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Othello, WA

Othello public meetings in 2022

41 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Thu Dec 29, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council approves indigent defense and conflict attorney contracts

The Othello City Council approved two contracts for legal services: one with Mark Cano at Cano Law, PLLC for indigent defense attorney services, and another with Nicole Presch and Bunch, PLLC for conflict attorney services, with the mayor authorized to make minor non-financial adjustments. Councilman Garza was excused from the meeting.

Mon Dec 19, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to hold public hearing on Multi-Family Tax Exemption program

The Othello Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and make a recommendation to the City Council on the Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) program. They will also review the Active Transportation Plan and receive the November Building & Planning Department report. The meeting includes public input and approval of previous minutes.

planninghousingtransportationtax-exemptionpublic-hearing
Mon Dec 12, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council approves $125K for baseball tournament, upgrades

The Othello City Council approved hosting the 8/10 baseball state tournament and spending $125,000 on ballpark upgrades, including new mounds and concession/announcer booth improvements. The council also approved several equipment purchases totaling over $580,000, a contract with Tetra Tech for NPDES permit work, a prosecuting attorney contract, and a franchise ordinance for Ziply. Meetings on December 27, 2022 and January 3, 2023 were cancelled.

Mon Dec 5, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council adopts 2023 budget and 5-year capital facility plan

The Othello City Council adopted the 2023 budget (Ordinance 1590) and the 2023-2028 Capital Facility Plan (Ordinance 1588) after a second public hearing with no comment. They also approved a parks and recreation fee schedule (Resolution 2022-23), amended the 2022 budget (Ordinance 1589), and approved the consent agenda including a water SCADA project change order and CERB grant financial aid. Councilmember Angel Garza was excused, and a communication plan committee was appointed.

Mon Nov 28, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council approves 2023 property tax increase, water rates, and speed limit change

The Othello City Council approved several ordinances and resolutions for 2023, including a property tax rate increase (Ordinance 1587), a one-year water rate increase (Ordinance 1586), and water rates for Adams County Water District #1. They also adopted a speed limit increase on First Avenue from 25 to 35 mph (Ordinance 1585) and approved a 5-year wastewater discharge agreement with SVZ-USA. Inc. Public hearings were held on the 2023 budget and the Capital Facilities Plan, with no public testimony on the latter.

Mon Nov 21, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning Commission reviews MFTE ordinance, transportation plans, plat request

The Othello Planning Commission will review a preliminary plat deviation request for Sand Hill Estates #5, a draft ordinance for the Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) program, and the first draft of the Active Transportation Plan. They will also receive an informational report on the Street Safety Plan's traffic circle implementation and the October Building & Planning Department report. The meeting includes public input and approval of the October 17 minutes.

planning-commissionzoninghousingtransportationpublic-hearingsubdivision
Mon Nov 14, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council approves $84,964 for immutable backup solution

The Othello City Council approved the purchase of a Rubrik immutable backup solution through CDWG for $84,963.85. The consent agenda, including accounts payable of $588,071.28 and payroll of $532,846.70, was also approved. Council member Mark Snyder was excused. No other substantive decisions were made.

Mon Nov 7, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council appoints Danae Valdez to fill vacant Position #5

The Othello City Council interviewed four candidates and voted to appoint Danae Valdez to fill the vacant council Position #5. The council also approved the consent agenda, including the Scootney and 14th Safety Improvements Project, and began budget discussions that were continued to the next meeting.

Mon Oct 24, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council approves $800K playground equipment purchase

The Othello City Council approved the purchase of playground equipment from Wildwood Playgrounds for $800,000, after being notified of an 11% price increase. The council also approved a farm lease extension with Merle Booker at $350 per acre plus leasehold tax, authorized bids for spray equipment, and approved an algae treatment program. Council accepted the resignation of Councilmember Maria Quezada and discussed the process to fill the vacancy.

Mon Oct 17, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning Commission reviews Active Transportation Plan survey results and draft goals

The Othello Planning Commission will review survey results and draft goals for the Active Transportation Plan, and discuss updates to fence and landscaping codes. They will also hear the September building and planning report and preview upcoming topics, including a public hearing on the Multi-Family Tax Exemption program in November.

active-transportationzoningfenceslandscapingbuilding-reportmulti-family-tax-exemption
Mon Oct 3, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council approves $126,524 streaming system, $50K judge contract

The council approved a $126,523.96 council streaming system using ARPA funds with $800 annual ongoing costs, and a $50,000 annual contract for a municipal judge. A public hearing on 2023 revenue sources was held with no testimony and no action taken. The consent agenda was approved, including a contract for Kiwanis Park trenching and prior meeting minutes.

