City ponders soccer field problems

MATTAWA - Mattawa City Council members have discussed what to do about soccer fields in disrepair at their last two meetings but have failed to come up with a decision.

According to City Clerk Robin Newcomb, Public Works Director Gary Crowder has reported that normal wear and tear of summer adult league play is hurting the fields. She said it's been suggested the city suspend play.

"They met again last week (July 19) and they couldn't decide what to do," she said.

In other recent city business, Newcomb said the city is still waiting for psychological testing results to be able to proceed with the hiring of entry level police candidate Vicente Medelez. With the department down to one active officer, expedited hiring would help the city.

Newcomb noted the council passed an ordinance making it mandatory for residents to have street address numbers on their homes. She said police and emergency service agencies say the lack of numbers slows down 9-1-1 calls.

Another ordinance was passed to allow personal wireless facilities. Newcomb said that stems from a plan by U.S. Cellular to build a cell tower in Mattawa.

A third ordinance was passed to make fire inspections mandatory for businesses in town. Newcomb said businesses will be required to request the inspections by the building department once a year.

The cost of these inspections will be $75. Failure to get one could keep a business from having a license renewed.

The council approved an event permit for a vacation Bible school in Hund Memorial Park by the Riverside Christian Church.