Cle Elum meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Cle Elum Council agenda includes appointment, franchise agreement; public hearing set for Bullfrog Flats

The Cle Elum City Council met Aug. 11 with a full agenda that included a potential appointment to fill a vacant council seat, ratification of a fire committee member, and a second reading of a franchise agreement. Minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are recorded. The council also was scheduled to vote on a resolution to join a risk management agency and to approve payables and payroll vouchers.

City Council

The council agenda included the appointment of Bryce Wallace to Council Position No. 4 and ratification of Mark Goodwin to the Fire Advisory Committee. Council members also were set to consider a second reading of the Pine Ranch Community franchise agreement and Resolution 2026-027, which would authorize membership in the Risk Management Service Agency. The consent agenda listed payables of $386,572.61 and payroll vouchers of $387,988.25.

Other recent meetings

Tree Board — The board met Aug. 4 to introduce new members Gary Berndt, Jon Cornelius, Debbie Cernick, and Michelle J. Swope, appoint a chair and vice chair, and review Cle Elum Code 12.28, which likely covers tree regulations. The board also discussed beginning a tree inventory and potential funding options.

Planning Commission — The commission met Aug. 4 to review the Critical Areas Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. The agenda also included adoption of minutes from the July 21 meeting.

Public Safety & Health Committee — The committee met twice. On Aug. 7, it reviewed Fire Advisory Committee applications from Beau Foster and Mark Goodwin. On Aug. 13, the committee discussed unfinished business, including municipal code changes for addressing (fire/police), the fire department chapter, a draft graffiti code, and a fire resiliency plan. Several items remain under legal review. New business included camping ordinances and continuity of government.

Library Board — The board met Aug. 13 to discuss establishing a new meeting day and time, and to set short- and long-term goals for the library building and services. The librarian reported on 2026 year-to-date statistics, programming updates, new staff, and wireless printing. Updates were also given on electrical and brickwork projects at the library building.

All recent meetings were listed as agenda-only, with minutes not yet published.

Coming up

Public hearing on Bullfrog Flats development agreement — The Cle Elum Hearing Examiner will hold a public hearing Aug. 18 on a major amendment to the Bullfrog UGA Development Agreement (PMU-2026-001). The amendment would allow marketing and sales facilities for new homes within residential areas of the Bullfrog UGA, establishing permitted uses and development standards during build-out. The hearing will include a staff presentation, applicant input, public comments, and questions. It will be held in a hybrid format with in-person and Zoom participation.

Cle Elum council agendas include data center moratorium, franchise agreement; no decisions yet

No final decisions were published from Cle Elum government meetings held in the past two weeks. All recent meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet available. The most consequential item under consideration is an emergency moratorium on data centers, which the City Council took up at a special meeting on July 31.

City Council special meeting — July 31

The council met to discuss unfinished business, with the sole agenda item being Ordinance 1733, an emergency data center moratorium. No action has been reported.

City Council regular meeting — July 28

The council’s regular meeting included a consent agenda with payables of $555,018.87, department reports, and a public update on the Bullfrog Flats Business Park from Blue Fern. New business featured a first reading of a franchise agreement for Pine Ranch Community, Resolution 2026-026 declaring surplus property, a grant commitment for permit process improvement, and a city clerk job description. The council also held an executive session to evaluate an applicant or employee.

Committee of the Whole — July 28

The Committee of the Whole received an audit exit conference and a 2nd Quarter Budget Summary presented by Finance Director Robin Newcomb. The meeting was informational, with no votes or public hearings scheduled.

Public Works & Community Development Committee — July 31

The committee reviewed unfinished stormwater code drafts, approved meeting minutes from July 2025, and discussed new items including accessory dwelling unit (ADU) water connections, a WSDOT intersection control evaluation, and a water treatment chemical supply contract. The meeting was open to the public in person and via Zoom.

Tree Board — August 4

The Tree Board introduced new members Gary Berndt, Jon Cornelius, Debbie Cernick, and Michelle J. Swope; appointed a chair and vice chair; and reviewed Cle Elum Code 12.28, likely the tree ordinance. The board also began work on a tree inventory and discussed funding options, and set its regular meeting date and time.

Planning Commission — August 4

The Planning Commission reviewed the Critical Areas Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan and adopted minutes from its July 21, 2026 meeting.

Public Safety & Health Committee — August 7

The committee reviewed applications from Beau Foster and Mark Goodwin for the Fire Advisory Committee. The agenda also included unfinished business and committee comments.

