BINGEN — The Bingen City Council met in chambers Oct. 1. Two topics discussed particularly affect numerous residents living in the city.
The first topic of interest was the council’s ongoing review and revision of the city’s municipal code. This evening began with a public hearing to discuss the city’s rules for sidewalk maintenance. Currently, downtown business owners are expected to clear the snow, ice, and debris from the sidewalk in front of their business; they may not put it in the street, it must be removed to another location. Further, current city code requires owners of property adjacent to a city street to remove any snow, ice, or debris; they will be held liable for any injury resulting from their failure to do so. Council discussed the liability issue at length. No citizens had submitted comments at the hearing, and the council wanted feedback, so the topic was tabled to be revisited at a future meeting.
The second specific topic of code was the requirement of citizens to pay for a survey before “applying for a right-of-way use permit and to ensure that any construction is occurring on said owner’s property and not in the City right-of-way.” Council also wanted public feedback on this topic, and it was tabled until more information can be gathered.
After a brief summary of the city’s glowing audit, the Alder/Cedar sidewalk project was discussed. Council had provided feedback to design group Gray & Osborne. The most recent designs clearly suggest that several residents are using city property as their own. These residents will be significantly affected by the construction. In some cases, vehicles are parked on city property, fences are built,and gardens are growing. Adverse possession laws do not apply to municipal property, and the city legally retains all property rights. The council wants residents to be aware of potential effects before choosing a final design.
In addition to issues that directly affect residents, the Bingen City Council invites residents to join Mayor Catherine Kiewit and City Administrator Krista Loney on Oct. 9 for a Community Open House to discuss middle housing needs in the city. Translation services will be provided. Everyone is welcome. The event is at City Hall at 6 p.m.
The Bingen City Council wants to hear from its constituents. Public comment is always welcome at the beginning of each bi-monthly meeting, on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m. Public comment can also be emailed to City Administrator Loney at administrator@bingenwashington.org. The next meeting of the council is on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m.
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