Cosmopolis public meetings in 2025

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

The Cosmopolis City Council will hold a special meeting to consider and act on authorization to apply for a Historic Cemetery Grant through the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. The agenda contains a single item: a vote to approve submission of the grant application.

• Vote to approve submission of application for The Historic Cemetery Grant (Washington Trust for Historic Preservation)

The city council unanimously authorized the mayor to apply for a Historic Cemetery Grant from the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. The grant would fund roof replacement, windows, doors, paint, and a kiosk at the cemetery.

• Approved application for Historic Cemetery Grant up to $50,000 (unanimous)

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

The council will hear an update on the River’s Edge Waterfront Townhomes project and discuss proposed fees for residential sewer and water connections. Later, the council will vote on Resolution 2025-16 for sewer connection fees and Resolution 2025-17 for water connection fees.

• Update on River’s Edge Waterfront Townhomes project – Kellie Daniels
• Discussion of proposed fees for residential sewer and water connections – Bill Sidor
• Vote on Resolution 2025-16 Sewer Connection Fees Residential
• Vote on Resolution 2025-17 Water Connection Fees Residential

The Council approved updated connection fees for residential water and sewer services. They also authorized the surplus of Police Department items, granting Chief Layman authority to manage the process before the department transitions to a contract with Aberdeen Police.

• Approved Resolution 2025-16 Residential Sewer Connection Fees (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2025-17 Residential Water Connection Fees (unanimous)
• Approved surplus of Police Department items and granted Chief Layman authority (unanimous)

REGULAR COUNCIL/PUBLIC HEARING FINAL BUDGET

The Cosmopolis City Council will hold a public hearing on the preliminary budget and vote on adopting Budget Ordinance 1402. They will also vote on a police services contract with the City of Aberdeen. The meeting includes reports, consent agenda, and public comment periods.

• Public hearing on final budget
• Vote to adopt Budget Ordinance 1402
• Vote to approve City of Aberdeen Police Services Contract
• Consent agenda: claims vouchers and meeting minutes from November 19, 2025
• Committee reports: Auditing, Finance, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works

The council held a public hearing on the final budget with no public comments. It then unanimously adopted Budget Ordinance 1402 and approved a police services contract with the City of Aberdeen, which will include transfer of police reserves and vehicles. The council also approved the final submission of a Periodic Update Grant for comprehensive planning.

• Adopted Budget Ordinance 1402 (unanimous)
• Approved City of Aberdeen Police Services Contract (unanimous)
• Approved final submission of Periodic Update Grant for comprehensive planning (unanimous)

REGULAR COUNCIL/PUBLIC HEARING FINAL BUDGET

The Cosmopolis City Council will hold a public hearing on the final 2026 budget and consider adoption of a property tax ordinance (Ordinance 1401). The council will also take first reading of the 2026 budget ordinance and vote on a resolution setting plumbing permit fees. A police services contract proposal from the Aberdeen Police Department will be discussed.

• Public hearing on final 2026 budget
• Second reading and adoption of Property Tax Ordinance 1401
• First reading of 2026 budget ordinance
• Resolution 2025-15 setting plumbing permit fees
• Aberdeen Police Department police services contract proposal

The Cosmopolis City Council unanimously adopted Property Tax Ordinance 1401 and approved Resolution 2025-15 updating plumbing permit fees. A public hearing on the final budget drew no comments. The first reading of the 2026 Budget Ordinance was presented but not voted on. The Aberdeen Police Services contract remains under attorney review.

• Adopted Property Tax Ordinance 1401 (unanimous)
• Approved Plumbing Permit Fees Resolution 2025-15 (unanimous)
• Held public hearing on final budget – no comments
• First reading of 2026 Budget Ordinance (no vote)
• Received update on Aberdeen Police Services contract – still with attorneys

WORKSHOP/REGULAR COUNCIL/PUBLIC HEARING PRELIMINARY BUDGET

The Cosmopolis City Council will hold a public hearing on the preliminary budget for 2025, followed by a second reading of Ordinance 1400 (Budget Amendment #1) and discussion of the preliminary budget. They will also consider a police services contract proposal from Aberdeen Police Department, a resolution establishing water and sewer connection fees for Rivers Edge Waterfront Townhomes, and a proposed increase to plumbing permit fees. Action items include votes on adopting the budget amendment, the resolution, and the fee increase.

