City Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening. It's Thursday, May 14th. I'm going to call this session of the virtual city council order. Would you please rise and join me for the pledge of allegiance led by Councilmember Berkel. Thank you. Yeah. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. All right, please be seated. [clears throat] Okay, Ms. Truly, would you please call the roll? Councilmember Davis? Present. Councilmember Favella? Here. Councilmember Wells? Here. Councilmember Berkel? Present. Councilmember Hamilton? Here. Mayor Pro Tem Chipman? Present. Mayor Cole? Present.

Thank you very much. Uh, Mr. Stewart, any late changes to the agenda tonight? No late changes, Mayor. Okay, we're going to move on. We have um, public comment tonight. And uh, as I look around here tonight, we have a lot of neighbors here tonight. Thank you for joining us again. I suspect many of you are here to talk about the waterfront development. We of course welcome your comment tonight. We would love to hear you. We've been uh, tried to be as responsive as we can about this issue and listen to you and be attentive to those things and we know that there's other conversations coming up. Uh, that said, um, I also want to encourage you to make sure that I know you have, but to make sure you're reaching out to the port commissioners as well, um, because they are going to be the first line of defense before ever comes to us at city council. But again, we're going to go into public comment right now, but I just wanted to make sure that everyone knew that uh, the port commission is going to be the first one before it ever gets back to us and then we have something substantial to look at. So, with that, anybody wishing to address city council regarding items not subject to a specific a specific public hearing, may come forward at this time to the podium to or use a raise hand feature located at the bottom at the uh, on the toolbar at the bottom of your Zoom screen. For controls over the phone, press star nine to raise your hand or press star six to mute or unmute. Please state your name and limit your comments to three minutes. Come on up. Dr. Charlotte, good to see you. Thank you. Good evening, Mayor Cole and distinguished members of our council. My name is Dr. Charlotte Ellis, and I'm the executive director of schools and leadership for the Ridgefield School District. Thank you for the opportunity to address you this evening. On April 24th, our community witnessed a historic milestone. The Ridgefield Police Department and the Ridgefield School District successfully executed a countywide reunification drill, the first time an exercise of this magnitude had been conducted in our county in over 20 years. An achievement of this scale does not happen through logistics alone. It happens because of the fundamental truth, leadership and partnerships

matter. This drill was a physical manifestation of a bridge that has been built between the Ridgefield Police Department and the Ridgefield School District. At the center of this success was Chief Kathy. Her leadership has never been about titles or authority. It has been about a true willingness to put others first. In every meeting, every planning session, every safety protocol, Chief Kathy's focus remained fixed on the well-being of our students and our staff. True service requires a humble heart and a relentless commitment to the collective good. Chief Kathy has strengthened our community by modeling these exact values. Because of our dedication to our partnership as a school district, we are a united front. We lead by example, and we prioritize people. Her leadership reminded us that safety isn't just about fences and locks. It's about the trust and the human connections that ensures that no student is left behind in a time of need. The success of April 24th is a testament to Chief Kathy's character. She has shown us that when you lead with a spirit of service and genuine desire to put the community needs above all else, you can achieve the impossible. Chief Kathy, you leave the the Ridgefield School District stronger, safer, I'm getting choked up. And more connected.

[snorts] You have a set of standards for a partnership that will serve as a roadmap for years to come. Your heart, your vision, and your unwavering success to our schools will be deeply grateful. You never miss a phone call, a text message, or even just an answer to a newbie to Ridgefield when you helped me figure out which was the roundabout road. [laughter] Where exactly is um Ridgefield? So, on behalf again of a new Ridgefield resident, the Ridgefield School District, we thank you for your partnership, and we thank the council for allowing it to flourish as it has. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Ellis. [applause]

I'm not talking about the waterfront. Uh good evening, mayor, council, and staff. My name is David Morgan, and I live at 31812 Northwest 74th Avenue. I'm the owner and operator of Plasnewydd Farm, land that's been in my family since 1941, which borders the National Wildlife Refuge and includes portions of Gee Creek. As part of my family's long-standing tradition of responsible land stewardship, I have a certified mitigation bank on my property for Oregon white oak impacts, and I'm about to have a fish and wetland bank as well. Um I'm here to provide comments on the proposed updates to the critical area protection ordinances under RDC 1 18-280. I submitted a comment letter and an appeal of the SEPA threshold determination on Monday. I'm concerned about the proposed CAO update that would require on-site mitigation first, then mitigation in city or city-owned or controlled land second, prior to any consideration of mitigation bank credits. By disfavoring the use of mitigation banks to address project impacts, these ordinance revisions will complicate the permitting process, lead to fragmentation of habitat, loss of functional uplift, and temporal loss of impacted ecological functions. Mitigation banks, which are in place and certified by the federal and state government as successful before credits are available, um to offset proposed impacts, reduce the risk and uncertainty offered by permitted responsible mitigation. Mitigation banks provide larger, more ecologically valuable mitigation by consolidating impacts, I mean, consolidating functions and services at a site selected specifically for its capacity to provide functional uplift and watershed-wide benefits. Importantly, federal and state regulations establish a preference for the use of mitigation bank credits first because they are more ecologically beneficial, have a higher likelihood of success, and require

permanent protection from future development, and ensure long-term management, maintenance to serve safeguard continued ecological benefits. The proposed ordinance updates that establish a conflicting hierarchy for mitigation that are contrary to those state and federal requirements, which are rooted in sound science. Richfield has several mitigation banks that service the area and have available credits which the city has used in the past. If you put a hierarchy in place that conflicts with state federal approach, it will make the process more complicated and harder for permittees to navigate. Mitigation banks allow for streamlining and permitting efficiencies while ensuring strong local, state, and federal agency oversight. Uh extensive monitoring, management, and in perpetuity site protection. Additionally, these updates do not demonstrate the use of best available science, and if the city is going to change critical areas policy, it needs to clearly identify the science it's relying on and explain those departures from established federal and state requirements. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Morgan. Appreciate it.

[laughter]

Well, while you you guys are up there, you can read my shirt. So, Ridgefield, not just where we live, but who we are. So, I'm Jan Haig. Um I've been in this community for 22 years, consider myself still a newbie. Um and I'd also like to acknowledge the city recognizing me for all my my volunteer work. So, I'm looking at the port's website, and I realized that you guys are separate, but a lot of what is said is what's happening in our community. And so, the port wants quality of life with unique character. They want to be good stewards of the environment. Clean up was done to redevelop the waterfront to support economic benefit for the community. They want to improve public access to the waterfront. They want to provide enhanced community spaces, including a waterfront park and connections to Lake River and the wildlife refuge. They want to retain public ownership of most or all of the waterfront property. Provide and improve public access to the public areas of the waterfront. We have one opportunity to develop this area. We have a marina and a wildlife refuge. Those cannot be put anywhere else. Industrial can go in industrial areas. Apartments can go elsewhere. And we have many restaurants, new restaurants. Those are in other areas, And we have shopping up at the Junction. The community wants access to the water and the marina and parks and the refuge. Let's start there. And it wouldn't be bad to have a pickleball court outside.

[laughter]

Thank you, Jan. Hello, my name is Walt Gordon and I'm coming here to plead to your love and compassion for Ridgefield. When I moved here 21 years ago, it was Mayberry and I know you've heard this time and time again. The problem is with the port's suggestion and recommendations for the multi-use functions of the waterfront area, I have a feeling that what they really want to do is emulate Vancouver uh and in turn I would oppose that 1,000%. The reason why we love Ridgefield isn't because it's like Vancouver. It isn't because it's like Seattle. It isn't like any other metropolitan area. Rather, it's a small town. And I'm afraid that by developing the waterfront area, it will take that identity away from us. Now, we're more than just identity, we're commitment and the commitment that I was reading earlier today about the plans for the the redevelopment doesn't give me a sense that it's really in the best interest of the citizens of Ridgefield. It's in maybe the best interest of real estate. It's maybe the best interest for low-income housing, but in a really awkward location, right beside a railroad, right with only one entrance, which is the Pioneer Street overpass. Um I know that you're not the final say, but I do know that you have a love of

this city, and I'm pleading that you please bring a cooler head, and if nothing else, a pause to the whole concept of having the waterfront developed the way that it's currently being modeled. Thank you for your time, and I appreciate your attention. Thank you, Mr. Garden. I have a prepared comment this time. Good evening, Mayor and City Council members. My name is Robin Knight, and I'm here tonight as a resident who cares deeply about my community and our waterfront. Three weeks ago, I stood here and expressed my sadness at watching the town I love move quickly towards becoming the kind of overcrowded, overdeveloped suburb I moved away from. Much like Point Ruston in Tacoma, Washington, another formerly open waterfront built on a remediation site with significant public concern around its development. Point Ruston began with promises of revitalization, but it became entangled in years of lawsuits, infrastructure conflicts, environmental issues, and ongoing disputes over public access and community impacts. Ridgefield has an opportunity to learn from experiences like these before irreversible decisions are made. Council has has told us to direct our concerns to the port. Many of us have done so without response, or with deeply discouraging responses, especially following the cancellation of every remaining public meeting on this month's calendar. So, tonight we are here addressing you. You also told us that your hands are tied until a development application is submitted. We've been told that the current mixed-use zoning for the waterfront is essentially locked in until 2028. It is my understanding that under

Washington's Growth Management Act, cities retain authority to revisit zoning during comprehensive plan updates. A process Ridgefield is currently in with the 2045 comp plan update. RCW 35.63.120 also establishes that cities retain authority to amend zoning ordinances in consideration of public welfare and planning concerns. I would respectfully ask council to explain the specific legal or procedural limitations that prevent reconsideration of the current zoning before 2028. This conversation is about the kind of community we want Ridgefield to be. Nearly 1,600 signatures have been gathered on a petition requesting reevaluation of the port's development plans and meaningful community participation before plans move forward. That could include a citizen advisory committee, open houses where alternatives are presented, and public design workshops that allow residents to engage before final decisions are made. If the port and the city's mission is to truly preserve and enhance quality of life for Ridgefield residents, then meaningful public participation and protection of recreational open space should be central to this process, not secondary to it. Residents deserve real opportunities to participate, not just a forced ranking survey that never allowed us to say no to waterfront waterfront development altogether. Once our shoreline is transformed into something our community never asked for, no future council will be able to give our waterfront back to the people of Ridgefield. Thank you. Thank you, MS. KNIGHT.

[applause]

HELLO. GOOD EVENING. UM I'M PEGGY QUAL AND I'VE lived in Ridgefield almost 30 years. Um I understand that this is this development is administered under port commission. Uh but some parts of the development plan will, it seems, fall under the purview of the city. One, traffic. This has been addressed, but when you consider possibly 250 residential units, each unit statistically represents eight trips per day. That's 600 600 extra trips that aren't happening now, not counting people who visit down there or people who work down there. Um a majority of those trips would occur at peak traffic hours, in the mornings when people are going to work or dropping kids off at school. Um and then in the in the afternoon, probably from 2:30 to 6:00, when people are trying to come home, pick up their kids from school, or get them to to sports and other events. Um we all know that the that Pioneer between the port property and all the way to the first roundabout, I think it's 30th, um is a bottleneck. Um it's winding wooded areas, there's going over a bridge, there's a three-way stop, and it just becomes a nightmare, and I can't imagine people who live presently in in this in the town and those that might live at at at the at the port development, it may just be a daily nightmare. Um I also think there's some safety issues that the city might be interested in or be responsible for. Um again, the overpass. We should have another exit or ingress egress there. Um you know, we have to think about earthquake. We're in a serious earthquake zone. Predictions of really a serious earthquake could happen anytime.

Um the port is what's now said to be a mitigated flood plain, but still it's on Lake River and remember in '96 we had a very serious flood. It could still be flooded even with whatever they've done down there at the port. Um again uh in regards to traffic, you know, for emergency vehicles down there helping someone in serious trouble and they run into run into traffic at peak times. I mean, that could be a really a life and death situation. I also worry a little bit about the liability regarding residents living, especially residents with children living down on a waterfront like that and I don't know what what is required to safeguard children. Um the city residents and administration know how special the waterfront property is as well as our historic downtown, the refuge, and the significant archaeological site that is the Cathlapotle village. I know what people love about Ridgefield because I heard it almost every day of the 18 years my shop was on Main. They love the small town feel and and they love the wild spaces of birds at the refuge and we really should design with that in mind. So, thank you. Thank you, Ms. Powell.

