The Boring PartsFederalLocal · USLocal · Canada
Castle Rock, WA

Castle Rock public meetings in 2024

37 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 17, 2024 · 18:00

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to continue public hearing on Critical Areas Ordinance

The Planning Commission is reopening a public hearing to discuss the draft Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) and the accompanying Draft CAO Manual. The body will also introduce a new commissioner and a planner.

zoningordinanceenvironmentpublic-hearing
✓ Decided: Planning Commission closes CAO public comment, delays ordinance

The Castle Rock Planning Commission voted unanimously to close public comment on the draft Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) until a later date, while staff reviews comments from Fish and Wildlife, Ecological Land Services, and the public. The commission discussed the ordinance, including a request to define density transfer, and agreed to hold officer elections in January 2025. No final decision on the CAO was made.

222 2nd Ave SW, Castle Rock
Tue Dec 17, 2024 · 18:00

Planning Commission

Planning Commission reopens public hearing on Draft Critical Areas Ordinance

The Castle Rock Planning Commission will continue its public hearing on the Draft Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) and the Draft CAO Manual. Commissioners will discuss the draft documents and accept public comment. The meeting also includes routine items such as approving previous minutes and introducing new staff.

planningcritical-areasordinancepublic-hearingzoning
✓ Decided: Planning Commission closes CAO public comment, delays ordinance

The Castle Rock Planning Commission voted unanimously to close public comment on the draft Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) until a later date, allowing staff to review comments from Fish and Wildlife, Ecological Land Services, and the public. The commission discussed the draft CAO and manual, including a request for a definition of density transfer, and agreed to hold officer elections in January 2025. No final decision on the ordinance was made.

222 2nd Ave SW, Castle Rock
Mon Dec 9, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

Council considers water main contracts and animal shelter services

The City Council will review several infrastructure project awards and a service contract for animal shelter services. The body is also considering a request to provide assistance to stray cats and kittens in downtown Castle Rock.

water-infrastructureanimal-servicespedestrian-improvementscontractsbudget
✓ Decided: Council approves animal shelter contract, water projects, trail negotiations

The Castle Rock City Council approved a $12,230 animal shelter services contract with the Humane Society of Cowlitz County for 2025, authorized the police chief to sign it, and tabled a request to assist stray cats downtown pending further research. The council also approved negotiating a contract with Gibbs & Olson for the Six Rivers Regional Trail Phase 2 and citywide pedestrian improvements, and awarded two water main projects: $36,695.04 to H.D. Fowler for Hibbard Street SW and $167,245.00 to Rognlin's, Inc. for Powell Rd HDD Waterline. The December 23, 2024 regular meeting was cancelled.

Mon Nov 25, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

Council considers 2025 city budget and rate increases on second reading

The Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget and capital facilities plan, which includes a 3% increase for water and sewer rates and a 4% increase for stormwater rates. Several budget-related ordinances will be taken up on second reading, including amendments to FY2024 appropriations, stormwater service charges, retail water sales, and the adoption of the FY2025 city budget and the transportation benefit district budget. The meeting also includes approval of a special event permit for the Festival of Lights with specified street closures.

budgetwater-ratessewer-ratesstormwaterordinancespecial-event
Mon Nov 25, 2024 · 19:00

General

Castle Rock TBD to review 2025 budget and $164,280.31 in invoices

The Transportation Benefit District is meeting to approve the 2025 proposed budget and capital projects. The board will also review invoices totaling $164,280.31 and discuss the status of 2024 chip seal and sidewalk projects.

budgetroadsinfrastructuretransportationsidewalks
Tue Nov 19, 2024 · 18:00

Planning Commission

Public hearing on Critical Areas Ordinance with no action taken

The Castle Rock Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Critical Areas Ordinance, with staff reporting and public comment, but no action will be taken at this meeting. The commission will also discuss the draft Critical Areas Ordinance and the accompanying draft Critical Areas Manual. The meeting includes introductions of incoming Planning Commissioner Robert Frazier and Planner Kirsten Peterson.

critical-areasplanningpublic-hearingordinancecity-government
222 2nd Ave SW, Castle Rock
Tue Nov 12, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

City Council to hold public hearing on water, sewer, and stormwater rate increases

The Castle Rock City Council will hold a public hearing on proposed water, sewer, and stormwater rate increases for fiscal year 2025. The meeting agenda includes approving invoices, reviewing a capital facility plan, and setting a special meeting for November 25.

budgetwatersewerstormwaterratespublic-hearingcapital-facilities
Mon Oct 28, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

City Council sets 2025 tax levy and reviews waterline projects

The Castle Rock City Council will consider fixing the amount to be raised by property taxes for the 2025 budget and review the completion of the Exit 48 waterline and sewer projects. The meeting also includes a request to cancel a $708,000 recreation grant and an interlocal agreement with Cowlitz County for building inspections.