• Public hearing on 2025 preliminary budget
• Second reading and vote on Ordinance 1400 – 2025 Budget Amendment #1
• Aberdeen Police Department police services contract proposal
• Resolution 2025-14 establishing water & sewer connection fees for Rivers Edge Waterfront Townhomes
• Proposed increase to plumbing permit fees

The Cosmopolis City Council unanimously approved Budget Amendment #1 for 2025. The council also approved Resolution 2025-14, which establishes water and sewer connection fees for the Rivers Edge Waterfront Townhomes project, in a 3-2 vote. The council took a first reading on a proposed 1% property tax levy increase for 2026 and discussed a contract to provide police services through the Aberdeen Police Department.

• Approved Budget Amendment #1 Ordinance 1400 unanimously
• Approved Resolution 2025-14 setting water and sewer connection fees for Rivers Edge Waterfront Townhomes (3-2)
• Took first reading on 1% property tax levy increase for 2026
• Discussed contract to provide police services via Aberdeen Police Department

WORKSHOP/REGULAR COUNCIL/PUBLIC HEARING REVENUE SOURCES

The council will hold a public hearing on revenue sources and review the 2026 preliminary budget. They will also consider first reading of a budget amendment, a FEMA grant for fire bunker gear, and a resolution setting water and sewer connection fees for Rivers Edge Waterfront Townhomes. Votes are scheduled on the FEMA grant and the resolution.

• Public hearing on revenue sources
• First reading of Ordinance 1400 – Budget Amendment #1 2025
• 2026 Preliminary Budget presentation by Tara Dunford
• Vote on FEMA grant for fire department bunker gear
• Vote on Resolution 2025-14 establishing water & sewer connection fees for Rivers Edge Waterfront Townhomes

The council voted to accept the $82,285.71 FEMA grant for new fire department bunker gear, with the motion passing unanimously. A resolution establishing water and sewer connection fees for the Rivers Edge Waterfront Townhomes was motioned to be tabled and will be reconsidered at a later meeting. The agenda and consent agenda were also approved unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Accepted $82,285.71 FEMA grant for fire department bunker gear (unanimous)
• Tabled Resolution 2025-14 establishing water & sewer connection fees (motion to table passed)

PLANNING COMMISSION

The Planning Commission will hear an update on the Parks Plan from Mayor Springer as new business. Old business includes discussion of a Mission/Vision Statement. The rest of the agenda consists of routine procedural items such as roll call, agenda approval, and minutes approval.

• Mayor Springer to give Parks Plan Update
• Discussion of Mission/Vision Statement

The Planning Commission approved a new Mission/Vision Statement and minutes from the previous meeting. The group discussed the Parks Plan and its timeline for completion.

• Approved September 8th, 2025 Planning Commission minutes
• Approved new Mission/Vision Statement for the Planning Commission
• Discussed Parks Plan updates and timeline for completion

BUDGET WORKSHOP & REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

The Cosmopolis City Council is meeting for a budget workshop followed by a regular council meeting. The agenda contains only routine consent items (claims vouchers, meeting minutes) and no new business for discussion or action. Committee reports and city official reports are postponed to the October 15 meeting. The meeting is largely procedural.

• Approval of consent agenda including claims vouchers
• Approval of meeting minutes from September 17, 2025

The Cosmopolis City Council held a budget workshop and regular meeting on October 1, 2025, but took no substantive actions. The only votes were procedural: excusing an absent councilmember, approving the agenda, and approving the consent agenda, all unanimously. No new business, reports, or public comments were presented.

• Excused Councilmember Winn from meeting (unanimous)
• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:14 PM (unanimous)

WORKSHOP & REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

The Cosmopolis City Council holds a workshop with Grays Harbor County and the Office of Chehalis Basin at 6 PM, followed by a regular meeting. The council will discuss a parcel north of 1020 Distler Street and vote on declaring 1312 First Street as surplus city property.