Mon Sep 26, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council approves fulfillment of interlocal agreement, transferring Othello Community Pool ownership to city

The Othello City Council approved a resolution and agreement to fulfill the 2006 interlocal agreement with Adams County Park and Recreation District No. 1, paying the remaining $60,000 and transferring ownership of the Othello Community Pool to the city. The council also adopted an ordinance amending the municipal code for the new Othello Municipal Court, approved the consent agenda including accounts payable, and canceled the October 10, 2022 council meeting due to city hall remodeling.

Mon Sep 19, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to discuss MFTE program and Housing Action Plan strategies

The Othello Planning Commission will introduce and discuss the Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) program and consider other strategies for the Housing Action Plan, with possible grant funds available for work due by June 2023. The meeting also includes approval of August minutes, a department report, and discussion of a Planned Unit Development/Master Planned Community. Several old business items are noted, including revisiting ADU regulations after only 2 permits in the first year.

housingzoningplanningtax-exemptionadusubdivisionpublic-engagement
Mon Sep 12, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Othello Council adopts municipal court, annexes city-owned properties

The Othello City Council adopted two ordinances: one creating a municipal court to adjudicate adult misdemeanors (targeting a 2023 start), and another annexing city-owned properties outside city limits. The council also approved a consent agenda, a budget committee schedule, and a change order for a railroad utility crossing. No substantive decisions were denied or tabled.

Tue Sep 6, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council approves $164,802 City Hall remodel bids

The Othello City Council approved bids for the City Hall remodel totaling $164,802.66, exceeding the previously approved amount by $24,302.66. The vote was 3-1, with Councilmember Everett opposed due to funding concerns. The council also approved a $253,262 local match for RCO grants for Kiwanis Park projects and authorized expenditures for media and sports equipment under the SEEK program.

Mon Aug 22, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Othello Council authorizes mayor to negotiate for new municipal court contracts

The council approved a 2-year, $30,000 gang intervention agreement with Latino Community Outreach via the Latino Community Center, authorized the mayor to negotiate contracts for a judge, prosecutor, indigent defense, and court translator to establish a municipal court, and approved a $20,000 budget increase for the court clerk position. All votes were unanimous.

Mon Aug 15, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to discuss housing strategies and code updates

The Othello Planning Commission will hold its regular meeting to discuss several items, including an update on active transportation public engagement, proposed changes to fence and landscaping codes, and housing strategies. The Commission will also review a grant-funded study on the Multi-Family Tax Exemption program and consider other housing actions. The meeting includes public input and approval of previous minutes.

planning-commissionhousingzoninglandscapingfencesactive-transportationmfte
Mon Aug 8, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council approves ARPA-funded road grader and Axon police cameras

The Othello City Council approved a resolution to use sole-source procurement for street lighting materials for the Main Street Project, and allocated ARPA funds for a road grader and for Axon body and vehicle cameras. The council also approved the agenda and consent agenda, which included accounts payable and payroll. No other substantive decisions were made.

Mon Aug 1, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council approves $30K ARPA grant to Othello Food Bank

The Othello City Council approved a $30,000 grant to the Othello Food Bank using ARPA funds, to be distributed over two years. Council also approved the appointment of Curt Carpenter as Public Works Director and authorized a Municipal Court Clerk Administrator position with salary and benefits capped at $100,000 annually. A resolution to let staff sign facility use agreements without council approval was not approved; instead, such approvals will be placed on the consent agenda.

Mon Jul 25, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council approves $30K gang mentoring, $247K road grader, court remodel

The Othello City Council approved several items, including a $30,000 gang intervention/mentoring partnership with Jesse Campos, a $137,330 contract amendment with Varela and Associates, a $247,129.24 road grader purchase, and authorized bidding for a City Hall remodel up to $140,500. The council also discussed the termination of the interlocal agreement for district court services with Adams County, which will require the city to establish its own municipal court.

Mon Jul 11, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council adopts 2023-2028 transportation improvement plan

The Othello City Council adopted the 2023-2028 Transportation Improvement Program after a public hearing with no testimony. They also approved a consent agenda including contracts and payments, adopted an ordinance correcting council meeting dates, and approved a facility use agreement for the All-Cities Car Show. No substantive decisions were made on citizen concerns raised during public input.

