Othello public meetings in 2021
43 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Planning Commission
The Commission will discuss updates to the Parks & Recreation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. The meeting also includes discussions on subdivision updates, the Housing Action Plan, and residential landscaping timing.
- Update to Parks & Recreation Element of Comprehensive Plan
- Subdivision Update regarding OMC Title 16
- Housing Action Plan recommendations discussion
- Residential Landscaping Installation Timing discussion
- Building & Planning Department Report
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council approved the 2022 budget, the ad valorem property tax ordinance for fiscal year 2022, and an ordinance amending the 2021 budget. They also adopted the 2022-2027 Capital Facilities Plan and approved a change order for the Sewer Lining Project. The December 27, 2021 council meeting was cancelled due to lack of agenda.
- Approved change order to Sewer Lining Project contract with PEC, Inc. for $22,451.50 and 20 additional working days
- Adopted 2022-2027 Capital Facilities Plan ordinance
- Approved ad valorem property tax ordinance for fiscal year 2022
- Adopted ordinance amending 2021 budget
- Adopted 2022 budget as presented
- Cancelled December 27, 2021 council meeting
Planning Commission
The Othello Planning Commission will discuss updates to the Parks & Recreation Element of the Comprehensive Plan and receive the October Building & Planning Department report. Old business includes accessory dwelling units (adopted by council), a withdrawn assisted living request, a Housing Action Plan discussion, residential landscaping timing, a subdivision code update, and underground utilities policy.
- Update Parks & Recreation Element of Comprehensive Plan – discussion
- October Building & Planning Department Report – informational
- Accessory Dwelling Units – council adopted OMC 17.63 on Oct. 25, 2021
- Assisted living in C-1 Zone – request withdrawn by proponents
- Subdivision Update – OMC Title 16 – proposed next big project
Council Meeting Calendar
The council approved $30,000 for the Saddle Mountain Amateur Radio Club, $12,000 for the Othello Holiday Committee, and $168,000 for surveillance cameras using ARPA funds. It also approved the Christmas Miracle on Main Street event with a waived special event fee, authorized a SEEK grant application, and awarded the Well 9 Pump Lowering Project to Layne of Washington, Inc. for $39,493.00. A camera system presentation was informational only, with no action taken.
- Approved $30,000 for Saddle Mountain Amateur Radio Club (motion Everett/Erickson)
- Approved $12,000 for Othello Holiday Committee (motion Everett/Erickson)
- Approved $168,000 for surveillance cameras (motion Everett/Erickson)
- Approved Christmas Miracle on Main Street event and waived special event fee (motion Dorow/Garza)
- Approved submission of SEEK grant application (motion Snyder/Lallas)
- Awarded Well 9 Pump Lowering Project to Layne of Washington, Inc. for $39,493.00 (motion Snyder/Dorow)
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council adopted the Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance, creating OMC 17.63 with amendments to delete the alley assessment fee, set a 20-foot height limit for detached ADUs, and add R-3 and R-4 zones to owner-occupancy requirements. The vote was 5-2, with Snyder and Everett opposed. The council also approved sewer rates for 2022-2024, adopted revised public works design standards, and canceled the November 15 meeting.
- Adopted ADU ordinance creating OMC 17.63 with amendments (5-2)
- Approved ordinance adopting sewer rates for 2022, 2023, 2024
- Adopted public works design standards with new detail NP-2
- Approved agenda and consent agenda
- Canceled November 15 council meeting
Planning Commission
The Othello Planning Commission is holding its regular meeting to discuss several land-use topics. The main items are a discussion on allowing assisted living facilities in the C-1 commercial zone, the future street layout for Sand Hill Estates, and an update to the Parks & Recreation element of the Comprehensive Plan. The Commission will also review the September building and planning department report and address old business, including accessory dwelling units ahead of a council public hearing on Oct. 25.
- Discussion on assisted living in C-1 zone (p.9)
- Sand Hill Estates future street layout discussion (p.18)
- Update to Parks & Recreation element of Comprehensive Plan (p.20)
- September Building & Planning Department report (p.36)
- Accessory dwelling units – council public hearing Oct. 25
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council approved a $5,166.67 payment from the general fund to join with the Adams County Development Council and the Port for an update to the Boyd Report, a marketing study to attract business. The council also approved a grant application for less-than-lethal police equipment and held a public hearing on ARPA fund allocation, with a second hearing scheduled for November 8. Councilman Angel Garza was excused from the meeting.