• Workshop: Commissioner Raines (Grays Harbor County) and Jeff Zenk (Office of Chehalis Basin) – topic unspecified
• Discussion: Parcel north of 1020 Distler Street – Bill Sidor
• Discussion and vote: Surplus City Property 1312 First Street – Bill Sidor
• Consent agenda includes claims vouchers and August 20, 2025 meeting minutes
• Reports from Police Chief, Fire Chief, Building Inspector, and Mayor (Sewer Recap)

The council voted 4-1 to move forward with the surplus of city-owned property at 1312 First Street, following a market analysis valuing it at $74,000. Other items, including a proposed parcel purchase north of 1020 Distler Street, were discussed but not decided.

• Approved moving forward on surplus of city property at 1312 First Street (4-1)

PLANNING COMMISSION

This agenda is largely procedural, with call to order, approval of agenda and minutes. Old business includes discussions on City Aesthetic Review and the City Comprehensive Plan. No new business items are listed.

• City Aesthetic Review under old business
• City Comprehensive Plan discussion

The Planning Commission approved the July 7th, 2025 minutes. Discussion occurred regarding city aesthetic reviews and potential grant funding for a new Comprehensive Plan. Chair Brown tabled moving forward with the Comprehensive Plan until more fiscal data is gathered.

• Approved July 7th, 2025 Planning Commission Minutes
• Tabled Comprehensive Planning progress

WORKSHOP

This is a workshop meeting of the Cosmopolis City Council. The sole agenda item is a presentation and update on the sewer contract between Cosmopolis and Aberdeen, presented by Ruth Clemens of the City of Aberdeen.

• Presentation and update on sewer contract with Aberdeen by Ruth Clemens

WORKSHOP & REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

The Cosmopolis City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on the vacation of J Street and the designation of 1312 First Street as surplus city property. The council will also take action on appointing Jacob Coker as fire chief and Darrin King to the Civil Service Commission. Additionally, the meeting includes updates on the Cosmo Fibers project and The Daniels Project.

• Public hearing and vote on the vacation of J Street
• Vote to approve 1312 First Street as surplus city property
• Appointment of Jacob Coker as Cosmopolis Fire Chief
• Appointment of Darrin King to the Civil Service Commission
• Updates on the Cosmo Fibers project and The Daniels Project

The Council appointed Jacob Coker as Fire Chief and Darrin King to the Civil Service Commission. The Council also approved the vacation of J Street without stipulations. A vote regarding the surplus of city property at 1312 First Street was tabled.

• Appointed Jacob Coker as Fire Chief (Approved)
• Appointed Darrin King to Civil Service Commission (Approved)
• Approved vacation of J Street without stipulations (Unanimous)
• Tabled vote on surplus of 1312 First Street City Property

PLANNING COMMISSION

The Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting with procedural items and two discussion topics. Old business includes City Aesthetic Review. New business involves the City Comprehensive Plan. No specific proposals or votes are detailed in the agenda.

• City Aesthetic Review (old business)
• City Comprehensive Plan (new business)

The Planning Commission approved the July 7, 2025, meeting minutes and rescheduled the September meeting. Commissioners discussed city aesthetics, traffic calming, and the need to update the City Comprehensive Plan using grants.

• Approved July 7, 2025, meeting minutes
• Rescheduled September meeting to Monday, September 8th at 6pm

WORKSHOP & REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

The City Council will hold a public hearing and then vote on Ordinance 1399 adopting the 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). They will also consider and vote on the Daniels Project. A workshop at 6:00 PM includes a budget review with CPA Tara Dunford.

• Public hearing and presentation for the 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Plan
• Vote to approve Ordinance 1399 adopting the TIP plan
• Vote to approve the Daniels Project
• Workshop budget review with CPA Tara Dunford
• Consent agenda includes claims vouchers and June 18 meeting minutes

The City Council unanimously approved the Daniels Project, a development that includes vacation of J Street, following a presentation and Planning Commission recommendation. They also unanimously approved the 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Plan (Resolution 2025-13) and set a public hearing for August 20 on the street vacation. Other actions included approving the agenda and consent agenda.

• Approved Daniels Project including vacation of J Street (unanimous)
• Approved 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Plan (Resolution 2025-13) (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for August 20 on vacation of J Street (unanimous)
• Approved agenda with revision (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)

PLANNING COMMISSION

The Cosmopolis Planning Commission is holding a regular meeting. The agenda contains only procedural items: call to order, roll call, old business, and new business. No specific proposals, ordinances, or public hearings are listed.

