Waitsburg City Council approve updated 6-year plan

WAITSBURG - The Waitsburg City Council met on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at City Hall. Mayor Marty Dunn, council members Jillian Henze, Jim Romine, Kevin House, Court Ruppenthal, Jennifer Bishop, and City Administrator Randy Hinchliffe were present.

In public comment, the board heard from Joy Smith, who shared news that Sherwood Trust had provided $173,000 for Common Roots Housing to purchase two Waitsburg parcels.

Waitsburg Parks and Recreation Commissioner Wendy Carter informed the board that the district is putting a levy on the November General Election Ballot. The proposed rate is $0.89 per $1,000 in assessed property value and expected to raise an estimated $200,000 annually. The district would use the funds to operate and maintain the facility. However, if passed, it will allow the district to potentially receive state capital budget funds for the construction of the pool.

Richards presented the schedule for Parks and Recreation summer sports camps. The active skill-building programs include skateboarding, pickleball, cheer, soccer, and fly fishing. Richards said the district plans to increase the age limits and make the activities year-round.

Abby Grende provided a Celebration Days Committee update, including the receipt of a Warren Grant to install a gravel lot at the fairgrounds.

Hinchliffe asked Walla Walla Sheriff Mark Crider to provide information on law enforcement options to handle a squatter. Crider suggested the city work with its attorney.

After the meeting, Hinchliffe told "The Times" that, "The house is now owned by the originating bank, which is responsible for seeing the squatter is removed."

Before the sheriff left, he spoke about the upcoming ballot measure to increase the county's sales tax to fund emergency services, specifically to improve the dispatch system. The county's 911 call service, WESTCOM, was relocated to a temporary facility in 1997 when the county and the cities of Walla Walla and College Place consolidated services. The equipment and facility are in critical need of being updated and secured.

Louie Gagnon asked that the city consider repairing or replacing the water fountain at Preston Park. The mayor asked Randy to work with Jim Lynch on the issue.

In new business, Councilmember Jillian Henze was presented with an Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership by Association of Washington Cities Vice President Fred Blink. The certificate recognizes elected officials who continue to strive for excellence by attending conferences and training, serving their community, and developing leadership skills. Henze is the first Waitsburg council member to earn the distinction.

The council held a public hearing before unanimously approving Resolution 2025-791 to accept revisions and updates to the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program.

The final payment for the Harmon Street Sidewalk Project was approved.

In old business, the council unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-1095 to update the Waitsburg municipal code to add lifetime dog licenses to the annual permit.

The next meeting will be July 16, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Waitsburg City Hall.