budgettaxeswatersewercontractsgrantscouncil
Mon Oct 28, 2024 · 18:00

City Council

City Council workshop to review the FY 2025 proposed budget

The council will hold a workshop to discuss the proposed budget for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. The agenda lists revenue projections, expenditures, capital projects, utility rates, and wages as topics for consideration.

budgetfinancecity-councilworkshopfiscal-year-2025
Wed Oct 23, 2024 · 15:30

General

Regional Utility Board to review FY2025 budget and water fee increases

The Regional Utility Board will review and potentially approve the Fiscal Year 2025 budget for the Regional Water Utility Service. The board is also considering increases to water connection fees and reserve contributions.

water-utilitybudgetfeesinfrastructure
Tue Oct 15, 2024 · 18:00

Planning Commission

Commission will review the draft Critical Areas Ordinance

The Castle Rock Planning Commission will hold its regular meeting to consider old business items, including a progress update on regulating food trucks, food carts, and other temporary food vendors, and a review of the draft Critical Areas Ordinance. The meeting will also cover standard agenda items such as call to order, approval of September 17, 2024 minutes, public comment, reports, and any new business that may arise. No specific new business items are listed on the agenda.

planningzoningfood-trucksordinance
222 2nd Ave SW, Castle Rock
Mon Oct 14, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

City Council to hold public hearing on 2025 property tax revenues

The City Council will review estimated revenue sources for the 2025 General Fund budget and consider property tax increases. The body is also reviewing a stormwater grant and a special event permit for a community festival.

budgettaxesstormwaterpublic-worksevents
Mon Sep 23, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

Council considers right-of-way vacation and $15,000 recreation funding request

The City Council will hold a public hearing and consider an ordinance to vacate an unnamed right-of-way near Cowlitz Street East and Allen Avenue Southeast. The body will also review a funding request for paving improvements and discuss water use efficiency goals.

zoninginfrastructurebudgetwater-managementpublic-works
Tue Sep 17, 2024 · 18:00

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to discuss food vendor regulations and critical areas

The Planning Commission will review progress on regulating food trucks and temporary food vendors. The body will also receive reports on the upcoming Critical Areas Ordinance and municipal review exemptions for master planned communities.

zoningfood-truckscritical-areas-ordinancemaster-planned-communities
✓ Decided: Planning Commission advances food truck rules, hears CAO update

The Castle Rock Planning Commission discussed but did not finalize changes to food truck and temporary food vendor regulations, focusing on whether vendors should be allowed at sporting events when concession stands are closed. They agreed to seek input from a local committee before adding language that would permit vendors while prioritizing on-site concessions. The commission also received updates on the drafted Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), which is next headed for state environmental review, and an introduction to municipal review exemptions for master planned communities. No formal decisions were made on these items.

Mon Sep 9, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

Council to approve $726,878 invoices and consider $30k bridge lighting funding

The Castle Rock City Council will vote to approve the August 2024 invoices totaling $726,878.43. The council will consider a request for out‑of‑state travel for Public Works Director Dave Vorse, Senior Operator Tyler Stone, and Maintenance Paul McCarty to attend the America in Bloom Symposium in Columbus, Ohio, September 25‑29, 2024. The council will also review a request for $30,000 from the Transportation Benefit District to fund electrical conduits and junction boxes for lighting on the SR 411 Bridge. Additional routine reports and proclamations are on the agenda.

financetransportationtravelpublic-workscity-council
✓ Decided: Council approves $30K for SR 411 Bridge lighting

The Castle Rock City Council approved $30,000 in Transportation Benefit District funds for WSDOT to install electrical conduits and junction boxes for lighting on the SR 411 Bridge. They also approved out-of-state travel for three Public Works staff to attend the America in Bloom Symposium in Columbus, Ohio. The consent agenda, including August invoices of $726,878.43, was approved unanimously. All votes were 4-0 with Councilmember Simonsen absent.

Mon Aug 26, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

Council considers right-of-way vacation and waterline easement

The City Council will discuss a proposal to rename a boat launch access road and approve a sign design. The body is also considering a waterline easement agreement and a resolution to set a public hearing for a right-of-way vacation.

roadsutilitiespublic-workszoning
✓ Decided: Council approves renaming boat launch road to North County Drive

The Castle Rock City Council unanimously approved renaming the Al Helenberg Memorial Boat Launch access road to 'North County Drive' and approved the 'City of Smiles' sign design with an amendment changing the year from 1890 to 1852. They also approved a waterline easement agreement with Steven and Serena Swanson, and passed Resolution No. 2024-07 to schedule a public hearing on vacating an unnamed right-of-way. The consent agenda, including the August 12 minutes, was approved.