- Approved $5,166.67 from general fund for Boyd Report update (M/S Quezada/Dorow)
- Approved submission of less-than-lethal equipment grant application (M/S Dorow/Lallas)
- Approved consent agenda including accounts payable and October 4 minutes (M/S Everett/Dorow)
- Approved agenda (M/S Snyder/Lallas)
- Excused Councilman Angel Garza (M/S Lallas/Erickson)
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council held two public hearings with no testimony, one on the Standpipe #4 project and one on 2022 revenue estimates. The council approved the agenda and consent agenda, and reached consensus to hold the fall cleanup day on November 6. No substantive decisions were made beyond these procedural and scheduling items.
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, and payroll (unanimous)
- Excused Councilmember Maria Quezada (unanimous)
- Held public hearing for Standpipe #4 project; no testimony
- Held public hearing for 2022 revenue estimates; no testimony
- Reached consensus to hold fall cleanup day on November 6
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council authorized attendees of a May 10, 2021 executive session to disclose details to investigator Michelle Fossum for a harassment/retaliation complaint. They also approved $16,230 in pool repairs, awarded a $25,257.18 traffic circle materials contract, and scheduled an ADU public hearing for October 25.
- Authorized executive session disclosure to investigator (Everett/Dorow; Erickson abstained)
- Approved $16,230 pool repairs with tax (Erickson/Lallas)
- Awarded traffic circle materials to Traffic Safety Store for $25,257.18 (Lallas/Dorow)
- Reached consensus to hold ADU public hearing on October 25
Planning Commission
The Othello Planning Commission will hold its regular meeting to discuss an update to the Parks & Recreation Element of the Comprehensive Plan, review the August Building & Planning Department report, and consider several old business items including accessory dwelling units, the Housing Action Plan, residential landscaping timing, a subdivision code update, and underground utilities policy. The meeting is open to the public with limited in-person attendance and remote access available.
- Update Parks & Recreation Element of Comprehensive Plan – discussion
- Accessory Dwelling Units – schedule study session with Council
- Housing Action Plan – consider recommendations for implementation
- Subdivision Update – OMC Title 16 – pending return
- Underground utilities/existing pole policy – ordinance revisions assigned to City Attorney
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council approved $16,230 for pool repairs, awarded a $25,257.18 traffic circle materials contract, and authorized $29,031 for sediment sampling. It also voted to allow disclosure of an executive session for an investigation and scheduled an ADU public hearing.
- Approved $29,031 contract with Test America for sediment sampling (M/S Snyder/Lallas)
- Authorized disclosure of May 10, 2021 executive session details to investigator (M/S Everett/Dorow; Erickson abstained)
- Approved $16,230 pool repairs with tax (M/S Erickson/Lallas)
- Awarded traffic circle materials quote to Traffic Safety Store for $25,257.18 (M/S Lallas/Dorow)
- Reached consensus to hold a public hearing on ADU ordinance (scheduled for Oct 25)
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council approved several actions, including accepting a $23,455.60 HVAC repair quote from Basin Refrigeration (with a fallback to Polhamus Heating & Air if Basin can't confirm a service date), approving a settlement with the Teamsters Welfare Trust Fund, approving a $103,700 contract amendment for a hydrogeology study, and directing staff to purchase materials for 27 traffic circles with a diamond design. The meeting also included a presentation on police reform laws and citizen input about parking cones at the high school.
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, payroll, appointment of Danae Valdez to salary commission, and seal coat project acceptance
- Accepted Basin Refrigeration quote for $23,455.60 for HVAC repair, with authorization for mayor to contract with Polhamus if Basin can't confirm service date (motion Erickson/Garza)
- Approved Teamsters Trust settlement and authorized mayor to execute agreement (motion Dorow/Lallas)
- Approved owner-engineer agreement amendment with Varela and Associates for $103,700 for hydrogeology study (motion Erickson/Dorow)
- Directed staff to purchase materials for 27 traffic circles with diamond design (motion Dorow/Garza)
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council approved several items, including a $75,000 purchase of sewer lab equipment, a $15,652.50 contribution for curb and gutter on 14th Avenue, a $10,000 fireworks contract for the Christmas parade, and a resolution naming the Columbia Basin Herald/Sun Tribune as the official newspaper. The council also excused two absent members and approved the consent agenda. No substantive decisions were made on ARPA funding requests from People for People or the Columbia Basin Development League, as these were only presentations.
