Town council updates several town ordinances

On Monday, the Cathlamet Town Council swiftly passed several ordinances during a short council meeting. The meeting was delayed once again by technical issues related to Zoom and the idea of safely having in-person council meetings was proposed but not decided upon.

Town Attorney Fred Johnson reminded council members that the ordinances up for vote were those reviewed by Code Publishing as a part of an external legal review of the town’s municipal code (CMC). Code Publishing has made recommendations for updates in order to be in compliance with state standards.

“It’s safe to say this is catching up on amendments that are obsolete,” Johnson added.

The first ordinance passed related to the town’s administrative functions including town hall’s schedule, overtime computation, payroll dates, vacation hours and sick leave. An amendment to the town’s park rules passed it’s final reading, setting in place nine specific rules for all town parks which will eventually be displayed on park signage.

An ordinance relating to animals within town limits was passed which increases the number of days to claim an impounded animal before euthanization, now 20 days, whereas the CMC previously set the time frame at 48 hours. The amount of liability insurance allowed for any person injured by a dangerous dog was also raised to $250,000.

A separate ordinance was passed which makes certain vehicles subject to removal and impoundment after being left unattended for a long period of time within town limits.

“These are technical amendments, although important ones, because they are based upon a legal analysis and to be in compliance with state law,” Johnson said.

The council passed an amendment which will update an interlocal agreement with the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG) who act as the Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) for Wahkiakum, Pacific, Grays Harbor, and Lewis Counties.

Council members also reviewed liaison roles for each council member and a preliminary revised list of assignments will be presented at the next meeting.