Othello public meetings in 2024

Council Meeting Calendar

The Othello City Council adopted the 2025 budget as presented and approved an ordinance amending the 2024 budget. It also adopted a resolution removing a specific parcel (Hampton property) from city limits and cancelled the December 23, 2024 meeting. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable ($543,660.40), payroll ($653,414.21), and 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance amending 2024 budget (unanimous)
• Adopted 2025 budget as presented (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2024-10 removing parcel #1529030682535 from city limits (unanimous)
• Cancelled December 23, 2024 meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and make a recommendation to the City Council on zoning updates for off-street parking, RV parking and storage, and vision clearance at intersections. They will also discuss zoning updates related to the Housing Action Plan, including definitions, setbacks, eave overhang, house width, cottage housing, and design standards. The meeting includes approval of previous minutes and a department report.

• Public hearing on OMC 17.61, 9.33, 17.56.040,050, & 055 – Off-Street Parking, RV Parking & Storage, Vision Clearance at Intersections
• Discussion of zoning updates for Housing Action Plan strategies – OMC 17.09, 17.20, 17.56 – Definitions, Setbacks, Eave Overhang, House Width, Cottage Housing, Design Standards
• Approval of November 18, 2024 minutes
• November 2024 Building & Planning Department Report
• Old business: Subdivision Update (OMC Title 16) and further Housing Action Plan implementation

The Planning Commission voted to recommend updates to Othello's off-street parking, RV parking, and vision clearance codes to the City Council. Changes include reducing restaurant parking to 0.75 spaces per 100 sq ft, adjusting alley setback and hard-surface requirements, and aligning shrub height limits with fence rules. The recommendation passed on a motion by Gentry/Voorhies.

• Recommended off-street parking code changes to City Council (motion Gentry/Voorhies)
• Adjusted vision clearance shrub height to 3 ft above curb and 3.5 ft above street
• Set restaurant parking at 0.75 spaces per 100 sq ft of building
• Removed 'used' from car sales parking sections
• Did not require a covenant for alley parking if alley is later paved
• Agreed to delete the 24-foot minimum house width requirement (discussion only, no vote)
• Discussed but did not decide on design standards for denser development

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will discuss and provide input on the Highway 26 Trail/Linear Park project, several zoning updates including off-street and RV parking regulations and vision clearance at intersections, a subdivision update for unit lot subdivisions, and a Housing Action Plan strategy for smaller homes on smaller lots. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and a department report.

• Highway 26 Trail/Linear Park – Discussion & Input
• Zoning Update – OMC 17.61, 9.33, 17.56.050 & 055 – Off-Street Parking and RV Parking – Discussion
• Zoning Update – OMC 17.56.040 – Vision Clearance at Intersections – Discussion
• Subdivision Update – OMC Title 16 – Unit Lot Subdivision – Introduction & Discussion
• Housing Action Plan Strategy: Smaller Homes on Smaller Lots – Discussion

The Planning Commission discussed and reached consensus on several zoning updates. They agreed to reduce the required alley setback for parking from 8 feet to 3 feet, and set restaurant parking at 7.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet. Commissioners also reviewed and supported changes to vision clearance rules, RV parking regulations, and a new unit lot subdivision code. No formal votes were taken; these items will return for a public hearing in December.

• Agreed to reduce alley parking setback from 8 feet to 3 feet after discussion.
• Agreed to set restaurant parking requirement at 7.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet.
• Supported staff's proposed language changes to vision clearance at intersections (OMC 17.56.040).
• Supported staff's draft for unit lot subdivision regulations (OMC Title 16).
• Agreed to delete the requirement for in-person request at Police Department for RV parking.
• Approved minutes of September 16, 2024 meeting.
• Discussed but took no action on smaller homes on smaller lots; will return with draft.
• Discussed but took no action on reducing parking for small dwelling units.

Planning Commission

The Othello Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to discuss several zoning updates, including off-street parking and RV parking regulations, and vision clearance at intersections. They will also receive materials on the Highway 26 Trail/Linear Park project and review the August 2024 Building & Planning Department Report. Old business includes updates on nonconforming uses, home occupations, and subdivision regulations.

