White Salmon Public Works got the go-ahead from council to procure new or used equipment to replace aging equipment. Pictured are City Administrator Troy Rayburn, Public Works Director Andrew Dirks and Sheriff Mike Hepner.Noah Noteboom photo
White Salmon Public Works got the go-ahead from council to procure new or used equipment to replace aging equipment. Pictured are City Administrator Troy Rayburn, Public Works Director Andrew Dirks and Sheriff Mike Hepner.Noah Noteboom photo
WHITE SALMON — The White Salmon City Council met April 17 and made changes to their summer meeting calendar and authorized the Public Works Department to move forward with procuring new or used equipment. The council approved the consent agenda, which included a motion to accept Mayor Marla Keethler’s appointment of Alexa Schmidt to the CityLab Board and Michael Koch to the Personnel and Finance Committee.
Clerk Treasurer Stephanie Porter presented to the council regarding their application for a local bond to replace aging equipment within the Public Works Department. The Washington State Treasurer’s LOCAL program provides Washington municipalities cost-effective ways to finance equipment and/or real estate projects. On the City of White Salmon’s application, they listed the intention of a 10-year lease not to exceed $551,512. The funds would purchase a new sweeper truck, used bucket truck, and a new electric forklift.
On April 12, the city was notified that their notice of intent and credit check was accepted. Porter expects the funds to arrive in June, with the first bond interest payment due Dec. 1.
“When we applied, they do take into consideration what your current financial revenues are,” Porter said. “And so, the approval of the $551,512 was based not only on our available debt capacity, but also what they felt was reasonable for us to be able to repay without it being a burden.”
The motion passed unanimously. She added that the city will not have a fire department line item on their upcoming budget, thanks to the West Klickitat Regional Fire Authority (WKRFA).
Porter presented amendment WSMC 02.04, which gives the city council flexibility during the busy summer months to hold just one meeting per month in July and August, with the option to hold a special city council meeting if necessary. This time of year is especially busy as city staff prepare the budget and work to organize a council retreat.
“[July and August] area popular months for travel and it would be helpful for staff as well if we don’t need have the need for two meetings, to be able to consolidate into one and it gives us more work time,” Porter said. The proposed motion passed unanimously. Porter also received a $1,400 scholarship from the Washington Municipal Clerk Association to attend the NorthWest Clerks Institute Training in June.
On April 23, the city issued a reminder that all dogs aged six months and older residing in the city limits must be licensed. The release also noted residents with chickens, ducks, rabbits, goats and lambs must license their animals. Licenses for the year 2024 are due for renewal by May 15.
Housing office hours have returned with select dates and times available for residents to come in and get their questions answered. Office hours will be available from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on May 2, May 23, and June 6. The office hours will take place in the council chambers at 119 NE Church Ave. in White Salmon.
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