- Approved $75,000 for sewer lab equipment (motion carried)
- Approved $15,652.50 for curb and gutter with Palos Verdes, LLC (motion carried)
- Approved $10,000 fireworks contract with Western Display for Christmas parade (motion carried)
- Approved resolution awarding official newspaper to Columbia Basin Herald/Sun Tribune (motion carried)
- Approved consent agenda including accounts payable and minutes (motion carried)
- Excused Councilmember Garza and Quezada (motions carried)
Planning Commission
The Commission will consider a recommendation to City Council regarding deferral requests for the Ochoa Short Plat. The meeting also includes discussions on updating the Parks & Recreation Element of the Comprehensive Plan and scheduling a study session for Accessory Dwelling Units.
- Ochoa Short Plat deferral requests
- Update to Parks & Recreation Element of Comprehensive Plan
- Scheduling a study session for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Review of Housing Action Plan recommendations
- Discussion on underground utilities and existing pole policy ordinance revisions
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council approved a facility use agreement for the Chicano State Softball Tournament and awarded a $532,073.50 contract to POW Contracting, Inc. for the wastewater treatment plant chlorination/dechlorination project. The council also approved the consent agenda and excused Councilmember Erickson. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved facility use agreement and resolution for 2021 Chicano State Softball Tournament (M/S Dorow/Everett)
- Awarded wastewater treatment plant chlorination/dechlorination project to POW Contracting, Inc. for $532,073.50 (M/S Lallas/Snyder)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes of August 2, 2021 and accounts payable checks (M/S Snyder/Everett)
- Excused Councilmember Erickson from the meeting (M/S Snyder/Garza)
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council adopted Ordinance 1569, amending OMC 17.20.060 related to lot coverage and lot size, following a public hearing. Councilman Garza recused himself due to a conflict of interest. The council also excused two absent members, approved the consent agenda, and received introductions on accessory dwelling units and police reform laws.
- Adopted Ordinance 1569 amending lot coverage and lot size rules (M/S Lallas/Erickson)
- Excused Councilmembers Mark Snyder and Maria Quezada (M/S Dorow/Lallas)
- Approved the agenda (M/S Garza/Everett)
- Approved the consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, and payroll (M/S Erickson/Lallas)
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council approved the agenda and consent agenda, then awarded the Ash Street Safety Improvements rebid project to ESF Solutions, LLC in the amount of $654,324.00. Council also approved a facility use agreement for the Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market and authorized submission of a QUADCO grant application for an Active Transportation Plan. No other substantive decisions were made; remaining items were updates or discussions.
- Approved agenda (Garza/Everett)
- Approved consent agenda including June 7 and July 12, 2021 minutes and accounts payable (Dorow/Erickson)
- Approved facility use agreement and resolution for Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market (Everett/Snyder)
- Awarded Ash Street Safety Improvements rebid project to ESF Solutions, LLC for $654,324.00 (Lallas/Dorow)
- Approved submission of QUADCO grant application for Active Transportation Plan (Snyder/Everett)
Planning Commission
The Othello Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and make a recommendation on residential lot coverage and lot size limits, and also consider recommending accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations to the City Council. Commissioners will receive an update on the Parks & Recreation element of the Comprehensive Plan and a monthly building department report. Old business includes noting the council's adoption of the Housing Action Plan and pending work on landscaping, subdivision, and utility pole ordinances.
- Public hearing on residential lot coverage & lot size, recommendation to City Council
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) recommendation to City Council
- Parks & Recreation Element of Comprehensive Plan update
- Housing Action Plan adopted by Council June 28
- Underground utilities/existing pole policy under revision by City Attorney
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council approved amending the Public Works Design Standards to reduce the minimum width of neighborhood streets from 40 to 36 feet, despite a 4-1 vote with Councilman Everett opposed. The council also approved facility use agreements and resolutions for the annual Car Show and the CBHA Color Run, and discussed but did not decide on traffic circles and potential lot size/coverage changes. The ARPA funds discussion was postponed to the July 26 meeting.
