La Center public meetings in 2022
43 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular City Council
The City Council is meeting to discuss professional services agreements for community development and human resources. The body will also receive reports from the police department and Clark County Fire District.
- Professional Services Agreement with Exigy LLC for economic development not to exceed $160,000
- Professional Services Agreement with Sound Employment Solutions LLC for HR services at $4,000 per month
- Proclamation declaring January 9, 2023, as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
- Police Department crime report for November 2022
- Clark County Fire District staff reports for October and November 2022
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is meeting to elect officers and review the progress of the Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update. Staff will provide a report on the Critical Areas Checklist to ensure city ordinances comply with state requirements.
- Election of Planning Commission officers
- Discussion of the Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update schedule
- Review of the Critical Areas Checklist regarding wetlands, CARAs, and geologically hazardous areas
- Proposed updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) for state compliance
- Community Development Staff Report
Regular City Council
The City Council will meet to discuss a budget amendment and review several professional services agreements. The meeting also includes a public comment regarding decorating restrictions at the Community Center.
- Ordinance 2022-14 Budget Amendment
- Professional Services Agreement (PSA) for Bronson Potter
- PSA for Interim Admin Police Chief
- PSA for TKE
- PSA for WSP
Work Session & Regular City Council
The City Council will hold a work session and regular meeting to discuss the 2023 legislative agenda and proposed budget. The council is scheduled to consider Ordinance 2022-13 for budget adoption.
- Ordinance 2022-13 Budget Adoption
- Proposed Budget review
- WA State Legislative Agenda and AWC Legislative Priorities
- Clark County Transportation Alliance 2023 Policy Statement
- Checks payable totaling $65,913.63
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is reviewing a draft work plan and schedule to update the City's Comprehensive Plan by June 30, 2025. The body is also discussing a tracking matrix for city code updates, including priorities for zoning and housing regulations.
- Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update work plan and schedule
- Code update planning for electric vehicle infrastructure and affordable housing
- Proposed code updates for family day cares, manufactured homes, and group homes
- Review of critical areas regulations and tribal participation in planning
- Discussion of short-term rental regulations in the downtown area
Regular City Council
The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding Ordinance 2022-11 for revenue and Ad Valorem taxes. The body will also review a 3rd quarter financial report and a safety training contract.
- Public hearing for Ordinance 2022-11 regarding Ad Valorem Taxes
- 2023 Safety and Compliance Program contract with Clark County Fire District 5 for $2,035
- Rescinding of the COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation
- Review of the 3rd Quarter Financial Report
- Public Works & Community Development staff report
Work Session & Regular City Council
The City Council will hold a work session on Planned Action Areas for Timmen Landing and Downtown. The regular meeting includes decisions on a parking code update and a resolution to adjust storm water rates.
- Resolution 2022-466: Adjusting the Storm Water Rate
- Ordinance 2022-10: Parking Code Update
- Interlocal Agreement with City of Battle Ground for court services: $122,467 annual fee
- Planned Action Area presentation for Timmen Landing and Downtown
- PSA for Burgess & Niple and SWA for Riverside Estates
Salary Commission
The Salary Commission is meeting to conduct a public hearing regarding Ordinance 2022-12. This ordinance proposes a new compensation schedule for the Mayor and City Council members effective January 1, 2023.
- Ordinance 2022-12: Proposed Mayor salary of $700/month plus $65 per meeting (max $11,000 annually)
- Ordinance 2022-12: Proposed Councilor salary of $200/month plus $65 per meeting (max $5,000 annually)
- Public hearing for the compensation schedule of elected officials
Work Session & Regular City Council
The City Council is holding a work session to present the preliminary budget for the year ending December 31, 2023. The meeting also includes a regular session to review checks payable and staff reports.
- Preliminary 2023 Budget presentation
- 4th Street Right-of-Way Acquisition: $505,000
- Community Center Renovation: $570,000
- Horizontal Curve and Roadway Departure Safety Improvements: $897,000
- La Center School District Pump Station: $116,000
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is reviewing the process for the required Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update due by June 30, 2025. The body will discuss staff progress on the Periodic Update Checklist and identify necessary code updates to comply with state law.
- Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update discussion
- Review of Buildable Lands Report and growth projections
- Proposed updates to allow permanent supportive housing and emergency shelters in specific zones
- Discussion of impact fee exemptions for early learning and low-income housing
- Coordination with Cowlitz Indian Tribe on planning and development
Salary Commission
The Salary Commission is meeting to discuss a Salary Commission Overview and Ordinance 2022-12. This ordinance proposes a new compensation schedule for the Mayor and City Councilors to take effect January 1, 2023.
- Ordinance 2022-12: Adopting a New Compensation Schedule for the Elected Officials of the City of La Center
Work Session & Regular City Council
The City Council will hold a work session to review the 2022 Capital Budget, including sewer and street projects. The regular meeting includes a proposed update to the Home Occupation Code and a resolution supporting a regional criminal justice training campus.
- Ordinance 2022-08: Home Occupation Code Update
- Resolution 2022-465: Support for Criminal Justice Training Commission regional training campus in Clark County
- Proposed $897,000 for horizontal curve and roadway departure safety improvements
- Proposed $615,000 for 4th Street Right-of-way acquisition
- Proposed $43,000 to complete General Sewer Plan and $33,000 for a rate study
City Council Retreat
The City Council is meeting for a retreat to conduct a budget discussion and review legislative priorities.
- Budget discussion
- Legislative priorities
Regular City Council
The City Council will discuss a temporary use code update and a General Sewer Plan update. The meeting includes a review of accounts payable and staff reports from Public Works and Community Development.
- Ordinance 2022-09: Temporary use code update
- General Sewer Plan Update professional services agreement with Gray and Osborne Inc.
- Payment of $15,181.10 to Liquidity Services Operations, LLC
- Payment of $60,800.30 for various payroll and tax obligations including IRS and Oregon Teamster Employers Trust
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is meeting to conduct a public hearing on proposed updates to the Off-Street Parking and Loading code. The body will also receive an introduction to the Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update.
- Public hearing for Off-Street Parking and Loading code updates (LCMC 18.280)
- Proposed 20-foot garage front setback for medium density residential housing
- Proposed changes to parking lot landscaping in Downtown Overlay and Mixed-Use Districts
- Introduction to Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update
- Review of Community Development Staff Report
Regular City Council
The City Council is meeting to discuss a SEPA implementation code update and a staff report regarding a bucket truck. The body will also review a second quarter financial report and a presentation from the La Center United Coalition.
- Ordinance 2022-06: SEPA Implementation Code Update
- Professional Services Agreement with Terracon Consultants Inc. for a $1,975 asbestos survey at the Community Center Kitchen
- Staff report on the purchase or use of a bucket truck
- Payment of 32 checks totaling $581,990.31, including $356,119.46 to Advanced Excavating Specialists LLC
- 2nd Quarter Financial Report
Regular City Council
The City Council is meeting to discuss a commercial lease agreement with Rivers Edge Ventures, LLC for the former bank building. The body will also consider a resolution for the 2023-2028 Transportation Improvement Program.
- Commercial lease for 305 NW Pacific Highway to Rivers Edge Ventures, LLC for a coffee shop and cafe
- Resolution 2022-464 regarding the 2023-2028 6-year TIP
- Payment of checks totaling $60,786.30 (8/1), $98,145.46 (8/2), and $14,004.00 (8/3)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is holding public hearings to discuss updates to the city's Temporary Use, Parking, and Home Occupation codes. The body will also review a community development staff report.
- Public hearing on Temporary Use Code updates
- Public hearing on Parking Code updates
- Public hearing on Home Occupation Code updates
- Community Development Staff Report
Regular City Council & Work Session
The City Council will hold a work session featuring a presentation from C-TRAN. The regular meeting includes a consent agenda with an interlocal agreement for animal control services and various staff reports.
- Interlocal agreement with Clark County for animal control services at $175 per hour (normal hours) and $180 per hour (after-hours)
- C-TRAN presentation during the work session
- Payment of 40 checks totaling $124,875.49
- Payment of 4 checks totaling $29,821.12
- Reports from Police, Finance, and Card Room staff
Regular City Council
The City Council will discuss Ordinance 2022-07 regarding bond requirements and a streetlight agreement with Clark Public Utilities. The meeting also includes a review of city expenditures and staff reports from community development and public works.