Tue Aug 20, 2024 · 18:00

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to discuss mobile food vendor rules

The Castle Rock Planning Commission will convene to approve minutes from the July 16 meeting and discuss a draft ordinance regarding mobile food vendors. The meeting will be held at the Castle Rock Senior Center.

planningfoodzoningcommissionagenda
✓ Decided: Planning Commission discusses mobile food vendor code, no final vote

The Castle Rock Planning Commission held a discussion-only meeting on the draft mobile food vendor code (17.48.160), reaching consensus on several points but taking no formal votes. The commission agreed to a maximum stay for vendors, service hours of 7:00 am to 10:00 pm (with prep/cleanup allowed outside those hours), and an administrative extension option. They also accepted suggested language for ice cream truck exemptions and discussed regulating non-food vendors like farmers' markets. No decisions were finalized; the item remains in draft.

222 2nd Ave SW, Castle Rock
Mon Aug 12, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

Council to review Mountain Mania Car Show street closures

The City Council will consider a special event permit for the Mountain Mania Car Show on August 17, 2024. The body will also review July 2024 invoices and meeting minutes.

eventsstreet-closuresbudget
✓ Decided: Council approves Mountain Mania Car Show permit and skate park musical structures

The Castle Rock City Council approved Special Event Permit #2024-0008 for the Mountain Mania Car Show on August 17, 2024, after receiving the required insurance. The council also approved by consensus the installation of two musical play structures (glockenspiel and drum beats) at the Skate Park, as requested by the Street Art Committee. The consent agenda, including minutes and July invoices totaling $598,001.80, was approved unanimously.

Mon Jul 22, 2024 · 18:00

City Council

City Council to discuss 2025 budget priorities in workshop

The Castle Rock City Council will hold a special workshop meeting to discuss the 2025 budget, including projects and capital assets. This is a non-voting workshop session, not a formal decision-making meeting.

budgetcapital-projectsworkshopcity-councilcastle-rock
✓ Decided: Council discusses 2025 budget, library future, and tree issues

The Castle Rock City Council held a pre-budget workshop to discuss the 2025 budget, covering pedestrian safety, sewer repairs, and a new police officer position. They also discussed the future of the library, noting the levy failed eight times, and considered using $15,000 of lodging tax for CRCDA. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was for discussion only.

Mon Jul 22, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

City Council to vote on 2025 road and sidewalk funding applications

The Castle Rock City Council will review and likely approve multiple funding applications for 2025 road and sidewalk projects, including chip seal coating, ADA improvements, and sidewalk construction. The meeting will also consider street name changes and special event permits for Mountain Mania events.

road-maintenancesidewalk-constructionfunding-applicationsstreet-namingspecial-events
✓ Decided: Council approves 5 TIB funding applications and 4 street naming actions

The Castle Rock City Council approved five Transportation Improvement Board funding applications for road and sidewalk projects, including the 2025 Chip Seal Coat, ADA Improvements, Jackson St Sidewalk, and Pleasant Hill Road Full-Depth Reclamation projects. The council also approved naming Lion's Pride Park access road as 'Lions Loop', a street section as 'Jackson St NW', and a private road as 'Pioneer Lane NE'. A special event permit for the Mountain Mania Car Show was tabled until the next meeting.

Tue Jul 16, 2024 · 18:00

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to discuss regulating food trucks and temporary vendors

The Castle Rock Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to approve past minutes, allow public comment, and discuss a proposal to regulate food trucks, food carts, and other temporary food vendors. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.

zoningfood-vendorspublic-healthplanning-commissiontemporary-use
222 2nd Ave SW, Castle Rock
Mon Jul 8, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

Castle Rock Council to discuss 2025 budget workshop and parade street closures

The City Council will review June 2024 invoices totaling $333,577.76. The agenda includes a special event permit for the Castle Rock Fair Parade on July 18, 2024, which involves several street closures. Additionally, the council will request a workshop date to discuss the 2025 budget and capital assets.

budgeteventsfinancestreets
Mon Jun 24, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

Public hearing on the City's Six-Year Transportation Plan for 2025-2030

The Council will hold a public hearing regarding the Six-Year Transportation Plan for fiscal years 2025-2030. The agenda also includes discussion of network upgrade costs and a software agreement amendment. A ribbon cutting for the SR 411 Bridge is scheduled for June 27th.

transportationinfrastructurebudgettechnologypublic-hearing
Tue Jun 18, 2024 · 18:00

Planning Commission

Presentation on updates to Title 17

The Planning Commission will hear a presentation regarding updates to Title 17. The agenda also includes standard procedural items such as approval of minutes and public comment.

zoningcode-updatesplanning
222 2nd Ave SW, Castle Rock
Mon Jun 10, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