- Approved amendment to reduce minimum neighborhood street width to 36 feet (4-1)
- Approved resolution and facility use agreement for All-Cities Classic Car Club's Spud Run and Car Show (unanimous)
- Approved resolution and facility use agreement for CBHA Color Run, waiving special event fee (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including June 28 minutes and accounts payable checks (unanimous)
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Excused Councilman Erickson from meeting (unanimous)
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council approved Resolution 2021-09 adopting the Housing Action Plan, with Councilman Everett voting against (6-1). They also approved Resolution 2021-08 and a facility use agreement with the Chamber of Commerce for the July 4th event at Lions Park, waiving additional fees and charging a $432 special event fee. The council directed staff to advertise the wastewater treatment chlorination/dechlorination project once the DOE confirms readiness, and authorized pursuing the Complete Streets grant and submitting the TIB grant application with a 10% local match for Broadway Ave reconstruction.
- Approved Resolution 2021-09 adopting the Housing Action Plan (6-1, Everett opposed).
- Approved Resolution 2021-08 and authorized the Mayor to sign the facility use agreement with the Chamber of Commerce for the July 4th event at Lions Park, with a $432 special event fee.
- Directed staff to advertise the wastewater treatment chlorination/dechlorination project once DOE confirms readiness.
- Authorized staff to pursue the Complete Streets grant.
- Authorized submission of the TIB grant application and allocation of required TBD funds for the 10% local match for Broadway Ave reconstruction.
- Approved the agenda and consent agenda (including minutes, accounts payable, and call for bids for official newspaper).
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council approved Resolution 2021-09 adopting the Housing Action Plan, with Councilman Everett voting opposed (6-1). They also approved Resolution 2021-08 and a facility use agreement with the Chamber of Commerce for the July 4th event at Lions Park, waiving additional fees and charging a $432 special event fee. Council directed staff to advertise the wastewater treatment chlorination/dechlorination project once DOE confirmation is received, authorized pursuit of the Complete Streets grant, and authorized submission of the TIB grant application with a 10% local match for Broadway Ave reconstruction. No public testimony was given during the Housing Action Plan hearing.
- Approved Resolution 2021-09 adopting the Housing Action Plan (6-1, Everett opposed)
- Approved Resolution 2021-08 and facility use agreement for Chamber of Commerce July 4th event at Lions Park with $432 fee
- Directed staff to advertise wastewater treatment chlorination/dechlorination project pending DOE confirmation
- Authorized staff to pursue the Complete Streets grant
- Authorized submission of TIB grant application and allocation of TBD funds for Broadway Ave reconstruction (10% match)
- Approved the agenda and consent agenda (minutes, accounts payable, call for bids for official newspaper)
Planning Commission
The Othello Planning Commission is meeting to elect officers, approve minutes, and hold a public hearing on the Housing Action Plan. They will also discuss residential lot coverage rules and receive a department report. Several old business items are noted as ongoing.
- Election of Chair/Vice Chair
- Public hearing on Housing Action Plan
- Request for direction on residential lot coverage
- May Building & Planning Department report
- Old business: ADUs, landscaping, subdivision code, underground utilities
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council directed staff to rebid the Ash Street Safety Improvements Project after the initial bid was rejected on May 24 for exceeding the grant budget. The council also approved the consent agenda, excused two councilmembers, and cancelled the July 6 meeting.
- Excused Councilman Mark Snyder (M/S Garza/Dorow)
- Excused Councilman John Lallas (M/S Dorow/Everett)
- Approved the agenda (M/S Erickson/Garza)
- Approved the consent agenda, including accounts payable (M/S Dorow/Quezada)
- Directed staff to rebid the Ash Street Safety Improvements Project (M/S Dorow/Quezada)
- Cancelled the July 6 City Council meeting (M/S Dorow/Garza)
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council approved hiring Outback Spraying for the remaining weed-spraying season on a prorated basis, with a 5-2 vote. The council also swore in two new police officers, appointed Daniela Voorhies to the Planning Commission, and discussed but did not decide on the Ash Street safety project and a housing action plan.
- Approved hiring Outback Spraying for remaining season, prorated (5-2)
- Excused Councilman Mark Snyder from the meeting
- Approved the agenda
- Approved the consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, payroll, Well #8 pump inspection, and recycling fence project
- Swore in officers Bryan Jacobsen and Christian Ochoa
- Appointed Daniela Voorhies to the Planning Commission
- Discussed Street Safety Plan, referred to committee
- Discussed Ash Street project, no action taken
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council repealed municipal code chapters banning pit bulls and overhauled animal control, adopting a new chapter and a feral cat ordinance. It also rejected the sole bid for the Ash Street safety project to rebid, approved a $471,000 seal coat contract, and authorized a wastewater disinfection project.
