Council member choice postponed

MATTAWA — The Mattawa City Council seat vacated recently by a resignation is still open. The Council decided at its March 16 meeting to interview the candidates.

Public Works Director Gary Crowder reported that the cost for four-way stop signs for two locations on Government Way will be more than $11,000.

Crowder told the Council that one of the water tanks needs an interior cleaning that will cost around $4,000. The Council agreed.

Crowder also reported that Public Works was starting the installation of the new City Hall electronic reader board.

Joe Harris, who was elevated to permanent police chief at the meeting, reported on a community policing project organized by Officer Maybel Pantaleon.

A driver’s license campaign that involved Department of Licensing personnel was held March 10 at Wahluke Junior High School. More than 500 people attended.

“This was Officer Pantaloon’s project, and she will be given a letter of recognition,” Harris said.

City Planner Darryl Piercy reported that developer Sonrise Orchards would like to develop the area west of Pat Chee Drive along Road 24 Southwest.

The first step, Piercy said, would be to annex the area into the city. The city clerk will track the time spent on this development and bill the developer. Piercy suggested the city adopt a pre-application fee.

The Council adopted a payment plan policy for the payment of municipal tickets. First it added the language: if a customer needs more than 90 days, they can make a request to the Council.

The Council approved a consent agenda that contains Council meeting minutes for March 2, a payroll of $8,100 and claims totaling $35,196,34.