was our workshop. it's going to be approved uh or go
before the board for approval next Thursday. So, if you're engaged in those
topics, we welcome you to that. And uh I did get the uh the legal uh memorandum
of understanding today from the city lawyer regarding the SRO. So, we're
moving forward with that partnership and appreciate your continued support and
partnership on that. Um just haven't had time to read it through because I just
got it, but um we're moving forward full steam ahead. Excited about the school
year. Last year our focus um we spoke a lot about excellence in education. Um
we're building on that this year and we're going to be talking a lot about
parent partnerships. So as you see Riley reports and updates from the school
district those two topics will be the things that you'll be hearing about. So
that's it. >> Appreciate you coming up. Just so clear
understanding here with the ILA. So it hasn't come to council. We send it over
here. They review it approve it back.
Okay. >> Questions on that? Anyone?
» Thank you. >> Anyone online or in the room for items
not on the agenda?
Just one quick to address um councelor Brown's comment about hearing out and
learning more. They were here at the last council meeting and they presented
they gave us all the information and all their plans. I feel like we've heard
them out well and there were 10 citizens that spoke against it for now. The
overwhelming feeling was it's premature. Let's wait and see what happens with the
interchange. Is our traffic going to improve? Are they going to get it right
with the roundabouts? Are we still going to have a big problem? And so to spend
time with further discussion on this right now, I think it's not a wise use
of time. There's other issues to address, but everyone know like, hey,
this may be something we're going to be revisiting. It may be something. And as
far as those numbers for housing, that was just the number that Khaled
County state mandated that Kitz County come up and they just ran picked this
number said hey Woodland let's put it all in Woodland but that could be
challenged and um so anyway just know that it's not like hey let's just wait
and see. >> I hear you. May I may I address that
comment? Um, in my opinion, they didn't show us
every single bit in and out of their plan. They showed us,
» I guess, a significant amount of the early phases of the plan.
» And when it comes to roundabouts, when it comes to exit 21,
» it takes money, it takes resources, >> right?
» Infrastructure, it takes resources. So we definitely definitely heard last week
that we received over 30 million in traffic impact fees from this project
which is money that goes toward infrastructure. We also heard from them
they'd be willing to pay for part of the infrastructure in the project. So I
don't disagree about the premature part. >> Yeah.
» But I do disagree about brick walling it and making it stop.
» Right. And I didn't hear economic growth.
» Right. And there were just a few that were need to
And there were just a couple >> sorry I just want to say there was just
a couple that were brick walling it. Most people said let's let's look at
this in the future. So let's just put this on the back burner and see.
» Okay. Thank you. >> I just want to ask a question Travis.
If they give us numbers and then approve people to develop down in the bottoms
without it being annexed into our city limits,
it will not count. It will not count for our numbers. It would count for city or
for county numbers. Correct. And then we see no benefit as far as our parks, our
schools, anything if they do that. And so when they these come down in
December, they'll have county numbers, not individual city numbers as well,
right? So if they have an astronomical number, they could go and approve this
to come develop in the bottoms without us even saying yes. Logistically,
correct? >> Right. Okay. So, I just wanted to
clarify that that I think my biggest concern is I don't want them to get
county approval and us miss out on all of the opportunities for schools and
everything else that we are still going to take the impact of. And if then we're
going to be hit as citizens within our city and they're not going to have to
pay for it. We are. And I don't want my taxes going up for something we're not
bringing in because we're we're afraid. I don't want our city's size to double.
That many homes were almost doubling our city size. I absolutely agree with that.
But with mandates coming down from the state, we also are not going to be
eligible if we're not trying to work towards it for some of the grants we
apply for as well, I believe. Is that correct, Riley? Travis,
that will affect our point system. >> Yes, we do get deducted points for not
being GMA compliant. >> Okay. So, I mean, I'm not in agreement
of it, but I am playing a little bit of devil's advocate that our city needs to
realize the whole picture and not just the we don't want this many people.