• Highway 26 Trail/Linear Park – materials to be provided at the meeting
• Zoning Update – Off-Street Parking, OMC 17.61; RV Parking, OMC 17.56.050, 17.56.055, and 9.33 – Discussion
• Zoning Update – OMC 17.56.040 – Vision Clearance at Intersections – Discussion
• August 2024 Building & Planning Department Report
• Old Business: Zoning Update – Nonconforming Uses, OMC 17.79 – City Council adopted updates Oct. 14; Home Occupations, OMC 17.59 – City Council public hearing Oct. 28

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider recommendations to the City Council on updates to the nonconforming use code (OMC 17.79) and home occupation code (OMC 17.59). They will also continue discussion on subdivision update reimbursements and latecomer agreements (OMC Title 16). The meeting includes approval of previous minutes and a building department report.

• Public hearing and recommendation on nonconforming use code (OMC 17.79)
• Revisions and recommendation on home occupation code (OMC 17.59)
• Continued discussion on subdivision update reimbursements and latecomer agreements (OMC Title 16)
• August 2024 Building & Planning Department report

The Planning Commission voted to recommend updates to the Nonconforming Use chapter (OMC 17.79) to the City Council, with edits discussed during the meeting. The commission also recommended changes to the Home Occupation code, including adding inspection provisions with 48-hour notice, despite one abstention. Discussion on off-street parking setbacks was continued to the next meeting.

• Approved recommendation to City Council for updated Nonconforming Use code (unanimous)
• Approved recommendation to City Council for revised Home Occupation code, including inspections with 48-hour notice and enforcement provisions (4-0-1, Sawyer abstained)
• Continued discussion on off-street parking setbacks to next meeting

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and make a recommendation to the City Council on updates to home occupation regulations (OMC 17.59). They will also introduce and discuss nonconforming use code (OMC 17.79) and continue discussion on subdivision latecomer agreements (OMC Title 16). A building and planning department report for July 2024 will be presented.

• Public hearing on Zoning Update – Home Occupations (OMC 17.59) and recommendation to City Council
• Introduction and discussion of Nonconforming Use Code (OMC 17.79)
• Continued discussion on Subdivision Update – Reimbursements/Latecomer Agreements (OMC Title 16)
• July 2024 Building & Planning Department Report
• Discussion of further Housing Action Plan implementation

The Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted to recommend an updated home occupation code (OMC 17.59) to the City Council, with amendments including removal of 'medical and dental clinic' from the prohibited list. The commission also discussed a draft update to the nonconforming use code (OMC 17.79) and continued work on subdivision code reimbursements. No public comments were made during the home occupation hearing.

• Approved recommendation to City Council of updated home occupation code with amendments (motion by Carmona/Gentry, unanimous)
• Removed 'medical and dental clinic' from prohibited home occupations list
• Agreed to remove Columbia Street improvement district from old business agenda
• Approved July 15, 2024 meeting minutes (motion by Sawyer/Carmona, unanimous)

Council Meeting Calendar

The Othello City Council voted to reject the CR2 Agreement for annexation into Adams County Fire District 5 and instead continue working toward running its own fire department. The council also approved facility use agreements for a CBHA Color Run and a Chamber of Commerce Back to School Movie Night, and accepted a $41,666 state re-accreditation award for the police department. No action was taken during an executive session on potential litigation.

• Rejected CR2 Agreement for annexation into Adams County Fire District 5, will pursue own fire department (Everett/Snyder)
• Approved facility use agreement with CBHA for Color Run for a Cause on August 24, 2024 (Dorow/Snyder)
• Approved facility use agreement with Chamber of Commerce for Back to School Movie Night on September 6, 2024 (Barnes/Valdez)
• Approved consent agenda including accounts payable of $702,009.47
• Excused Councilmember Angel Garza (Lallas/Dorow)
• Approved agenda (Lallas/Barnes)

Council Meeting Calendar

The Othello City Council voted to accept the proposed annexation of Bench Road, with conditions requiring simultaneous adoption of C-3 commercial zoning adjacent to Broadway and R-4 residential for the rest, matching the comprehensive plan. The council also required the annexed area to assume existing city indebtedness. A motion by Councilmember Dorow to require the same zoning without a legal nonconformity clause failed for lack of a second. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included citizen input on a swimming pool and a business license issue, and an executive session on potential litigation with no action taken.