[applause]

Good evening, Mr. Mayor and councilman [clears throat]

council people council members. My name is Matt Haggerty, uh 20-year 20-year resident of Ridgefield. Um I'm here tonight to speak about something many long-time residents and voters are increasingly concerned about the future of motorized boating access to the Ridgefield waterfront. It certainly wouldn't be the first time it's mentioned, but no one is arguing against kayaks, paddle boards, or non-motorized recreation. Those users also deserve safe access to the water, but many people in the boating community feel there is an unspoken shift happening in the overall vision for the waterfront. One that is increasingly prioritizing tourism, paddle craft recreation, and a curated destination experience over the practical needs of the people who have actually used this waterfront for decades. The port's public materials repeatedly emphasize kayak access, shoreline recreation, tourism, and creating a regional waterfront destination. Meanwhile, long-time voters continue hearing vague assurances that the launch will remain, but without meaningful discussion about congestion, trailer parking, launch capacity, navigation access, or how motorized users realistically fit into the long-term plan. For many residents, it's beginning to feel less like the boating community is being included in the future of the waterfront and more and more like [clears throat] it is slowly being designed around and eventually out. That concern is not irrational. Across the Northwest, working waterfronts and traditional boating access points are increasingly being transformed into highly programmed districts where motorized users become an afterthought once development, events, tourism pressure, and parking conflicts intensify. The current launch is not just another amenity. It is used by people of all ages for decades. Fishermen, family, families, older residents, and people who rely on motorized access to safely use the river. It reflects Ridgefield's long-standing relationship with the Columbia and with outdoor recreation that is practical, local, accessible, not just marketable. If the port truly intends to preserve access for all the users, then the

boating community deserves more than verbal reassurances. Residents deserve clear public comments regarding launch access, trailer parking, usability, and long-term protections for motorized recreation before plans become irreversible. A waterfront that only works well for tourists, paddle craft users, and future mixed use development is not a waterfront that fully serves the existing community. For me personally, this is becoming painfully obvious that that the port members appear to want the boat and and and boating community to just to go away. There was no ac- actually ac- more parking made for them. And between if you do the numbers, if you take 124,000 divided by 72 or 75 dollars per boat uh boat permit, that was 1,666 permits. The average boat will have between two and seven people with four people. Now you're talking about several thousand boaters, both recreational and fishermen, that you're basically thumbing your nose at. And and we're asking you, please listen to this. Thank you, Mr. Haggerty.

[applause]

Hello. Hi. I don't know why, but it's always so nice to be here and see your smiling faces. And uh I wanted to thank you for helping us with this, whatever you can do when the time comes. Ms. Scott, could you start by introducing yourself? Oh, thank you. Thank you for the intro- action. [laughter]

Mayor Cole, yes. Um Sarah Scott. Uh Ridgefield. So, the petition after 2 weeks hit 1,600 signatures today, and that's a lot. I think um many [clears throat] people can't come to council meetings, and most people hate speaking in public. So, surveys and petitions need to be taken seriously. Uh if all the people who signed the petition came in and spoke to you and read the statement and used their 3 minutes, it would amount to some 80 hours of testimony. So, that's more than three full days of listening to people expressing that they want to preserve the waterfront. That's That's three full days through through the night with no breaks, three straight days, one person after another using their 3 minutes. I you know, that that seems like a lot of support for preserving the waterfront. And that's that's just in 2 weeks. Anyway, if you haven't had time, um probably you haven't to to read some of the comments on there, too. I just thought I'd read a couple of comments from the petition. The only people who would benefit are developers and uh our community would suffer for it. Leave the major development by the freeway and let the community enjoy their waterfront. Ridgefield needs more wildlife and natural spaces and recreational opportunities, not less. Developments like these will permanently detract from the character and natural beauty that draws people to this lovely town and its quality of life. Another one says, "It's the only spot left in Ridgefield that feels like the old city." And another, "Part of why we moved to Ridgefield is because of the natural spaces. Please don't turn this into

another concrete zone." My favorite comment is this. "A hotel and housing can be built somewhere else. A Ridgefield sunset over the water cannot. Some things, um should stay exactly as they are, wild, quiet, and free. I believe that the people of this town are fighting for the uniqueness that attracted them to Ridgefield in the first place. Plus, I believe they are voices for the wildlife, the flora, the fauna, who have no voice. And again, they are my neighbors, and I stand with them. And thank you for listening and taking the time and everything you do. THANK YOU AGAIN. GOOD EVENING, MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS. My name is Julie Anderson, and I'm here tonight because I believe Ridgefield's waterfront is more than just land available for development. It is one of the most valuable natural and recreational spaces our community has. We keep hearing that the waterfront zoning is fixed until 2028, and that there's nothing council can do about it. But as residents have started looking into this process, many of us are finding information that suggests zoning and land use decisions may still be revisited or further defined, especially during comprehensive plan updates, and through amendment processes already allowed under Washington law. So, I hope council can help clarify why residents are being told that reconsideration is off the table. Because from the public's perspective, the legal framework appears more flexible than we are hearing. People of all ages and income levels come to the waterfront to walk, fish, kayak, bird watch, take boats out on the Columbia, spend time with family, and experience a connection to the river that is increasingly rare in growing communities.

It is one of the few places where we can still access open space, quiet, wildlife, and the natural beauty that has long defined Ridgefield's identity. For many, this space is not a luxury. It is where we go to breathe, decompress, exercise, gather with family, and reconnect with nature. These kinds of places have real impacts on mental health, physical health, and quality of life. Growth in Ridgefield is happening, but growth should not come at the expense of every remaining natural shoreline and community gathering space. Development decisions made today will shape the lives of residents for generations. Preserving our waterfront also has long-term economic value. Communities across Washington are realizing that access to nature, recreation, trails, wildlife habitat, and scenic open space are not obstacles to prosperity. They are part of what makes people want to live, visit, and invest there in the first place. The waterfront is part of Ridgefield's identity. It's part of what makes this city different from every other rapidly developing area in Clark County. So, I'm asking the council to carefully reconsider whether the current path truly reflects the long-term interests of the community, and whether enough priority is being given to environmental preservation, recreational access, and public open space before irreversible decisions are made. Future generations deserve the chance to experience our waterfront, not just through photographs or memories, but as a living, accessible part of Ridgefield itself. Thank you. THANK YOU.

[applause]

UM, GOOD EVENING, MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS. MY name is Mary Ann Brown, and I am a Ridgefield resident. I'm here to speak about some troubling information the public has learned regarding the developer selected by the Port for the waterfront district, Palindrome Properties Group. Palindrome operates a property management company called called Pacificap Properties Group, which would likely play a very significant role in the day-to-day management of any residential development built on the waterfront. Palindrom and Pacific Cap also appear to operate under shared leadership and a closely affiliated entities. Many of us are deeply concerned to learn that in February 2025, the US Department of Justice resolved a federal Fair Housing Act case involving Pacific Cap. The company entered into a settlement agreement related to allegations that an on-site property manager subjected female tenants to years of sexual harassment, coercion, and retaliation at one of their properties. According to the federal complaint, multiple tenants reported misconduct over a period of several years, raising concerns serious concerns about oversight, tenant safety, and corporate accountability. What is deeply concerning to many residents of the timeline and should be concerning to everyone in this room about how we enter into partnerships. The lawsuit was publicly filed in 2024 during the same period that the port was evaluating development proposals and ultimately selected Palindrom for the Richmond waterfront project. This raises important questions about the vetting process and how you enter into partnerships with people. That's a continuing process and doesn't start here and end here. It It's ongoing and it's very fluid. Um was the port aware of the litigation during the selection process? They

should have been if you know, you have to vet who you work with. Was it disclosed as part of the proposal review? That's a big deal. If so, how was it evaluated in determining whether the company reflects the values and standards our community expects for such a prominent public-facing project? This is not about attacking or condemning an entire company, but it is about accountability and transparency and who you work with. We We depend on our public leaders to make good decisions and to know how to enter into business arrangements. So, the waterfront trail near near Sacagawea and the proposed residential area can feel relatively secluded. Again, it's a safety issue. You don't want people who can't manage their people their employees managing your properties. The waterfront is often described as the front porch of Ridgefield. It doesn't feel like that's on that's not a priority for this development at all. So, I would like to thank you for the time. And I want to thank Robin for putting for getting us out here.

[applause]

Thank you, MS. BROWN. MY NAME IS JAMIE KAISER. I'm also a Ridgefield resident. I am asking the city council to reconsider the development plan for the Ridgefield waterfront as you are part of the decision-making process. Most residents understand that some level of development is inevitable and even necessary. What we are asking for is a compromise. A plan that genuinely reflects community input while reducing impacts on downtown traffic, nearby neighborhoods, the small-town charm of our downtown, and the National Wildlife Refuge which which directly borders the proposed site. The port's website clearly states that the waterfront belongs to the citizens of Ridgefield, but it does not feel as though we are being heard, especially with the canceling of the latest meetings where we can't have a voice. Did you know that the port survey received only 1,542 responses while our uh petition opposing the development already has more than 1,600 signatures and continues to grow? In a recent class hosted by the refuge and facilitated by wildlife biologist Dr. David Zana. He stated that this development would negatively impact the species of wildlife utilizing the refuge. When the refuge was established in 1965, one of the specific purposes was to provide wintering habitat for the dusky Canadian goose. According to the refuge, wintering habitat is already extremely limited within the dusky's range, and that is without additional impacts this development would bring. The driving desire of the port for a statewide kayak destination and the comprehensive growth plan should be reconsidered. Better what water access? Yes. Um development or this development? No. The alternative two comprehensive growth plan that you favor

for the um comprehensive growth growth plan adds more land to satisfy the county and state, whereas alternative one, which was an option, didn't add any additional land. Um so you can leave the waterfront alone. Our waterfront front and its future is in your hands. The decisions made today will become the legacy you leave not only for this community, but to your children and future generations. I hope you do the job you were elected to do, protect and do right by the community we all call home. [applause]

Hi, my name is Morgan Rumble. [clears throat]

Um first of all, I want to say I do feel that you all have been much more receptive to all of our concerns, personally as well as professionally, um and I really, really appreciate that. Um I also just want to acknowledge at a burrito chat at La Canai Little Canejo, um Katie mentioned that Mayor Cole goes to the, you know, the Cart County City Council or the Cart County Mountain meetings and really advocates for our nature spaces and really making sure that our neighborhoods have that nature space. And as a pet sitter who pet sits in many of our neighborhoods, new neighborhoods around Richfield, I see it. I've been able to like find really cool routes in like most neighborhoods that I've been. So, I really really appreciate that. Um and I hope that um we can continue that advocacy uh for towards the port and their plan. Um it's hard for me to understand why we're it's so separated, not really interested in like all the media of it, which I know is probably is a is a weakness of that, but this will fundamentally change the city of Richfield if this happens. I work at a small um business that is owned and operated for the last 30 years. Many businesses are owned and operated. Bringing an out-of-state developer to manage like businesses down there will completely change how what Richfield feels like. We're putting the cart way before the horse. What about public transportation? Why are we putting thinking of putting low-income housing where we are in a food desert, where there is no access to fresh food and grocery store? I already see low-income residents walking up Pioneer all the time to get to a grocery store. We need to figure out these infrastructure things far before we are building things that just make developers millions of dollars. And I also just want to say I support everything that everybody else has said here tonight. Thank you.

[applause]

Thank you. Hi, my name is Tony Weigel. I've lived here for 4 years. Um so, I'm a newbie. I have it I threw this together, but I don't know if I will follow it, but um just a little story on why I am here today. I don't want to be here today, but around 2 weeks ago, I threw my back out and I was bed-bound. And my in-laws were visiting. The family was out having a good time and I'm like, I just want to close my eyes and listen to something interesting on YouTube. So, it was April 27th and I was like, "Oh, the Ridgefield City Council meeting. I'm going to listen to that and relax." And then I was like, this is that person's not happy. I'm going to fast forward, you know. I kept fast forwarding and then I fell asleep, finally. I don't know who it was that put me to sleep, but like 40 minutes later, I wake up, it's still going. I was like, "Something important is going on. Let me rewind." And I rewound. I was Googling stuff, palindrome, like waterfront, but like I had no idea. So, so, now I I've learned way too much in the past 2 weeks. Like, stuff I don't want to know. And so, uh when I read like the, you know, Columbian or the Reflector and see that we've been told this for 30 years. How did you not know? Like, we've been talking about this forever. So, I pick up the phone. I call my friend whose husband is born and raised in Ridgefield. And I was like, "Did you know about this 10

um 10 buildings of of affordable housing going up on the waterfront?" He was like, "Oh, haha. They've been talking about that for years. Oh, never happen." [laughter]

And I'm like, "I think they're signing something in a couple of weeks. Um so, I just want to let you know that we are not aware, the newbies and the and the natives here, like the uh people born and raised here, they're just not aware. Um And, you know, I know your position is that you have limited influence in this process, but as voted um representatives, voted in representatives of us, our ask is that you use your influence to help the port make the right decision for the community. Um you know, something else that weighs on me is the um the tax increment incremental funding or financing. Like, what is that? I'm Googling it, and who does it benefit? You know, just anyone can Google it or ask ChatGPT, the number one beneficiary is the developers. So, thank you. Thanks for listening. THANK YOU.