- Ordinance 2022-07 regarding Bond Requirements
- CPU Interlocal Streetlight Agreement
- WATPA Grant for police equipment and public outreach totaling $3,392
- Payment to Kubota Membrane USA Corp. for $607,040.00
- Payment to Department of Commerce for $256,112.22
Regular City Council
The City Council will discuss a proposed Vendor Code (ORD 2022-04) and review options for the residential recycling collection contract. The meeting also includes a review of May 2022 crime statistics and financial reports.
- Proposed Ordinance 2022-04 regarding Vendor Code
- Recycling contract options including a 1-year extension with a $2 rate increase
- Interlocal Agreement for Sex Offender Monitoring grant providing up to $2,052.29
- Payment of checks totaling $45,417.96
- May 2022 crime report detailing 13 reported crimes and 3 arrests
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is meeting to review proposed updates to the city's parking and temporary use codes. The body will also discuss the Title 18 Work Plan and a potential meeting break in July.
- Parking Code Update including landscaping island size increases from 25 to 100 square feet
- Temporary Use Code Update
- Title 18 Work Plan Update
- Proposed definitions for 'shared parking' and 'joint parking' in LCMC 18.40
- Community Development Staff Report
Regular City Council
The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the Building Height Code. The body is also considering a bid award for La Center Road paving and a guardrail repair agreement.
- Public hearing for Building Height Code (Ord. 2022-05)
- Motion to award 2022 La Center Road Paving Bid
- Guardrail repair agreement with Petersen Brothers for $24,325.30
- Consideration of Ordinance 2022-04 amending the Vendor Code
- Payment of checks totaling $121,113.41, $10,503.00, and $62,521.04
Regular City Council
The City Council is meeting to discuss amendments to the Riverside Development Agreement and updates to the city's sewer rates and vendor code. The body will also consider a resolution to authorize signatures for the acquisition of Phase 4 Park.
- Ord. 2022-03: Updating LCMC 13.10.350 regarding sewer rates
- Ord. 2022-04: Amending the Vendor Code (Code 5.40)
- Resolution 2022-462: Amending the Riverside Development Agreement
- Resolution 2022-463: Authorizing signatures for Phase 4 Park acquisition and Riverside Estates utility easements/rights of way
- Payment of checks totaling $34,663.38 for May 23, 2022, and $25,625.51 for May 16, 2022
Regular City Council
The La Center City Council will hold its regular meeting on May 11, 2022, with a consent agenda including checks payable, meeting minutes, and a planning commission alternate appointment. The council will receive a presentation from Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue and consider a proclamation for Building Safety Month. A key action item is Resolution 461, which concerns police services. The meeting will also include an executive session to discuss pending litigation.
- Resolution 461: Police services contract
- Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue presentation
- Proclamation: Building Safety Month
- Consent agenda: checks payable, minutes, planning commission alternate
- Executive session: pending litigation
Planning Commission
The La Center Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting and public hearing to discuss updates to the city's parking code and temporary use code. They will also review a work plan for Title 18 code changes and receive a community development staff report. The meeting includes public comment and approval of the April 19, 2022 minutes.
- Parking code update: third draft redline of LCMC 18.280, including new 10-15% interior landscaping requirement for lots over 10 spaces
- Parking code update: variance required for any deviation, parking analysis required for reductions over 15%
- Temporary use code update: discussion of revisions and other jurisdictions' codes
- Title 18 work plan update: review of code change tracking and work plan tables
- Public hearing and public comment period
Work Session & Regular City Council
The La Center City Council will hold a work session on the use of consultants, then a regular meeting covering consent agenda items, a Commission on Aging presentation, and resolutions for a playground grant and surplus property. The agenda includes routine items like checks payable and meeting minutes, plus a presentation on aging services.
- Resolution 459 - Playground Grant
- Resolution 460 - Surplus Property
- Commission on Aging Annual Report presentation
- Discussion on consultants and outsourcing
- Consent agenda: checks payable totaling $62,547.09
Work Session
The La Center City Council is holding a work session with three discussion items: a presentation on police vacancy and applicant ratios statewide, a legal opinion on city liability for law enforcement under different staffing methods, and a financial forecast. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the items are for information and discussion only.