• Approved Bench Road annexation (motion carried, no vote tally recorded)
• Required simultaneous adoption of C-3 commercial and R-4 residential zoning with legal nonconformity clause (motion carried, no vote tally recorded)
• Required annexed area to assume existing city indebtedness (motion carried, no vote tally recorded)
• Motion to require zoning without nonconformity clause failed (no second)
• Approved consent agenda including July 8, 2024 minutes and accounts payable of $271,602.51 (motion carried, no vote tally recorded)
• Excused Councilmember Danae Valdez (motion carried, no vote tally recorded)
• Excused Councilmember Darryl Barnes (motion carried, no vote tally recorded)
• Approved meeting agenda (motion carried, no vote tally recorded)

Planning Commission

The Othello Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to consider a zoning update for home occupations (OMC 17.59) and continue discussion on subdivision code updates (OMC Title 16). The meeting also includes public input, approval of previous minutes, and a report on recent building and planning activity.

• Zoning update – Home Occupations (OMC 17.59)
• Subdivision update – OMC Title 16 continued discussion
• Building & Planning Department reports for April, May, and June 2024
• Housing Action Plan implementation discussion

The Planning Commission reviewed and made changes to the home occupation code, removing pet grooming from the prohibited list and keeping restrictions on parking, signage, and outside employees. The updated chapter will return for a public hearing and recommendation to the City Council. The Commission also continued discussion on subdivision code updates, including block lengths, tree planting, and pedestrian walkways, but took no final votes on those items.

• Removed pet grooming from prohibited home occupation uses
• Kept existing parking restrictions: off-street, not in required front yard
• Kept existing sign rules: one non-illuminated sign, max 1 sq ft, mounted flat
• No outside employees allowed for home occupations
• Approved April 15, 2024 meeting minutes
• Tabled home occupation ordinance for public hearing at next meeting
• No final decisions on subdivision code updates; discussion continued

Council Meeting Calendar

The Othello City Council approved several items including a $340,000 budget for a permanent animal shelter and authorized a call for bids. They also awarded a $334,208 futsal court project to Dug Excavation, LLC, approved a facility use agreement for the Classic Car Club's Spud Run, and authorized restriping Pine Street for angled parking at a cost of $15,000. A proposed ordinance on failure to supervise a minor was discussed but not voted on.

• Approved $340,000 budget for animal shelter and authorized call for bids (unanimous)
• Awarded Kiwanis Park futsal court project to Dug Excavation, LLC for $334,208.16 (motion by Lallas/Dorow)
• Approved facility use agreement with Classic Car Club for Spud Run car show (motion by Snyder/Dorow)
• Authorized restriping Pine Street from 7th to 11th Avenue for angled parking with $15,000 budget (motion by Dorow/Valdez)
• Approved consent agenda including June 24 minutes, accounts payable $202,909.87, and payroll $684,448.99 (unanimous)

Council Meeting Calendar

The Othello City Council approved a $60,000 lobbying and advocacy contract with Culton Consulting, effective August 1, 2024, and terminated the prior agreement with Desimone Consulting. The council also approved a $2,400 budget adjustment from pool house repairs to pickleball court construction, bringing the pickleball budget to $32,400. The consent agenda, including accounts payable of $313,597.29 and prior meeting minutes, was approved. Councilmember Danae Valdez was excused from the meeting.

