Soap Lake council addresses attorney services, city administration, other matters

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council addressed a wide range of operational and policy matters during its Wednesday night meeting, including city attorney services, the hiring of a city administrator, changes to how delinquent utility accounts are handled, the purchase of major public works equipment and approval of several community events. 

Norton withdraws resignation 

The council unanimously accepted the withdrawal of the resignation notice submitted earlier this spring by the city’s attorney, allowing legal services to continue under the existing contract. The city attorney had previously filed notice to terminate services, citing concerns about communication and administrative practices. During the meeting, the attorney said those concerns had been addressed. 

“We provided a 60-day notice of termination for our contract, which would have expired on May 19,” Norton said. “Based on actions that have been taken by the council over the last several months, improved communication, better controls, reinstating your contract with your finance director and having additional security in those roles. I offered to rescind that resignation, to reinstate our contract with the city.”  

Council members discussed the change before voting to accept the withdrawal. Council Member Andrew Arnold asked whether the issues that prompted the original resignation had been resolved. 

“Yes,” Norton said.  

Mayor Peter Sharp, although not a voting member of council, said he would like the record to show he was against Norton continuing her services.  

City administrator hiring 

Although not on the agenda, discussion occurred between council and the mayor during the council’s closing comment time, regarding the city’s search for a combined city administrator and treasurer, a position approved in the current budget but still vacant. 

Council members said a hiring committee had identified a qualified candidate and forwarded a conditional recommendation to the mayor, who declined to make an appointment. 

“We approved the position; we reviewed candidates, and we brought one forward,” Council Member Kayleen Bryson said. “At this point, the city still needs someone in that role.” 

Sharp said the candidate’s strengths were primarily in administration and expressed concern about the treasurer’s responsibilities. 

“I felt the administration side was strong,” Sharp said, “but I didn’t feel comfortable with the treasurer portion at this time.” 

Norton pushed back saying current Finance Director Jeff Balentine would be willing to train her on the city's finance system, since she has never worked with it before. However, Sharp said he does not feel as if she is qualified for the dual position.  

Council members emphasized the urgency of filling the role and said they expect the recruitment process to continue. 

Delinquent accounts policy 

The council approved a new policy governing delinquent utility account, including standardized payment arrangements and clearer timelines for shutoffs. 

City staff explained that the updated policy is intended to reduce confusion about billing deadlines and prevent long‑term unpaid balances from accumulating. 

“This gives us a clear framework, so everyone is treated the same,” City Clerk Coley Olson said. “It also gives customers a defined path to stay current.” 

The policy outlines payment plans, documentation requirements and the point at which service may be terminated, while allowing staff discretion to work with customers facing hardship. Council members noted that changes to billing dates may require future amendments to the municipal code. 

Crane purchase 

Council members unanimously approved the purchase of a used crane for the Public Works Department at a cost of about $18,000, including delivery and tax. 

Public Works staff said the crane will be used at the wastewater treatment plant and will be critical once new lift stations come online next year. 

“When pumps go down, time is of the essence,” Public Works Director Eli Olson said. “Owning this equipment means we’re not waiting on a rental while sewage backs up toward the lake.” 

The crane was previously owned by a regional utility district and inspected by staff before purchase. Officials said buying the equipment will save tens of thousands of dollars in rental costs over time and improve safety for workers. 

Event acceptances 

The council approved several event applications, including the Sand Blaster event and the Chamber of Commerce’s “Whimsey in the Park” summer concert series, with minor adjustments to event hours. 

Chamber representatives said the updated schedule is designed to be more family friendly. 

“We want to make this accessible for all ages,” Chamber President Karen Woodhouse said. “Starting earlier allows kids and families to enjoy it too.” 

City staff confirmed that police and public works departments were aware of the schedule changes and would support the events as planned. 

    Mayor Peter Sharp works to restore order at the end of the Soap Lake City Council meeting Wednesday. A dispute occurred and the audience began yelling their opinions on the matter. Sharp was able to get the meeting back under control.