[applause] [clears throat]

OKAY, I GUESS I'LL GO. I'M LIKE, I'VE BEEN WAITING. I'M LIKE, "Doo doo doo." But, I brought stuff to read, so I'm going to use my whole 3 minutes this time, darn it. So, um all right, so my name is Shauna Fisher, obviously resident of Ridgefield. So, I just wanted to share a little something before I um go over something. So, I was leaving downtown the other day at the stop sign um right in front of the hardware store to turn left Pioneer, right? And something just magical just hit me, right? The stop sign, it has hearts in it, right? So, truly, that is the magic and heart of Ridgefield is the downtown. That is the heart and the magic. That is to me, that's where the town ends, but that's where the magic begins, right? There's something so special special where your heart can connect, you can breathe, there's peace, and there's comfort, and there's connection, and there's just that quaintness and the and the open spaces, right? And even I walked along the waterfront with a with a friend this last week, and it was so cool to just you could see the bunnies and the birds, and you can hear yourself think. Like, how amazing is that to hear yourself be able to think, right? Cuz up here by the freeway and in and out and all that craziness and all the roundabouts. Like, how do I get around all the roundabouts, right? Like, oh gosh, okay, I made it through the roundabout. I'm safe. But, it's there's there's something that's just not the peacefulness that the downtown of Ridgefield brings. There is just something magical that you can't get anywhere on that. Like, I go to the Vancouver Well, I don't really go to the Vancouver waterfront. And you know why? Because it's not peaceful to me. It's just like, oh, there's like condos right up against the walking pathway, and that's that's not peace peaceful, that's

not nature, that's not um that's not beauty. And there's like, I just want to ask you guys, just just think about this. I know you can't answer me, but when was the last time that you went down to the waterfront and you just maybe sat at one of those benches down there, right? And you could hear nothing. You could just listen to the sounds of nature and just reconnect with nature, reconnect with yourself, and how amazing is that to just be able to be in that space and just um be able to connect cuz we need that, right? We need that for mental health. And that's one of the reasons I moved to Ridgefield is because of the quaint downtown, the buildings. And what are you going to do? Like, when you expand, you can't expand down Pioneer. You're going to like tear down City Hall and like expand and like just tear down all those buildings. Like, how are they going to how are you going to mind the traffic down there? How is that How is that going to work, right? It's just the the beauty and it's just the the downtown There's so many other ways to enhance the waterfront and preserve its preserve its beauty and its magic. And I just, you know, thank you for listening. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Fischer. Good evening. I'm Tim Daugherty. I've lived here for 32 years. And first of all, I want to talk about Chief Doria. I spent 25 years with the fire department. And in that 25 years, I've never worked with better police officer and a finer human being than that WOMAN SITTING THERE.

[applause and cheering]

WELL, THAT WAS THE MOLASSES. HERE'S THE SULFUR. [laughter]

This piece of beautiful Norman Rockwell democracy that we all see today is here for one reason. They trust you. The port doesn't listen to them. The meeting we were all going to go to Wednesday night was canceled. They couldn't make it to the meeting. They listen to the people. Now, they're all going to make it to a meeting this weekend though at Skamania Lodge. But that We can't go to that one. So, when you look at all this audience, think about this. They're coming to you cuz they need your help. You're the ones who will listen and you're the ones who will care. And that's why all these folks are here today. Please do this one thing. When you walk down to the port, there's this beautiful stone bench. And it's the Arlene Woodage bench. And I want you to go down there in the evening and sit down and ask yourself, Steve, what would Arlene do? What would she want? And act accordingly. Thank you.

[applause] Thank you. When can I speak again? [laughter] Is there anybody else in the room wishing to get public comment right now? [clears throat]

My name is Rick Grinns. Um, I can't take credit for that petition or the organization behind it, but I'm really proud to say that it's really representative of what Richfield needed. Um, I went out and circulated that petition last Friday afternoon for several hours out in the Costco in and out burger area. Hit every business I could. And some of the businesses weren't able to post it because that's their policy not to get involved with politics. But what I found out from talking to all these different people, they had one common universal concern. And that was the traffic. They did not want to see this little small town of Richfield, this downtown area, become a traffic jam like they have out there at the junction. They thought that that would be so detrimental to our downtown businesses and citizens that live down here. They had a real fear for that occurring. You don't have to go up north. You don't have to go down to Vancouver to hear it. You can go right out here and talk to these businesses and these people that out are out in the area patronizing those businesses and get a feel for what's coming to Ridgefield if that waterfront development is developed to the extent that the port wants it. And it's going to be a real It's going to be irreversible if it were to take place. And I'm not saying we can't develop some of it, but boy, it needs to be really scrutinized by the community that is going to be affecting. And it needs to be It needs to be done so all user groups are treated fairly, equally. And that goes for all the boaters, whether you're non-motorized, motorized, all the recreational folks that go down there to bird watch, enjoy the refuge,

get out on the Columbia River, whatever. Whatever your interest is at the waterfront, everybody should be equally heard and those concerns should be listened to. And that's what we elected you officials there as city councilors and mayor to pay attention to what the community needs are. And there's several needs in this community that I feel may not have been addressed in the past with all the development. You hear a lot of locals saying, "Oh man, we have two-lane roads out here that farmers used. We can't handle the development. The traffic is just ridiculous." And I hear this all the time. We're going to have it 10 times worse out here on Pioneer once that development goes in. And if you don't face the facts, you're doing a major disservice injustice to the community. Um I come down here for the 4th of July on my bicycle just so I can avoid all the traffic and stuff. My son and I ride it. We'll go through town. And you know what? A lot of times I don't stay for the parade. I'm ready to get out. But anyway, uh thanks for your time. And your decision regarding the waterfront, I will say again, will probably be the most influential and most important decision that any of you ever have anything to do with in Ridgefield. Thank you, Mr. Grant.

[applause]

Is there anybody else in the room wishing to give comment? Okay. Hi council. Thank you for listening to me. Thank you everyone. My name is Trisha Hawkinstead. I've been a Ridgefield resident since 2009. Um I agree with a lot of the viewpoints expressed so far. Thank you everyone for your thoughtful comments. Thank you to the organizers of the Preserve Ridgefield Waterfront and allowing everyone that can't be here tonight to share their voices. Um and also I want to represent all the critters out there at the refuge and in the area that can't share their voices either. But um I have tried to express concern about the proposed concept of the development at the waterfront through all avenues available to me. I went to the port meeting. I attended the council meeting um a few weeks ago. I was very disappointed that the port last minutely canceled uh their meeting um and we weren't allowed our voices there as well. So, I have some questions about that because that does not seem like they want to hear from us and it does not feel very equitable to the community voice in this process. So, I understand that um while you might not be the final decision makers here, like others have asked, I ask that you use your influence, your power that you do have to represent the community voices and concerns that we're raising. The Cardi Lake view is uh right outside of our backyard. Fortunately, it is an amazing spot that we have and me and my husband and my 20-month-old daughter get to hang out with the swans during winter as they migrate here and the pelicans as they come in hundreds um and swans in thousands, I believe. But, it's one of

the most amazing things that we can witness and are grateful for every time. And this is for for several months throughout the year. So, that is something that folks don't have to even enter into the National Wildlife Refuge to see, but they can enjoy down at the natural area that is there. So, I look at the proposed concept and I see apartment housing and that does not seem like the appropriate spot to have apartment or high-density housing, especially low income in that fragile ecosystem area. So, that seems like no, that is not being mindful, it's not being strategic of utilizing that area and the community is asking for natural and open spaces. So, if development does need to happen, I would hope that it could be a lot more logical, a lot more um respectful to the fragile ecosystem that exists there and in partnership with the National Wildlife Refuge and in partnership with the the fishing industry and boaters down there. Everyone can benefit in so many different ways than is what being proposed by the the port at this moment. So, I ask you to very, very carefully reconsider, look for alternates, invite the community voice so that we can um make this an amazing and continuous sustainable amazing space that we have. Thank you.

[applause]

Good evening, Mayor and council members. My name is Michael Middleton and I'm sorry to say it, I've only been here a resident for 6 months and I can see that this development is not good for the community. My question is why the developers were even thinking about coming here and develop that. How much of that land is within the 100-year flood plain? If it's within the 100-year flood plain, you guys are going to have a big decision on what you're going to let allowed or not. The other thing is, has there been an environmental impact statement done on this area recently? Because what may have been done 30 years ago has probably changed from this year. And as far as affordable housing in that area, it's almost impossible when you're going to have to be doing foundations on pilings. So, so much for the low-income houses. And as it is, I enjoy my 6 months here in Ridgefield and I do not look forward to all the new construction that might take place. Thank you. Thank [applause] you. Another call. Any other Anybody else wishing to give comment in the room? Okay, seeing none. Ms. Julie, anybody online? We do have one online, Mayor. Travis Goodwin. Okay, thank you. Go ahead, Mr. Goodwin. Hello, council. Mayor Cole.

Travis Goodwin. First off, I'd like to reiterate on what someone else said about the comprehensive plan. Mr. Cole, you have been trying to push this comprehensive plan and growth boundaries, and I understand that Richfield needs it. However, you're also the same person that can change the zoning and put the things on there. Mr. Steve over there, your city manager. You guys got your hands all over this project. So, to act like you guys have no say is complete horse and you know it. So, I expect to see some kind of change. I expect to see some kind of audit. I want to see where the $2 million went to the Greely building before anything else is done from the port. And I haven't seen a a bit of action out of you guys. And the fact that you guys know this, and you continue to sit up there and act like you have nothing to do with it is full of So, unfortunately, I couldn't be there today, but I want to make sure that you know, and everyone knows, that we know that you guys are all in cahoots. So, you want to build a hotel? There's a hardware store you can build it in. You want to build the low-income housing? There's a tree farm down the road called Three Wise Men. Happily to build it down there. You want to build where you want to build and put stuff? You put it on your property. You don't put it on public property. Other than that, I hope you guys have a great day, and I hope you actually take action on this. Because if you don't, we will vote every single one of you out. Have a good day. Thank you. Is there anybody else online? Not seeing anyone else. Okay, we

are going to close public comment and continue with that. Thank you again to all of our neighbors who showed up here tonight and thank you for your concern. Thank you for your willingness to engage in the civic process and and let your voice be heard. And again, we do hear you. We do see the emails. We have we're trying to be very responsive, so we do appreciate it. And yes, so thank you very much. Okay. Moving on with our agenda, we're going to move to the consent agenda. Council, I would accept a motion to approve approve as presented. I move to approve the consent agenda as presented. I'll second. It's been moved by Birkholz, seconded by I heard Chipman first. Council, any discussion? Hearing none, all in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. All opposed? Thank you, Council. Motion carries. Okay, moving on to our business portion of the evening. Our first item of business tonight is the second reading of ordinance number 1480. This is the 2026 budget amendment two, and this will be led by Mr. Kurt Johnson, our finance director. Mr. Johnson, over to you, sir. Thank you, Mayor Cole and Council, and thank you for being here, residents. So, let's jump to slide three, Julie, please. Um we've already had first reading. We did go through it rather quickly because we did have quite a bit of public comment and large agenda the last time. So, I'm going to cover a few things. We do have a few changes um for the spring supplemental budget. Um most of the items that are in this are projects that we already had budget for last year, and the projects did not finish in 2025, so we are carrying them over to 2026. And then we do have a few items that are new, and we do have them broken out that way to kind of show. So, on slide three, the total um request is $26,887,200.

Um with that, the majority of the funding is coming from partner funding for the Ridgefield Recreation Center. Um when we did the 2026 budget, we did um recognize the city portion of the project in a a public-private partnership for the community and recreation center. Um this will cover both construction construction management, um special um inspections, and things like that. Um general fund um fund balance um will be impacted by just over 206,000. Um the majority of the rest of the um amount will be covered through remaining 2024 um bonds that we issued for the Pioneer Widening Project, and then from our water system development charges for some water um projects. So, let's jump to slide four. Um these are the carry forward projects. Um just some final uh repairs to the splash pad. This will be paid by the um contractor um that initially worked on the splash pad. The city needed to go back and repair some of that to um um get the permit from the Department of Health and open that in May, which have been completed, and the um splash pad has opened. Um the next one is Pioneer Widening construction. Um this is the final amount. There is no change to the contract amount from what was in 2025. So, I wanted to be clear about that. At the first reading, I had 300,000 as a carry forward amount. What we found out after the fact was that there um as we had council approved the change orders and the budget amount in 2025, the contractor still has not invoiced us for any of those, so they are invoicing us

in 2026. Since our budget does expire as 12/31 of each year, we needed to carry over more for that amount that had already been approved. That also includes the um construction management portion, and then also some mitigation plantings that needed to be done in 2026 as well, which are complete as well. There'll just be some maintenance done further on that. Then the additional carry forward was for the Clark Caillat fire rescue for the fire station that we did as mitigation for the bonding and the funding source that we did a few years ago, just over 2 million. The final one on this page, which is a change as well, was the Clark Public Utility electrical for Pioneer rewiring where initially we had 450,000. There is some tax that needs to be added on to that. The Clark Public Utilities has charged us, so that's the increase to 480,000. So this particular part of the project initially it was to do what they call flyover, which is to kind of change where the electrical goes so that we didn't affect any service during that time, but the remaining part of that was to do the permanent changes for the electrical and underground that with the project. So on slide five um it was the carryover of the parks revenue program and ADA transition plan. Both of those again were budgeted previously. The next change is the Pioneer Hillhurst concept design in first reading we had 50,000. We since had some additional invoices for work that was approved back in 2025 to prepare legal documents for the property

at 907 Pioneer so that we could finish off the right-of-way easement and then prepare that for sale. Um and then the final one is the Onslow nature play area which again was budgeted in 2025 and the work will be completed this year. So on to new requests um for operations um professional development supplies for our new city attorney position a um traffic impact fee credit waiver that council approved earlier this year um for 18,000 and then a plan to come into compliance or prepare for compliance um which I believe has to be done by 2030 uh for our public works operations center energy plan and this will create that plan for us so that we are in compliance with some new state regulations um for uh buildings that are 20,000 square feet or or larger. And then for our water fund an increase um one time in professional service work so that we could do some studies continue to look for um water rights and and do some work around our water system as well. And then finally for the operations area um there was a project that council approved um I believe it was last year it might have been in 2024 to um do some striping and change Fourth Street to a one-way and this is to finish the work um this summer after school is out and before school starts again next year and that is to increase our striping budget um by $15,000 to 65,000. Um that again is a one-time [clears throat] uh request. And then finally out of our um transportation benefit district an increase and this will be an ongoing increase of $10,000 to a total of 15,000 for professional services and then also for some software cost. This will allow

us to get a module to track sidewalks and to do projections in cost and maintenance needed for our sidewalks that we've already talked with council about.