• Approved $60,000 contract with Culton Consulting for lobbying and advocacy services (motion carried)
• Terminated contract with Desimone Consulting, LLC effective July 1, 2024 (motion carried)
• Approved $2,400 budget adjustment from pool house repair to pickleball court funds, total $32,400 (motion carried)
• Approved consent agenda including accounts payable of $313,597.29 and June 10, 2024 minutes (motion carried)
• Excused Councilmember Danae Valdez from the meeting (motion carried)

Planning Commission

The Othello Planning Commission will hold its regular June 17, 2024 meeting, continuing a discussion on the subdivision update (OMC Title 16) and receiving building and planning department reports for April and May 2024. Old business items include a possible return to the home occupations zoning update (OMC 17.59) and further implementation of the Housing Action Plan, with no report on the Columbia Street Local Improvement District.

• Continued discussion of Subdivision Update – OMC Title 16
• Building & Planning Department reports for April and May 2024
• Zoning Update – Home Occupations – OMC 17.59 (if time allows)
• Housing Action Plan implementation possibilities
• Columbia Street Local Improvement District (LID) – no report

Council Meeting Calendar

The Othello City Council approved applying for the FY24 COPS Hiring Grant to fund a second School Resource Officer position. Council also awarded the 2024 seal coat project to Tommer Construction Company, Inc. for up to $600,000, and retroactively ratified the mayor's termination of the fire district contract. Several facility use agreements were approved for community events.

• Approved applying for the FY24 COPS Hiring Grant for a second SRO position
• Awarded the 2024 seal coat project to Tommer Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of $575,000, with approval to add an additional street if within the $600,000 budget
• Retroactively approved and ratified the mayor's termination of the city's contract with the Fire District
• Approved a facility use agreement with McCain Foods for a company party on August 3 and August 10, 2024
• Approved a facility use agreement with Fight for Mike Charity Committee for a 5K run on July 4, 2024
• Approved a facility use agreement with the Othello Chamber of Commerce for the 4th of July parade and celebration at Lions Park
• Approved the consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable ($795,760.33 total), payroll ($664,753.06), and surplus equipment
• Excused Councilmember Darryl Barnes from the meeting

Council Meeting Calendar

The council approved several items including an agreement with Blue Bridge Alliance for a police donation platform, Ordinance 1616 creating rules for sidewalk and portable vendors, and Resolution 2024-06 updating the housing authority area of operations. The consent agenda covering accounts payable, payroll, minutes, and a Safe Routes to Schools grant application was also approved. No citizen input was received.

• Approved consent agenda including accounts payable ($1,126,396.49), payroll ($624,616.13), May 6 minutes, and Safe Routes to Schools grant application
• Approved agreement between Othello Police Department and Blue Bridge Alliance for community donation platform
• Approved Ordinance 1616 creating Chapter 4.16 'Sidewalk Vendors and Portable Vendors'
• Adopted Resolution 2024-06 amending Resolution 66-2 to expand housing authority area of operations and update language

Council Meeting Calendar

The Othello City Council approved two engineering task orders with Anderson Perry & Associates: a $40,000 pilot test at the wastewater treatment plant and a $67,500 feasibility study for a hydrogeological investigation of the Hawley property. The council also approved a 3-week summer youth recreation program after the community pool closure, adopted a new parks and recreation fee schedule, and updated the special event policy without shifting approval authority to the City Administrator. Councilmembers were excused and the agenda and consent agenda were approved unanimously.

• Approved Task Order No. 24-01 with Anderson Perry for wastewater treatment plant pilot test not to exceed $40,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Amendment No. 3 with Anderson Perry for Hawley property hydrogeological investigation not to exceed $67,500 (unanimous)
• Approved Othello Summer Youth Recreation Program (3 weeks) (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2024-05 repealing Resolution 2023-26, establishing new parks and recreation fee schedule (unanimous)
• Adopted Special Event Policy 2024-01 repealing 2016-02, without authorizing City Administrator to approve special events (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including April 22, 2023 minutes and Judicial Information System agreement (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Excused Councilmember Danae Valdez (unanimous)

