City of Mattawa to annex Catholic Church property

MATTAWA — After a public hearing on the matter on Feb. 16, the Mattawa City Council voted to annex the property of Our Lady of the Desert Catholic Church to the city.

There was input from only one member of the general public. Tony Acosta asked if the annexation would burden the city in any way. His answer came in the form of benefits from Mayor Scott Hyndman and City Attorney Katherine Kennison.

They said the city would receive building permit revenue from a rectory to be built and an increase in the city’s assessed property value, which helps with financing.

This annexation would create a straight line for the southern city limit, which will help future development, they said.

The Council authorized Kennison to draw up an agreement for city services for the house the church is putting in.

In other property issues, the Council denied a request from developers for the Selkirk Short Plat for a deferral on improvements. Their plan includes a four-plex housing unit, City Clerk Robin Newcomb said.

City Planner Darryl Piercy told the Council he has received a few phone calls from developers interested in the Mattawa area. A private developer is interested in building housing on a 20-acre parcel west of Pat Chee Drive.

Across Road 24 SW from Allen Produce, Pat Chee Drive is in the City’s urban growth area but not the city limits. This will not be low-income housing, Piercy said, and the water and sewer availability will need to be reviewed by the planner and public works.

In a separate matter, Piercy, suggested the council adopt a conduit ordinance in the near future to prevent new streets from getting torn up when water and sewer lines are installed.

The Council approved a sole source contract with the Union 76 station for fuel for its vehicles. The city will pay the wholesale price plus 30 cents per gallon.

Mattawa Police Officer Maybel Pantaleon reported that she’s working on her community policing project. She has invited the Department of Licensing to Mattawa on March 10 to explain licensing to residents.

The presentation at the high school will begin a 6 p.m. Pantaleon is hopeful those residents without drivers licenses will participate. Last year, 22 percent of the tickets issued by the MPD were for driving without a license.

Council member lists of ideas for the Government Road renovation project were brought up. Piercy and the Council agreed it would be best to have a workshop in the near future. The next available date would be April 6.

At this workshop, the Council members will be able to state their issues and concerns with the draft plan. Once the Council completes this step, then the city will have another meeting with the citizens for their suggestions. Once these steps are done the plan can be finalized.

The Council approved a consent agenda that included the Council meeting minutes for Feb. 2, a payroll of $8,100 and claims totaling $44,228.l96.