HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/15/2021 - City Council - City Council Meeting Minutes - Jerrilea Crawford, Mayor04/15/2021 Council Workshop Minutes Page 1 of 3
CITY OF EAST WENATCHEE
271 9th Street NE * East Wenatchee, WA 98802
Phone (509) 884-9515 * Fax (509) 886-6233
City Council Workshop
East Wenatchee City Hall
271 9th St. NE
East Wenatchee, WA 98802
Minutes
Thursday, April 15, 2021
In attendance:
Mayor Crawford Josh DeLay, Finance Director
Councilmember Sterk Lori Barnett, Community Development Director
Councilmember Raab Tom Wachholder, Project Development Mngr.
Councilmember Tidd Rick Johnson, Police Chief
Councilmember Magdoff Devin Poulson, City Attorney
Councilmember Johnson Garren Melton, Natural Resource Specialist
Councilmember Hepner Josh Toftness, Streets Manager
Councilmember Sleiman Mary Beth Phillips, Court Administrator
Maria Holman, City Clerk
5:30 p.m. Council Workshop.
Councilmember Magdoff opened the meeting. The meeting was in person and via
zoom.
1. City Attorney Devin Poulson presented information regarding the Supreme
Court’s February ruling that affected unlawful possession of a controlled
substance in Washington State. Mr. Poulson provided clarifications on the
constitution and what options are available to the City. He explained that the City
Council has the ability to set laws within the City. As recommended by the City
Council, Ordinance 2021-10, will be included for consideration in the May 4, 2021
Agenda. The Ordinance would make possession of regulated drugs in East
Wenatchee a misdemeanor.
Comments provided by Councilmember Magdoff, Councilmember Hepner, Chief
Johnson, Councilmember Sterk and Councilmember Tidd.
No action was taken by the Council.
2. Natural Resource Specialist Garren Melton presented information on becoming a
Tree City and what the requirements are to qualify. The Council requested Mr.
Melton to bring a draft Ordinance to an upcoming Council Workshop for
consideration.
04/15/2021 Council Workshop Minutes Page 2 of 3
Comments provided by Councilmember Magdoff, Chief Johnson, Mayor
Crawford, Councilmember Hepner, Councilmember Raab and Councilmember
Tidd.
No action was taken by the Council.
3. Mayor Crawford presented information regarding the Maul Foster Alongi
Strategic Plan recommendations, the proposal for Phase II, and fees to develop
and complete a strategic plan for the City of East Wenatchee. Mayor Crawford
recommended removing the City survey from the proposal and instead use
information collected by “Our Valley Our Future’s” (OVOF) survey that is being
conducted now. OVOF is usually successful in their surveys. Additionally, the
City would not overwhelm the community with multiple surveys in a short period
of time. Second, the Mayor suggested sharing the draft strategic plan with the
community for feedback before the plan is completed to receive input and
encourage participation. As recommended by the City Council this will be
included in the April 20, 2021 Council meeting agenda for consideration.
Comments provided by Councilmember Sterk, Mayor Crawford, Councilmember
Magdoff, Finance Director Josh DeLay, Councilmember Sleiman, Community
Development Director Lori Barnett and City Clerk Maria Holman.
No action was taken by the Council.
4. Community Development Director Lori Barnett presented information regarding
the CDBG Corona Virus Recovery Funding opportunity. The City has been
notified of the availability of $23,760.18 in CDBG CV2 funding from the State
Department of Commerce. CV1 and CV3 funds were used previously. Before the
City may take advantage of the funds, the City must decide what projects or
programs to fund.
On April 13, 2020 the City was notified of a special allocation of $83,927 in
“CDBG-CV” funds. The Council approved funding for the following programs:
• $27,000 for City CDBG planning and administrative activities
• $58,695 to the Columbia Valley Housing Association down payment
assistance program
• $133,927 Microenterprise business grants – $5,000 in grants for up to 26
businesses. The Chelan Douglas Port Authority is administering this
program.
On September 11, 2020 the City was notified of a special allocation of $114,862
designated as “CDBG-CV3”. The Council approved funding for the following
programs:
• $5,000 for City CDBG planning and administrative activities.
• $15,000 for the Chelan & Douglas County COVID-19 Food Assistance
Program
• $94,862 to Community Action Council for emergency income payments for
rent and utilities