Othello, WA

All Public Meetings

The Othello Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to discuss the Comprehensive Plan update, Future Land Use Map, and an amendment request. They will also review the Building & Planning Department report for July 2026. Old business includes topics like RV occupancy at businesses, affordable housing deficit, data center regulations, garage requirements, and housing action plan implementation.

• Comprehensive Plan Update/Future Land Use Map/Amendment Request – discussion
• Building & Planning Department Report – July 2026
• Old business: Occupancy of Recreational Vehicles at a Business
• Old business: Deficit of housing affordable for under 80% median income
• Old business: Data Centers – possible proactive regulations

All Public Meetings

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and discussion on the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map update, including a proposed amendment. Commissioners will also receive informational updates on population growth, data centers, and a building department report. New business includes state law updates on STEP Housing (shelters, transitional and emergency housing, permanent supportive housing). Old business covers recently adopted city code changes on housing in existing buildings, zoning for child care, and prohibition of family burial grounds, plus future discussions on RV occupancy and garage regulations.

• Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map – open house and discussion
• Data centers – informational item
• STEP Housing (Shelters, Transitional Housing, Emergency Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing) – state law updates
• City Council adopted June 22: new housing in existing buildings, zoning for child care, prohibition of family burial grounds
• Occupancy of recreational vehicles at a business – discussion scheduled for August 17

All Public Meetings

The Othello Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and make a recommendation to the City Council on state law updates affecting new housing in existing buildings, childcare locations, and family burial grounds. The commission will also discuss public engagement for the Comprehensive Plan update, including seeking July 4 volunteers, and discuss occupancy of recreational vehicles at a business. Department reports for April and May 2026 will be presented.

• Public hearing on state law updates for new housing in existing buildings, childcare locations, and family burial grounds
• Discussion on Comprehensive Plan public engagement and July 4 volunteers
• Discussion on occupancy of recreational vehicles at a business
• Building & Planning Department reports for April and May 2026
• Approval of May 18, 2026 meeting minutes

All Public Meetings

The Othello City Council approved the employment contract for City Administrator Aaron Garza and appointed Brent McFarlane as Police Chief with an employment contract, both by 7-0 votes. The council also adopted a budget amendment holding $66,329 for the swimming pool, approved a Public Works CBA MOU for the foreman position (6-1), and authorized submission of a FEMA BRIC grant application. Informational updates were given on fire annexation and proposed zoning changes, with no action taken.

• Approved City Administrator Aaron Garza employment contract (7-0)
• Appointed Brent McFarlane as Police Chief and approved his employment contract (7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 1648 amending budget to hold $66,329 for Swimming Pool (7-0)
• Approved Public Works CBA MOU for Foreman Position (6-1)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-5 to approve FEMA BRIC grant application submission (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including accounts payable, payroll, and other items (7-0)

Council Meeting Calendar

The council voted 4-0 to allow temporary RV parking at Lions Park for the weekend of May 22-24. A separate motion to consider administrative approval of RV parking for future special events was not voted on. The meeting was brief and adjourned at 5:12 pm.

• Approved temporary RV parking at Lions Park for May 22-24 (4-0)

All Public Meetings

The Othello Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes from April 20, 2026, and discuss the Comprehensive Plan Update public engagement process. Commissioners will also review recent state law updates regarding new housing in existing buildings, childcare locations, and family burial grounds. The meeting is open for public input.

• Approval of April 20, 2026 meeting minutes
• Comprehensive Plan Update - Public Engagement discussion
• State law updates: new housing in existing buildings, childcare locations, family burial grounds
• Public input period at start of meeting

The Planning Commission agreed to move forward with a public hearing on zoning updates required by state law, including allowing housing in existing buildings, childcare centers in all zones, and a proposed ban on family burial grounds. They also discussed public engagement for the Comprehensive Plan update and tabled a decision on garage conversions pending more information.

• Approved April 20, 2026 minutes (M/S Garza/Sawyer)
• Agreed to move forward with public hearing on new housing in existing buildings, childcare locations, and family burial grounds
• Discussed but did not decide on garage conversion policy; requested map of affected areas
• Discussed but did not decide on July 4th event table; leaned toward participating

All Public Meetings

The Othello City Council approved a prosecutorial agreement with Michael Rio for 2027-2032, with Councilman Barnes recusing himself. The council also approved a $328,882.67 accounts payable list, a $656,839.62 payroll, and a park concessions agreement with Othello Bowl Family Fun Center. A motion to pay ESD invoice check No. 63322 passed 5-2. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included a proclamation, an appointment, a presentation, and an executive session with no action.