Coming up

City Council — August 11: The council will consider appointing Bryce Wallace to Council Position No. 4 and ratifying Mark Goodwin to the Fire Advisory Committee. It will also vote on a second reading of the Pine Ranch Community franchise agreement and a resolution to join the Risk Management Service Agency (Resolution 2026-027). The consent agenda includes payables of $386,572.61 and payroll vouchers of $387,988.25.

Cle Elum councils and commissions tackle budget, franchise agreement, and data center moratorium in late July

Cle Elum's advisory boards and City Council held a packed schedule in the final two weeks of July, with agendas covering the city budget, a proposed franchise agreement for Pine Ranch Community, an emergency data center moratorium, and the Comprehensive Plan. Minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, so the items below reflect what was scheduled for discussion or action — not confirmed outcomes.

City Council — July 28

The City Council Committee of the Whole was set to hold an audit exit conference and receive a 2nd Quarter Budget Summary from Finance Director Robin Newcomb. No votes or public hearings were scheduled; the meeting was listed as informational.

The regular City Council meeting the same day included a consent agenda with payables of $555,018.87. New business listed a first reading of a franchise agreement for Pine Ranch Community, Resolution 2026-026 to declare surplus property, a Permit Process Improvement Grant Letter of Commitment, and a City Clerk job description. Department reports and a public update on the Bullfrog Flats Business Park from Blue Fern were also on the agenda. An executive session to evaluate an applicant or employee was scheduled.

Special City Council — July 31

A special City Council meeting was called to address unfinished business, with Ordinance 1733 — an Emergency Data Center Moratorium — as the primary item.

Public Works & Community Development Committee — July 31

The committee was scheduled to review unfinished stormwater code drafts, approve meeting minutes from July 2025, and discuss ADU water connections, a WSDOT intersection control evaluation, and a water treatment chemical supply contract. The meeting was open in person or via Zoom.

Planning Commission — July 21

The Planning Commission was set to review the Capital Facilities and Transportation elements of the Comprehensive Plan, discuss the Periodic Update Grant survey, and plan an open house for the grant. Adoption of May 5, 2026 minutes was also listed for approval.

Historic Preservation Commission — July 21

The commission was scheduled to adopt May 19, 2026 minutes, introduce new commissioner Kerrie Spoonemore, and discuss Washington Information System for Architectural and Archaeological Records Data (WISAARD) and survey work.

General Government Committee — July 22

The committee was set to review the City Clerk job description and approve minutes from its May 27, 2026 meeting.

Coming up

The Planning Commission meets August 4, 2026, to review the Critical Areas Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan, with adoption of July 21, 2026 minutes also on the agenda.

Cle Elum councils and committees tackle annexation, budgets, and code updates in busy two-week stretch

Cle Elum's advisory bodies and the City Council held a packed schedule of meetings between July 6 and July 15, covering items from a proposed annexation of part of State Route 903 to stormwater codes and event funding. Minutes have not yet been published for any of these sessions, so the items below reflect what was on each agenda — not confirmed outcomes.

City Council: SR 903 annexation, payables, and watermain project

The July 14 City Council agenda included the most consequential items of the two-week period. Resolution 2026-025 proposed annexing a portion of State Route 903. The council was also scheduled to act on payables of $581,075.65 and payroll vouchers of $407,939.43, plus Ordinance 1730, a salary schedule amendment. Other agenda items were Resolution 2026-024, ratifying emergency fire hydrant and isolation valve repair, and acceptance of the Montgomery Street Watermain Project.

Public Works & Community Development: stormwater code and wastewater agreement

On July 7, the Public Works & Community Development Committee was set to review a draft stormwater code presented by Public Works Director Mathew Bailey, along with a wastewater agreement between Cle Elum and South Cle Elum. The agenda also included an amendment to Cle Elum Municipal Code Section 13.08.100, a waterline pavement repair on SR903, and approval of minutes from May 5, 2026.

Planning Commission: Comprehensive Plan elements

The Planning Commission met July 7 to discuss Comprehensive Plan elements covering utilities, capital facilities, and transportation. No public hearings were scheduled. The commission also planned to adopt May 5, 2026 minutes.

Lodging Tax & Events: three event applications

The Lodging Tax & Events Committee met July 8 to review event applications for the Coal Mines Trail Run, Cle Elum Roundup 2026, and Mike's Tavern Car Show. The agenda also included a Lodging Tax Fund Balance update, an Event Tracker update, and approval of June 10, 2026 minutes.