Like, there will be repercussions to us as a city if we don't look at the
opportunities and really open our eyes up to it and we just shut the door on it
or push it too far down that this county says, "Yeah, you can go build there."
And then we've lost out because we've pushed it too far down the road. So, we
just need to think of that also before we say a hard no because that's where I
stand is that you can't push it too far. >> So, I would recommend have conversations
with the three county commissioners, understand where their position on this
all is. Um, >> and I do know where their position is
» and they've all been very vocal, right? So, again, I won't speak for them, but I
recommend that you reach out to them with my
» that um if we did GB wouldn't that put us back in control
if we did what she was talking about. So put the ball in our court we did do
go ahead like just say okay we are going to go for this expansion and then
doesn't mean we have to necessarily move on it right away but it puts the ball in
our court. I just want to make sure I'm understanding that correctly.
» That is correct. So, um, at the presentation last time I pointed out
that theoretically there's going to be four steps that you could engage in. One
is, um, county updating their comprehensive plan, city updating its
comprehensive plan, then potentially doing a developers agreement or some
kind of coordination agreement with the property owners, whether that's the
developers or current owners. And then the fourth would be an annexation
um piece by piece as it comes out of that agreement that you've negotiated.
» So it might be in our best interest to look at expansion just so we can
maintain control
here. I'm just getting I'm just asking these
questions. I'm not saying yes or no either way. I just want to have this
express for the community to hear and so that we're all clear on what that means.
So that's
any other questions or comments?
Come on.
When it comes to the mic, my friend >> when it comes to impact fees that we
would receive from this kind of a project,
the city gets those impact fees. I was under the understanding that this whole
traffic situation, exit 21, is a state thing that we're waiting on state
dollars and stuff. So, correct. Is there is that an app? Is that really a state
project, we will need state funding. We will get impact fees after the houses
are built. We don't get them beforehand. And so as those dollars come in, I mean,
the next administration, city council can say, "Hey, we'll contribute to the
roundabouts and exit 21 if they want. I don't know why
we would want to use our city dollars to pay for that." But again, that's a whole
another conversation. But you're correct.
» Okay.
It's a matter of shortterm versus longterm. So if we know that that money
is coming into the city, then we can make plans based on what we expect in
the future. So, it isn't so much direct in terms of the traffic impact fees
right now, but the fact that we do know we receive those funds and that we've
got a developer that's got quite a bit of muscle in terms of their ability to
develop. If they don't develop these homes, they're going to develop
industrial soiven
they've done several projects in the area. Again, I'm not saying I'm for this
necessarily, but the fact that we've got future $30
million coming in, the fact that we've got a well established developer that
might in fact have a lot of experience working,
we could potentially use that from a relationship management perspective to
our benefit for the city. And so I feel like we just need to keep our eyes open
here and really what is being presented until it's an absolute
You know, supply and demand says why would you say no?
are going to grow too. So maybe we won't have to leave town as much to go get
resources
except for Domino's Pizza.
put another workshop down for that. Anything else on this?
» All right, moving into
agenda approval. >> Motion to approve agenda.
» Second. >> I have a first from Miss Dowy, a second
from Miss Michaelelsson. Questions or comments about tonight's agenda?
» Council member Ray. >> Hi,
» Council Member Brown. >> Hi,
» Council Member Michaelelsson. Hi, >> Council Member Friend.
» Hi, >> Council Member Houston.
» Hi, >> Council Member Dowy.