• Approved prosecutorial agreement with Michael Rio for 2027-2032 (7-0, Barnes recused)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable $328,882.67, payroll $656,839.62, and park concessions agreement with Othello Bowl Family Fun Center (7-0)
• Approved payment to ESD check No. 63322 (5-2)
• Moved consent agenda item E (prosecutorial agreement) to current business (7-0)
• Approved agenda (7-0)

All Public Meetings

The council adopted Ordinance 1647 creating a new municipal code chapter prohibiting the sale, advertisement, and distribution of kratom products. The vote was unanimous 7-0 after hearing public comment. The council also confirmed Aaron Garza as City Administrator and approved accounts payable of $347,175.97 after removing one check for further review.

• Adopted Ordinance 1647 banning sale, advertisement, and distribution of kratom products (7-0)
• Confirmed appointment of Aaron Garza as City Administrator (7-0)
• Approved accounts payable totaling $347,175.97 after removing check no. 63322 (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and interlocal agreement with Kittitas County (7-0)
• Approved agenda as presented (7-0)

All Public Meetings

The Othello Planning Commission will hold its regular meeting to consider a recommendation on the Wahitis Short Plat, including deferrals, deviations, and waivers. They will also discuss the Comprehensive Plan update, including a community survey and Vision 2047, and receive a Building & Planning Department report. The agenda includes informational items and a discussion on state law updates regarding housing and childcare, which may be deferred due to time.

• Wahitis Short Plat – Deferrals, Deviations, & Waivers – Recommendation
• Comprehensive Plan Update: Community Survey and Vision 2047
• Building & Planning Department Report for March 2026
• State Law Updates: New Housing in Existing Buildings; Childcare Locations (state pre-emption effective June 2026)

The Planning Commission voted to recommend a set of deferrals, deviations, and waivers for street and utility improvements related to the Wahitis Elementary School plat, which has been pending since 2011. The recommendation includes allowing a 38-foot street width on Scootney Street, accepting existing stormwater infrastructure, and deferring street improvements on Scootney Street and Cemetery Road until future development triggers them. A waiver for sanitary sewer on Scootney Street was accepted, but a request to waive sewer and water mains on Cemetery Road was changed to a deferral instead.

• Approved minutes of March 16, 2026, meeting (M/S Garza/Burks)
• Recommended deviation allowing 38-foot street width on Scootney Street from 14th Avenue to the south property line
• Recommended deviation accepting existing stormwater infrastructure on Scootney Street, with language allowing the City to require changes later if problems arise
• Recommended deferral of Scootney Street improvements (pavement, curb, gutter, sidewalk, turnaround) until the City determines they must be completed
• Recommended deferral of Cemetery Road street improvements until vacant land is developed or Scootney Elementary School has a major remodeling project
• Recommended waiver of sanitary sewer in Scootney Street
• Changed request for waiver of sewer and water mains in Cemetery Road to a deferral instead
• Motion to recommend all waivers, deferrals, and deviations as discussed passed (M/S Burks/Sawyer)

All Public Meetings

The council adopted Resolution 2026-06 declaring an emergency due to a collapsed sewer trunk line, waiving statutory bidding requirements to expedite repairs. They also approved a 12-month extension of the fire services contract with Adams County Fire District #5. Discussion on a proposed ordinance to restrict kratom sales was continued to the next meeting to allow public input.

• Adopted Resolution 2026-06 declaring emergency for failed sewer line and waiving bidding requirements (7-0)
• Approved amendment to fire services contract with Adams County Fire District #5 (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable ($608,671.13), and payroll ($701,217.41) (6-0)
• Continued discussion on kratom sales prohibition to next meeting for public input

All Public Meetings

The Othello City Council approved acceptance of a $120,000 USDOT Safe Streets and Roads for All grant for a safety action plan, with a $30,000 local match. Council also approved additional funding for Kiwanis Park improvements, accepted grants for playground and parking renovations, and authorized grant applications for Taggares Park upgrades. Facility use agreements were approved for Cinco de Mayo and Easter Egg Hunt events.