- Repealed OMC Chapters 6.04 and 6.06, including pit bull ban (motion carried)
- Adopted new Animal Control Chapter 6.04 with fee corrections (motion carried)
- Adopted Ordinance 1568 creating Feral Cats Chapter 6.10 (motion carried)
- Rejected all bids for Ash Street Safety Improvement Project and directed rebid (motion carried)
- Awarded 2021 Seal Coat Project to Tommer Construction for $471,000 (motion carried)
- Approved CDBG grant application submission (motion carried)
- Approved wastewater facility plan amendment for pH adjustment system (motion carried)
- Directed staff to continue wastewater chlorination/dechlorination project (motion carried)
Planning Commission
The Othello Planning Commission will introduce a draft Housing Action Plan and hear a presentation on street safety. The commission will also review the April building and planning department report and discuss old business items, including accessory dwelling units, residential landscaping, subdivision code updates, and underground utilities policy.
- Draft Housing Action Plan introduction
- Street safety presentation by Commissioner Dorow
- April Building & Planning Department Report
- Accessory Dwelling Units study session to be scheduled with Council
- Underground utilities/pole policy revisions assigned to City Attorney
Council Meeting Calendar
The council approved awarding the weed spraying contract to Baisch Vegetation Management, Inc., the lower bidder, contingent on the city attorney's approval, despite the company not meeting bid requirements. If legal issues arise, the contract would go to Outback Spraying, LLC. The council also approved the Broadway Manhole Project to Joe's Excavation for $17,095.60 and adopted a 2021 budget amendment.
- Approved agenda and consent agenda (minutes, accounts payable, surplus items)
- Approved Eagle Scout project to place green neon flags at 14th & Scootney
- Awarded Broadway Manhole Project to Joe's Excavation for $17,095.60
- Authorized mayor to contract with Baisch Vegetation Management for weed spraying, pending attorney approval (5-2)
- Awarded weed spraying to Outback Spraying if legal issues with Baisch (opposed by Everett)
- Adopted Ordinance 1565 amending 2021 budget
- Allowed staff to pursue funding for sewer line replacement project
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council approved an owner-engineer agreement with Varela for up to $31,539 to assist in securing a CDBG grant of up to $900,000 for infrastructure, housing, and economic development projects. Council also approved the consent agenda and excused Councilwoman Maria Quezada. No other substantive decisions were made; new business was none.
- Approved owner-engineer agreement with Varela for CDBG grant assistance, not to exceed $31,539 (M/S Lallas/Snyder)
- Approved consent agenda including payroll and related expenses (M/S Snyder/Lallas)
- Excused Councilwoman Maria Quezada from the meeting (M/S Lallas/Everett)
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council approved a $13,000 fireworks contract with Western Display for the 2021 show, with the date to be set within the next two meetings. The council also rescinded the civil emergency declared in March 2020 due to COVID-19, approved a $6,300 material testing amendment for the Main Street Safety Project, and adopted a rezoning ordinance for lots in Original Othello. A proclamation for the National Day of Prayer was signed, and a resolution allowing two portable classrooms at the high school was approved.
- Approved $13,000 fireworks contract with Western Display (motion Dorow/Quezada)
- Rescinded civil emergency due to novel coronavirus via proclamation
- Approved $6,300 material testing amendment with GeoProfessional Innovation for Main Street Safety Project (motion Erickson/Dorow)
- Adopted Ordinance 1564 rezoning Lots 9-12, Block 160 from R-4 to C-2 (motion Erickson/Everett)
- Approved Resolution 2021-6 allowing permits for two portable classrooms at Othello High School (motion Dorow/Quezada)
- Approved agenda and consent agenda (motions Garza/Lallas and Snyder/Lallas)
- Signed proclamation for National Day of Prayer on May 6, 2021
Planning Commission
The Othello Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on zoning north of Hemlock from 7th to 8th, and discuss vehicle sales in C-1, street safety priorities, street width standards, and neighborhood design. They will also receive informational updates on the Building & Planning Department and the Housing Action Plan draft.
- Public hearing on zoning north of Hemlock from 7th to 8th
- Request for direction on vehicle sales in C-1
- Discussion of street safety priorities
- Discussion of street width standards for new streets
- Housing Action Plan draft available at othellowa.gov/HousingActionPlan
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council approved the 2022-2027 Transportation Improvement Program (Resolution 2021-4) and awarded the Broadway Manhole Project to Timberlake Industries for $15,855.63. They also adopted updated Public Works Design Standards (Resolution 2021-5) with 40-foot-wide streets and water pressure testing at 225 psi for 30 minutes. The meeting included a presentation from Nighthawk Networking about placing equipment on city sites, but no decision was made on that item.