» I >> All right, moving into reports of
standing committee's public safety. >> Um, yes, we met tonight at 5:40. Um, in
attendance was chief council member Brown, Council Member Houston, and
myself. Um, the first topic was National Night Out, but although a lot of
surrounding areas canceled theirs due to the smoke, we kept going and it was a
success. And were donated by Walmart and were raffled
off. So, that was another big hit. Um, let's see. Also, we did not meet last
month. So, I have an update on numbers um between 6:15 to date. Um, they have
responded to 1,864 calls to service. Um, during that period, they have made 82
arrests, averaging just over two and a half arrests a day. Um, we currently
have two open positions and we'll be hosting oral boards on September 10th um
for those two positions and school starts next week and officer
Ketta has transitioned to his SRO schedule for the coming school year so
that's exciting and we adjourned at 550 >> questions or comments about public
safety
I'm Richard. Uh, you talk about the arrests that have been made over the
last time or whatever. Are these actual arrests that are being taken up to Kelso
or these just pullovers? And how you doing?
Yeah, we try to be nice when we arrest people. So, we always ask them how
they're doing. >> Um, no, it's a combination of like
suspended drivers, DUIs, um, you know, domestic violence, all all the normal
stuff. But not every one of them gets booked in jail to be honest. Suspended
driving a lot of times their jail won't even take. So, they're issued a
citation, goes to the courts, they still have to appear, it still counts as an
arrest. But, yeah, it's just a combination of all those things.
And we always ask how we do >> because that sounds like quite a few
arrests here in Woodland. >> It is I've been hearing this over and
over and over. >> So I was kind of interested is these
actually arrests or these you know pull over and you know
» Yeah. It like I said it's a combination on the right or something.
» Yeah. I mean if it's a traffic violation you happen to have a warrant for your
arrest or you're suspended yet usually ends in an arrest. But it it's also
busier during the summer months. Um it typically slows down because Criminals
like to stay warm and not be out when it's raining and snowing.
» Okay. I just was want to make sure we're not checking a box for something. No,
» they are actually arresting people. >> Yes.
» Okay, perfect. >> Thank you, sir.
» Any other comments or questions on public
human resources? >> Uh, tonight human resources committee
met with Mayor Council member and myself 6:05 p.m. Um there is one position open
with the city and that is for payroll position um that is currently open. They
will be looking at the first batch of resumes on August 31st.
And um there's also the two police positions that council member Daddy has
already mentioned. Um right now it looks like they're just entry level
applicants. So that's a very very short meeting.
It ended at 607. >> Any questions on those positions?
» All right. Finance >> uh finance committee met tonight. In
attendance were Council Member Houston, Terry Smith, and myself. Also, a very
short meeting. A few updates. The uh annual Washington State Auditor's Office
audit will start at the end of this month. We are beginning budget
preparation and we'll have more to come on that next month in September.
And we have three active payroll audits through various agencies happening.
We're complying with all the requests on those. Also noted from ours was the open
payroll clerk position. If you are interested in applying it posted on the
website and you're welcome to do so at 65
questions on finance.
All right. reports of advisory committees
chamber report
in
» oh reports of city council my apologies >> um yes I would like to announce that
council member Ray is celebrating a big 50th birthday today so happy birthday to
him um also I just um have heard nothing but
great things about um warm summer nights and all the different and the movie
selection just how wonderful it was. So, good job to DWR on that. Um, also
something new, um, the seniors are having the opportunity to paint parking
spots at the high school this year. So, if you go to the football games or
you're over at the high school, it is incredible. We already have 40 spots
that have been started um with some more um starting maybe tomorrow night. Um, so
we're super excited about this opportunity. The kids are thrilled. Um,
very creative. So, if you're ever in the area of the high school, drive through.
It's the parking spots closest to the football field. So, um, it's really
great opportunity for the kids and it's a new tradition we hope to be starting.
So, to say that and everybody, good luck getting back to school.
» Congratulations. Any other
meeting?
Any
other items from
all
chamber will the Chamber of Commerce lunchons continue once monthly on the
second Tuesday of each month at noon. So the next scheduled lunchon will be
September 8th, Tuesday. Sign up for the email blast on the chamber website at
woodland woodlandwamber.com or send keith woodlandwamber.com
email. Um the golf tournament is this Thursday. If people would like to golf
chamber holiday bingo is planned for December 10th. Please reach out for
sponsorship opportunities and please contact the Woodland Chamber if you have
any grand opening ribbon cutting or other promotions. They're always looking
for new members and ideas to work together to encourage, promote, and
preserve economic wellbeing and quality of life in our community.
