Council member resigns, two ask for open position

MATTAWA — Mattawa City Council member Betty Webster resigned her seat at the March 2 meeting of the Council, and two residents have presented letters of interest.

Mayor Scott Hyndman read Webster’s letter of resignation. Webster has moved to Desert Aire. Hyndman also informed the Council that Tony Acosta and Darryl Hudson have shown interest in the seat.

In police news, Chief Joe Harris said the department is in the process of hiring entry-level officers. Background checks are being conducted on two applicants.

Harris said there will be a law enforcement seminar conducted by Clear Risk Insurance at city hall on March 16. Clear Risk is the city’s insurer. Harris invited Council members to visit between 4-4:30 p.m.

Public Works Director Gary Crowder informed the Council that the city’s water/sewer Scata System is out of date. The Scata System monitors water and sewer and notifies Public Works when a problem occurs. It will cost $50,000 to replace.

The Jehovah’s Witness Church Conditional Use Permit conditions have been received from the hearing examiner. The appeal period was to end seven days later. After that, the church was able to continue with its building project.

City Planner Darryl Piercy informed the Council the City has received several inquiries on development, including one developer asking about a three story building housing project which would include a soccer field and sports facility. The property being eyed is located in the Port of Mattawa and is outside of the city limits.

The city’s development standards are out of date, the Council was told. Gray & Osborne Engineering will have an update proposal for the March 16 meeting.

Washington Grower’s League Farm Worker Housing informed the Council it would like to subdivide the five-acre parcel it owns in the Taylor Orchard Plat. This process could take 60-90 days.

The Council announced an intention to end an agreement that allows Saddle Mountain Wireless equipment on the City’s water tower. The City claims the terms of the agreement have not been adhered to by SMW.

The electricity involved was to be paid by SMW, the Council was told, but the city has been paying it for years. There is a provision in the agreement that it can be terminated after six months notice. The Council authorized City Attorney Katherine Kennison to draft a notice of intent.

The Council approved a consent agenda that included Council meeting minutes from Feb. 16, a payroll of $60,481.27 and claims in the amount of $52,026.45.