Council Meeting Calendar

The Othello City Council voted to close the community pool for the 2024 season due to safety concerns based on a presentation by the Public Works Director. The council also approved the consent agenda, including accounts payable of $731,196.85, and swore in a new police officer. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved consent agenda including accounts payable of $731,196.85 (unanimous)
• Approved police network firewall purchase (consent agenda)
• Swore in Dereck Garcia as new police officer
• Closed community pool for 2024 season based on safety findings

Planning Commission

The Othello Planning Commission will hold its regular meeting, reviewing a duplex proposal on an 11,000-square-foot lot at 525 S 6th Ave in an R-2 zone as part of a barriers-to-housing discussion. The commission will also discuss a subdivision update to OMC Title 16, receive the March building and planning department report, and revisit zoning updates for home occupations and further housing action plan implementation. The meeting is open for public input and can be attended remotely via Zoom.

• Duplex proposal at 525 S 6th Ave on 11,000 SF lot in R-2 zone
• Subdivision update discussion – OMC Title 16
• March Building & Planning Department Report
• Zoning update for home occupations – OMC 17.59
• Housing Action Plan implementation possibilities

The Planning Commission discussed a request to add units to a duplex at 525 S. 6th Ave but took no vote, as the R-2 zoning allows only 2 units. They also discussed a major update to the Subdivision Title (OMC Title 16), covering street design, parking, and open space requirements, but no decisions were made. The meeting was procedural with no formal actions taken.

• No action taken on duplex expansion request at 525 S. 6th Ave
• No action taken on Subdivision Title update discussion

Council Meeting Calendar

The Othello City Council approved a consent agenda including minutes, payables, payroll, a trail grant, and a utility design ordinance. They approved a resolution to apply for RCO grants, authorized a Cinco de Mayo celebration with a fee waiver, and granted a deferral for extending municipal utilities and street improvements in Sand Hill Estates 6 while denying a deferral for easement dedication. No action was taken on unsafe swimming pool repairs.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes, payables ($277,053.63), payroll ($669,417.73), SR26 Trail Grant, and Ordinance 1614
• Approved Resolution 2024-04 to apply for RCO grants (YAF, LWCF, WWRP)
• Approved facility use agreement for Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 4, 2024, and waived $675 special event fee
• Granted deferral of municipal utility extension in Sand Hill Estates 6 until completion of 6th apartment building or Sept 30, 2029
• Denied deferral of easement dedication for municipal utilities in Sand Hill Estates 6
• Granted deferral of street and utility improvements to 11th Avenue until completion of 6th apartment building or Sept 30, 2029
• Discussed but took no action on portable sidewalk vendor ordinance
• No action taken on swimming pool repairs due to unsafe conditions

Council Meeting Calendar

The Othello City Council adopted Ordinance 1613 creating a new outdoor burning code section and Ordinance 1615 reclassifying nuisance noise violations from a misdemeanor to a civil infraction. A proposed amendment to utility and sanitary sewer design standards (Ordinance 1614) was tabled for further discussion at the next meeting. The council also approved the consent agenda, including $271,152.55 in accounts payable, and excused Council Member Darryl Barnes.

• Adopted Ordinance 1613 creating OMC Section 8.06.140 on outdoor burning (M/S Snyder/Dorow)
• Tabled Ordinance 1614 amending utility and sanitary sewer design standards (M/S Dorow/Everett)
• Adopted Ordinance 1615 reclassifying nuisance noise violations as a non-traffic civil infraction (M/S Dorow/Snyder)
• Approved consent agenda including accounts payable of $271,152.55 and March 11, 2024 minutes
• Excused Council Member Darryl Barnes (M/S Lallas/Dorow)

Planning Commission

The Othello Planning Commission will consider a deferral request for the Sand Hill Estates 6 short plat and discuss a code update for mobile vendors and push carts (OMC 4.04), both with recommendations to the City Council. The agenda also includes reports on building and rental licensing, and old business items on home occupations, housing, and subdivision updates.