Awesome. And on our next slide, um will be new projects for capital. The one that I mentioned earlier for the Ridgefield Community and Recreation Center, this is to recognize the uh private uh partnership portion of the expense and the um revenue of 22 million increasing the budget to 37 million. The reality is not all of that is going to be spent in 2026. This will be a um 18-month or so project. Um so some of that we will be carrying over in the next budget as well. Um and then um the water system development charge project, this is in our our utilities capital fund for the Kennedy well field and uh uh well field and treatment design uh for $1 million. This will prepare um what we have um uh what we're looking for with a new well up at the Kennedy well area and trying to get that to um construction-ready documents so that we're ready to go as soon as we get the right water rights finalized by Department of Ecology. And then finally, um Sargent to Main Improvement Design, this is a project that council um asked us to work on um a few years back. Uh this also includes some CDBG grant funding um for a portion of that and this is uh 250,000 to finalize design to get to the point where we can move forward with that grant and then um um get to full construction costs so that we can come back to council on that one. So finally, the last two items are for debt service. Um these are both new since the last time we talked. Um as you're well aware, we have two public works board loans. Um one is for the Royal Road design to finalize the final section of Royal Road up to Hillhurst. And then for the downtown storm

improvements. Um both of those we took out our first draws on the loan last year, and then we took out some draws early this year. Um every June 1st, we do have um debt service due on this. Typically, in the past, they've always waited to tell us um when we start our debt service until we finish the full draw period and close the loan. Um their new policy is to start to charge us as we're drawing on the project. So, um we have 32,000 on the Royal Road loan and 7,100 on the downtown storm improvements. So, that is the total of the projects. Um if we look at the next page, just a summary, ongoing requests for council is $74,100. Um one-time request is um just over 26,800. And then transfers to support the uh budget amendment from other funds is um just over 2 million. Um the total fund balance impact is 4.8 million, and that includes the drawdown of the rest of the bond funding that we had as well. So, for the Pioneer widening, um what we had done in part of asking for the additional, we had refunded some funding to um our traffic impact fee funds for previous expense on that project. We'll be using that. That's not new money. That's money that we already had in hand um that council approved back when we went out for the issuance of the bond. So, there is no change there, but it's part of for drawdown on that. Um with that I would answer any questions or that is um everything I have. Great. Thank you, Mr. Johnson. Okay. Uh, very helpful. Council, uh, questions for staff on this item here. Look around. Look around. Councilor Davis.

Thank you, Mayor. Um, I wanted to go just back up to the professional services on the water side for the water fund. The extra 100,000. Um, multiple studies in 2026. Uh, are there going to possibly be opportunities for maybe grants that we can That just seems like maybe an area that's ripe for some of that where we can offset some of that extra expense. For the projects they have planned, those aren't grant eligible. Okay. Um, we do have um significant reserves in the water fund that will cover that. And that does prepare us so that we can get to the point where maybe in the future if that turns into some other projects where we could look at grants for that. Typically it's more um in water it's more to when we get to the construction phase that we can get grants. Okay. Okay. Thanks for clarifying. Thanks. Other questions, Council? I think we're pretty good. Okay. One quick question from me on uh the Sergeant and Main project. Uh, can we go back to that one? I just wanted to clarify that one because if that is a community um development block grant. And are are we changing the scope on that? I thought that we had talked about possibly changing the scope on that and there is that what we discussed? And that there was not going to be CDBG funds there or we just going to keep it as is and then the the 250 from the CDBG grant and then we're going to match it with 250. Well, currently we do have that in the pipeline for CDBG. Um, they have had some issues with potential funding loss from the feds. So, we don't at this point they haven't said that we're in danger of losing that funding, but we don't have a contract yet. So, we have to get through the design before we could even enter into the contracting phase. So, whether or not council wants to change

scope, that's a question that we could talk about later. The initial change on that project though has increased where it's not a 50/50 split. It is actually a much more significant match requirement where it could be close to a million dollars from the city versus about 250 from the the grant. So, that is a big change. Okay. Okay, thank you. That's helpful. Um let's see here. I just want to make sure I didn't have any other questions. No, I'm good. Anybody else council? Questions or comments for staff on this point? Okay. Thank you. Okay, the last thing that that I will bring up, it's not in the budget amendment at this point, but at the last meeting we did have Richfield Main Street come and talk to you about a potential donation there. Uh that is something if council chooses to do that that they would need to do by amendment. Yep. Um what we have asked them to do is verify that there are the credits available through that program where um if we donate, we get 75% of that back the next year through our our B&O tax refund. Um so, that is something if council chooses to add this, it would be through amendment, but we would ask that you do that contingent on those credits still being available. Right, thank you. And so, I was going to say council, if we are done with the the budget amendment as presented right now, there's no other questions on that, I would like to extend the opportunity to discuss a potential grant for Main Street for the TSIP uh program. Councilor Wells. Yes. I think uh our downsizing that project from uh Sergeant to Main,

uh we're just going to upgrade it with that 250 instead of that extra additional million. Mr. Stewart, would you like to uh enlighten us a little bit on that? Sure, I'm happy to help uh counselor. And the question with Sergeant and Main project, the $250,000 grant, the CDBG grant, the issue would be more about um do we want to accept, as a city, do you want to accept the $250,000 grant, which would require another million dollars to be put toward that project, or can we rescope the project to deal with some of the highest priority uh issues in that area, specifically uh issues that have been raised with regards to the sidewalks in the area, uh parking uh as well, because something that is something council has indicated as a priority as part of that project, uh as well as any anything we might be able to do to tie together to Eaglesview Park. Uh so, what we are looking at is would it make more sense instead of taking a $250,000 grant to spend a million, um would it make more sense to rescope and refine to focus on those aspects of the project that have the highest benefit uh to the local community and uh and bring that back to you. So, we're doing that work right now to take a look at it, and it's something we will be bringing it back for your review. Okay. Thank you. Are you looking for direction from council on that? Not not at all. Okay. No, not at this point. We're not at the point where we have uh a clear direction of what a rescope project could look like. Okay. Sounds good. Thank you, and thank you, Councilor Wells, for asking that. That's what I was thinking, I was looking for. Uh Councilman Hamilton, it looks like you might have a question or comment at this point. Um I don't have a question about that, but I would like to be involved in the Main Street conversation whenever we start that.

kick that off then. Go ahead. Okay, thank you. Um I am on the board of the Ridgefield Main Street um as the city liaison, so um I have a special place in my heart for this program and can see firsthand in the last, especially 2026, the amount of energy and effort that has gone into not only the TSIP program, but looking at other ways that they can generate revenue and be more involved in the community and truly listen to feedback, so I'm very uh pleased by that. Um I support the program wholeheartedly, but I do want to note I do have some concerns um about the dollar amount. So, I believe that the public matching dollars should scale with the demonstrated organizational capacity and outcomes, and I don't know if 70,000 is the right number for that in my opinion. I'm open to discussion with the rest of you about what that looks like. Um Main Street sent us over some information about from the Department of Revenue of who thus far has made pledges. Um they've received pledged amount roughly 70,000, which is why we were asked to make that match number. Um and that that comprises 25 business pledges total. So, the carry on our end versus 25 businesses does seem slightly disproportionate to me. Um I think that we have plans in place and sponsorship opportunities that are really exciting within Main Street, so I do think um that a and a a smaller initial mat- match is something that makes sense to me, and I would love to get more input from council on what you guys see for that. Um So, right now the two highest There are those three pledges at the highest dollar amount, all three for $10,000: Hannah Motor Company, Vancouver Clinic, and Nutter. Hannah Motor Company, Vancouver Clinic have actually already submitted those numbers. Nutter and they have till October and November to to submit, I believe. Um but I just wanted to keep those numbers in mind as the highest donation so far has been

10,000 per largest donation made. So, I'm open to more discussion, but that's kind of where I'm thinking to start with. Great, thank you. Oh, thank you. Okay. Uh thank you for your comments. Uh Council Berkel. Um just a question too, what would the $70,000 be used for by Main Street? And um we'll direct questions to staff, but I do see that Mr. Coxon is here tonight on behalf of the Main Street board. Uh I think it would be okay to have you answer some questions if Yeah, if if you're willing. So, Council Berkel, I I think it's probably a question for Mr. Coxon. And we'll ask you to come to the podium and answer that way.

[clears throat] My name is Steve Coxon and I'm treasurer of Ridgefield Main Street and Ridgefield Art Association and Ridgefield Fourth of July. [laughter]

I have been involved in Ridgefield Main Street for almost 10 years. Took over as treasurer from Terry Hurd. Involved as chair of the design committee and the EV committee now. We as a Main Street program have to have a uh executive director. And we have paid uh outside consultant. Um so we do have staff and we do have staff salaries that we have to pay to be certified as a Main Street program. So, that's about half of our budget. The other half of our budget goes to projects to enhance the downtown. Design Committee projects like um facade improvement grants, flower baskets. I worked with the Garden Club years ago to get the flower baskets downtown. So, we are very concerned with beautification of the city. We're also very concerned with the economic vitality. Last year we spent over $30,000 redeeming Moola to get people downtown. And we worked with the city this year, this last year, to get Moola in the hands of people in line at In-N-Out Burger. You know, it's important to get people downtown and support the businesses. Now, the Art Association has opened a gallery in the old hardware store. That's an added benefit and we are supporting them, help trying to uh help them make that a success. It's important to us that the small businesses succeed downtown. So, about half of our budget um $70,000 goes to support those businesses,

beautify our our lovely city, and support the history of our city by we put plaques on various uh buildings that have historic significance. So, we've got these projects going on and we need the money. Now, a $70,000 ask is a 75% credit on a B&O tax. So, that's a commitment from the city for $17,500. But, the other amount would go to Olympia. We could keep it here. Mhm. Our executive director has announced that she is retiring at the end of July after we hold host the the um regional leadership meeting in Ridgefield. We're trying to beautify the Greeley building from the outside. And that will be part of our hosting the leaders in in Washington Main Street programs. So I don't think the ask is a big stretch considering the city is putting up 17.5 and the other 75% would go elsewhere. Mhm. Great. Thank you, Mr. Coxen. Any Does that answer your question? Thank you. Yeah, any follow-on questions, Counselor Berkel? Are you I'm good.

Okay. Counselor Wells? Uh I I Mr. Coxen. Oops. Don't go anywhere. You have my permission to ask questions. Yeah, you're you're not off the hook yet. All right.

