La Center public meetings in 2023
36 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular City Council
The City Council will review proposed updates to animal regulations and a budget amendment. The body is also considering several contracts and interlocal agreements, including updated court and jail rates for 2024.
- Ordinance 2023-06: Amending Animal Regulations
- Ordinance 2023-17: Budget Amendment
- Additional $11,800 for geotechnical investigation for the Pacific Highway Shared Use Path project
- 2024 Court & Jail Rates (including $190.01 per bed day for jail)
- Humane Society 2024-2026 Contract
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
City Council Retreat
The City Council is meeting for a retreat to discuss legislative priorities and the city's mission and vision. The agenda includes tours of the Community Center and City Hall. The council will also hold an executive session with legal counsel regarding potential litigation.
- Community Center Tour (1000 E 4th St)
- City Hall discussion (210 E 4th St)
- Legislative Priorities discussion
- Lobbying Presentation
- Executive session regarding potential litigation
Regular City Council
The City Council will meet to review a consent agenda including a C-TRAN interlocal agreement and a sewer easement. The meeting includes a school district update and an executive session to discuss potential litigation with legal counsel.
- C-TRAN Interlocal Agreement amendment to extend joint representation through December 31, 2028
- Public sanitary sewer easement involving JVV Investments, LLC, Chinookan, LLC, and other private grantors
- Mosquito Control District appointment
- La Center School District update presentation
- Payment of checks totaling $217,471.83 across four date groups (11/16, 11/17, 11/27, 12/1, 12/4)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is reviewing requirements for the 2025–2045 comprehensive plan update to comply with the Growth Management Act. The body will discuss a draft Housing Needs Assessment and Strategy and review updated work plans and schedules.
- Draft Housing Needs Assessment and Strategy (HNAS)
- Comprehensive Plan Update: Growth Management Act Requirements
- Comprehensive Plan Update: Work Plan & Schedule Update
- Election of officers
Regular City Council
The City Council will conduct a public hearing and consider the adoption of Ordinance 2023-16 regarding the city budget. The meeting also includes reviews of 2024 legislative priorities and various staff reports.
- Public hearing and adoption of Ordinance 2023-16 (Budget Adoption)
- Approval of checks payable totaling $242,182.92
- Discussion of 2024 Legislative Priorities, including $250,000 for Wheel Club Community Center improvements
- Review of Pacific Highway Multi-modal Pathway project ($3.5M total cost)
- Municipal Court Interlocal Agreement
Regular City Council
The City Council will receive a presentation on the proposed 2024 budget. The body is also considering an interlocal agreement with Clark County and other cities for cooperative climate planning.
- 2024 Proposed Budget presentation
- Interlocal Agreement for cooperative climate planning with Clark County and five other cities
- Payment of checks totaling $35,656.77 (10/30), $21,006.00 (10/31), and $64,211.12 (11/01)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Work Session & Regular City Council
The City Council will hold a work session on homelessness and solid waste management before its regular meeting. The council is scheduled to consider ordinances regarding ad valorem taxes, the annual comprehensive plan, and density codes.
- Ordinance 2023-15 regarding Ad Valorem Taxes and Public Hearing
- Ordinance 2023-18 to amend the Annual Comprehensive Plan
- Ordinance 2023-13 to amend the MDR 16 Density Code
- Interlocal agreements for Solid Waste Management Plan and Recycle Contract
- Presentation from Council for the Homeless regarding daytime camping bans
Regular City Council
The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding the 2024 preliminary budget. The body will also consider a contract with Ardurra Group, Inc. for on-call funding assistance.
- Public hearing for the 2024 Preliminary Budget
- Ardurra Group, Inc. contract for on-call funding assistance
- Payment of checks totaling $26,480.69 (9/28), $14,004.00 (10/1), $60,248.60 (10/2), and $177,469.81 (10/6)
- Retirement badge presentation for Chris Olsen
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular City Council
The City Council will discuss updates to animal and camping regulations and consider three ordinances regarding FEMA critical areas and density codes. The body is also reviewing several infrastructure contracts and project designs.