Castle Rock City Council to approve May 2024 invoices totaling $473,347.57

The City Council will review department reports and approve May 2024 invoices. The agenda also includes a presentation on metropolitan planning expansion and the swearing-in of Officer Kristopher Rust.

policebudgetplanningpublic-works
Tue May 28, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

Council considers rezoning 10 acres to low density residential

The City Council will hold second readings for ordinances to change land use and zoning for 10 acres of land. The body is also reviewing agreements for tourism funding, law enforcement records, and legal services.

zoningtourismpublic-safetycontractsland-use
Mon May 13, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

Council considers sewer and waterline project funding and zoning changes

The City Council will discuss funding for the Exit 48 Waterline Extension and Citywide Pedestrian Improvements. The body is also considering ordinances to rezone 10 acres of land from commercial/highway business to low density residential.

zoningsewerwater-infrastructurepedestrian-improvementsbudget
Tue Apr 16, 2024 · 18:00

Planning Commission

Planning Commission holds public hearings on moratorium rules and Ribelin rezone

The Castle Rock Planning Commission will conduct public hearings on draft regulations regarding a moratorium on legal nonconforming lots. The body will also hear a request for a comprehensive plan amendment and rezone for the Ribelin property. Additionally, the commission will approve minutes from previous meetings and receive reports from city staff.

zoningplanningpublic-hearingland-use
Mon Apr 8, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

Council approves $1.06M in March invoices and new clerk job descriptions

The Castle Rock City Council will approve March 2024 invoices totaling $1,058,545.29 and review amended job descriptions for Deputy Clerk I and II, along with a new Lead Deputy Clerk position. The agenda includes standard department reports from the City Attorney, Police Chief, Public Works Director, City Engineer, and Clerk-Treasurer. No specific public hearings, rezonings, or major contracts are listed on the agenda.

budgetpersonneladministration
Tue Mar 19, 2024 · 18:00

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to introduce Ribelin Comprehensive Plan Amendment

The Planning Commission will meet to introduce a Comprehensive Plan Amendment application for Ribelin. The body will also introduce Planner Reese McMichael of SCJ Alliance.

planningcomprehensive-planland-use
222 2nd Ave SW, Castle Rock
Mon Mar 11, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

Council considers extending moratorium on nonconforming residential lot permits

The City Council will discuss renewing a moratorium on permit applications for nonconforming residential lots and review draft regulations for such lots. The body is also deciding on several contracts, fee changes, and event sponsorships.

zoningpolicebudgetpublic-recordscontracts
Mon Feb 26, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

Council considers extending moratorium on nonconforming residential lot permits

The City Council will hold a public hearing and discuss Ordinance No. 2024-02 to extend a six-month moratorium on permit applications for nonconforming lots in residential zones. The body will also review draft regulations for these lots and consider a telecommunications franchise for Astound Broadband, LLC.

zoningresidentialtelecommunicationsinfrastructurepublic-works
Mon Feb 12, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

Council considers broadband franchise and police hiring bonuses

The City Council will review a telecommunications franchise for Astound Broadband and a proposed signing bonus for entry-level police officers. The body is also considering a grant agreement for the Six Rivers Regional Trail System Phase 2.

broadbandpolicetransportationbudgetinfrastructure
Wed Jan 24, 2024 · 18:00

City Council

Council to consider development agreement for Landing on the Cowlitz project

The Castle Rock City Council will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution to approve a development agreement for the Landing on the Cowlitz Master Planned Mixed Use Development. The meeting includes only this substantive item, along with routine procedural matters.

development-agreementmixed-usepublic-hearingcity-council
Mon Jan 22, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

Council to swear in new member, name boat launch road

The Castle Rock City Council will administer the oath to newly elected Councilmember Paul Simonsen, consider appointing Councilmember Lee Kessler as Mayor Pro-Tem, and discuss declaring a 2016 Snorkel AB50JK as surplus. They will also consider naming the Al Helenberg Memorial Boat Launch access road and approve December 2023 invoices totaling $27,113.58.

councilappointmentssurplus-equipmentroad-naminginvoices
Tue Jan 16, 2024 · 18:00

City Council

Council considers development agreement for Landing on the Cowlitz project

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding a proposed development agreement for the Landing on the Cowlitz Master Planned Mixed Use Development. The council is also considering Resolution No. 2024-03 to authorize the execution of this agreement.

developmentmixed-usezoningland-use
Mon Jan 8, 2024 · 19:30

City Council

Castle Rock City Council to swear in newly elected officials

The City Council will administer oaths of office to the Mayor and three Council members. The body will also consider resolutions regarding employee sick leave transfers and the sale of dredge spoils.

electionspersonnelbudgetpublic-works