Tue Jul 5, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council approves $12,000 for All Stars softball teams

The Othello City Council approved a $12,000 budget for the All Stars softball teams competing in the state tournament, and gave consensus for youth players to keep their uniforms. The council also approved the agenda and consent agenda, which included minutes from June 27, 2022, and railroad track removal agreements. No other substantive decisions were made; discussions on ARPA funds and street/traffic issues were informational only.

Mon Jun 27, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council approves $347K security camera system for city parks

The Othello City Council approved a $264,096.17 camera system purchase and $83,331.83 in related equipment/work for city parks, renewed a 5-year lobbying agreement with Gordon Thomas Honeywell, and approved a facility use agreement for the CBHA Color Run. The council also approved the consent agenda and entered executive session for potential litigation, taking no action there.

Mon Jun 20, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to discuss fence code, landscaping, and housing action plan

The Othello Planning Commission will hold its regular meeting to discuss updates to the municipal code, including fence regulations and landscaping/street tree requirements. They will also receive an update on active transportation public engagement and the May building and planning department report. Old business includes revisiting home occupation zoning, subdivision code updates, and the Housing Action Plan, including a grant for a Multi-Family Tax Exemption program.

zoningmunicipal-codefenceslandscapinghousingtransportationplanning-commission
Mon Jun 13, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council approves $134,173.52 streaming system for chambers

The Othello City Council approved the purchase of a council chambers streaming system for $134,173.52 using ARPA funds, with Councilman Everett opposed. They also approved a contract amendment with AHBL for surveying work, a facility use agreement and resolution for the Chamber of Commerce's 4th of July event at Lions Park with fees waived, and adopted Ordinance 1579 amending utility undergrounding rules. The consent agenda, including minutes, accounts payable, payroll, and project acceptances, was approved.

Mon Jun 6, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council approves SRO agreement, swim team pool use, and UPS upgrades

The Othello City Council approved several agreements, including a renewed School Resource Officer (SRO) interlocal agreement with the Othello School District, a facility use agreement with the Othello Barracudas Swim Team for pool use, and a criminal justice class instruction agreement. They also approved a RACOM quote for two new UPS systems for the police dispatch. The council declined an offer to extend the weed spraying contract with Outback Spraying to three years, keeping the current one-year contract.

Mon May 23, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council approves rate study amendment, security cameras, RACOM contract, park ordinance

The Othello City Council approved a contract amendment with FCS Group for the water rate study, selected option 2 for security cameras from RFI, approved a 5-year RACOM radio maintenance contract, adopted Ordinance 1580 amending the city parks code (with one opposed vote), and approved an interlocal agreement with the Othello School District for joint use of recreational facilities. The council also approved the consent agenda, which included accounts payable and the Booker Road Project award. No other substantive decisions were made; an executive session on potential litigation was held with no action taken.

Mon May 16, 2022

Planning Commission

Othello Planning Commission to discuss zoning updates and housing plans

The Commission will hold discussions regarding landscaping, street trees, and home occupation zoning updates. The meeting also includes updates on the Housing Action Plan and the Multi-Family Tax Exemption program.

zoninghousingtransportationlandscapingutilities
Mon May 9, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council approves wireless surveillance cameras for Lions Park

The Othello City Council approved the purchase of a temporary wireless surveillance camera system for Lions Park to address graffiti concerns ahead of summer events. Council also adopted Resolution 2022-09, amending the interlocal agreement with Adams County Park and Recreation District to allow the city to advance payments for the aquatic center without penalty. An ordinance amending OMC Chapter 14.56 on undergrounding utilities was discussed but tabled for further changes. The meeting included two executive sessions on real estate and potential litigation, with no action taken.

Mon May 2, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council deadlocks on weed spraying contract; mayor breaks tie for one-year deal

The council voted 4-2 against a three-year weed spraying contract with Outback Spraying, then deadlocked 3-3 on a one-year option, with Mayor Logan breaking the tie in favor. The mayor will bring a cost comparison of private versus public spraying to the next meeting. The council also approved up to four $1,000 police scholarships per year, conditional on revenue, and approved a modified landscaping plan for Cow Path Bakery.