If you are interested in golfing, reach out to the chberica.
Come on up.
» Good evening. Adonica Simpson with DWR. Um, we have really great things to
report. Uh the Woodland Welcome Center has continued to do uh really well. Uh
we had a few slow days because of the smoke that blew in. We noticed a little
bit of a lull there, but um we're continuing to really have a lot of
interest from our local people. We had 165 locals for the month of July and
then 72 tourists. Um the local folks are coming in and
enjoying getting all kinds of different information that we have on hand
including uh events that are coming up which we continue to share. Uh we're
promoting all of the local nonprofits. So if anybody is um doing anything
special, we make sure that we're aware of that. Uh make sure we can direct them
when they come in. Um it's just gone really really well and everyone's very
pleased. Uh we I had several come in today and they were getting information
for Mount St. Helens and as they're going out the door, you know, they're
always saying, "Boy, this was a really good stop." And it's just nice to hear
that, you know, um hopefully I can get them to start leaving the Google reviews
and all the things to help with the numbers. But um we're seeing it
firsthand and it's really positive. So we have seen folks from u Michigan,
California, Las Vegas, the Ukraine, Arkansas, Arizona, Minnesota, New
Zealand, Argentina, and Pennsylvania for just a few that I pulled off of our
sheets for just the month of July. And then we have a um United States map on
the wall and we have pins and they go and they put their pins in where they're
from. So, it's kind of fun. They interact with us that way. Um, but the
center continues to get new products in from our vendors. they're uh doing
really well. They're very surprised when they come in and they need to restock
their goods and um so it's it's really it's really just a great feeling to see
people um appreciating the help with just all kinds of different information.
Um today I helped sell a a discovery pass because all of that's online now,
but I just pulled out the laptop and took care of it for her. And so there's
always a way to help people one way or the other. And that's really what we're
doing. Um, hot summer nights. Uh, really thank you
for the compliments. Our volunteers just have worked so hard. Everything really
lined up beautifully. Uh, we're kind of blown away. It really just it just went
so much bigger than we even anticipated. Um, we doubled our numbers from last
year. So, in a total of the five weeks, we had 2,10 people come. And it's just
incredible to see that. Um, it was mindblowing to sit there and see all
these folks enjoying um the lake, uh, the vendors, the music, uh, just
everything. And then we were able to watch people come down from downtown
bringing the food that they had purchased from up there. So, you know,
there's choices there, but we have to remember that these numbers are people
that are coming and perhaps getting gas on their way to the movie. Um, you know,
they're buying things locally before they get there. And, uh, and then just
to see the enjoyment in all the famil family's faces. Uh, the last movie was
the Goonies. And it was really cool to see just all the people remembering and
sharing stories and uh the children of course have no idea what the Goonies is,
but it doesn't matter. They're running around playing in the bubbles and all
the other, you know, things that we have going on. So, we've really built up a
lot of activities before the movie so that there's really no lull in the whole
afternoon. And I think that really has helped. the advertising's gone well and
um it was just amazing to see we had just under 500 people on that last
Friday and that was the opening day of the fair. So to have something like that
compete with the fair and have those folks local um is pretty pretty awesome
and affordable for people. So it was really cool. I just want to say, Donica,
as a vendor there and my kids being there that we're so sad it's over. Like
we've been looking [laughter] forward to every Friday just like the our entire
household is bumped and it's over. It [laughter] was so cool. It was so fun.
So, thank you for everyone's hard work, your team.
