Waitsburg City Council approve municipal code changes, ADU utility fee

WAITSBURG — The Waitsburg City Council met on Wednesday, June 17, at City Hall. City Administrator Randy Hinchliffe, Mayor Marty Dunn, and Council members Jen Bishop, Jillian Henze, Brian Richards, Jim Romine, and Kevin House were in attendance.

The council opened with a public hearing on the 6-year Transportation Plan, focusing on the Preston Street Bridge. The bridge, located on the state highway, can only be replaced or maintained by the Washington Department of Transportation. 

Jillian Henze proposed widening the bridge’s walkways and deck rather than replacing it, estimating repairs at $5 million versus at least $7 million for a full replacement. 

Hinchliffe responded that repair might not save money. He estimated city-led replacement could cost $10 million, but DOT could handle it internally for $6 to $7 million.

Henze reminded the council that the state still says replacement is a no-starter at this time. Hinchliffe hoped the state would change the rules to allow a municipality to take the lead on bridge replacements.

The council approved Resolution 2026-803, updating the 6-year Transportation Plan.

The council discussed Resolution 804, which would award the reservoir overflow meter project to Sharpe & Preszler. The city must install this meter to comply with state water laws.

An audience member questioned if the project went out to bid and why the costs were so high. He claimed he could find water meters for $4,000, compared to the city’s $24,000 budget. 

Hinchliffe explained no competitive bid was required; the city can solicit bids from established contractors. The project budget reflects engineers’ estimates and actual costs.

The council approved Resolution 2026-804, awarding the contract to Sharpe & Preszler.

After a brief discussion, the council passed Resolution 2026-805, authorizing the city to reimburse residents for pool passes to the Walla Walla Memorial Pool.

In unfinished business, the council discussed proposed updates to the municipal code. Ordinance 1102 includes a $3/month increase in water and sewer rates, separate utility charges for ADUs, and updated costs and services for new hookups. 

The utility rate increase is to help fund the city’s debt service for waterline improvements. Customers will pay an additional $3 per month, effective immediately, and another $3 per month from January 2027, in addition to annual Consumer Price Index adjustments.

The ordinance classifies ADUs as separate utility users, requiring a monthly residential utility charge for each, regardless of use. Owners may install a separate water meter for individual billing.

Ordinance 1103 amends residential parking and manufactured housing regulations. It revises the definition and restrictions for commercial or large motor vehicles parked in residential zones. An audience member challenged the parking restrictions for commercial vehicles, claiming that any vehicle under a loan contract is considered a “commercial vehicle” under Washington law. He said this was because the vehicles are owned by a bank or lending institution, making them “commercial.”

Under RCW 46.04.140, the state defines commercial vehicles as “Any vehicle the principal use of which is the transportation of commodities, merchandise, produce, freight, animals, or passengers for hire.” Financing is not used to classify vehicles as commercial.

Public comments addressed the weight of large vehicles and potential road damage. Hinchliffe noted city streets aren’t designed for high traffic or large commercial vehicles. 

The council approved Ordinance 1102, changing utility services and billing.

Ordinance 1103 was tabled, again, to give the council to time to refine definitions and weight classifications for heavy vehicles.

Hinchliffe informed the council that Jared Hawkins, set to become a District Court Judge, will no longer serve as city attorney. Hawkins merged with Ponte Law, LLC. Bryan Ponti will assume city work, but the council may consider hiring someone with more municipal law experience.