Public Safety & Health: e-bikes, codes under legal review

The Public Safety & Health Committee held two sessions on July 9. The first covered e-bikes under SSB 6610, city streets and alleys, and several municipal code items under legal review: addressing for Fire and Police, Chapter 2.15 (Fire Department), and a draft graffiti code. The second session focused on a Fire Advisory Committee application review.

Coal Mines Trail Commission: park fountain and portable toilet invoices

On July 6, the Coal Mines Trail Commission agenda included an update on installing a drinking fountain at Howard Carlin Memorial Park, scheduling a park cleanup date, a six-month review of the Coal Mine Trail Fund 2027 budget, and approval of Brown & Jackson portable toilet invoices totaling $720 ($360 for June, $360 for May).

Civil Service Commission: eligibility list certification

The Civil Service Commission met July 15 to certify entry-level oral board scores and the resulting eligibility list in executive session, plus updates and typo corrections to the Civil Service Rules.

Coming up

• **July 21 — Historic Preservation Commission:** Adoption of May 19, 2026 minutes, introduction of new commissioner Kerrie Spoonemore, and discussion of WISAARD data and survey work.
• **July 21 — Planning Commission:** Discussion of Comprehensive Plan capital facilities and transportation elements, a Periodic Update Grant survey, planning for an open house, and adoption of May 5, 2026 minutes.

Cle Elum committees packed agendas on fire, water, and events; council set for SR 903 annexation vote July 14

Cle Elum's advisory committees and commissions held a busy stretch of meetings from June 30 through July 9, covering topics from fire advisory bylaws to a wastewater agreement with South Cle Elum. Minutes have not yet been published for any of these sessions, so the items below reflect what was scheduled on each agenda — not confirmed outcomes.

City Clerk appointment and $20,711 in payables on July 2 agenda

A special City Council meeting on July 2 was scheduled to confirm Mayor Lundh's appointment of Erica Krum as City Clerk. The consent agenda listed $20,711.04 in payables and a Finance Director job description for approval. An audit entrance conference was also on the agenda. No public hearings were scheduled.

Public Safety & Health: Fire Advisory Committee, e-bikes, code reviews

The Public Safety & Health Committee met twice. On June 30, the agenda called for reviewing Fire Advisory Committee bylaws and membership applications. On July 9, the committee was scheduled to discuss e-bikes under SSB 6610, city streets and alleys, and several municipal code items — all listed as under legal review: addressing for Fire and Police, Chapter 2.15 on the Fire Department, and a draft graffiti code. A second July 9 meeting was set to continue the Fire Advisory Committee application review.

Public Works: Stormwater code, wastewater agreement, SR903 waterline repair

The Public Works & Community Development Committee on July 7 was scheduled to review a stormwater code draft presented by Public Works Director Mathew Bailey, a wastewater agreement between Cle Elum and South Cle Elum, an amendment to Municipal Code Section 13.08.100, and a waterline pavement repair on SR903. Approval of May 5, 2026 minutes was also listed.

Coal Mines Trail Commission: Park fountain, cleanup, portable toilet invoices

On July 6, the Coal Mines Trail Commission agenda included an update on installing a drinking fountain at Howard Carlin Memorial Park, scheduling a cleanup date for the park, and a proposed 2027 budget for the Coal Mine Trail Fund. Two Brown & Jackson portable toilet invoices — $360 for June and $360 for May, totaling $720 — were listed for approval.

Planning Commission: Comprehensive Plan elements

The Planning Commission on July 7 was set to adopt May 5, 2026 minutes and discuss three Comprehensive Plan elements: utilities (unfinished business), capital facilities (new business), and transportation (new business). No public hearings were scheduled.

Lodging Tax & Events: Three event applications under review

The Lodging Tax & Events Committee on July 8 was scheduled to review event applications for the Coal Mines Trail Run, Cle Elum Roundup 2026, and Mike's Tavern Car Show. The agenda also included a Lodging Tax Fund Balance update, an Event Tracker update, and approval of June 10, 2026 minutes.

Coming up

City Council — Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The agenda includes Resolution 2026-025 for annexation of a portion of State Route 903, payables of $581,075.65 and payroll vouchers of $407,939.43, Ordinance 1730 for a salary schedule amendment, Resolution 2026-024 ratifying emergency fire hydrant and isolation valve repair, and acceptance of the Montgomery Street Watermain Project. This meeting carries the largest dollar figures and the most consequential land-use item on the current calendar.

