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By Beka Compton
The Times 

Paige Auckerman and her mother, Laura Auckerman, are the new owners of Paige's Floral and Gifts in Dayton. Vicky Beckmeyer will continue to furnish the shop with her fabulous funeral urns after the shop sells at the end of September.

The Council heard citizens' concerns, addressed suspicious activity

 

August 20, 2020



WAITSBURG—The Waitsburg City Council met August 13 via conference call. The Council discussed many resolutions and agreements, and heard public comments from concerned citizens.

Former Councilmember Terry Jacoy spoke during the public comment, with questions about the recent utility tax increase. At the July meeting, the Council approved a $5/month utility tax that would increase in January 2021. The Council approved the tax increase to help fund flood control efforts. Jacoy stated that he was opposed to the new tax, saying, ‘I’m sure the council made a mistake in approving the tax,’ and asked for a copy of the July 2020 meeting minutes. City Administrator Randy Hinchliffe said he would arrange a copy for Jacoy.

A local citizen spoke on behalf of the 10th and Caroline Streets neighborhood as well as residents along Main Street and the west end of Waitsburg. Citizens are concerned about recent suspicious activity. The individual said that their family, along with neighbors, are very concerned about the renters at the Fairgrounds. There have also been reports of a low-flying, unidentified drone making residents in the east side of town uncomfortable. The speaker wanted to know what the Council was doing to make Waitsburg citizens feel safe again.

Mayor Marty Dunn said that the Council is aware of the activity, and all of the council members were available to hear concerns. A meeting with Undersheriff Joe Klundt is scheduled for August 25 to discuss possible criminal activity and community concerns. Details on the logistics of this meeting were not available and will be released as soon as possible.

City Administrator Hinchliffe gave a brief update on the Capital Facilities Plan. The facilities plan covers everything from the port district to the water treatment facility, to library funding, and more. Hinchliffe said that officials were beginning to assess the current plan to gain an understanding of projects, and how to prioritize them, for the upcoming year. Councilmember Karen Gregutt said that she reviewed the plan as presented and felt that it was a ‘pretty functional wishlist, the Council voted to approve the update.

Hinchliffe reported that he received the flow data from the February flood and compared it to the flood of 1996. While the duration of the event in 2020 was significantly shorter than that of 1996, the rate at which water flowed was nearly 2,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) higher than in 1996. More water moved through town quicker, causing significant damage.

Shortly after the flooding last February, Hinchliffe reached out to the Washington State Department of Commerce, seeking a grant to help cover the City’s costs for flood studies and repair to infrastructure. The grant is for $100,000 with $97,000 to go to the City, 3% to go to the Commerce Department. Hinchliffe asked the board to approve his signature to finalize the grant paperwork. The Council voted to approve Hinchliffe’s signature for the grant agreement.

Several years ago, the Port of Walla Walla started construction of a business district off Millrace Road in Waitsburg. The Port has entered an agreement to transfer the utilities to the City of Waitsburg. Hinchliffe presented a resolution that clarified ownership of each utility service. The Council voted to approve the resolution.

Washington state passed Substitute House Bill 1406 to address the increasing housing crisis. The bill allows cities and counties to use a portion of sales tax to fund affordable or supportive housing in their communities. The consumer does not pay any additional sales tax; instead, the funds are credited against the 6.5% state sales tax. Waitsburg has entered an interlocal agreement with the other cities in Walla Walla County to participate in this plan for affordable housing funds. Walla Walla County oversees this county-level agreement. The Council voted to approve the agreement.

The City of Waitsburg has been looking at an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to assess the flood damage and needed repairs. A portion of the river that runs behind Willard Street is of great concern for future high-water events. The assessments should be completed by mid-November. The Council approved the agreement.

Hinchliffe informed the Council and attendees that the City is eligible for a little over $30,000 worth of CARES Act business support grants. The grants would help small businesses in Waitsburg keep their doors open amid the pandemic, by covering eligible expenses. Hinchliffe said that the City would need to send out information to all the known businesses in town so owners can be sure to apply. The Council voted to approve the resolution presented.

Mayor Dunn said that he did not have much as far as a mayor’s report, but he commented on the recent rise in suspicious activity in town. Mayor Dunn urged people to report suspicious activity to the sheriff’s office and encouraged people to reach out to him if citizens are unsure or uncomfortable.

Councilmember Gregutt followed up on a solicitor situation she reported on at the previous meeting. She reminded the public that soliciting without a permit is illegal in Waitsburg city limits.

Kate Hockersmith reported on behalf of the Community Protection Committee. The committee will be flushing hydrants the weekend of September 11 and is seeking volunteers to assist the fire department in the process. Councilmember Kevin House noted that the hydrant at the McGregor plant had not been flushed for many years and wanted to make sure it would be included. Unfortunately, McGregor employees will be unable to assist during the planned weekend as it will be fertilizer season.

The meeting was adjourned following the approval of bills.

Editor's update:

In response to concerns over RV renters at the Fairground, we reached out to City Hall and was told the City offers RV rental space between March and October. There were two renters earlier this month, one has vacated, and the remaining renter is scheduled to leave this week according to City Hall.

 

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