WHITE SALMON — City council’s April 1 meeting was brief and straight to business, apart from Mayor Marla Keethler, who, in spirit with the day, fooled around about reintroducing back-in parking to downtown.
Beyond the parking joke, which the city tried in 2017, Keethler flagged that White Salmon’s annual wildfire open house is set for May 4 in her update to council, with more information coming soon. Staff is also working to secure grant funding for two keystone municipal projects: State Route 141 Complete Streets and the Bluff Connector Trail.
As part of the consent agenda, council approved over $1.3 million in vouchers, most of which is going toward substantial infrastructure projects like the current water main replacement. It also included, however, about $43,000 for inspecting and cleaning all of the city’s reservoirs, maintenance that hasn’t regularly been done in the past.
“That's probably the largest number I've been privy to in my now four and a half years on council, so we're doing big things, and that should not go without being said,” noted Councilor Ben Giant.
While not discussed during the meeting, Jennifer Neil, director of finance and operations, outlined her proposed budget amendment in the agenda packet. Most of the changes reflect typical transfers and grant reimbursements, but some notable expenses include $125,000 for installing playground equipment at Rheingarten Park and $35,000 for a water rate study.
Council will formally consider the budget amendments during their next meeting on April 15.
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