Cle Elum Council Set to Confirm City Clerk, Approve $20,711 in Payables; Transportation and Annexation Items on Earlier Agenda

Cle Elum's City Council has a packed recent schedule, with a special meeting July 2 to confirm a new city clerk and approve more than $20,700 in payables, following a June 22 regular meeting covering the city's six-year transportation plan and a Whispering Pines annexation petition. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, so the items below reflect what was on each agenda — not confirmed outcomes.

City Council — June 22

The council's regular meeting agenda included a public hearing on the 2027-2032 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program, which lays out the city's planned road and infrastructure projects over a six-year window.

Also on the agenda:

• A petition for annexation of the Whispering Pines area.
• A bid award for the Preservation and Safety Improvement Project.
• A Type III Traffic Barricade Lodging Tax Application.
• Ratification of appointments to the Historic Preservation, Library Board, and Tree Board.

Minutes were not yet published as of July 6, so it is not confirmed which items were acted on or how any votes went.

Public Safety & Health Committee — June 30

The committee was scheduled to review bylaws for the Fire Advisory Committee and consider applications for membership. No other business was listed. Minutes were not yet published.

Special City Council Meeting — July 2

The council called a special meeting described as largely procedural. The agenda included:

• Confirmation of Mayor Lundh's appointment of Erica Krum as City Clerk.
• A consent agenda with payables totaling $20,711.04.
• Approval of a job description for Finance Director.
• An audit entrance conference.

No public hearings were scheduled. Minutes were not yet published.

Coming Up

Coal Mines Trail Commission — July 6: The commission will hear an update on installing a drinking fountain at Howard Carlin Memorial Park and schedule a cleanup date for the park. The agenda also includes a review of a proposed 2027 budget for the Coal Mine Trail Fund and approval of two Brown & Jackson portable toilet invoices — $360 for June and $360 for May, totaling $720.

Planning Commission — July 7: The commission will consider adopting minutes from its May 5, 2026 meeting and discuss three Comprehensive Plan elements: utilities (unfinished business), capital facilities (new business), and transportation (new business). No public hearings are scheduled.

Residents who want to verify outcomes from the June 22, June 30, or July 2 meetings should watch for published minutes, which were not available as of this report.

Transportation plan hearing, city clerk appointment lead Cle Elum city business

The Cle Elum City Council opened a public hearing on a six-year transportation program and entertained an annexation request at its June 22 regular meeting, while a July 2 special meeting agenda called for confirming a new city clerk and authorizing more than $20,700 in city payables. No minutes were available for any of the meetings held over the past two weeks.

City Council opens hearing on transportation plan, weighs annexation

During the June 22 council session, members held a public hearing on the draft 2027–2032 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program, a document that outlines planned street and infrastructure projects. No action was taken during the hearing, according to the agenda.

Also listed for consideration was a petition for annexation of the Whispering Pines area. Other items included a bid award for a Preservation and Safety Improvement Project, a Type III Traffic Barricade Lodging Tax Application, and the ratification of appointments to the Historic Preservation, Library Board, and Tree Board.

Public Safety & Health Committee reviews fire advisory bylaws

The city’s Public Safety & Health Committee met June 30 to review proposed bylaws for the Fire Advisory Committee and to consider applications for membership on that panel. Both items appeared as new business, and no action was announced. Minutes from the meeting were not published by deadline.

Special meeting: clerk appointment, finance director job, payables

A July 2 special meeting of the Cle Elum City Council focused largely on administrative matters. The agenda included confirmation of Mayor Lundh’s appointment of Erica Krum as city clerk. The council was also scheduled to approve a consent agenda containing $20,711.04 in payables and a new job description for the finance director position. An audit entrance conference rounded out the session.

Coming up

Coal Mines Trail Commission, July 6 – Members will hear an update on a drinking fountain installation at Howard Carlin Memorial Park, schedule a cleanup day for the park, review a proposed six-month budget for the 2027 Coal Mine Trail Fund, and consider approval of two Brown & Jackson portable toilet invoices: $360 for June and $360 for May, totaling $720.

Planning Commission, July 7 – The commission plans to adopt minutes from its May 5, 2026 meeting and take up unfinished business on the Comprehensive Plan’s utilities element. New business includes initial discussion of the capital facilities and transportation elements. No public hearings are scheduled.