• Sand Hill Estates 6 Short Plat – deferral request recommendation to City Council
• Code update for mobile vendors/push carts (OMC 4.04) – discussion and recommendation
• February Building & Planning Department Report
• Rental Licensing Annual Report
• Zoning update for home occupations (OMC 17.59) – pending discussion

Council Meeting Calendar

The Othello City Council is holding its regular meeting, where it will consider consent agenda items including awarding a fencing project for fuel tanks and accepting a water SCADA project change order. Under current business, the council will discuss a water supply plan update and an agreement for a water system plan update, along with a proclamation for the 26th Annual Spring Clean Up Days. The meeting also includes reports from building and planning, rental licenses, legislative affairs, and the police department.

• Award Fencing Project for Fuel Tanks
• Accept Water SCADA Project Change Order #2
• Water Supply Plan Update
• Water System Plan Update Agreement
• 26th Annual Spring Clean Up Days Proclamation

The Othello City Council approved a professional services agreement with Consor North America, Inc. for a water system plan update at a cost not to exceed $149,630. The consent agenda was also approved, including accounts payable of $182,149.48, payroll of $634,663.20, and several other routine items. Council member Angel Garza was excused. No citizen input or new business was presented.

• Approved $149,630 water system plan agreement with Consor North America, Inc. (motion Dorow/Valdez)
• Approved consent agenda including accounts payable, payroll, minutes, fencing project, and water SCADA change order (motion Dorow/Barnes)
• Excused Council Member Angel Garza (motion Lallas/Dorow)
• Approved meeting agenda (motion Everett/Lallas)

Council Meeting Calendar

The Othello City Council will hold its regular meeting, including electing a mayor pro-tem, swearing in a sergeant and an officer, and considering a variance request for Sand Hill Estates VI. The council will also hold executive sessions on real estate and contract negotiations, and approve a consent agenda item for fuel tank containment.

• Approve Award of Public Works Fuel Concrete Containment for Fuel Tanks
• Elect Mayor Pro-Tem
• Swear In of Sergeant Bryan Jacobsen
• Swear In of Officer Omar Ledesma
• Approve Sand Hill Estates VI Variance Request

The Othello City Council elected Councilmember Genna Dorow as Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year term after two rounds of voting. The council also approved a variance request from the city engineer to not install a sidewalk on the west side of 7th Avenue through the Sand Hill Estates development. Two new police officers were sworn in, and the council entered executive session for real estate and contract negotiations, taking no action there.

• Elected Genna Dorow as Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year term (4-3)
• Approved variance to not install sidewalk on west side of 7th Ave through Sand Hill Estates (motion carried)
• Swore in Sergeant Bryan Jacobsen to Othello Police Department
• Swore in Officer Omar Ledesma to Othello Police Department
• Approved consent agenda including award of Public Works Fuel Concrete Containment for Fuel Tanks
• Entered executive session for real estate and contract negotiations (no action taken)

Council Meeting Calendar

The Othello City Council is holding its regular meeting with a consent agenda covering routine approvals, including accounts payable, payroll, a crack seal project award, a public works surplus list, and a memorandum of understanding with the Seattle Police Department's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Under current business, the council will discuss the Othello Food Bank and approve a Local Road Safety Plan Update Agreement. The meeting also includes a legislative report for February.

• Award Crack Seal Project - 2024
• Approve Public Works Surplus List
• Approve MOU with Seattle Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
• Approve Local Road Safety Plan Update Agreement
• Othello Food Bank discussion

The Othello City Council approved an agreement with SCJ Alliance for a Local Road Safety Plan update at a cost not to exceed $44,796, funded by a $50,000 Quadco grant. The council also approved the consent agenda (with the public works surplus list moved to current business), accounts payable totaling $411,719.76, and the public works surplus list by a 5-1 vote with Councilmember Everett opposed. The meeting included citizen input on a police complaint and Adams County Pet Rescue contract negotiations.

