Disagreements in Mattawa over noise and gangs

MATTAWA - There is disagreement between council members, the mayor and the police department over a couple of serious issues, and community input is being suggested.

One of the disagreements has to do with drive-by shootings. The other has to do with nuisance noise.

The police department has been suggesting the installation of ecology blocks - concrete barriers - on Riverview Ave. as a means of stopping or slowing down drive-bys. Council member Scott Hyndman, who lives there, vehemently disagrees.

"He stated he will remove them if they are put up," wrote City Clerk Robin Newcomb in the Sept. 5 council meeting minutes.

Hyndman has lived on Riverview for more than 30 years.

Council member Maggie Celaya is concerned with gang members being on foot in the yards if the blocks are installed. A public discussion was suggested.

On the noise control issue, Mayor Judy Esser told the same Sept. 5 meeting that the music needs to stop. Celaya and Barajas don't see the issue quite that black-and-white.

Barajas explained people like to party when they get out of work. Celaya would like the citizens to come to council meetings and voice their opinions.

It also was suggested a notice be put up at the post office and other areas and an announcement be made at the Catholic Church regarding the noise control discussion.

The noise control ordinance states that "it is unlawful for any person to cause, or for any person in possession of property to allow to originate from the property, sound that is a public disturbance noise." Bands and social gatherings are considered public disturbances and so are audio equipment operated at a volume as to be audible at least 50 feet from the source.

The fine for violation for the first offense in one year is $100, second offense in one year $300, and third and subsequent offense in one year is $500, and these are minimum penalties

In other action on Sept. 5, there was a discussion of the Department Head Spending Limits ordinance. Esser wants it revised.

This code, adopted in 1991, states "no department head of the city shall make a purchase over $100 without the mayor's approval." It also states "any department head's spending limit shall be $200 per month and any purchase by a department head of over $200 per month shall be approved by the council."

Cecil Mellinger has requested to withdraw the annexation of a property he owns to the city of Mattawa. A motion was passed to that effect. City attorney Katherine Kenison said she and city planner Daryl Piercy will work with Mellinger.

Kenison recommended the council deal with the issues of recreational and medical marijuana simultaneously. The city has three options, she said - ban it, regulate it or do nothing.

The state will issue licenses in December. So Kenison recommends regulating it and getting something passed by then.