Council approves update to park plan

The Cathlamet Town Council adopted an update of the town park and recreation plan and addressed other business at the monthly meeting on Monday.

Town Attorney Heidi Heywood suggested a clarification on a page with a map showing the proposed waterfront park on the old sewage lagoon site. Land at the edge of the site is owned by Port District 1, but the town has an easement there for the outfall pipe for the town sewer system.

Bob Kizziar, a member of the Port 1 board of commissioners, pointed out that the map shows vendor kiosks on the easement. The port isn't interested in having a kiosk there, he said.

Town Clerk/Treasurer Kerrie McNally commented that the map came from staff of the National Park Service, which facilitated the process that developed the waterfront park plan.

McNally added that she had requested an updated map, but the funding for the program ended and it's unknown if it will come.

The concern is moot, Mayor Dale Jacobson said, for there would be no development on the outfall easement.

The council approved a motion by member Laurel Waller to include the footnote stating there would be no building on the area.

Jacobson asked for a motion to approve the amended plan.

Council Member Sue Cameron commented the council should receive material before meetings so they have time to study the issues.

"Thank you for your comment, but we need to vote," Jacobson said.

At that point, Tim Hanigan, attorney for Port 1, commented that the council has taken away the port's right to to use its own property.

"We can take that up at our next meeting," Jacobson said.

The council, later in the meeting, approved a resolution to adopt the updated plan.

"The intent is that the park won't go on to the easment," Laurel Waller said.

In other business, the council voted to fund the $364 cost of maintaining a highway tourist activity sign for Tsuga Gallery.

Kizziar, on behalf of Tsuga, requested the funding, saying the gallery artists don't have funds for it, and the Chamber of Commerce this year declined to fund the sign, as it has done in the past.

The council also agreed to consult with the Cowlitz/Wahkiakum Council of Governments for completion of an update of the town's comprehensive plan.