• Approved motion to excuse Councilmember Danae Valdez
• Approved agenda as presented
• Approved consent agenda with public works surplus list moved to current business
• Approved $44,796 agreement with SCJ Alliance for Local Road Safety Plan update
• Approved public works surplus list (5-1, Everett opposed)

Planning Commission

The Othello Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to discuss a code update for mobile vendors and push carts, potentially recommending changes to the City Council. They will also receive an informational update on cargo containers, review department reports, and outline future projects including home occupation zoning and a subdivision code update.

• Code update for mobile vendors/push carts (OMC 4.04) – discussion and possible recommendation
• Cargo container update – informational
• 2023 year-end and January 2024 building & planning department reports
• Future zoning update for home occupations (OMC 17.59)
• Subdivision update (OMC Title 16) identified as next major project

The Othello Planning Commission discussed and refined a draft ordinance to regulate sidewalk vendors, pushcarts, and portable vendors. The Commission reached consensus on several key points: allowing vendors on sidewalks and private property, permitting both food and merchandise sales, and allowing roaming vendors in residential areas by a 4-3 vote. The draft will be revised based on the discussion, with input from Code Enforcement and the Fire Chief still needed on certain provisions before a final vote.

• Consensus to allow pushcarts on sidewalks and private property
• Consensus to allow vendors to sell both food and merchandise
• Consensus to allow ancillary items within 4' x 8' dimensions on right-of-way
• Consensus to not create a sidewalk use license, allow objects within 4' x 8' area
• Voted 4-3 to allow roaming vendors in residential areas
• Consensus to change distance from fire hydrant to 15' (pending Fire Chief confirmation)
• Consensus to change distance from driveway or alley to 15'
• Consensus to delete 25' distance from building entrance requirement

Council Meeting Calendar

The Othello City Council will hold its regular meeting, primarily acting on a consent agenda that includes approving accounts payable, payroll, and minutes. Current business items include approving youth sports operating agreements, an animal control agreement, a budget amendment, and establishing water rates for Adams County Water District #1. The council will also receive reports from the police and building/planning departments.

• Approve Ordinance 1612-2024 Budget Amendment No. 1
• Approve Resolution Establishing 2024-28 Water Rates for Adams County Water District #1
• Approve RCX Jr NBA & MLS GO Youth Sports Operating Agreements
• Approve Hands N Paws Animal Control Agreement
• Appoint Janice Baginski to Othello Housing Authority Board

The council approved a one-year contract with Hands N Paws for animal control services, effective March 1, 2024, and authorized the purchase of three quick n clean pods for $8,821.55. Council also approved youth sports operating agreements with RCX Sports LLC, waived a $475 special event fee for a community Easter egg hunt (2 opposed, 1 abstained), and adopted a 2024 budget amendment bringing unspent 2023 funds into 2024. Water rates for Adams County Water District #1 were established for 2024-2028.

• Approved one-year animal control contract with Hands N Paws effective March 1, 2024
• Approved purchase of 3 quick n clean pods for $8,821.55
• Authorized mayor to execute youth sports agreements with RCX Sports LLC (Jr. NBA and MLS Go)
• Waived $475 special event fee for community Easter egg hunt (2 opposed, 1 abstained)
• Approved resolution and facility use agreement for Easter egg hunt (1 opposed)
• Adopted Ordinance 1612 amending 2024 budget
• Approved resolution establishing 2024-2028 water rates for Adams County Water District #1
• Approved consent agenda including accounts payable ($347,218.18), payroll ($624,076.18), and minutes

Council Meeting Calendar

The council approved spending up to $12,000 for long-term improvements to Public Works Building #2 to temporarily house dogs, and authorized a new legal services contract with Kenyon-Disend, PLLC. A $5,000 donation from Adams County Park and Recreation District No. 1 for a sign at Taggares Park was accepted. Discussion on cargo container regulations was held but no decision was made.