» Yeah, it is. It is. It's It's uh definitely a lot of work. And if
anyone's interested in volunteering, we're um a lot more organized about our
volunteers now. we have a location, you know, we work out of the welcome center,
so it's just a lot easier to organize and take care of the planning um and the
staging for these events. So um if anyone has any interest in that's just
one example of what we do. So, we're already gearing up for um Halloween and
then Winterfest and uh and then of course continuing to work with the
welcome center to make sure it's meeting as many needs as possible. So, we do
have a lot going on and but we have a lot of fun and we just really
um appreciate the opportunity. So, it's a good deal.
» Excellent. Questions, comments for
Excuse
the mayor. Um, really quickly, upcoming events. There's a planning commission
meeting at 700 p.m. This is Thursday. Labor Day will be closed off on
September 7th, city council being moved to Tuesday night, September 8th, 7 p.m.
right here. And then there will be a public hearing on the 15th regarding
Island Air Drive at 10 a.m. on September 15th and then the 21st will be
our second city council meeting um reports tonight really quickly. There
was a public records request that came in to the city um here after our last
council meeting and I just want to touch on it really briefly um because it was
kind of directed kind of towards me. I had said that I had met with the
developers for dinner and I look at it this way and say, "Hey, I'm an open
book. I'll be happy to have a conversation here." So, it was who paid
for the dinner, what conversations, and the whole nine yards. And the irony here
is we previously have had expense or public records requests come in and they
were, you know, extenduating, you know, continuous and there was conversation
around and now it's all of a sudden, hey, let's go. So, I thought I would at
least share with the community what my involvement has been. So, on June 23rd,
I had a missed call from Mr. Luke Sassy for 30 seconds. He was wanting to
introduce himself and see if he could get together for a dinner or breakfast.
On the 26th, he left me another 32 second voicemail message asking if he
could get together with me. I returned his call on the 26th of June at 6:28
p.m. that four minutes introducing myself and said, "Hey, let's meet for
breakfast." That same night, he sent me a text
message back that said, "We couldn't swing to get together the next morning,
but maybe we could do it another day." On the 28th, two days later, I sent a
note to him, a text, and said, "How about working tomorrow, uh, Monday at 5
or 5:30?" He sent me a call. didn't leave a voicemail that same night, but
then that night at 9:53, he said, "Good evening, 5:00 p.m. tomorrow night. Would
work great." I sent a text back at 4:51 a.m. and said, "Perfect. I'll see you at
the Oak Tree tonight, the 29th for dinner at 6:20 or at 11:31 a.m. that
same day." He said, "Sounds good. I will see you there." When it comes down to
the dinner, here is my City Bank credit card.
I paid $5269
for that dinner where there was myself, Sam, Houston, Aaho, Luke, and Ty, and
Riley. The $5259 paid out of my own pocket was for Riley
and myself. I'm not And Molly sitting there kind of laughing because people
who know me know I will not let people pay for me and I will not pay for anyone
else. And I will not use a city credit card or city funds for anything. Nothing
against this here because she could laugh. This is how I roll.
» And I said no. So I just would like to have that out there. We will put this
public records request there. But I want people in the room, people online to
know that is how Mr. Dinhardt rules and my
me
and I guess I should have said what happened at that dinner. I sat down. I
came 15 minutes late and Riley's laughing and Molly is probably laughing
because she heard. I sat down and said just so you know this short meeting
because I'm not in favor of this and I don't know what's in this for me and the
city of as a resident. So I apologize m I mean you and I I appreciate you. I
appreciate our dialogue you know on various things throughout the community.
So >> I'm thankful for your transparency as
well. When I was running cannabis to be up here um he
offered to buy for me and was like this is my personal not use city funds unlike
well I don't need to say it don't know so I appreciate that
» so that is my mayor's message tonight I appreciate you going through my journey
with me for five minutes [laughter] but with that we will move to our unless
there's somebody who has a question about it
[laughter] I had a salad with dressing and he had a
chili cheeseburg >> [laughter]
» I have
» that night. >> Great question.
» I'd like you to go through a poly on that one because I'm I guarantee I did
not have that. [laughter]
» So, all right, >> moving into consent items.