Okay. Um one of the questions I have and I'm just trying to understand what you said. If the city turns around and donates 70,000 then they get a credit next year uh for let's see, 50 Well, you said 17,000 53,000 credit on their uh B&O tax that they don't have to pay. Is that correct? Yes. Exactly. [clears throat] If you If the city makes a match makes makes a pledge and pays it by November 1st they will get a 70,000 or excuse me a 52,500 credit on their B&O tax in January of 2027. That That is the only caveat. There is if the state still has that funds. Well, they do. They They've guaranteed 5 million. And I do want to point out that of that 5 million that we started the year with, there is only 580,000 left. So, if we're going to act on this, we have to do it soon because that money is not going to last for a very long time. 580,000 will go fast. Okay. That's a point I was trying to get. Thank you. Yeah. Okay. Uh Mayor Pro Tem Shipman. So, my opinion would be that I think we just really want to support downtown. And I think by awarding them the $70,000 as we had talked about the match, I mean, I'm really perfectly comfortable with doing that cuz I They do great things for us and we need them and downtown needs them and I'm really in support of giving the full 70 if we vote that way, whatever. Thank you. Thank you very much. Noted. Um Counselor Davis. Yeah. Uh thanks. Uh just I guess bring

I guess to the daylight some of our conversations the last time this came around. Um there was concern by some members of Council about um I guess like the financial management elements of the organization um just because you know, the initial goal for the last calendar year was so high and I think the achievement was about 30% and it's like how are things going? Do we know if there have been changes internally to those processes and and uh you know, just anything that we have available that would help clarify that as stewards of public funds to make sure processes are in place. I can speak to some and then I'll be able to if you want to speak to more. Um I have I saw the most the most significant most significant concerted effort that I saw is in the focus on acquiring money for this particular program. So, I think it was budgeted too high the year before and it was looked at this way and I've bet I was a part of meetings where they sat in there and we went through each individual business who had the greatest connection, who was going to make the ask, who did the follow-up. I've also seen in the outreach committee, I've attended a few of those meetings and looking at how they can integrate things like a micro-enterprise series that we do more consistently at Old Liberty so that our residents have something that they know they can consistently go and see like this one was on uh social media, I believe and I went and saw one on uh podcast that was really interesting and they they honestly pull very expert at like the the people that are coming and presenting at these things that they are being underutilized for sure. So, a a refocus and talking about how they can integrate some of these systems better. I know through sponsorships, I personally bought my mom with my brothers a flower basket. You can get and you can get your mom's name on it, which my mom was beyond thrilled about and I know I think they raised $2,000 from that. So, starting to think outside of the box. I

think um there is a a thought for me in welcoming a new executive director and wanting to make sure we set that person up for success in part of this conversation as well. Um but I I have seen um and even in Steve's reports for financials, the details have gotten much more thorough about everything that's being spent and just and that and I believe you said in the last meeting too like this is any third party that wanted to review this, we have this accessible for them at this point. That helps. Thank you. Great. Thank you. Uh Counselor Berkel. If I could, how many dollars have been spent in the last year on facade improvement for downtown? Any estimate? Please. I I have a document here that says 17,000. 17,000? Thank you. That's great. Um I you know, like we Council, we have uh we're kicking off our Rise initiative this year and it's all about downtown and it's a hugely hugely important initiative, not just to me, but I think this entire Council and it's something that when originally crafted was was really about not just a master planning exercise, but also a community partnerships exercise and we all know that Main Street is our is our downtown organization and it's our link to downtown businesses and the vitality as Mr. Cox was talking about. So, I'm a huge believer in what Main Street is doing. I also have seen since we last talked, I think when you came here, was it last fall? You know, in that time Main Street has done a heck of a lot of work. I've seen them be very busy to raise this amount to get to that $70,000 amount to engage 25 different businesses and and I know that that's no that's no small order. That's it that takes a lot of work. And so, thank you for to you to the board members, to staff who has stepped up and and really really

put put the effort in there. It also appears that there's that is driven by probably a select few number of your organization, people who are probably more highly engaged and um you know, as as you go through a leadership transition, as looks like some some board members may transition off the board, I guess I what I'm curious about is is is that sustainable? I know that you guys have put a lot of effort in and and that tends to feel like it's all consuming, but is that pace sustainable to go year over year and continue and to continue to raise that amount and then, you know, having the city support you because the last thing I want to do is is out of you know out of the intent of community benefit and to support our downtown is is to um is to provide a grant and then have you guys use that grant but then not be able to sustain the pace and then we end up kind of keep coming back and and um maybe not being able to fulfill that. So, is that something that you it has you have had internal discussions about? The sustainability of that effort? We have and I think it's very important that we keep our board strong and we are looking at people in the community right now to add to our board. People who have connections to money, number one, for potential donors, potential tax credit pledges. People who have the experience with Ridgefield Main Street and and the businesses downtown. So, we are analyzing that aspect of it because we want to create a strong board that will support our new executive director. Yeah. That's good.

And and it's very important that our new executive director have that we have a process in place and it needs to start now because that 2 months is going to go fast.

Mhm. And we need to be training somebody for that position to take over uh Yeah. after July 31. So, the strength of the next executive director, the strength of the board are the highest priority right now. Great. Yeah. I'm I'm encouraged to hear that, Council. I know that that is that has been a huge lift and I think that I don't question for a moment the any any one of your board members who you know who I'll know personally and then I think they're all great people and they're very committed to this city and to our downtown. Um what I would hope is that new board members as they come in would be business-minded, would have those contacts to be able to help you sustain in pace. Um not just looking at it from a purely like a business owner looking after their business and how this benefits their business, but also how this benefits the the greater community because I think we are we are mutually uh committed to being stewards of of this community and and we need that and we need you guys to be strong and we need we need to see a strong downtown and we don't get that without a strong Main Street. It's true. And and one of our goals this year is to strengthen our relationships with our community partners. Mhm. And I think that Megan's probably witnessed some of that in our board meetings. Um, Chamber of Commerce being one of them. Um, the the focus needs to be to on working with the city on the underutilized properties in downtown area. The Worth's Tree Farm, for instance. The buildings that are vacant.

Mhm. The empty lots. Those are things that we need to work with the city on to improve the downtown vitality. Thank you. I'm really glad to hear you say that. Uh cuz I wholeheartedly agree. Councilor Hamilton. Thank you. Um, I completely agree with the board focus as well. I mean, I think while we're in this room and we're having this discussion, um it does need to be strategic in whom the next person is and having those bigger contacts that they can make to do the bigger asks in an easier fashion, but also I really really encourage us to look at some sort of board development and um the Greater Vancouver Chamber does a lot of that kind of work that we should look into and I think that is key if this gets funded today, that that is a bare minimum like respect level of saying, "Okay, here's this. Now, let's run with it." And that's just another thought I thought I'd throw it out there. Good. Councilor Davis. Well, if we're ready, I was going to make a motion. Roll it. Are we good? Okay. So, I move to adopt ordinance number 1480 amending the 2026 budget as presented. I'll second. Hold on. Yeah, that's right. So, are you are you're going to uh the the budget amendment as presented? As presented? Yeah. You make the motion first and then the the amendment. Yeah. Yeah, I think you would want to uh first of all bring the uh motion for the budget amendment as a whole to the body. If there is a second to that, then it would be uh applicable to uh to have any amendments to that item.

that was my intention.

Okay, got you. I'm I'm talking now. So, moved by Davis, seconded by Hamilton. What? Oh, who seconded? I'll second. Okay. Okay, it's been moved and seconded. Council discussion. Yeah, I would move to amend ordinance number 1480 to include a $70,000 allocation to Ridgefield Main Street TCEP program contingent on the credits being available at the state level. I'll second that. Okay, there's been an amendment moved by Hamilton, seconded by Chipman to uh allocate $70,000 to the Main Street program provided that funding uh through the TCEP program is still available at the state level. Uh council discussion on that. Hearing no discussion, can this be a voice vote even though it's an ordinance? I don't understand. Yeah. Yes. Okay. But, it can be a voice vote, that's what I'm asking. Yeah. Okay. I am I am I I am going to abstain from this vote uh just so you guys know to avoid a conflict of interest with this. But, it's been moved and seconded. Any other discussion? Okay. All those in favor, say I. I.

All opposed? Then I I abstain. Thank you. The amendment carries. Yep. And now we return to the original motion as amended. Council discussion. Seeing no discussion, Ms. Shirley, would you please read the ordinance into the record? Thank you, Mayor. Ordinance number 1480, an ordinance of the City of Ridgefield, Washington, amending ordinance number 1469 and ordinance number 1477 pertaining to the 2026 budget. Great. Thank you very much, Council. Last call for discussion. Seeing none, Ms. Shirley, would you please call the roll? Councilmember Davis. I. Councilmember Wells. Councilmember Wells. Oh, I didn't hear. Yes. Councilmember Birkel. I. Councilmember Hamilton. Yes. Mayor Pro Tem Chapman. I. Mayor Cole. Abstain. Okay, Council. Thank you very much. The budget amendment for the budget amendment passes. Thank you for your assistance on that. Okay. And thank you, Main Street, for your dedication, as well. We do appreciate it. Um we're going to move on to our next item of business. This is the contract award for the construction of the Ridgefield Community and Recreation Center. Mr. Johnson, we'll go back over to you, sir. Thank you, Mr. Mayor and Council. So, we're here also to look at the award for the construction of the Ridgefield Community and Recreation Center. We went out for bid looking for a general contractor to manage the process and um uh construct the um project. So, we did receive five bids of which we had three that we asked to Six bids? Six bids. Okay. six bids. Excuse me. Um of which

we asked the top three to turn in supplemental bidder criteria. We have gone through um all of the criteria and found the lowest responsive responsible bidder to be Tappani. Um And um the bid amount with sales tax was $31,619,810. Um and then what we're asking for is an additional $1 million as project contingency. That project contingency would be split evenly between the private side and the public side. Um uh as needed. Um again, that is a contingency. That's not part of the actual contract that we're asking to do, but if anything pops up and we would come to council and talk to them about um that or any additional amount um other than that. Typically, we do a 10 to 15% contingency, which would be over $4 million. We're asking to do a much lower because if there's any changes, we would like to come back to council and have their blessing on anything to kind of go over those changes um for the project. Um so, just to kind of compare that, the engineer's estimate um with sales tax was um just over 40.1 million. Um so, all of the bids did come in below engineer's estimate. Um and again, it was 31.6 million for the low, and then um the second and third were very close to that amount as well. Um and that is in your uh packet. Um Of course, there I've got the rest. Um they were anywhere from the 31.6 million up to um just about 39.3 million. So, all of them we had some really good bids on this. Um so, um this is the first part of the

award and then we will be coming back at later dates with um construction management, special inspections, and um a few things like that with some architectural review as needed for supplemental um you know, for submittals and things like that to make sure um all of the items that the general contractor bringing in do meet um the code and the specs um that were designed. Um so, with that, I'd answer any questions. We do have the project manager, uh Grant Williams, here who could answer uh more specific. And we also have the private party um from Blue Rock Ventures here, Durgash, as well um to answer any questions that you may have. Great. Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Johnson. Okay. Um Council, I think we're well aware of this one, but I'm willing to look around and see if there's any questions for staff at this point. If there are none, we can move into discussion. Councilor Hamilton. Thank you so much. Um so, I was particularly interested, and I hope that we can hear this Anything I'm asking right now is not critical. It is inquisitive and hoping to do my due diligence due diligence in a project that is going to be if done right, which is what we're all hoping for, a jewel of our city, right? So, anything I'm asking right now is just to make sure we're protecting that thought and that notion. So, I am curious um in the in the past project experience in the supplemental qualification criteria, the projects that most highlighted Tappanee to be chosen for this project because it is a huge project with a lot of different scale. Um if I could read some of it here, the recreation portion of the building will contain a gymnasium with an elevated track, a natatorium with a lap pool, a recreation pool, locker rooms, fitness center, studios, to name uh you know, multi-purpose spaces, commercial kitchens, child you know, it's going to be a heavily trafficked area, and a pool is a whole different ball game. So, I want to make sure that we are choosing the right

partner for this, and I want to recognize Tapani as a well-respected, incredible corporation that I have nothing poor to say about. I just want to make sure they are the right partner to do such a unique project in this. So, if we could highlight the most relevant projects used to sort of compare for that. I know I did ask for that, and I have a very large packet here that I poured over. Um, but if we could kind of highlight that experience so that we we understand why that those qualifications were hit. So, I can defer to our our project team to go over. I don't have the specific projects that we did receive from them, but I can say that our project team, our entire capital team, our private partner, and our architects from uh EDA Architects uh and the principal there all looked at the supplemental bidder criteria, and um found that um everything was in order. Everything um showed that they can do the job, that they're qualified to do the job, and they have had past projects that are comparable. So, um Mr. Gash, Mr. Grant, would you like to You guys want me up here? Sure. That'd be great, yeah. So, thank you, Mayor and Council. So, yeah, I mean, like with public purchasing laws, you know, we look at low bidder. We had supplemental bidder criteria. With everything that was identified as a supplemental bidder criteria, they were they met all of the requirements that were in there. So, that makes them a responsible bidder, bidder, and they were the lowest responsible bidder. So, that's the direction we went. I appreciate that. I was just looking over, and and the main things that I'm noticing were larger projects like huge like very luxury-driven large apartment complexes, Tapani's own headquarters, the C-Tran, but I just want to make sure that that you know, we've had issues in the past with people that I want that we're doing everything we can ahead of time to make sure that these

are the right people for the right job. So, I just love the clarification. Thank you. Yeah. It is worth noting that Tapani did was the was the general contractor on the work. So, yeah. Yes, they've done 45 projects in Ridgefield. I read through the packet as well. Yes. Great. Other questions or No. And Mayor and Council, we can certainly get you specific information about like our what are the um what are projects that are similar in nature and who are the subs within the GC piece of it because obviously the general contractor is the overarching contractor but works with a lot of subcontractors beneath that. We can get you information about some similar projects and kind of what are those key So, happy to do that. Uh Mayor and Council, I do have a question. So, the engineer's estimate for this project was 37 million and I hate to say it but change but something along those lines, correct? That's correct without sales tax.

Without sales tax. Did that estimate also include the construction management contract that we're going to have to approve as well? That did not. That was for the construction itself. Okay, so just for the construction. So, we so with um with the construction management contract, I know that we don't have um anybody lined up for that yet. Do we have a even a ballpark of what that usually is going to cost on top of that? received a scope and fee yet. We do have a top candidate for that and they're working through the scope and fee discussion right now and we do expect to have that hopefully by next week and coming back to you on the 28th for that.