- Ordinance 2023-12: Amending Critical Areas FEMA Code
- Ordinance 2023-13: Amending MDR 16 Density Code
- Ordinance 2023-14: Amending LDR 7.5 Front Setback Code
- Contract award to Odyssey Contracting LLC for $25,853.38 for Pipe and Actuator Valve Installation
- Design contract with DJ&A for $133,484.03 for Systemic Horizontal Curve and Roadway Departure project
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Work Session & Regular City Council
The City Council is holding a work session to discuss updated FEMA flood insurance rate maps and the 2024 Capital Budget. The body is also considering an annexation resolution and several management agreements for city infrastructure.
- Resolution 2023-471 regarding the Barnhart Annexation
- 2024 Capital Budget presentation
- iWorQ Capital Asset Sidewalk Management Agreement
- iWorQ Sidewalk, Sewer & Storm Water Management Agreement
- CFM Contract and Amendment to Urban County Cooperation Agreement
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is conducting public hearings to update density transfer codes for MDR-16 and LDR-7.5 residential zones. The body will also discuss updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance regarding FEMA codes.
- Public hearing on MDR 16 Density Transfer Code Update
- Public hearing on LDR 7.5 Front Setback Code Update
- Public hearing on Critical Areas Ordinance FEMA Code Updates
- Proposed increase of LDR-7.5 lot size flexibility from 10% to 20% for lots as small as 6,000 square feet
- Proposed increase of multifamily net density in MDR-16 from 14 to 16 units per acre
Regular City Council
The City Council will discuss annual Comprehensive Plan map and text amendments for seven parcels. The body is also considering a consulting agreement for state legislative advocacy.
- Proposed lobbying contract with Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Relations for $3,000 per month ($36,000 total)
- Annual Comprehensive Plan updates involving 7 parcels under 5 different ownerships
- Resolution 474 regarding Larch Corrections Center
- Proposed text amendment to the Comprehensive Plan regarding density ranges for critical areas
- La Center School District and CCFR updates
Regular City Council
The City Council will meet to discuss a proposed legislative advocacy agreement and review city expenditures. The meeting includes an executive session to plan for collective bargaining negotiations.
- Proposed consulting agreement with Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Relations for $3,000 per month ($36,000 total)
- Review of checks payable totaling $19,837.16 for July 28 and $64,825.18 for August 1
- Executive session regarding collective bargaining negotiations planning
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will conduct public hearings regarding annual Comprehensive Plan updates and specific zoning code changes. The body is reviewing proposed map and text amendments to align land use designations with existing or future uses.
- Annual Comprehensive Plan Updates for 7 parcels under 5 different ownerships
- LDR-7.5 Front Setback Code Update
- MDR-16 Density Code Update
- Proposed text amendment to clarify density ranges for MDR-16, R/P, and MX zoning districts
- Rezoning of 3 parcels from LDR 7.5 to Residential Professional (RP)
Regular City Council
The City Council will discuss police service options and hear public comments on the matter. The body is also considering a contract amendment for the Community Center kitchen remodel. Additionally, the council will review a Hazard Mitigation Plan resolution.
- Proposed $5,500 contract amendment for Collins Architecture/JWA Architects for Community Center kitchen design
- Resolution 23-469 regarding the Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Discussion and public comment regarding police services and coverage proposals
- 1st and 2nd Quarter Financial Presentation
- Payment of checks totaling $172,468.45 (7/14) and $28,025.31 (7/21)
Work Session & Regular City Council
The City Council will hold a work session to review a proposal from the Cowlitz Indian Tribal Public Safety Department to provide 24/7 police coverage. The council will also consider a resolution regarding the Stephens Hillside Development.
- Cowlitz Indian Tribal Police services proposal with a 2024 annual cost of $1,124,817.49
- Resolution 2023-473 regarding Stephens Hillside Development
- Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue presentation
- Approval of checks payable totaling $133,039.42 (dated 6/29 through 7/2)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is reviewing mandatory updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance to comply with FEMA's updated Flood Insurance Rate Map panels. These changes affect frequently flooded areas, specifically the lower reaches of Brezee Creek, and must be adopted by October 25, 2023.
- Critical Areas Ordinance FEMA Code Update
- Annual Comprehensive Plan Update
- Proposed new definitions for 'Base Flood Elevation' and 'Floodplain administrator'
- Proposed amendments to LCMC 18.300.090 regarding special flood hazard areas
- Review of updated FIRM maps for Brezee Creek
Work Session & Regular City Council
The City Council is reviewing a proposed partnership with the Clark County Sheriff's Office to provide law enforcement services. The body is also considering code updates for family day cares and manufactured homes.