• Approved $120K USDOT SS4A grant for safe streets action plan (7-0)
• Approved $35,321 additional funding for Kiwanis Park spray park, lighting, and trails (6-1)
• Accepted $1.125M in grants for Kiwanis Park playground and parking renovation (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-02 to apply for $850K in RCO grants for Taggares Park improvements (6-1)
• Approved facility use agreement for Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 2, 2026 (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved facility use agreement for Easter Egg Hunt on April 4, 2026 (7-0)
• Directed staff to draft ordinance prohibiting sale of 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable of $346,519.50, and surplus declaration (7-0)

All Public Meetings

The Othello Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to discuss the Comprehensive Plan Update, focusing on goals and policies. They will also review the February 2026 Building & Planning Department report and the annual rental license report, and approve minutes from previous meetings.

• Comprehensive Plan Update - Goals & Policies discussion
• Annual Rental License Report (March 2025-Feb 2026)
• Building & Planning Department Report - February 2026
• Approval of minutes from February 17 and March 2, 2026 meetings

The Planning Commission reviewed existing goals and policies from the Comprehensive Plan, discussing which to keep, modify, or delete. No final decisions were made; the review is part of the ongoing update process. The commission also approved minutes from two prior meetings and heard public input from a representative of Terra Gold Farms.

• Approved February 17, 2026, minutes with a correction to Commissioner Robbins' name spelling
• Approved March 2, 2026, special meeting minutes
• Discussed but did not vote on keeping, modifying, or deleting specific Comprehensive Plan goals and policies
• Heard public input from Gina Dorow representing Terra Gold Farms regarding future development plans

All Public Meetings

The council approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from prior meetings, accounts payable totaling $370,250.87, and payroll expenses of $649,677.37. A proclamation honoring Donna Reichert was presented, and Brent McFarlane was sworn in as Assistant Police Chief. No other substantive decisions were made; remaining items were informational reports.

• Approved City Council minutes for February 23, 2026 and special meeting minutes for February 26, 2026 (6-0)
• Approved accounts payable checks No. 63063 to No. 63121 totaling $370,250.87 (6-0)
• Approved payroll checks No. 33507 to No. 33523 totaling $649,677.37 and manual checks No. 5626 to No. 5628 totaling $458.00 (6-0)
• Approved the agenda (6-0)

All Public Meetings

The Othello Planning Commission will hold a special meeting to discuss the Comprehensive Plan Update, including the Vision 2047 document and a draft community survey. They will also review state law updates regarding new housing in existing buildings and childcare. The meeting includes a public input period.

• Comprehensive Plan Update: Vision 2047 (page 3)
• Draft Community Survey (page 9)
• State Law Updates: New Housing in Existing Buildings & Childcare (page 19)
• Public input opportunity

The Planning Commission held a special meeting to work on the Vision 2047 comprehensive plan update, discussing hopes for Othello's future including housing affordability, economic diversity, and maintaining small-town character. Commissioners reviewed a draft community survey and suggested shortening the online version and offering incentives. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was primarily a workshop session.

• No formal decisions were made; the meeting was a workshop on the Vision 2047 comprehensive plan update.
• Commissioners reviewed and suggested changes to the draft community survey, recommending a shorter online version and an incentive for completion.
• Discussion of state law updates on housing in existing buildings and childcare was deferred to future meetings.
• Commissioners were asked to submit remaining Vision worksheet responses to Community Development Director Anne Henning by Friday.

All Public Meetings

The council approved the consent agenda including minutes and $380,782.43 in accounts payable, and adopted a proclamation for the 28th Annual Othello Spring Clean-Up Days (March 30–April 4, 2026). A fire services negotiation update was discussed but no decision was made. Council also discussed naming the Ironhorse playground after Senator Nikki Torres and received an update on city wells.

• Approved consent agenda including February 9 and 19, 2026 minutes (6-0)
• Approved accounts payable checks #63005–63062 totaling $380,782.43 (6-0)
• Adopted proclamation for 28th Annual Othello Spring Clean-Up Days (March 30–April 4, 2026)

All Public Meetings

The Othello Planning Commission will hold its regular meeting to discuss the Comprehensive Plan Update, including a community profile, draft survey, and Vision 2047. They will also review state law updates on housing in existing buildings and childcare, and continue discussions on housing implementation from the Housing Action Plan. The meeting includes approval of previous minutes and department reports.