• Approved $12,000 for Public Works building improvements (motion Lallas/Dorow)
• Authorized mayor to sign legal services agreement with Kenyon-Disend, PLLC (motion Dorow/Lallas)
• Approved consent agenda including $746,493.71 in accounts payable and January 8, 2024 minutes (motion Dorow/Everett)
• Accepted $5,000 donation from Adams County Park and Recreation District No. 1 for Taggares Park sign

Planning Commission

The Othello Planning Commission will hold its regular meeting on January 16, 2024, at 500 E. Main St. The main items are a discussion of a code update for sidewalk, portable, and push cart vendors (OMC 4.16), and an informational follow-up on traffic calming cost information. The commission will also elect a chair and vice chair, approve the December 18, 2023 minutes, and receive the December Building & Planning Department report. Old business includes a zoning update on home occupations, housing action plan implementation, and a subdivision code update as the next major project.

• Election of Chair & Vice Chair
• Traffic calming follow-up with cost information (informational)
• Code update discussion for sidewalk/portable vendors and push carts (OMC 4.16)
• December Building & Planning Department report
• Old business: zoning update on home occupations (OMC 17.59), housing action plan implementation, Columbia Street LID (no report), subdivision update (OMC Title 16)

The Planning Commission held a discussion-only meeting on a draft ordinance for sidewalk vendors, push carts, and portable food vendors. No decisions were made; the commission reviewed specific regulations including location restrictions, insurance requirements, and distance from schools and parks. The item remains in discussion for a future meeting.

• Chair Chris Dorow and Vice Chair Alma Carmona re-elected (unanimous)
• December 18, 2023 minutes approved (unanimous)
• No substantive decisions on sidewalk vendor ordinance; discussion only

Council Meeting Calendar

The Othello City Council will hold a regular meeting on January 8, 2024, to consider a consent agenda and several current business items. Key actions include approving an amendment for the Kiwanis Park splash pad, considering a TIB grant, holding a public hearing on cargo containers, and approving multiple equipment purchases. The meeting also includes an executive session for real estate purchase.

• Approve Kiwanis Park Splash Pad Amendment
• TIB Grant Consideration
• Public Hearing on Cargo Containers
• Approve purchase of ABI Ballfield Maintenance Equipment
• Approve purchase of Case Loader, Mechanic Service Truck, and other vehicles

The council voted to decline a TIB grant that would have required a 44% city match, opting instead to reapply next year with a 10% match. They also tabled an ordinance on cargo container regulations in commercial zones to seek legal advice and revisions. Several equipment purchases were approved using 2024 budget funds, and a purchase and sale agreement for property near the wastewater treatment plant was authorized.

• Declined TIB grant (motion carried)
• Tabled cargo container ordinance for legal advice and revisions (motion carried)
• Approved $35,321.02 Kiwanis Park Splash Pad amendment (motion carried)
• Approved $51,485.81 ABI ballfield maintenance equipment purchase (motion carried)
• Approved $12,195.00 enclosed construction trailer purchase (motion carried)
• Approved $219,349.35 Case loader purchase (motion carried)
• Approved $210,269.99 mechanic service truck purchase (motion carried)
• Approved purchase and sale agreement for property near wastewater treatment plant (motion carried)

Council Meeting Calendar

The City Council will administer oaths of office to newly elected officials and establish committee assignments. The meeting also includes a consent agenda regarding a seal coat project and a memorandum of understanding between the Othello Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.

• Oath of Office for Newly Elected Officials
• Committee Assignments
• Seal Coat Project
• MOU Between Homeland Security Investigations and Othello Police Department

The Othello City Council met on January 2, 2024, and approved the consent agenda, which included accepting a seal coat project and a memorandum of understanding between Homeland Security Investigations and the police department. Councilmembers Genna Dorow and John Lallas volunteered to assist in interviewing candidates for a new city attorney. The meeting was adjourned at 6:26 p.m.

• Approved motion to excuse Councilmembers Danae Valdez and Darryl Barnes (M/S Dorow/Garza)
• Approved change of order of current business items A and B (M/S Everett/Lallas)
• Approved revised agenda (M/S Everett/Lallas)
• Approved consent agenda including Seal Coat Project and MOU with Homeland Security Investigations (M/S Dorow/Everett)
• Councilmembers Genna Dorow and John Lallas volunteered to assist in interviewing candidates for a new city attorney