- Approved Resolution 2021-4 adopting the 2022-2027 Transportation Improvement Program
- Awarded Broadway Manhole Project to Timberlake Industries for $15,855.63
- Adopted Resolution 2021-5 updating Public Works Design Standards with 40-ft streets and 225 psi water testing
- Approved the consent agenda including accounts payable and surplus property
- Excused Councilwoman Maria Quezada from the meeting
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council approved the purchase of a new KME Challenger Pumper truck and fire equipment with a 75% deposit, citing risk of price increases. The council also accepted a Brownfields grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology and approved a proposal from BGES Inc. for a soil and groundwater assessment on the Sharon Truman property. Additionally, the council approved a $37,800 local match for the Lions Park Connectivity Trail project. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural.
- Approved the agenda and consent agenda, including minutes, payroll, accounts payable, and the Water Main Replacement Project.
- Authorized the purchase of the KME Challenger Pumper truck and fire equipment at 75% deposit.
- Accepted the Brownfields grant from Washington State Department of Ecology.
- Approved the proposal from BGES, Inc. for a soil and groundwater assessment on the Sharon Truman property.
- Approved $37,800 as local match for the Lions Park Connectivity Trail project.
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council approved a $41,053 contract change with Aspect Consulting for the Well #8 pump rebuild and shaft replacement, funded from the budget's Well Maintenance account. They also approved $11,686.26 for Wayfinding signs, a $10,000 contract with Councilwoman Dorow for wastewater treatment consulting, and a resolution amending the Sand Hill Estates development agreement to reflect 7th Avenue as a collector street. The council reached consensus to proceed with the current Fire District bid for a fire truck purchase.
- Approved $41,053 contract change with Aspect Consulting for Well #8 pump rebuild and shaft replacement
- Approved $11,686.26 for Wayfinding signs developed by the Beautification Committee
- Approved contract with Genna Dorow for up to $10,000 for wastewater treatment consulting and lab certification
- Approved resolution to amend the Sand Hill Estates development agreement (7th Avenue collector standard)
- Consensus to move forward with current Fire District bid for fire truck purchase
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, housing authority reappointment, and loan display agreement
- Excused Councilmembers Quezada and Garza from the meeting
Planning Commission
The Othello Planning Commission will hold a virtual meeting to discuss zoning north of Hemlock from 7th to 8th, and updates to subdivision title regulations (OMC Chapters 16.29 & 16.33). They will also review the February building and planning report and consider returning to in-person meetings. Old business includes updates on the rental housing licensing program, accessory dwelling units, and street safety planning.
- Zoning discussion north of Hemlock from 7th to 8th
- Subdivision title update – OMC Chapters 16.29 & 16.33
- Rental Housing Licensing and Safety Inspection Program (Ord. 1557, effective Feb. 22)
- Accessory Dwelling Units study session with Council
- Street safety: traffic calming, design standards, sidewalk funding
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council approved several agreements and contracts. They granted Avista Corporation a non-exclusive access license across city property, renewed a ten-year franchise agreement with Cascade Natural Gas, and approved two police union memorandums of agreement. The council also awarded the 2021 sewer lining project to PEC, Inc. for $893,602.16, and gave Public Works discretion to award the recycling fence project to either of two bidders for no more than $14,100.
- Approved Resolution 2021-02 granting Avista Corporation a non-exclusive property access and use license across the old dog pound property.
- Approved a ten-year franchise agreement with Cascade Natural Gas.
- Approved a Memorandum of Agreement with Teamsters Local Union No. 760 covering police department officers.
- Approved a Memorandum of Agreement with Teamsters Local Union No. 760 covering police department sergeants.
- Granted Public Works discretion to award the recycling fence project to either Slacks Custom Landscapes or ABC Fencing, not to exceed $14,100.
- Awarded the 2021 sewer lining project to PEC, Inc. in the amount of $893,602.16.
- Approved the agenda and the consent agenda, which included minutes, accounts payable, and payroll.
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council awarded the Main Street Safety Project rebid to ESF Solutions, LLC for $629,080.50, the lowest of six bids. The council also approved the 2021 spring sports plan, granted two variances to Wholesail Networks for aerial fiber builds, and approved several variances for the Sand Hill Estates III development, with some opposed votes. A public hearing was set for a Development Agreement amendment, and the council will begin in-person meetings on March 1, 2021.
