Waitsburg passes livestock restrictions in municipal code

WAITSBURG - The Waitsburg City Council met on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at City Hall. Mayor Marty Dunn, Council Members Jillian Henze, Jim Romine, Court Ruppenthal, Kevin House, Cindy Bishop, and City Administrator Randy Hinchliffe were present.

During public comment, Cindy Daves told the council that the Waitsburg Gun Club was asked to host the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's National Hunting and Fishing Day event this year. She said the Lions Club and Puget Sound Energy had each donated $500.

Public Works Director Jim Lynch was presented the Friend of Drinking Water Award by the Washington State Department of Health for Drinking Water Week. Lynch was recognized for his outstanding work in providing safe and reliable drinking water to the communities. Lynch has worked for the city since 1993 and served as public works director since 2014.

The council discussed amending the city's municipal code regarding livestock. Ordinance 2025-1094 addresses the minimum square footage for "open fenced area" needed to maintain livestock in the city by adopting parts of the Walla Walla County's code. Previously, the city allowed an unlimited number of animals on lots with at least a quarter of an acre of open space.

The county code allows two large animals, including cows, horses, llamas, and mules, on lots with a minimum area of 20,000 square feet; each additional animal requires an additional 10,000 square feet. Sheep and goats need 2,500 square feet each. Swine are allowed in the city, except as granted by the city administrator.

Exceptions include a conditional use permit. Animals at the Waitsburg Fairgrounds for 4H and FFA programs or participating in state and county fairs are exempt. Livestock taken for temporary veterinary care and offspring of sheep or goats for up to 10 weeks are also exempt from these restrictions.

There is a six-month grace period following the publication of the approved ordinance, during which residents can continue to keep animals already on their property. New animals cannot be added. After the grace period, animals over the limit that are taken off the property for seven days or more for non-exempt reasons can't be returned.

The city's attorney, Jared Hawkins, said, "Following the grace period, let's say the property has space for two cows, but there are three to four. They could keep them after six months until they are removed from the property. This allows them to phase down."

During public comment on the livestock code, Cindy Daves stated that false information had been circulated, claiming she had 10 cows on her property. Romine said he had seen three cows on the property.

Daves referred to false narratives, disinformation designed to manipulate. She said livestock mandates, climate change, and environmental or animal care misinformation are only for political gain.

Ruppenthal asked about the enforcement of the livestock code. Hinchliffe said enforcement steps are: 1) email a notice, 2) send a "nice" letter, 3) impose a $100 fine, 4) send a formal abatement letter, 5) last option is water disconnection. The council unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-1094.

The council discussed an offer to purchase the city property identified as the "6th Street dump property." Waitsburg resident Bryan Thornhill offered $10,000 for the property. He owns property that is landlocked due to utility access and egress issues and abuts the city lot.

Dunn asked if the city lot was also landlocked. Hinchliffe said it is. There is a property owned by the Washington DOT between the city property and the gate on 6th St. Hinchliffe told the mayor that he had been in contact with DOT about purchasing the property to allow egress to the property.

The council unanimously approved the sale to Thornhill.

The council discussed a non-action item on city dog licensing. Hinchliffe suggested offering a lifetime license for new applications to increase efficiency. Romine was concerned about verifying rabies vaccinations for lifetime licenses. Rabies boosters are every two years. Henze suggested people with lifetime licenses could email proof of vaccinations and boosters.

The council voted on Resolution 2025-790, offering reimbursement for family swimming pool passes. Families in Waitsburg can apply for reimbursement for half the cost of a family pass to Walla Walla or Prescott pools. Resolution 2025-790 was approved unanimously.

The last action item was a discussion and vote on approving an engineer services agreement with Anderson Perry for reservoir overflow metering. The Department of Ecology made two demands to the city. The first was to reduce water pumped from the spring, and the second was installing a meter to determine chlorinated water loss from the reservoir.

The council discussed generators, water wheels, or chemicals as options for dichlorination. The council approved the agreement unanimously.

In his report, Dunn thanked Wendy Richards, the Lion's Club, and volunteers for their work on Celebration Day events.

Henze said the new pool site has been deemed viable, and Waitsburg Parks and Recreation is planning a celebration.

Ruppenthal said he heard concerns from a local business about competition with the food truck at Preston Park. Hinchliffe said there were not enough trucks to worry about competition. However, Ruppenthal said the food truck is planning to be at the park seven days a week over the summer.

Bishop reported that federal funding for the Weller Public Library's summer intern had been reinstated. The grant was one of the previously approved grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, terminated after a presidential executive order in March. A lawsuit was filed, and a court ordered a temporary restraining order to halt the dismantling of the IMLS and reinstate approved funding.

Hinchliffe said the city had hired Ryan Ahler in public works. Jeremy Elsey will be on medical leave until August, and the city will hire a high school student for the summer.