Cathlamet Town Council Report

The Cathlamet Town Council met on Monday where the Mayor read a proclamation declaring July 1, 2024, as Sheriff Mark Howie Day in recognition of his dedicated service to the Town of Cathlamet and Wahkiakum County. Sheriff Howie addressed the Council, “I look forward to seeing you on the streets when I meet for coffee with the guys.” Enjoy your retirement, Sheriff Howie!

A citizen expressed their concern about speeding all along Columbia Street. Suggestions were changing the speed limit to 20 MPH, just plain driving the speed limit and/or painting crosswalks at the intersections of Columbia Street, Maple Street and Elm Street.

The Real Estate Exchange Agreement between the Port and the Town was approved unanimously after some discussion on clarification on the specific boundaries. Concerns were expressed over conflict of demands with the dump station and the weight of fire trucks and the level of wear and tear on the easement. The Port 1 Manager addressed the Council’s concerns by stating “Once the Town decides what they plan to do with the fence we could potentially solve the dump station and easement area. There are two access points to the property. It has been a smooth process and there is a lot we can do to move the project forward.” Historically this area was platted as the “Town of Athens”.

The Town Collective Bargaining Agreement discussion focused on the fact that some Council members did not have the most recent copy of the changes. Several Council Members are in full support of the collegial and professional approach to the Agreement that will benefit the Town, the citizens and the employees. Mike Boyer of the WSCCE/AFSCME (Washington State Council of County & City Employees/American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) said “This is a good contract for the employees and the Town. It was a true collaboration which was ratified by Union members.” There were some procedural questions by Council Members, and it was voted to table it until the July 15th, Town Council meeting.

The Library Renovations Bid was awarded to Nordic Construction LLC for painting, deck repairs and installation of a windshield. Council members enthusiastically supported and approved the bid.

There was great confusion as to whether the Council had approved the Water Use Efficiency Goals because it was based on a procedural snaffu- because the tape recording stopped during the adoption of the goals at the June 5th, 2023 Council meeting. The approval was therefore administrative and not substantive. The State of Washington requested that the Council document vote to approve by the Town of Cathlamet Council members. The motion was approved with a 3-2 vote.

The Comprehensive Plan will be revisited a month from now.

Adopting Rules of Decorum for Council Meetings will be postponed until further discussions with Council Members.

Amending CMC 2.60.040 Relating to Contracted Functions to sort out inconsistencies with RCW 35.27.070. The first reading has been approved by the Council with one member abstaining. There will be a 2nd reading at the July 15th meeting.

Lastly, the Douglas fir in Strong Park be removed for safety issues.