- Approved agenda and consent agenda (including accounts payable)
- Awarded Main Street Safety Project rebid to ESF Solutions, LLC for $629,080.50
- Approved 2021 spring sports plan (soccer, little league, flag football)
- Granted Wholesail Networks two variances for aerial fiber builds
- Granted variance for 7th Avenue request (5-1, Everett opposed)
- Granted variance for 6 inches crushed rock on 7th and 14th Avenues and residential streets (4-2, Everett and Erickson opposed)
- Granted variance to not install sidewalk on west side of 7th Avenue through first three phases of Sand Hill Estates
- Set public hearing for Development Agreement amendment
Planning Commission
The commission will discuss updates to street safety plans, sidewalk funding, and public works design standards. The meeting also includes a police presentation on traffic accidents and tickets.
- Discussion of Street Safety and Public Works Design Standards Update
- Discussion regarding Comprehensive Street Safety Plan and Local Road Safety Plan
- Information on broadband status
- Update on Rental Housing Licensing and Safety Inspection Program (Ord. 1557)
- Discussion of Subdivision Standards rewrite
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council passed Ordinance 1557, establishing a rental housing licensing and safety inspection program, with a 4-2 vote. The ordinance was amended to remove the duration (sunset) clause. The council also approved the 2021 Springbrook service agreement and postponed the Main Street Safety Project award to the February 22 meeting.
- Passed Ordinance 1557 rental housing licensing & safety inspection program, excluding duration section 4.40.200 (4-2)
- Approved 2021 Springbrook service agreement (unanimous)
- Postponed Main Street Safety Project award to February 22 council meeting (unanimous)
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including accounts payable (unanimous)
Council Meeting Calendar
The council held a continued public hearing on the proposed Rental Housing Licensing and Inspection Ordinance but took no final action. Councilmembers discussed a sunset clause, with most opposing it, and one member remained undecided. The meeting was otherwise procedural, approving the agenda and consent agenda.
- Excused Councilmember absence (motion carried)
- Approved the agenda (motion carried)
- Approved the consent agenda including payroll (motion carried)
- Continued public hearing on rental housing licensing and inspection; no vote taken
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council awarded a janitorial contract to A & H Renovations for $2,000 per month, approved a resolution to apply for a DOE Integrated Planning Grant and accept a $32,000 DOE grant for site assessments, and continued the public hearing on a proposed rental housing licensing and inspection ordinance to February 1, 2021. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved agenda (Garza/Snyder)
- Approved consent agenda including accounts payable (Quezada/Lallas)
- Awarded janitorial bid to A & H Renovations effective Feb 1, 2021, and approved contract (Erickson/Dorow)
- Approved Resolution 2021-1 authorizing mayor to apply for DOE Integrated Planning Grant (Lallas/Everett)
- Continued public hearing on rental housing licensing and inspection to Feb 1, 2021
Planning Commission
The Othello Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and make a recommendation to the City Council on a Rental Licensing and Safety Inspection Program. The commission will also discuss traffic calming measures. Minutes from several prior meetings are scheduled for approval.
- Public hearing and recommendation on Rental Licensing and Safety Inspection Program
- Discussion of traffic calming
- Minutes approval for Sept. 21, 2020; Sept. 23, 2020 special; Dec. 21, 2020; Jan. 7, 2021 special
Council Meeting Calendar
The Othello City Council unanimously opposed two proposed state bills (House Bills 1056 and 1069), approved a $127,030 contract amendment with Varela and Associates for wastewater treatment design, and adopted the Street Classification Map with revisions. The council also tabled a variance request for Sandhill Estates III and allowed unspent IT budget to be carried forward to 2021.
- Opposed House Bill 1056 (OPMA amendment) and House Bill 1069 (fiscal flexibility) unanimously
- Approved $127,030 contract amendment with Varela and Associates for wastewater treatment design
- Adopted Street Classification Map with revisions (5-3, with Erickson, Everett, Snyder opposed)
- Tabled Sandhill Estates III variance request to a later date
- Allowed staff to bring forward unspent 2020 IT budget to 2021
Planning Commission
The Othello Planning Commission held a special virtual meeting on January 7, 2021. The agenda consisted of a single discussion item regarding street safety.
- Street Safety discussion