• Comprehensive Plan Update: Community Profile, Draft Community Survey, Vision 2047
• State Law Updates: New Housing in Existing Buildings & Childcare
• Housing Action Plan implementation possibilities
• Building & Planning Department Reports: 2025 Year End and January 2026
• Approval of January 20, 2026 minutes

The Othello Planning Commission reviewed and provided feedback on a draft community survey for the Comprehensive Plan Update, suggesting changes to questions about growth, housing, and transportation. The commission also approved the January 20, 2026, meeting minutes and discussed upcoming public engagement events. No final decisions were made on the survey; it will be revised and revisited.

• Approved January 20, 2026, meeting minutes (M/S Voorhies/Sawyer)
• Reviewed draft community survey and suggested edits to questions on growth concerns, housing, and transportation
• Discussed upcoming public engagement events for the Comprehensive Plan Update
• Scheduled a special meeting for March 2, 2026, to discuss Vision 2047 and state law updates

All Public Meetings

The Othello City Council held a regular meeting on February 9, 2026, and approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from January 26 and 29, accounts payable of $471,308.84, and payroll of $667,846.06. The council also received informational reports from building/planning, public works, and police, and heard a presentation on Open Government 101 training. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, and payroll (6-0)
• Approved accounts payable checks #62942-63004 totaling $471,308.84 (6-0)
• Approved payroll checks #33498-33506 and #33513-33514 totaling $667,846.06 (6-0)

Council Meeting Calendar

The City Council held a special meeting and unanimously approved a motion to formally support the Othello School District's Proposition No. 1, a Replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy appearing on the February 10, 2026 ballot. No public comment was received. The meeting adjourned at 6:06 p.m.

• Approved formal support for Othello School District Proposition No. 1 (Replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy) on the February 10, 2026 ballot — motion carried 6-0

All Public Meetings

The council awarded the City Well #7 Rehabilitation Project to Schneider Water Services for $62,106.80, the lowest of three bids. They also approved a $9,500 survey task order for 77 acres on Lee Road and a consent agenda including an interlocal agreement with the school district and fireworks contracts. A special meeting on the school district levy was set for January 29.

• Awarded Well #7 Rehabilitation Project to Schneider Water Services for $62,106.80 (7-0)
• Approved Task Order 2026.01 with Rogers Surveying Inc. for $9,500 (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including interlocal agreement with Othello School District and fireworks contracts (7-0)
• Scheduled special meeting on school district levy for January 29, 2026

All Public Meetings

The Planning Commission will review the Comprehensive Plan update, including population projections and a public engagement plan. They will also discuss state law changes regarding housing in existing buildings and childcare, and consider further implementation of the Housing Action Plan.

• Comprehensive Plan update overview and population projection method
• State law updates on housing in existing buildings and childcare
• Housing Action Plan implementation possibilities

The Planning Commission selected a 5-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) population projection of 12,781 by 2047 for the Comprehensive Plan update, after discussing five forecasting methods. Commissioners also reviewed a public engagement plan and community profile, and discussed upcoming state-mandated code changes for housing in existing buildings and childcare centers. No formal votes were taken; the population projection direction was by consensus.

• Selected 5-year CAGR population projection of 12,781 by 2047 for Comp Plan update (consensus)
• Approved December 15, 2025, meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Reviewed Public Engagement Plan with no changes requested
• Discussed state law requiring new codes for housing in existing buildings by June 30, 2026
• Discussed state law requiring childcare centers in all zones by June 27, 2027
• Agreed to continue childcare discussion rather than wait until deadline

All Public Meetings

The City Council appointed Finance Officer Spencer Williams as Interim City Administrator on a 6-2 vote following the termination of the former administrator. The council also appointed Aaron Garza as full-time Police Chief and adopted an emergency declaration for repairs to Well #3. Councilman Darryl Barnes was appointed Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year term.

• Appointed Aaron Garza as full-time Police Chief and approved his employment contract (unanimous)
• Appointed Councilmember Darryl Barnes as Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year term (majority vote)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-01 declaring an emergency for Well #3 repairs, waiving competitive bidding (unanimous)
• Appointed Spencer Williams as Interim City Administrator (6-2; Kelli Camp and Marc Spohr opposed)
• Authorized staff to begin recruitment for a permanent City Administrator (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable ($989,568.65 total), and payroll ($717,592.64)
• Confirmed annual committee and board assignments for 2026