Yeah. Okay. Uh Okay, great. So, um but we were anticipating above and beyond that 37 million and change would be additional sales tax and construction management services. This is going to push this probably over the $40 million mark, correct? That's correct. And there'll be special inspections that need to be done because of the type of project that is, as well. This particular engineer's estimate that I mentioned is for all the site improvements, the recreation center, and the community center. Okay. Okay, great. Um I I I'm I'm in favor of this project. I think that it is this has been a long time coming. This is something that as we talk a lot about community input on things. Um you this is something we've heard repeatedly from the community that this, you know, since we have not had a community center since the new library went in went in place a few years back, uh that that that has been a missing a missing component. And we talk about a full-service community. We talk about making sure that we build our community right. And I think this is a very necessary project, um for everybody, not just a certain segment of our but I think it is applies to everybody. Um I do recognize that when I come came on council, and this has been in discussion since before I was on council. I like, you know, probably going back to 2019 or so. Um but that was uh the original project estimate was that was somewhere in the low $20 million range. And now, you know, over the years, we recognize that construction costs go up. And we went from, you know, 20-something million dollars, now we're kind of pushing $40 million. And so, I it those are those are necessary costs. There's the things that are unavoidable just because of all of the the macroeconomic factors, as well as things just, you know, locally here. But I do recognize, also, that every dollar that we invest in this, council, is going to um eventually have impacts on our taxpayers, our neighbors, our the residents, the people who live here, who are going to benefit from it. And part of the component here is that they have

to is is a membership fee that we're trying to keep as low as possible, keep it as affordable as possible. We want this to be accessible to all families, and we don't want it to be priced beyond reach for anybody. And so anything above that as costs continue to climb, I want to be very mindful of that. And I guess the staff I I would say that as well. $31.6 million is a lot of money. There's going to be a construction management contract. There's a potential contingency contingency of a million dollars. But what I would say is to the contractors who are here, to our private partners, to our city staff, that we need to be very very diligent with this budget that we have because it is a very expensive project, and any dollar amount of that will impact the end user. And so if if we're coming back to us in months down the road and and asking for months of dollars more in change orders, we understand that those are part of part of the process and there's a lot of things that happen there. But I think they're going to probably at least for me would be met with a lot of scrutiny because I do not want to invest another dollar that's going to make this out of reach for one more family. I want every family in Ridgefield to have access to this community recreation center as possible. So I'm supportive of this, but with the caveat that that that is not far from my mind that I think that we need to really stick close to the budget on this. And if we can avoid any change orders, if we can avoid any contingencies, that is desired I think from me and I hopefully hopefully the rest of this council. Anything else? Okay. Okay. Well at at this point council, I would entertain a motion if there's no other discussion. So I will make a motion that we award the contract for the construction of the Ridgefield Community and Recreation Center for the price of $31,619,810 to Tappanee Incorporated. Can you include the contingency in there? Oh, and the contingency for um million dollar contingency. Thank you. I'll second. Okay, it's been moved by

Shipman and seconded by Burwell to award the contract to for the Ridgeville Community and Recreation Center to Tappanee Construction Inc. of um for the price as uh for the cost as presented including all necessary contingencies. Any discussion, Council? Hearing none. Um all those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. All opposed? Thank you, Council. Motion carries and we are well on our way to a new community and recreation center. Thank you very much. Okay, we have one more item of business tonight. This is the Sanderling Park Phase 4 final plat and for that we'll go to Miss Lust in Community Development. Hey, thank you, Mayor. Good evening, Council members of the public. Um this business item is a final plat for Phase 4 of the Sanderling Park Planned Unit Development. All right, this slide illustrates the location on South Hillcrest Road. Um the original subdivision was approved back in 2019. Um over 430 lots including a mix of single-family detached and town home lots. Phase 4, skipping ahead to the next slide, please. So, it's in sort of the north central portion of the project. It includes 77 single-family detached residential lots. Average lot area is right around 5,000 square feet. Next slide, please. Um this shows the detailed plat, which is also included in your packet. Aside from the residential lot, um the project includes number of connecting trails as well as open space, which will be shown on the next slide in more detail. Um the centerpiece of the open space is a 2.9 acre future city park. Um it is currently and as plotted will be under control of the developer until the work is complete and accepted, at which point it will be dedicated to the

city per the 2025 amendment to the development agreement um addressing parks and trails. Work is underway on the park itself. Um, began in late April and there's a contractual obligation in the DA to complete that work in 12 months. Believe the next slide will show in a little more detail what um the activated portion of that park will look like. Um, happy to take any questions about further details on that here in a moment, but I'll first just note that as with our typical final plat review um survey review complete, engineering review complete, no performance bonding required on this project. And land use review complete and all comments addressed as well. The property is currently under the urban holding zoning overlay. Um, as council is aware this isn't a zoning overlay that is able to be lifted at final plat concurrent with final plat approval as the um infrastructure has been installed to support the lots being platted. So, with that mayor, I will hand it back to you for any questions. Thank you.

Okay, council any questions for Ms. Less on this final plat? Councilor Davis. Yeah, thank you mayor. Uh, looking at the park um, since we are at you know what phase four for this? I'm curious is this park going to I mean it looks awesome. Is it going to be built to include a lot of the uh inclusive elements and standards that we passed maybe what about nine months ago or so or is there like investment involved where they're not obligated to hit those? Sure, um I don't have all the details on the individual elements of the park. Happy to provide those, but I will say that it has been reviewed to the engineering standards which were updated around a year ago. Okay. All right, thank you. I'll just comment that I love I love the variety of the size of the lots and I think this is going to turn out just beautifully for for that area of the city. So, I'm very pleased with this. Councilor Hamilton, thank you. Thank you. I didn't have any questions for Ms. Laspeck. I just wanted to have two comments that I like that even though these are townhouses they're attached in pairs. I think that that's nice to just have the two together and I appreciate the trail the trail connectivity between the nice subdivision and Boyce Park too, I think is Um counselor, this is a detached product in in this phase of the subdivision. The overall has a mix, but um this phase detached.

you talked about and I'll take it back for this. [laughter]

Councilor Wells. Uh uh I just have one question. That green line that runs I don't know whether it's north, south, west, goes straight up and then goes and that or right angle up the other way. Is that a trail? It is a trail. Okay. Great. Any other questions, council? If not, I would um I'll accept the motion. I move to approve the Sanderling Park phase four plat as presented. I'll second it. It moved by Hamilton, second by Chip uh Wells, excuse me, to approve Sanderling Park phase four final plat as presented. Council, any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor say I. I. All those opposed. Thank you, council. Motion carries. All right. That concludes our business for the evening. We do have a public hearing. This is the first reading of ordinance number 1481. This is the Nye the Nye planned unit development development agreement. Ms. Las back over to you. Thank you again, Mayor. Um this is a public hearing and first ordinance reading only for the Nye plan unit development development agreement. Um that means no action is being requested this evening. So, as a bit of background um with the location shown on the screen before you, the Nye PUD received preliminary plat approval back in February of 2024. The approved project includes 62 townhouse lots attached in pairs, open space, and infrastructure improvements. Um process-wise, the engineering plans for the project are currently under review. Um prior to completing that plan review process, initiating site construction, and then eventually submitting for final plat approval, the applicant um and the city seek to enter into a development agreement. Um next slide, please. Maybe? Um that's just showing um backing up a

half step, the the approved preliminary plans. Um the terms of the proposed development agreement, [clears throat] which I believe are on the next slide. Thank you. Um basically center around two key issues. One is that the applicant seeks to satisfy their requirement to build single-family attached town homes using a product with side entries and two-car garages. And the city seeks to acquire from the applicant a 10.4 acre property that's located between the developed portion of the site and Boise Park to the east for the purpose of a public park containing containing a public connector trail, which would be constructed by the applicant. Um the park dedication and trail construction under the proposed DA would be PIF creditable. So, moving along to the next slide. Um this is an example provided of the by the applicant of what a side entry product could look like. As I noted the the approved project is for townhomes attached in pairs, so invite you to imagine two of those next to each other. Um as you can see it would um achieve that garage and driveway width as well as the side entry. And then moving on to the next slide. This exhibit illustrates um zooms out a bit and illustrates what that park and trail area would look like connecting the um Nye PUD to the west with Boise Park to the east and then an existing trail stub um built with the Kemper Loop subdivision to the south. With that, Mayor, I will once again hand it back to you for any questions. Great, thank you, Ms. Loss. Council, any questions on this one? Go to Councilman Oh, go to Councilman Wells first then we'll go to Hamilton. Okay. Uh Clara, I've got a couple of questions for you. Uh

is our architectural standards still in force here where uh no four or five houses can be the same design uh on on the front facade like the rest of the uh developments in the community? That's correct, Councilman Wells. Um the architectural design standards for townhouses that the project is vested to do require that facade variety. Okay. One other question I have, could we go back to the first screen uh of the partialization, Boise Park? Oh, that's that wasn't the first one. I think it was. Back farther, one more. There we go. Nye PUD, Boise Park. Um where's Raven Road? It's right there.

Raven Road is on the western boundary of the orange rectangle.

Oh, that side. Okay. I usually can tell by every map what's what, but I'm still confused there. But I see the map. Uh go ahead on for any other questions. I didn't know they were touching. That was one of the questions I have because um Nye is along Riemann Road, and Boyce Park is quite a ways back in side of development. Uh off of 35th. And so I just didn't know that they they touched. I'll still have to orientate myself to it later, but thank you. Great. Counselor Hamilton. Thank you. I just wanted to take my previous statements and put them here as just for the record. This is I was trying to jump ahead, so let's just copy and paste. Thank you. Bye. Counselor Berkel. Uh just a quick question. The trail that will be put through the wetland area by the developer, [clears throat] will that actually join up with a trail in Boyce, or does it end on that red line? Thank you for the question, counselor. The quick answer is yes. So, if you look at the trail uh proposed trail, that is the white line going east from Nye uh and then working with the topography, so that's why it kind of weaves and uh Counselor Wells had brought it up earlier this week that by doing that, by actually weaving that trail to the south and then back to the north, you're working with the slope more, so you can create a flatter trail. And then there are a couple of crossings uh because it is a wide bog and wetland complex, and there are a couple of crossings that are old farm crossings

that they can use to then make it across to the east side of the wetland complex. That's where you see uh another white line that is uh going from southwest to northeast. On the southwest edge of that, it says Kemper Loop Open Space. Right? There is a trail right there that actually connects at that point. And if you walk it, you can walk it now. It's a beautiful trail. It's a It's a primitive surface going directly adjacent to the wetland complex that ends at a barbed wire fence. That barbed wire fence is that orange line and the white line. That's exactly where it is. And so, that is where on the south side that the trail would connect to Kemper Loop Open Space. On the north side of it, as you see it connecting up to where it says City of Ridgefield property. The City of Ridgefield property is part of Boyce Park. I'm not sure exactly why it's parceled out this way. Um we actually the city purchased 9 acres uh from the Boyce family that is all Boyce Park. Um it's just There are two different pieces of it. The City of Ridgefield property, along that area there is also a primitive trail that used to be it was a dirt track um that they used for motorcycles and four-wheelers. And so, there's actually a dirt uh track trail that connects up at exactly that spot as well. So, you would go from that connecting into the City of Ridgefield property, Boyce Park, and you're in Boyce Park at that point. And then you head east from there, and that takes you on a confluence of primarily trails uh sidewalks uh and multimodal paths. Uh ultimately gets you up to uh Paradise uh Point and to Storybook Hollow Park. Thank you. You're very welcome. The the new trail that's right there, the the the white one that's kind of going south and kind of jogs back north. Do we Do we know what kind of service that will be? It would I

mean we're in a buffer area, so it's going to be the type of trails that are allowed in a buffer area. We do have different surface types and Director Loss, maybe Yeah, there's a a variety of surface types that are allowed in a wetland buffer. They just have to be pervious. We've seen in the city like a wood chip type trail. More recently we have worked with a couple of projects to get in like a pervious gravel surface that's a a bit more long-lasting. So that's something that through the development review of this park, our our engineering and parks team would would work to figure out. That's great. Okay, thank you. I think it's really good. I know that the planned unit developments are a big a big portion portion of this because it's going to provide some really necessary housing at a higher density, but also I know that we had been looking at that trail connectivity for a number of years and we're able to get it done and so we're going to be able to do that to bridge really two sections of the parts of town. So I'm kind of excited about this. Yeah. Any other comments or questions, Council? Oh, sorry. Didn't see you over there. I know I get lost down here at the end when my you know my neighbor has to to take off. I guess I am just curious with adding this this many more units, what does that kind of do for traffic impact on both Reiman and then at the intersection of Reiman and Pioneer? Sure. So a full traffic impact analysis was complete with the preliminary plat, the details of which we'd be happy to share with you. Okay. Um And one of the key factors with that in the traffic impact analysis was number one having multiple ingress egress points, which you see on this along Reiman. Also to stub to the south end of the property for a future connection down to Pioneer Canyon Drive as it crosses from east to west. Pioneer Canyon Drive currently stubs at

the west end of the Kemper Loop open you know the Kemper Loop subdivision. The ultimate plan is for it to connect to Riemann Road. There are there is an intervening property that at some point it's in the city we expect will develop. We wanted to make sure that this property stubbed to that as well so there'd be another connection point.

