Council works on hedge, other issues

Members of the Cathlamet Town Council addressed many issues at their Monday meeting, including agreeing to defer enforcement of the town's hedge and fence height ordinance while proposed changes are readied.

The council also took time to formally recognize and thank Dr. Keith Wright for his service to the community. Dr. Wright is leaving the Wahkiakum Family Practice Clinic to move to Pennsylvania (see related story in this issue).

Mayor Dick Swart raised the issue of the hedge and fence height ordinance. At least one citizen has complained at council meetings that the ordinance isn't enforced.

"I personally feel there are more important things for our public works personnel to do than go around and measure hedges," he commented.

Councilmember William Talbott surprised the mayor by moving to delete the controls from the ordinance, and Councilmember David Goodroe seconded the motion.

Councilmember Wally Wright, whose hedge was the object of some of the earlier complaints, said he felt controls were needed at times for public safety, such as at intersections.

After discussion, the motion initially failed in a 2-3 vote, with Wright, Danielle Erickson and John Hannah opposing the motion and Talbott and Goodroe supporting.

Two councilmembers addressed the issue of conflict of interest. Goodroe noted that he has a high hedge on his property, which is located in a commercial zone, and the restrictions don't apply there.

However, Wright said he didn't want to appear to be in a conflict of interest and changed his vote to an abstention, creating a tie.

"This is the first tie this mayor has faced," Swart said. He then voted with Talbott and Goodroe to pass the motion. The motion directed town Attorney Tom Doumit to present an amended ordinance to the council's June meeting.

After more discussion, Wright moved that enforcement be delayed until the the proposed amendments are enacted or rejected. That motion passed.

In other action, the mayor presented a draft of the six-year street improvement plan; which will be acted on at the June meeting.

--The council approved budget amendments reflecting completion of the Broadway Street project, and several small transfers of funds.

--Swart reported that an initial structural review of the town hall shows it would need expensive seismic and other upgrades to remodel it and meet current building codes. He asked council members to make comments to respond to the architects and said the report will be presented to the public for dialogue on how the town should proceed with the building.