The Planning Commission approved a presentation for the Rivers Edge Waterfront Townhomes project and advanced it to the City Council with a condition that the pump station capacity be reviewed. The meeting also approved the minutes from the previous session.

• Approved Planning Commission minutes from June 2, 2025
• Approved short plat for Rivers Edge Waterfront Townhomes
• Approved project to advance to City Council with pump station review condition

WORKSHOP & REGULAR COUNCIL

The Council will discuss and vote on several items including the Grays Harbor Emergency Management Plan and a contract renewal for Paladin Background Screening. Additionally, the Council is scheduled to vote on Ordinance 1398 regarding the Equipment Purchase Reserve Fund.

• Ordinance 1398: Repealing Chapter 3.60 of the Cosmopolis Municipal Code
• Resolution 2025-12: Adopting the Grays Harbor Emergency Management Plan
• Paladin Background Screening Contract renewal

The Council approved an ordinance to move sales and use tax revenues into the general fund. They also adopted the Grays Harbor Emergency Management Plan and renewed a background screening contract.

• Approved Ordinance 1398 to repeal Chapter 3.6 of the Municipal code regarding sales and use tax allocation to the equipment fund
• Approved Resolution 2025-12 adopting the Grays Harbor Emergency Management Plan
• Approved contract renewal with Paladin Background Screening
• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)

PLANNING COMMISSION

The Planning Commission approved a short plat and recommended the Rivers Edge Waterfront Townhomes project for City Council approval, provided the pump station capacity is reviewed. The development will feature 22 parcels of stick-built homes with the developer funding new water and sewer costs.

• Approved June 2, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved short plat for Rivers Edge Waterfront Townhomes
• Approved and advanced Rivers Edge Waterfront Townhomes project to Council pending pump station capacity review

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

The Cosmopolis City Council will discuss and vote on several items, including the approval of surplus vehicles for the fire and police departments, a proposal to repeal three ordinances (1360, 1361, 1362), and an update to municipal code section 13.32.050 to prohibit the use of lead pipes. The meeting also includes consent agenda items, committee reports, and public comments.

• Vote to approve Fire Department Surplus Vehicles
• Vote to approve Police Department Surplus Vehicles
• Vote to repeal Ordinances 1360, 1361, and 1362
• Vote to update CMC 13.32.050 to remove the use of lead pipe
• Consent agenda: claims vouchers and meeting minutes from April 16, 2025

The Cosmopolis City Council unanimously approved surplus of four fire and police department vehicles, moved forward to repeal three land-use ordinances, and updated a code section to remove references to lead pipe. All four actions were passed unanimously with no discussion on the vehicle surplus and some discussion on the ordinance repeal and code update.

• Approved surplus of 1997 Ford Super Duty ambulance (approx. $4,000) and 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe (approx. $2,000) for Fire Dept. (unanimous)
• Approved surplus of two Ford Tauruses ($6,000 each) and one Crown Victoria ($5,000) for Police Dept. (unanimous)
• Voted to move forward on repealing Ordinances 1360, 1361, and 1362 (unanimous)
• Approved updating CMC 13.32.050 to remove use of lead pipe (unanimous)

PLANNING COMMISSION

The Planning Commission will hold elections for Chair and Vice-Chair, then review the Waterfront Use District and the Comprehensive Park Plan. Public comments will be accepted. No final decisions are scheduled beyond internal organization.

• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Waterfront Use District Review
• Comprehensive Park Plan Review
• Public Comments

The Planning Commission approved a short plat and recommended the Rivers Edge Waterfront Townhomes project for City Council approval. The approval includes a requirement that the pump station capacity be reviewed. The commission also approved the meeting minutes from June 2, 2025.

• Approved June 2, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved short plat for Rivers Edge Waterfront Townhomes
• Approved and advanced Rivers Edge Waterfront Townhomes project to Council (contingent on pump station capacity review)

WORKSHOP & REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

The Council will discuss and take action on several items including animal license fees and cemetery fees. The agenda also includes a proposal to purchase an ambulance from Hoquiam and a petition for annexation.