Perfect. Thank you. Okay. Okay. Brown. No other comments at this point. Councilor Wells. Yeah. I solved my senior moment. Because I've been on all over that property for years but I didn't get that night was west of Boyce and they are connected other than with the wetland in between them. But the shape is what threw me off there but I've got it now. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. If there's no other comments that we do have a public hearing so I would like to go to that. The public hearing if you sign up with the city clerk before the meeting your name will be called and you will be receiving permission to unmute your microphone or step up to the podium. If you did not sign up in advance but like to speak please use the raise hand feature on your toolbar. If you're joining by phone press star nine to raise your hand and press star six to mute or unmute and the city clerk will grant you permission to speak and when speaking please state your name and keep your comments to three minutes and as a reminder there will be no back and forth between discussion between the city council and the speaker. Um with that this public hearing is now open. Miss Julie did anybody sign up to speak? I do not have anyone sign up mayor.

Okay. Do we have anybody in the room wishing to give comment on this public hearing? It's got to be on this on this subject not public comment. Yeah. We'll have another public comment period don't worry. We Nikki Hinton's got her hand up. Yeah. Uh any online? We do have Nikki Hinton Duke online, Mayor. Okay, great. Nikki, go ahead. Yep. Now you can hear me? Yep. Okay. Nikki Duke with Hinton Development. I just wanted to say thank you guys for um continuing to work with us. The city of Ridgefield does such a good job working with us when it comes to getting projects through the pipeline and creating beautiful developments. You guys do a very good good job of that and I'm always impressed anytime I do a project in Ridgefield. So, I just wanted to say thank you for um just what you do because it's it's very refreshing. But, this project in particular, as you heard, it was preliminarily approved to 2 years ago. It has some topo restraints. It has um just some harder things when it comes to projects with specifically the single car garages, the attached units with the single car garages. Um, so I guess what we are asking from you guys is to create I want to continue to create projects that fit Ridgefield and really a two-car garage um seems to be the best project for your guys' area, the best type of housing for both home ownership but also being able to have the availability, I guess, for rentals if you need them. Um, you tend to have things inside the garage instead of out on the streets so it looks nicer and is the only way to be able to achieve a two-car garage look on this type of lot. Um

so I just wanted to note that that that is why we're pushing for the two-car garage, why it's a side entry is because it won't fit front entry. So, we're willing to work with you guys with the architectural standards, um landscaping, different things, but um yeah, the site has just been a challenging one, which is why I am still working on it years later. So, yeah, thank you for uh taking the time to just work with us and continuing to make Ridgefield a great community to do business in, but also live in. Great. Thank you for your comments, and they are noted. I appreciate it. Okay, is there anybody else online, Ms. Julie? Not seeing anyone else. Okay, and I'll look around the room one more time if anybody wishing to give comment on this public hearing. I'm not seeing anybody on this on this hearing. Yeah. Okay, come on up.

I won't say anything except on this hearing. I promise cuz I took notes. So, what is really cool, it's nice, like I love how when you build in Ridgefield, you keep the 25% open space, but it would be so nice to see some developments where there was like not smacked right against each other, where people had like a bigger yard, and you know, where there was like space in between houses. So, that's that's all. That would be nice to have you look at that. Thank you. You're welcome. Anybody else? Hearing none, uh I'm going to close this public hearing. And council, I'm looking around. I don't think there's any further discussion, but I'll give you one last shot. Okay, not. So, with that, Ms. Julie, would you please read the ordinance into the record? Thank you, Mayor. Ordinance number 1481, ordinance of the City of Ridgefield, Washington, approving a development agreement with H2N9 LLC for the development of nine residential community. Great, thank you very much. And this is first reading only. We'll come back to us and be noticed at a later date. Okay, that concludes our public hearing and our business for the evening. We're going to go into our second portion of public comment. Anybody wishing to address City Council regarding items not subject to this specific public hearing may come forward at this time to the podium or use the raise hand feature located at the toolbar at the bottom of your Zoom screen. For controls over the phone, press star nine for raise hand and press star six to mute or unmute. Please state your name and limit your comments to three minutes. Mr. Jennings, good to see you, sir. Hi. My name is Michael Jennings. Thanks to all of you for your carefully logical management of Ridgefield. Living in Ridgefield is wonderful. Thank you.

[applause]

Anybody else wishing to give a comment? Come on up. Matt Haggerty. Uh Mr. Mayor and and council members, I've sat through two of these public um meetings and there's just one thing that just does I don't understand. You sit here before us and you say, "You are the city council members of this city. I'm a constituent, yet you can't seem to do anything with the port does." It just doesn't make sense. If the uh waste management wasn't picking up trash, you'd do something. If Kathy said, "Forget it, I'm out of here and let cars race up and down the street," you'd do something. But Washington Somebody brought up Well, Washington state law does say that the city council can change the zoning codes if it's based upon community concern. I think you've heard enough concern. If not, I can turn the volume up if you want. But what's more important is it's also my understanding that all it would take is from one of you council members, I'm not sure what the what the process is, but to put a petition or an application on the city planner's desk, Claire, to start the res to look at rezoning or revisit rezoning, and you can do that. I'm not sure if that's I I I'm not a lawyer, I don't know. I'm sure Steve can answer that question, but it's it's my understanding that's all it would take is for one of you city council members to put an application or something to look into or revise the zoning codes. I may be wrong. Steve, please tell me if I am. But anyway, that's my concern. It's just that it just doesn't make sense to me that you are the city council members and you can't do anything about what the port does. It just doesn't make sense. What are you doing in front of me if you can't do anything about the port? It's part of the city. And this like a gentleman earlier said 20 seconds up. Like the gentleman said earlier, this is going to be the biggest issue that you guys have. It's your legacy. Your children are going to be affected by

your decision. And yet yet you're saying, "Sorry, we can't do anything." Mr. Mayor, you've prefaced both of these meetings by saying, "If it's about the port, don't forget we can't do anything, you know, we're not the bad guys, they are." So, it's just like I said, it just doesn't make any sense. And no disrespect, Mr. Mayor, [laughter] but it just doesn't make sense that you guys can't control what other entities of the city do. Thank you for your time. Thank you again. Ms. Qual. Thank you. Peggy Qual again. Um I'm concerned about the fact that um well, I did some just look at Palindrome and kind of what they've done. Um mostly seems really serious urban design, kind of steel and glass and and multi-level apartment buildings. Um and then I see on the site plan that they they're planned for big apartment buildings and I've heard maybe up to 75 ft, which represents what? Six, seven floors? Doesn't seem really appropriate for um something down on port property, which is adjacent to the refuge where we worry about bird flight patterns and made a commitment to dark skies and things like that. And along with apartment buildings go big asphalt big asphalt parking lots. So, um another thing just to comment, and I know it doesn't really have anything to do with you, but just for the record, you know, I looked to see if there were any like architectural renderings architectural schematics of their vision. Nothing. All we've seen is that little site plan with little blocks representing different uses, and I think I don't know why that at this point, since they kind of seem to want to be jumping off soon, why there isn't some sort of visual that would help

people understand what the port is envisioning. And I mean, are they seeing something more urban? Are they seeing something compatible with kind of the design kind of I see the I see the the port property, the old town, and the refuge is kind of a triangle there, and they should they should really design-wise complement each other. So, I just hope that there's a real eye to design. I mean, it could turn out to be a really wonderful project. It really needs to be sensitive to to what a wonderful site that is. And there were other other developers besides Palindrome, and I'm sure there's some that really specialize in like eco-design. I mean, it could really be a a stellar project if it's done right, and we have one chance at it. And whatever they put there, we're going to live with for a long time. So, anyway, that's all, and thank you. Thank you for your time. Thank you again. Anybody else here wishing to give comment again? Okay. And this time I'm going to like stay with my plan. So, Shauna Fisher, so I know you guys probably know about the petition. So, I wanted to just read some comments that people had on the petition, cuz I think sometimes when we hear stuff it it can help. So, there's one person that put, "I walk the waterfront every morning. It is there that I meet my friends. I love living in Bridgefield, and the waterfront is my favorite place. Everyone looks out for each other and the environment. We comment on the wildlife and plants we see, and share our love for the magical place. Uh part Oops, wait, sorry. Where's the other one? Sorry. I'm going to get to it. Okay. So, I feel like there are two distinct Ridgefield's, the busy part out by I-5 and the peaceful part downtown along the along the river. The additional housing and hotel make no sense for the waterfront. That is an area known to flood. There is only one point of access, etc. The impact on the refuge can only be negative. Thank you to everyone who is getting involved by signing the petition and speaking against this awful plan. Okay, let's

[snorts] see if I have time to do this one really quick. Okay, I'm like, okay, this I'm just going to skip with this one. Carty Lake is my backyard and the proposed development is heartbreaking. The blow was taken from an article and slightly modified. Uh wait. Okay, okay. Some places aren't empty land waiting for a better better use. They are the use. They are the backbone of Ridgefield, the reason people come here to breathe, to reset, and feel something real so real again. The reason this land isn't just scenery, it's identity because once this kind of land is gone, it's gone for good. Uh hotel and housing can be built somewhere else. A Ridgefield sunset over the water cannot. Some things should stay exactly as they are, wild, free, and quiet. Let's see. How much time do I have? I have a minute. Okay. So, let's see here. Um I'm going to read this one. The Ridgefield waterfront should not be densely developed. Local residents appreciate this open nature space and using it as the waterfront access it should be for a small town. The only people who would benefit from major development is developers from our community with and our community would suffer from it. Leave the major development by the freeway and let the community enjoy the waterfront. And this other person said, "I'm all for some tasteful developments, but trying to make it a corporate waterfront like Vancouver is not what Ridgefield residents want. A nice park, water access, maybe a gathering space for shows or events would be great. We don't need hotels and shopping." So that's I mean, there's tons of comments. I would be happy to like could email these to you guys cuz I printed them off, so there's just wanted to share that cuz, you know, I think you guys are hearing it, but I think to hear it from from the community is important cuz the waterfront is just it's a treasure. And you once you build on that, you can't you can't unbuild, so there you go. So

thank you for being so receptive and listening. Thank you. Thank you again, Ms. Fisher. Mhm. Anybody else wishing to give comment? Mr. Granz. Yeah, I'm going to kind of pick up on a couple loose ends here before I leave tonight. Um I know there's a lot of subdivisions here in Ridgefield, and I appreciate that 25% of that property is set aside for parks. But there there's a concern here about the infrastructure, the lack of infrastructure to handle the population growth that we have. And it's just going to get worse with the development down there at the waterfront. And what concerns me is I read that Palindrome was going to be basically in charge of this traffic impact analysis, and I think that's kind of like conflict of interest if it's allowed to happen. Um I think that should be an independent party that can evaluate the traffic situation here in town presently, and then see what the potential allowance would be for any waterfront development. That should be one of the first steps that you even look at before you even cross the um make that decision further down the road here for the development It just seems like one of the basic things that you would address first. Um going on online and Googling and trying to get a little um information here. Um, one of the critical issues affecting the Richfield community uh is public safety, infrastructure, and economic development. Richfield is rich on economic development. We're we're doing real well in that department. Public safety, I think we're doing real well there as well. It's the infrastructure that's our weak link, and I think that there's not enough focus on that. And that's where it's going to drop the um quality of life here in Richfield, especially on Pioneer and Main Street and that

two-lane overpass. That's going to be a bottleneck, and I don't know how in the heck you guys are going to resolve that issue uh when the waterfront development is built. It's going to be uh something that's going to be real challenging. Um So, I just wanted to make sure I pointed that out once more. And I did want to say um on the development agreement, I know the city's involved right now in discussion with Palindrome. There will not be a finalized um decision between Palindrome and the city on that. It's going to be between Palindrome and the port. Once this from what I understand, from what the city and Palindrome are doing is kind of working out any bugs or questions, trying to figure it out so it can go back to the port and Palindrome, and the port will agree to that development agreement, finalize it, and once it's finalized, that's a legally binding uh document. And the Palindrome's going to have the green light, from what I understand, to start their architectural engineering studies, planning, and move forward. And that leads to building permits and so forth. And then the next and then right in there behind that is your master lease agreement. Things are going to town and I'm just hoping that

Burns. things slow down. Yeah. Anybody else wishing to get public comment one one other thing? Uh we're out of time. I'm sorry. Uh anybody else wishing to get public comment tonight? Thank you. Anybody online, Ms. Julie? Okay, hearing none, I'm going to close public comment and we're going to go to council reports. Anybody itching to go first? I'm going to not limit you, but I will ask you to move expeditiously. Councilor Wells, what's your report? Yes, sir. I went I had attended one, two, three, four, five, six, seven meetings.

