Mattawa councilwoman about to lose seat

MATTAWA — Councilwoman Cheyenne Weedmark will lose her seat on the Mattawa City Council at the Council’s next meeting on Feb. 4 if she does not attend.

According to City Clerk Robin Newcomb, Weedmark has two unexcused absences this year. She said forfeiture of the seat is automatic if Weedmark misses a third.

Weedmark finished last year with absences. Newcomb said she has never called in to say she will miss a meeting or why she will miss a meeting.

At the meeting of Jan. 17, City Attorney Katherine Kennison explained that a marijuana ordinance would allow marijuana producers, processors, and retailers into the city C2 zoning if approved by Council.

Council can allow all uses or eliminate some of them, she said. The city can also reduce buffers except schools and playgrounds which must be at least 1000 feet away from marijuana uses.

In addition, medical marijuana collective gardens would not be allowed by the passage of this ordinance. The Council decided to continue the discussion on Feb. 4.

Sandy Duffey, of Emergency Management Services, gave a summary to Council explaining possible repercussions if a radiological event were to take place in the Mattawa area. She said her agency is mainly concerned with Section 5 which is south and southeast of the City of Mattawa. Those who live in this area received a letter and information about evacuation procedures and carbon monoxide safety.

Sgt. Tony Valdivia of the Mattawa Police Department notified the Council that taggers have resorted to grease markers in an effort to produce longer-lasting graffiti. Spray paint will not cover this substance.

Valdivia said residents should call 9-1-1 as quickly as they spot suspicious acitivity.

Public Works Director Gary Crowder told the Council the department’s 1998 Ford Explorer will be surplused and sold at a public auction by the city.

Public Works is looking for a used truck to replace it, Crowder said. So far he has located two in Yakima for $16,000-$18,000 with fewer than 100,000 miles. They are Ford F150s.

City Planner Darryl Piercy reported that the Washington State University professors and students who visited on Dec. 5 to work with the Committee for Government Road Improvements are organizing a second workshop.