• Proposal to purchase Hoquiam’s ambulance
• Animal License Fees Resolution 2025-10
• Cemetery Fees Resolution 2025-11
• Petition for Annexation - Bill Sidor
• Engine Co #1 Lease - 5-year lease agreement draft

The council unanimously approved a six-month extension of the law enforcement interlocal agreement with Aberdeen and the purchase of a used ambulance from Hoquiam. Changes to animal license and cemetery fees were also approved, along with a petition to annex 921 S West Blvd and a move to create a lease agreement for Engine Company #1. All votes were unanimous, except one recusal on the Engine Company lease.

• Approved Second Amendment to Law Enforcement Interlocal Agreement with Aberdeen (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of used ambulance from City of Hoquiam (unanimous)
• Approved Animal License Fees Resolution 2025-010 (unanimous)
• Approved Cemetery Fees Resolution 2025-11 (unanimous)
• Approved petition to annex 921 S West Blvd into Cosmopolis (unanimous)
• Approved moving forward on lease agreement for Engine Company #1 (unanimous; one recusal)

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

The Cosmopolis City Council will hold a regular meeting on March 19, 2025. They will discuss and vote on annexing 921 S West Blvd into the city and consider opting into the Grays Harbor Conservation District. Several resolutions establishing new fees for building permits, demolition, tank installation, right-of-way, rezone, shoreline, and grading are proposed for approval. New cemetery and animal licensing fees are also presented.

• Vote on annexation of 921 S West Blvd into Cosmopolis
• Petition to opt into Grays Harbor Conservation District
• Approval of Resolutions 2025-03 to 2025-09 establishing new building, demolition, tank, right-of-way, rezone, shoreline, and grading fees
• Proposed new cemetery and animal licensing fees by Clerk Barr
• Appointment of Jeff Bordin and Bryan Gish to the Planning Commission

The Council approved a petition to add territory to the Grays Harbor Conservation District and passed several resolutions regarding miscellaneous building permit and inspection fees. A proposed annexation of 921 S West Blvd was tabled. Two new members were appointed to the Planning Commission.

• Appointed Dr. Jeff Bordin and Bryan Gish to the Planning Commission
• Approved Petition of Additional Territory within the Grays Harbor Conservation District (unanimous)
• Tabled annexation of 921 S West Blvd
• Approved Misc Fee’s Resolutions 2025-03 through 2025-09 (unanimous)

WORKSHOP & REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

The city council will hold a workshop to discuss a proposal for increasing building fees and ideas for Cosmopolis revitalization. During the regular meeting, they will consider a public hearing and vote on Resolution 2025-01 to change water rates, and approve a contract with Tara Dunford CPA for 2025. Other topics include a discussion of the Engine Co #1 museum.

• Resolution 2025-01: Water rate change
• Contract for Tara Dunford CPA for 2025
• Proposal to increase miscellaneous building fees
• Discussion of Engine Co #1 museum
• Ideas around Cosmopolis Revitalization

The Council approved Resolution 2025-01 to change water rates and renewed the contract with Tara Dunford CPA for 2025. No action was taken regarding the Engine Co #1 museum following discussion.

• Approved Resolution 2025-01 Water rate change (3-2)
• Approved renewing contract with Tara Dunford CPA (4-1)
• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• No action taken on Engine Co #1 museum

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

This regular council meeting is largely procedural, covering consent agenda items (claims vouchers and December minutes), committee reports, and department updates. The only substantive discussion is a presentation by Clerk Barr on the Washington State Auditors Report, which requires no council action. No new business for council action is scheduled.

• Discussion of Washington State Auditors Report (no action required)
• Approval of claims vouchers and December 18, 2024 meeting minutes
• Committee reports from Auditing, Finance, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works
• Reports from Police Chief, Fire Chief, Building Inspector, and Mayor

The council unanimously approved the agenda and consent agenda but took no substantive votes on ordinances, contracts, or policies. Reports covered a $32,900 audit (over budget by $7,900), sewer contract negotiations with Aberdeen, a major water leak affecting 300 residents, and receipt of grants and donations.

• Approved agenda unanimously
• Approved consent agenda unanimously