Mon Apr 25, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council awards $535K railroad utility crossing project

The Othello City Council awarded the Railroad Utility Crossing Project to Industrial Construction of Washington, LLC for $535,379.43, approved a Complete Streets grant agreement with the Transportation Improvement Board, and authorized applying for three state grants for Kiwanis Park improvements. The council also approved the consent agenda and received training on open meetings and public records laws.

Mon Apr 18, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to discuss home occupation zoning rules and rental license report

The Othello Planning Commission is holding its regular meeting to discuss a zoning update for home occupations (OMC 17.59) and review the residential rental license report. The commission will also receive the March building and planning department report and consider old business items, including a subdivision update, housing action plan, and a new ordinance on underground utilities.

zoninghousingrental-licensessubdivisionutilitiesplanning-commission
Mon Apr 11, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council authorizes Taggares Park purchase agreement

The Othello City Council approved several items, including authorizing the mayor to execute a purchase and sale agreement with Adams County Park and Recreation District No. 1 for Taggares Park, approving a facility use agreement with Columbia Basin Health Association for soccer games, and sponsoring the CBHA Color Run for $2,500. The consent agenda, including minutes, accounts payable, and payroll, was also approved.

Mon Mar 21, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning Commission holds public hearing on residential zone uses

The Othello Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and make a recommendation to the City Council on updating permitted uses in residential zones (OMC 17.20.030). The commission will also review the February building and planning department report and discuss several old business items, including a subdivision code update, home occupation code revision, and a housing action plan.

zoningplanningpublic-hearinghousingsubdivisioncomprehensive-plan
Mon Mar 14, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council approves $77,200 ASR testing contract change

The Othello City Council approved a $77,200 contract change with Aspect Consulting for additional ASR pilot testing, a $10,000 fireworks contract for the Christmas Miracle on Main Street event, and a resolution and facility use agreement for the Copa Othello soccer tournament. The council also approved the consent agenda, including accounts payable and payroll, and went into executive session for potential litigation, taking no action.

Tue Feb 22, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to weigh Sand Hill Estates plat, home occupation code

The Othello Planning Commission will consider a recommendation on deferrals and deviations for the Sand Hill Estates #4 major plat, and discuss the city's home occupation code (OMC 17.59). They will also review the January building and planning department report and discuss the Lighthouse Community Center and Coffee Bar. Old business includes updates on the Parks & Recreation Element, subdivision code update, Housing Action Plan, and other items.

Mon Feb 7, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council awards $838,636 sewer lining project to PEC, Inc.

The Othello City Council approved several contracts and resolutions, including awarding the 2022 Sewer Lining Project to PEC, Inc. for $838,636.56. They also approved a $15,000 fireworks contract, a $35,340 lab quote for Owl Creek testing, a $17,630 SCADA contract amendment, and adopted a new parks fee schedule and an ordinance on civil emergency oversight. All votes were unanimous among present members.

Mon Jan 24, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council approves agenda and consent items; park plan hearing held

The Othello City Council approved the agenda and consent agenda, including appointing Tom Haworth to the Mosquito Control Board. A public hearing was held for the Park Element Plan, which must be updated to qualify for an RCO grant, but no public testimony was given. Proposed changes to special event and tournament rental fees were not favored, and a meeting was requested to discuss them further. No other substantive decisions were made.

Tue Jan 18, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to hold public hearing on Parks & Recreation plan update

The Othello Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and make a recommendation to the City Council on updating the Parks & Recreation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. The commission will also elect a chair and vice chair, approve prior meeting minutes, and receive building and planning department reports. Old business items include a subdivision code update, Housing Action Plan discussion, residential landscaping timing, and an underground utilities policy.

planning-commissioncomprehensive-planparkssubdivisionhousingpublic-hearing
Mon Jan 10, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council approves $11,000 Placer.ai contract for data software

The Othello City Council approved a one-year contract with Placer.ai for $11,000, a software tool to help with grant applications, business recruitment, and tourism impact analysis. Council also approved the agenda and consent agenda, which included accounts payable and prior meeting minutes. Councilman John Lallas was excused from the meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

Mon Jan 3, 2022

Council Meeting Calendar

✓ Decided: Council elects Jon Erickson as Mayor Pro Tem for one year

The Othello City Council approved the consent agenda, including accounts payable, payroll, minutes, the crack seal project award, and acceptance of the weed spraying contract. Jon Erickson was elected Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year term by a 4-3 vote over Genna Dorow. The council also administered oaths of office for newly elected members and the mayor, and held an executive session on potential litigation and a complaint against a city official, with no action taken.