- Proposed CCSO contract with $1,155,000 in start-up costs and $1,496,800 in 2024 ongoing costs
- Ordinance 2023-05: Family Day Cares Code Update
- Ordinance 2023-11: Manufactured Homes Code Update
- Recycle Contract staff report presentation
- Cowlitz Tribal Transportation Facility Inventory Letter of Acknowledgement
Work Session & Regular City Council
The City Council is reviewing a feasibility study regarding the City of Ridgefield providing police services for La Center. The body is also considering ordinances related to illicit discharge and drug possession, and interviewing applicants for a City Council position.
- Ridgefield Police Services Study presentation
- Ordinance 2023-08 Illicit Discharge Code
- Ordinance 2023-10 Drug Possession
- Contracts for HSI Safety Skills, CCFR Lease, Ogden Murphy Wallace Legal Services, and Animal Control
- Interviews for City Council position #4
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is discussing updates to the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan and several municipal code updates. The body is reviewing changes to critical areas, medium density residential zoning, and low density residential setbacks.
- Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan Update
- Critical Areas Ordinance Code Update
- Medium Density Residential 16 Code Update
- Low Density Residential 7.5 Setback Code Update
- Code Work Groups discussion
Work Session & Regular City Council
The City Council held a work session to review proposed code updates for manufactured homes and family day care providers to comply with the Washington Growth Management Act. The council also received an annual update from the Commission on Aging and a first look at the Illicit Discharge Code.
- Proposed code changes to allow family day care providers in residential and commercial zones
- Proposed updates to allow manufactured homes in zones where site-built single-family housing is permitted
- Proposal to prohibit mobile homes city-wide
- Review of CCFR Lease on the consent agenda
- Presentation on the Illicit Discharge Code
Work Session & Regular City Council
The City Council will hold a work session to designate potential vending areas on city-owned property. The regular meeting includes decisions on a lease contract, user charge collections, and filling a council vacancy.
- WHY Racing Lease Contract for office space at 210 E 4th Street ($1,867 per month)
- Ordinance 2023-07 regarding Collection of User Charges
- Resolution 23-470 for Surplus Property-Vehicles
- Resolution 23-472 to name the Gregory L. Thornton Municipal Building
- Appointment of Mayor Pro Tempore and process to fill council vacancy
Planning Commission & Work Session
The Planning Commission is holding a work session to discuss updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance regarding wetlands and Medium Density Residential (MDR-16) code. The body will also hold public hearings on code updates for manufactured homes and family day cares.
- Critical Areas Ordinance update focusing on wetland buffer options and mitigation ratios
- Medium Density Residential (MDR-16) Code Update
- Public hearing: Family Day Cares Code Update
- Public hearing: Manufactured Homes Code Update
Work Session & Regular City Council
The City Council will decide on the appointment of a mayor from within the existing council. The meeting also includes a work session to discuss a recycling contract and a vote on a city parks ordinance.
- Appointment of Mayor
- Ordinance 2023-09 City Parks
- La Center Little League Recreational Facilities Agreement
- Contract Award for Planned Action Area
- Recycling Contract presentation
Regular City Council
The City Council is meeting to discuss the appointment process and appointment of a new mayor following a resignation. The body will also review a staff report regarding the award of the Bolen Road contract and receive presentations on transit and park codes.
- Award of Bolen Road Contract
- Park Code Update presentation to prohibit smoking, vaping, archery, and fireworks
- C-TRAN presentation on on-demand transit and Route 48 service expansion to Ilani
- Discussion on the appointment process and appointment of Mayor
- Payment of 51 checks totaling $319,536.96 dated 4/6/2023
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is meeting to discuss updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance to ensure consistency with state mandates and best available science. The body will also review the Comprehensive Plan Work Plan update.
- Critical Areas Code Update regarding aquifer recharge, fish and wildlife habitat, floodplains, geologically hazardous areas, and wetlands
- Comprehensive Plan Work Plan Update
- Community Development Staff Report
Work Session & Regular City Council
The City Council will discuss a proposal to authorize a design contract with HHPR, Inc. for a 1,600-foot paved path on Pacific Highway. The meeting also includes a work session on mission and strategy and a 2022 financial presentation.