I attended seven meetings and don't forget Monday the 18th is a Ridgetop Neighborhood Association meeting. The doors open at 6:30 and the meeting starts at 7:00 and is over exactly at 8:30. So, everybody's welcome. That's at Dollar Tree. Dollar Tree. That's on

Done. All right. Councilor Brogdon. Um just one one very interesting weekend we spent at the retreat with the council. Uh it was a very very rewarding. Uh we brought city staff with us and they interacted for 2 days. Great team building. It was wonderful. Thank you. Councilor Hamilton. Thank you. I will keep mine brief, too. I want to thank the council and everyone city and staff. It was a great retreat. I really value your feedback and being in in a room together like that. I thought that was awesome. Um there was a great Spring Festival, so great job on that, too, for First Saturday. I did a couple board meetings and I won't bore anyone with the rest. So, thank you for everything everybody does. All right. Councilor Davis. Yeah, thank you. I had my council chat with Councilor Favela at um Little Conejo. We got to talk all things port development. Uh which is good, right? It was good to actually cuz in public comment like we don't get to have that dialogue and so it was nice to be able to have a little bit more of that conversation. We talked about First Saturday, the ribbon cutting at the the new refuge community building was fantastic. Earlier this week I had the C-TRAN board meeting. We have a new board composition, but I'm still a board member representing the small cities along with Council Ryan from City of Camas. And I guess one of the bigger ticket items was something related to Interstate Bridge replacement project. Vancouver has placed a big priority on extending light rail further into the city. We expressed some concerns about the dollar amount associated with that and where that money was going to be coming from. We tried to amend it to sort of alleviate some of that concern and that was that didn't go, but that

was probably the biggest biggest ticket item. And the last thing I will say is our American Legion Post 44. They are focused on getting up hitting 250 flags because it's America's 250th birthday by the 4th of July. Right now they have about they're about 25-30 short and you can sponsor a flag. It's like 100 bucks. You can sponsor a flag, you put your name on it, you can put you know, in memory of somebody or our honor of veterans service. But Henry and I, we we sponsored one and so I would encourage everybody to to consider that especially as we head towards America's 250th birthday and we all know the the flags that they put out are one of the many things that makes our community special. Thank you. Yeah. What is that dollar amount just out of curiosity? It was 100 bucks. No, no, I mean for the you said the dollar amount with the light rail. Oh, it was a It was not 100 dollars. I wish they were. I wouldn't have hung an amendment on that. It was a billion dollars to go to extend light rail from essentially the waterfront right on the other side of the the bridge to the Evergreen Boulevard overpass which is about a quarter of half a mile further, but it's an extra billion dollars. So Yeah, I mean there was there was a little bit of concern with that. So anyway. Thank you for the work you did on that. I know it's tricky to navigate, but I do appreciate your work. So How do we find where to sponsor a flag at? Uh I believe they have forms on their Facebook page. You can also email uh Commander Jen um and she can get you the information.

I had filled out like a paper form. I actually picked it up at um at Springfest. They had a booth out there. They were handing it out. Um and so I snagged one and mailed it back. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Everybody's done? Okay, so for me, let's see. Well, besides council retreat which was um what which was an excellent session. Um I attended the um art board this week on Monday and uh Clark Regional Wastewater District meeting on Tuesday. Um one of the things that came out of that meeting was just that they have been awarded a 10 million dollars in loan funding uh to for the Ridgefield Sewer Redirection Prog Project. Whatever that is. Goes with the for Clark Regional Wastewater. But anyway, which is a great thing. They've been awarded that. Uh so they were really happy about that. And then they um um something else about a contract that they just awarded to Tapani, but that's it for me. All right, thank you. I'll I'll be fast. Thank you, Council, for all of your work over the last couple of weeks. Um I I did sit down on a a podcast interview last week to talk about all things waterfront and our comp plan, and so that'll be released in the next couple of weeks. So, look for that. We'll post it online. I think we answered a lot of questions that we've heard there. Um and we do appreciate the strong public turnout and engagement that we've been seeing both online and here in in the the room. It's clear that people here care deeply about Ridgefield city future, especially the waterfront, and that's something that's an important part of the process, and I would do want to let the audience know that it's something that all seven of us care deeply about, too. Uh we live in this community just like you do, and we care deeply about the waterfront. And I I what I've been telling people is that I'm optimistic that we're going to get to a place that is going to be um good for the community and and alleviate, maybe not all of them, but like as many as the concerns we can. So, um I'm optimistic about that. And not every conversation is going to be easy, but I the thoughtful and respectful public conversation is a good part of the what makes local government, where I

consider where the rubber meets the road. This is where you see the impacts of what government intersects with people's lives. And so, uh we thank you for your participation in that. And with that, uh Councilor Hamilton and I will be doing a council chat this weekend. So, if you do have questions, and you don't want to just want to talk to us and have us have blank stares back at you, we can actually respond to some of those questions this Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at 8 Cow Creamery. Um please come, and it will be not just for waterfront discussion, but all kinds of things. And so, we want to make sure we give uh space for everybody to come and ask questions and and participate in that. Um it's National Police Week. I don't know if you know, but I just wanted to acknowledge RPD and um the the fantastic brave men and women of our police force here inside of Ridgefield and the work that they do every single day. We thank you for their dedication. I have just received an email today talking about how there was an issue and um our lieutenant stepped in to resolve it and they were very happy with the level of service that we provide and we expect no less because we get no less. So, thank you for that. With that, I'm going to close out my comments and we'll go to the city manager and staff. Over to you, sir. Thank you, Mayor and members of City Council and community. Lots going on. A lot of it has already been mentioned by Council. One thing that, you know, with all of the public interest surrounding the Port's waterfront development proposal and questions about what the city can and can't do. While we've put some information forward, we're going to kind of double down on that and increase our communications and we have Richfield round table that we use for project pages. We also have fact versus fiction that we use on our website. We're going to work on that putting something together for the Port's waterfront proposal on that. What is the Port? You know, what are as an independently elected body, who are the Port Commission? How do they work? What is their district versus the city? What can the city and what can't the city do within zoning? One quick thing

that I will indicate just because it's been raised several times and especially because there will be a Saturday conversation, the question was can't you just change the zoning? State law allows for that. Yes, the City Council absolutely has powers to change zoning and to adopt comprehensive plans which establish the overarching land use alternatives people have that gives them the rights to their property. There's also what's called the vested property rights doctrine. If you go to mrsc.org, the Municipal Research Services Corporation, they're brilliant. They have great information. They have a vested rights doctrine page and they have a one-pager that is super simple and it's really good at showing why once an application is filed appropriately including for a subdivision or short plat subdivision, a short subdivision, then the rights of the property owner on that land for how they can develop the land, the development regulations, the zoning are locked. They have those rights and they are locked. So, when people talk about, "Well, the city says they can't do anything until 2028." That's because in 2023 the Port of Ridgefield as a property owner short subdivided their property. And in doing so, they vested, they locked their rights in to the zoning that existed at the time. That is the waterfront mixed-use zone. So, if you go to our zoning page on Ridgefield's website, it'll tell you every use that is allowed and not allowed either outright or conditionally in the waterfront mixed-use zone. That is the rights that they are vested to, they are locked in to. And so, that's why that even if you change the zoning or you change the comprehensive plan designation, the Port until 2028 could develop that property as the property owner with the rights that they locked in in 2023. So, that's

the quick of it. There we'll get more on the website for you. Doesn't mean there's nothing that the city can do. Um there's lots of other pieces to this puzzle, but as far as that piece, I I did want to make sure that we all walk away clearer a little bit on that because I don't want people to feel that somehow that you were being disingenuous or being we were being disingenuous about that with the zoning issue. Thank you. I do appreciate you raising that. That was something that I was going to talk about. Yeah. And we'll make sure we get that online and we'll get the information out so it's not just me saying it. We'll prove up because there's RCWs that I could quote and then everybody be like, "What are you doing?" And that's something I'm going to talk a little bit more about on Saturday just so you know. So, we'll talk about it. Thank you for putting that clarity out there. I do appreciate it.

Yeah. What makes you think you're going to be there on Saturday? [laughter] That's true. Anything else for you, Mr. Stewart? No, thank you. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have. questions for the city manager? See none. Okay, we're going to go to public works and Mr. Kramer. Uh I don't have anything tonight, but happy to answer questions. Go ahead. One question for Mr. Berkel. Just uh two things. I'd like to give your crew a shout-out for the work they did on getting the splash pad back up working in a very, very efficient way. Great, great work. Thank you all for coming

quick question. Uh the speed reader boards we have located one particularly on inbound Hillhurst. As the trees are leafing out, it's completely obliterated. Is it the HOA's responsibility or our responsibility to trim those trees so you can see that reader board? We'll look into it. Okay, this one's on. I think it's just you.

[clears throat and laughter]

Operator error. Uh so, it's kind of two answers to that. Uh street trees are typically the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. However, with our infrastructure, we have the ability uh to trim trees um to improve sight distance. Um so, I can direct our our staff to take a look at that and um and get those cut back. Thank you. The reason The reason I have concern as they enter the city off of the county road, they're doing 45, 50, 55 mph. And that board does help calm them down, but it's you can't see it right now. Understood. I'll I'll have our staff take care of it. Okay. Thank you. Uh Counselor Davis, you have a question? Yeah. Um I noticed today we put out communication about our water conservation efforts and things like that for uh I guess the second year in a row. Uh I did notice that it's created renewed conversation about Richfield's running out of water. And, you know, why are we giving green lights to new development when we when we're running short and all that stuff. Uh I think it's a there's an opportunity for us to maybe have a little bit more prominent that we're not running out of water. It's a water conservation um initiative. And, you know, obviously we have some big projects that we're highlighting. Uh but, I think that could be a an important part about our messaging this year cuz I think uh there's a lot of that narrative that was active last year, and it seems to be firing up this year that I think, you know, could just help people have accurate information. Okay, we'll certainly look at that and get the word out. All right. Thank you. Any other room any questions for public works? All right. Thank you. We'll go to finance and Mr. Johnson. I do not have

anything else tonight. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer. Any questions for Mr. Johnson, Council? All right. Thank you, sir. City Attorney, Ms. Parker. No report this evening. Just um here to answer any questions. Great. Thank you very much. Ms. Loss. Thanks, Mayor. Nothing else from me tonight. Okay, thank you. And Ms. Donneros, our Deputy City Manager. I don't have anything either. God bless you. Okay, thank you. And last, uh but certainly not least, Chief Dory. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I am going to keep you for a little while here just to update you on something. [clears throat]

I I have two things. One is an update, and it's kind of about a common complaint that we receive in the city as it relates to Ridgefield Police Department and a concern that citizens have, which is speed enforcement. We get quite often complaints from citizens, or per- perhaps a better word would be concerns from citizens about speeding in their various neighborhoods. So, I just want you to understand and and as share with you that we do take those concerns very seriously, and we do make efforts to address them. One of those ways that we do that is you'll quite often see the data trailer move to those locations. And what we're doing there is collecting data so that we can then really assess, are we having a speeding issue here? Is Because sometimes citizens who aren't They're concerned that they're speeding, but it it really isn't to the degree that they think, and the data trailer helps us to verify if if maybe it is exactly what they think, or maybe there's just some other issues going on. Um we recently deployed it up on Heron Drive, and I think when we got that data back, usually the data then is forward forwarded to Brian Casto, who is our city engineer. He does an analysis of that data, and he's able to determine, do we have a problem here that might uh require us to do some mitigation, some speed mitigation, or I think calming measures is the term that's commonly used. And uh he makes recommendations based on that data. So, the one up on Heron Drive, it actually most of the traffic was traveling I believe it's the expression is the 85th percentile, which was about between 25 and 27 mph going uh eastbound or westbound, and then a little bit higher going eastbound. But it really didn't reach the level of concern where we would want to start thinking about putting in speed bumps. But what it does do is it tells me that I need to make sure that we're deploying our officers to that area. Uh I know that you have had someone come before you and talk about the donut hole and concerns that are happening up on South 10th Way. We are also very diligently working up there. We have sent officers up there quite a bit, and we're we're starting to do a new data collection uh effort in addition to the data trailer that I think's going to give us some

real good information that I'm hoping to share it with you down the road just in a few weeks. So, we are in the process of doing that, but I just wanted you to know because I know you guys hear it, too, that there are concerns about traffic and speed. So, just know that it is very much on our minds and we are very much trying to do ways to mitigate that, to deal with it. Um totally unrelated to traffic, number two, which I love, is um I want you to know that Detective King is receiving recognition again, rightly so. He is going to be recognized by the Ridgefield School District on May 19th. They are having a meeting from 5:00 to 6:30. It's an event, actually, where they recognize um what they call learn here heroes who go above and beyond in communities to help uh kids in the school districts, and we all know how committed Detective King is to our schools. So, I wanted to share that with you so that any of you who wanted to attend, they do, I think, ask for an RSVP, but that will be at the Vancouver Innovation Center, and I can make sure that we get that address out to you if you were interested in attending. But, once again, very proud of everything that Officer King or Detective King does for our community. I'm happy to answer any questions. Any questions for Chief? Thank you for that update. And always good to hear good news, especially when it pertains to Detective King. So, okay. Thank you. It's been a long meeting. We do appreciate it. The public, we appreciate staff and council for your efforts as well. But, with that, this meeting is adjourned.