Soap Lake council surpluses items, updates public works director contract

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council approved multiple resolutions Wednesday, including declaring surplus property from the city’s RV park and transferring community assets, while also updating the contract for the city’s public works director. 

The council unanimously passed a resolution to surplus a gate previously installed at the Soap Lake RV Park. City officials clarified the gate was not purchased by the city and was not usable in its current condition. 

“I would like to clarify, the city did not buy it,” Public Works Director Eli Olson told council members. “It was not the right design, and it would not have been cost-effective to even make it functional.” 

Council members noted the gate had suffered damage and was incomplete, lacking key components needed to operate. 

“It was never fully operational,” Council Member Susan Carson said. “A lot of the pieces were broken; it really doesn’t have value to the city.” 

The council also unanimously approved a second resolution surplussing several Soap Lake soapbox race cars and transferring ownership to the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce. Officials said the move was necessary to continue the community event while complying with state guidance. 

“The state auditor office has instructed that the city as a whole cannot own these,” Carson said. “This is the best feasible way so that we can continue providing that event for the community.” 

In addition to the surplus actions, the council approved an update to the public works director’s contract, adding severance protections if the position is terminated without cause. 

City Attorney Julie Norton explained the update does not change the director’s duties or authority but provides standard employment protections consistent with other positions. 

“It doesn’t change his role or responsibility at all,” Norton said. “It just provides a little bit of additional protection, if he were to be let go without cause.” 

The council passed the update without opposition. 

During the meeting, council members also requested updates on several ongoing city efforts, including the salary commission, hiring committee, tourism committee, and operations at the RV park. 

Mayor Peter Sharp said progress on the salary commission has been delayed after one applicant withdrew, and additional outreach will be necessary. 

“We need to get the advertising up for it,” Sharp said, noting the city plans to increase outreach through local channels and its newsletter. 

The hiring committee is currently reviewing applications. 

“The hiring committee is looking at resumes and applications currently, so that we can make recommendations,” Council Member Kayleen Bryson said.  

At the RV park, Olson reported improvements to infrastructure and operations, including work on a new gate system and ongoing maintenance. 

“The gate should be finished up next week,” Olson said. “The water’s working good, the bathrooms are working well, we haven’t had any complaints.” 

Staff also indicated bookings are beginning to rebound.  “It is filling up,” Sharp said. 

Council members also discussed ongoing efforts to recruit a camp host and promote tourism activities, noting challenges in filling positions and forming committees. Some members raised concerns that requirements for participation may be limiting interest. 

“We’re having problems getting anybody to step forward,” Council Member John Carlson said, suggesting possible revisions to committee requirements. 

Others emphasized the need for better communication and outreach before making changes. 

“We really need to have this advertised, so people know that we need these representatives,” Carson said.  

The council entered two executive sessions following the public meeting to discuss the possible acquisition of real estate and agency enforcement actions or potential litigation. No action was taken after the closed sessions.