- Public Safety Testing presentation by Jon Walters on police vacancy and applicant ratios statewide
- Risk Management Legal Opinion by David Force on city liability for law enforcement staffing methods
- Financial forecast discussion
Planning Commission
The La Center Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting and public hearing to discuss and potentially act on two code updates: a second draft of the parking code update (LCMC 18.280 and related sections) and a temporary use code update. The parking update includes revisions to parking space requirements, landscaping, and variance rules. The temporary use code update is new business for discussion.
- Parking code update: second draft redline of LCMC 18.280, 18.140, and 18.245, including changes to variance requirements, parking distance (300 feet), and landscaping island intervals (1 per 12 spaces)
- Temporary use code update: new business item with memo dated April 6, 2022
- Public hearing: opportunity for public comment on agenda items
- Approval of minutes from February 8 and March 8, 2022 meetings
Work Session & Regular City Council
The La Center City Council will hold a work session and regular meeting to discuss and potentially act on several items, including an update to the vendor code to allow vending on public property during special events, an ordinance updating sewer rates, and authorization to bid the La Center Road paving and waterline project. The council will also consider consent agenda items including contracts and checks payable.
- Vendor code update to allow vending on public property during city-approved special events, with free permits for non-profits
- Ordinance 2022-03 updating sewer rates (LCMC 13.10.350)
- Authorization to bid La Center Road paving and waterline project, including interlocal agreement with Clark PUD
- Community Center kitchen remodel design professional services agreement
- Consent agenda includes checks payable totaling $20,848.26 (3/21), $76,388.89 (4/4), and $99,088.56 (4/5)
Regular City Council
The La Center City Council will consider Ordinance 2022-02 updating land use application fees, and will also review consent agenda items including checks payable, meeting minutes, and interlocal agreements with Clark County. The meeting is virtual, with public comment submitted by email.
- Ordinance 2022-02: Land Use Application Fees Update
- Consent agenda: Checks payable totaling $122,209.63 (3/10/2022) and $30,188.37 (3/16/2022)
- Clark County Interlocal Agreement for sex offender monitoring (up to $2,001.50)
- Clark County Jail Addendum with 2022 rates
- Proclamation for National Telecommunicators Week and plaque for Officer Crutcher
Regular City Council
The La Center City Council is meeting virtually to hear a presentation on updated residential recycling contract terms with Waste Connections, and to receive public comment, including a citizen's request for full renovation costs of the new City Hall. The agenda also includes routine consent items: checks payable totaling $55,226.54, meeting minutes, and a legal advertising contract with The Columbian.
- Recycling contract update with Waste Connections; current contract expires June 30, 2022, target start July 1, 2022
- Citizen comment asking for full renovation costs of new City Hall (TDS building) since 2018
- Consent agenda: checks payable totaling $55,226.54
- Consent agenda: legal advertising contract with The Columbian at $2.20 per line
- Community development report includes Lockwood Creek Subdivision (20 acres, 71 lots) and other projects
Planning Commission
The La Center Planning Commission is meeting virtually to discuss and potentially act on two unfinished business items: a parking code update and an archaeological protection code update. The parking update includes a draft redline of code sections with new design standards, parking quantity changes, and bicycle parking incentives. The archaeology code update is also on the agenda for discussion. Public comment must be emailed by 4:00 PM on March 8, 2022.
- Parking code update: draft redline of LCMC 18.140, 18.245, and 18.280, including new design standards and a 15% parking reduction for on-street parking and bicycle parking
- Archaeological protection code update: staff memo and draft code attached for review
- Public hearing and comment period: comments due by email by 4:00 PM on March 8, 2022
- Approval of minutes from December 16, 2021, and January 11, 2022, meetings
- Welcome of new Planning Commissioner Justin Keeler
Work Session
The La Center City Council is holding a virtual work session to discuss community and economic development. The meeting is conducted remotely due to Washington's phased reopening, with public attendance via GoTo Meeting. No formal decisions are listed; the agenda is limited to a presentation/discussion item.