- Proposed design contract with HHPR, Inc. for $268,098
- Pacific Highway Shared Use Path Project design (1,600 linear feet)
- 2022 end-of-year financial presentation
- National Telecommunicators' Week Proclamation
- Checks payable totaling $149,332.01 ($88,500.00 and $60,832.01)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is reviewing proposed amendments to the La Center Municipal Code regarding family day care homes and manufactured homes. These updates aim to ensure consistency with Washington State mandates.
- Proposed code updates for Family Day Cares to align with RCW 36.70A.450
- Proposed Manufactured Homes code updates
- Discussion on permitting family day cares in apartments and residential zones
- Review of state licensing requirements for indoor and outdoor early learning spaces
Regular City Council
The City Council will meet to discuss city business, including a presentation on senior property tax programs and updates from the local school district and fire district. The council is scheduled to consider an ordinance regarding the Street Fund.
- Ordinance 2023-01 Street Fund
- Assessor's Office presentation on Senior Property Tax Program
- La Center School District update from Peter Rosenkranz
- Clark/Cowlitz Fire District 5 update from Chief Peeler
- Proclamation of March 2023 as Red Cross Month
Work Session & Regular City Council
The City Council and Planning Commission are holding a joint work session to kick off the 2025 Comprehensive Plan periodic update. This state-mandated process will guide future land use, housing, and development through June 30, 2025.
- Ordinance 2023-03: Amending the Skateboarding Code
- Comprehensive Plan update schedule including five joint work sessions through November 2024
- Clark County Jail Addendum
- Columbian Legals Contract
- Proposed public involvement plan featuring two open houses in October 2023 and November 2024
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is meeting to review proposed updates to the municipal code regarding family day cares and manufactured homes. The body will also receive a presentation on the Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Plan.
- Family Day Cares Code Update
- Manufactured Homes Code Update
- Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Plan Presentation
- Public comment from Krystal Garcia regarding senior housing
Work Session & Regular City Council
The City Council will hold a work session to develop strategic priorities, key objectives, and initiatives for 2023-2028. The regular meeting includes reviews of city ordinances and financial reports.
- Ordinance 2023-03 regarding skateboarding
- Ordinance 2023-04 regarding petty cash funds
- Review of checks payable totaling $256,268.51 across three dates
- Presentation on Vision, Mission and Strategy
Regular City Council
The City Council will discuss awarding a contract to Lee Contractors for a kitchen remodel and parking lot repairs at the Community Center. The body will also consider an ordinance and resolution regarding low-income user rates.
- Bid award to Lee Contractors for $667,335.76 for Community Center parking lot and kitchen projects
- Ordinance 2023-02 amending 3.36.070 Low-Income Users
- Resolution 467 regarding Low Income Qualifications
- Review of checks payable totaling $391,703.86 (1/12/2023) and $28,849.82 (1/17/2023)
Regular City Council
The City Council will discuss a sinkhole emergency declaration and a street fund ordinance. The meeting also includes a review of several professional services agreements and a proclamation for School Choice Week.
- Resolution 468 - Sinkhole Emergency Declaration
- Ordinance 2023-01 Street Fund
- Professional Services Agreements for Johansson Wing Architects, Joe Turner, Knapp, O'Dell & MacPherson, and Halverson
- Proclamation for La Center School Choice Week
- Review of checks payable totaling $287,744.47 across five date ranges
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is reviewing state population projections for Clark County and preliminary residential land needs for La Center. The body is also preparing for a joint work session with the City Council to coordinate the 2025 Comprehensive Plan periodic update.
- Review of Clark County population projections (low, middle, and high scenarios through 2050)
- Preliminary estimate of residential land needs through 2045
- Discussion of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan periodic update work plan and schedule
- Review of the Public Input and Communications Plan (PICP)
- Planning for a joint work session with City Council targeted for February 22
City Council Retreat
The City Council is meeting for a retreat to discuss vision, strategy, and economic development. The agenda states that no council actions will be taken and there will be no opportunities for public comment.
- Discussion on Vision and Strategy
- Discussion on Economic Development
- Discussion regarding LCPD/Ridgefield PD