» Motion to approve consent items. >> Uh, any questions or comments from our
meeting minutes from the last meeting? I have a first from Miss Dow, a second
from Mr. Houston.
» Council member Friend. >> I.
» Council member Houston. >> Hi.
» Council member Michaelelsson. >> Hi.
» Council member Dowy. >> I.
» Council member Ray. >> Hi.
» Council member Brown. >> Hi.
» All right. Moving to the action items. Approve vouchers August 1st, 2020.
» Second. >> I have a first from Mr. Houston and a
second from Mr. Friend. Just a comment on uh Couple of the items in there,
checks this month. There is a check to the city or to the Woodland schools for
$153,000 for impact fees. We are a pass through.
We don't collect We collect those, but then passing through $88,000 of that is
related to the apartments on street. So, I just wanted people to
have visibility to that. Any questions or comments on any of the
payments or the vouchers?
Council member Brown. >> Hi.
» Council member Ray. >> Hi.
» Council member Michaelelsson. >> Hi.
» Council member Dowy. >> Hi.
» Council member Houston. >> Hi.
» Council member friends. >> I.
» All right. The time is now 7:50. We'll move into workshop retooling our code
enforce code enforcement updates. >> Travis.
Thank you very much. As you mentioned, the planning commission will be meeting
this Thursday and we've been working um for I don't know about the last year on
various code amendments and this one is right. So, they will be making a um
they'll be having a workshop make a recommendation for you at the next
available meeting and essentially the highlights of this were dealing with
code enforcement. We wanted some clarification for our code enforcement
and some of the items that are clarified are um hours of construction activity
making sure that it's perfectly clear the hours of operation for hours of
construction and noise during the week and that there can be no construction
activity that creates noise on Thursdays and Saturdays with permission only. So
it's Monday through Friday, Saturday with restrictions, Sunday prohibited. Um
we also discussed a significant amount of um setting penalties, the rates of
penalties and that the current rate is generally $25 for each violation each
day and that how slowly that adds up in the case of egregious violations. And so
they are um they like the idea of doing a graduated scale of The first 30 days
is one rate, then it increases for day 31 through 60, and then day 61 through
90 is a higher higher amount. And that the code specifically says we can start
leaning on day 91. So that way, if somebody is just ignoring our notices
and it's getting more and more expensive, the more they refuse to uh
take action. Um and this none of the changes proposed um will affect how we
are handling code enforcement. So the code enforcement officer makes every
effort they can to negotiate and create a solution without going to a notice and
order. That's kind of our last step in the process and that's when the penalty
starts. So it won't affect how that occurs.
Generally those are the big ticket items that are going to um change.
» Do you want to touch on code enforcement versus
doing this? I mean because I think this is a win you want to touch on.
» Sure. So um one of the things that we did do um that is policy want for guys
like me and that is clarifying exactly what is the development code for the
purposes of code enforcement because we do not do vehicular stops. We do not do
parking in the street or any kind of enforcement. Those are police duties.
But if it's storage of vehicles in yards, in front yards, backyards, how
long they can store material and what when it becomes a nuisance for the
property is where we deal with. So um we've clarified exactly what codes. So
building codes, subdivision code, zoning code, um and the various land use codes
have been clarified as a result of this. It doesn't get into any kind of
misdemean.
This is for commercial.
» I I assume that whatever's decided by planning commission is going to come
forth with an action item for us to review.
» I just want to say I appreciate um and how quickly she takes action.
there's enforcement that and then she gives you a response um of what she
found. So, I just appreciate that because I know that's not always been
the case around here. And so, if any of you find anything in your community that
you want to take forth that to know that it's actually getting resolved or you'll
have some kind of resolve from it. I appreciate that.
» Any other comments or questions from the community members coming out of the
All right, with that we will now 7:56 we will leave workshop and go into our
meeting >> motion to end meeting
» time is now 7:56. Have a great evening everyone.
» Anyone wants cupcakes or cookies feel free to come up and grab some.