- Community and Economic Development discussion
Regular City Council
The La Center City Council is meeting virtually to consider a consent agenda that includes approving checks payable, meeting minutes, an ECHO (Ending Community Homelessness Organization) memorandum of agreement with Clark County, and a Ridgefield police agreement. The council will also hear reports on police, finance, a WSDOT safety grant, and a Highland Terrace agreement, plus public comments and proclamations.
- Approval of ECHO MOA for regional homelessness collaboration
- Ridgefield Police Agreement for police services
- Checks payable totaling $271,931.14
- WSDOT Safety Grant staff report
- Highland Terrace Agreement staff report
Regular City Council & Work Session
The La Center City Council is holding a public hearing on Ordinance 2022-01, which would amend the municipal code on development agreements to require a reciprocal public benefit, specify which regulations can be modified, and define submittal requirements. The meeting also includes a work session on council roles and responsibilities, consent agenda items including checks payable, and public comments on police coverage and other topics.
- Public hearing on Ordinance 2022-01 amending LCMC 18.60 (Development Agreements)
- Consent agenda includes checks payable totaling $205,334.14 for January 31–February 2, 2022
- Work session presentation on council roles and responsibilities
- Public comments on police coverage and city hall open house
- Approval of meeting minutes from January 26, 2022
Planning Commission
The La Center Planning Commission is meeting virtually to discuss updates to the city's parking code (LMC 18.280), including potential changes to parking minimums, maximums, off-site parking allowances, and bicycle parking requirements. They will also elect a new chair and vice chair, and review an archaeology standards code update. Public comments must be emailed by 4:00 PM on February 8, 2022.
- Parking code update: considering off-site parking within 300-500 feet for commercial uses, extending 125% parking maximum to Junction Plan zone, and adding bicycle parking requirements
- Election for Planning Commission Chair and Vice Chair
- Archaeology standards code update (memo attached)
- Community Development staff report
- Public hearing and public comment period (email comments by 4 PM)
Work Session
The La Center City Council is holding a virtual work session to discuss budget, revenue, and development topics. No formal decisions are scheduled; the meeting is for discussion only.
- Discussion of budget, revenue, and development
Regular City Council
The La Center City Council is meeting to consider several routine items, including a consent agenda with contracts for fire district training, facility services, and economic development, as well as an ordinance to update the development agreement code. The meeting will also include public comment and staff reports on topics such as police, finance, and a park naming.
- Ordinance 2022-01 updating LCMC 18.60 on development agreements
- Contract with Clark County Fire District 5 for safety training ($1,750 for 2022)
- Facility services agreement with ABM (1-year term)
- CREDC contract for economic development
- 2022 vehicle purchase staff report
Work Session
The La Center City Council is holding a virtual work session to discuss negotiations with the Clark County Sheriff's Office (CCSO). No formal decisions are expected, as this is a discussion item.
- Discussion of CCSO negotiations
City Council Training
The City Council is holding a special meeting for training purposes. The session includes presentations and discussions regarding the Open Meetings Act and the Public Records Act.
- Training on Open Meetings Act
- Training on Public Records Act
Regular City Council
The La Center City Council is holding its regular meeting with a largely procedural agenda: swearing in councilmembers, approving consent items (checks and minutes), and receiving reports. Public comments include a question about hiring police officers and an invitation to a museum open house. No ordinances or major decisions are listed.
- Oath of office for Councilmembers Fox, Kasberg, and Boyle
- Consent agenda: checks payable totaling $326,141.56 and December 15, 2021 minutes
- Proclamation declaring January 23-29, 2022 as School Choice Week
- Plaques for Sarah Dollar (3 years) and Matt Jenkins (8 years) service
- Public comment asking about police officer vacancy postings
Planning Commission
The La Center Planning Commission is meeting virtually to hold a public hearing on proposed updates to the city's State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) code, including raising the fill/excavation exemption threshold from 300 to 1,000 cubic yards and repealing a local exemption section. The commission will also discuss the 2022 work program, a parking code update, and receive a community development report. Public comments must be emailed by 4:00 PM on January 11, 2022.
- Public hearing on SEPA code updates: raise fill/excavation threshold to 1,000 cubic yards, repeal LCMC 18.310.232, update critical area exemptions
- Discussion of 2022 work program
- Parking code update discussion
- Community development report for January 2022