BINGEN — Bingen City Council held its regular meeting at City Hall on Jan. 21. Topics included discussion of a proposed subdivision off Oak Street and Jewett Boulevard, progress update on the murals slated for the Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) and Beneventi’s buildings, and awarding of lodging tax funds.
The council first reviewed the short plat application of Capitalize Flats LLC. A “short plat” is a plan for a subdivision on a smaller scale. Mathieu Laffitte has applied for approval of the Dry Creek Bluff Subdivision, currently undeveloped natural land. The subdivision would be zoned R1, and would divide the property into 13 lots ranging in size from 0.20 to 1.73 acres. Skamania County Planner Mandy Hertel informed the council that Laffitte had done the required due diligence and saw no obstacles in terms of city code. Adjacent property owners received direct notice about the plan and public notice has been issued. Council had some concerns about the geologically sensitive location and the proposed south access. Though the proposal seemed to be consistent with the Bingen Municipal Code and met the requirements for a short plat, the council deferred approval. Mayor Catherine Kiewit suggested the council continue the hearing in February with Hertel tasked with researching questions about street access and ownership.
Next up, Tammara Tippel shared an update from the Chamber of Commerce. She described numerous chamber projects, including developing branding guidelines, examples of advertisements, and a map of Bingen businesses to be shared with visitors. Council was also presented a request for additional funding to complete the two grant-funded murals slated for the WAGAP and Beneventi’s buildings. The surface area requires amendment before the murals can be complete at a cost of an additional $5,500.
Both presentations provided a segue to the council’s discussion of Lodging Tax Grant applications. City Administrator Krista Loney reported that there were four applicants. Following council discussion, the Lodging Tax was awarded as follows: $2,500 to the required match for the bus shelters grant; $5,500 towards the mural project; $10,000 to the Huckleberry Fest; and the remainder of $30,340 to the Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce.
The Bingen City Council meets on the first and third Thursday of every month. Upcoming topics in February include a tabled review on the city’s municipal code relating to vehicles and traffic.
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