La Center public meetings in 2024
39 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular City Council
The City Council will review a project design for a roundabout at La Center Road and Paradise Park. The body is also considering Ordinance 2024-18 regarding outdoor burning.
- Presentation on Roundabout Project Design at La Center Road and Paradise Park
- Ordinance 2024-18 LCMC 8.30 Outdoor Burning
- Payment to WSP USA Inc. for $38,485.45
- Payment to Washington State Auditor's Off for $17,109.30
- Payment to City of Battle Ground for $9,143.83
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular City Council
The La Center City Council meeting on Dec. 11, 2024 will review a consent agenda, public comments, and several presentations. The council will decide on Ordinance 2024-17 to vacate a street for the Cowlitz Tribe. Additional items include climate resiliency draft presentations, a schools update, and a Community Development & Public Works staff report.
- Ordinance 2024-17 Cowlitz Tribe Street Vacation (decision)
- Climate Resiliency Elements & Critical Areas Ordinance Draft presentation
- La Center Schools Update presentation
- Community Development & Public Works Staff Report
- Consent agenda items: Checks Payable, meeting minutes, JZP Law PSA 2025
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will meet to discuss the Comp Plan Minor Elements Review. The agenda also includes standard procedural items and a period for public comment.
- Comp Plan Minor Elements Review
Regular City Council
The La Center City Council will consider adopting the 2025 proposed budget and approving a new franchise agreement with TDS Telecom. The meeting will also include a public hearing on tax rates and the approval of accounts payable.
- Ordinance 2024-15: 2025 Budget Adoption
- Ordinance 2024-11: TDS Franchise Agreement
- Ordinance 2024-12: 2025 Jail Court Rates
- Public Hearing: 2025 Jail Court Rates
- Accounts Payable: $151,828.93 (Nov 15)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular City Council
The La Center City Council meeting will include public comment, a consent agenda covering routine checks payable, meeting minutes, the Battle Ground Courts interlocal agreement, and a judge confirmation. Staff will present the 2025 State Legislative Priorities update. The council will consider three items on the ordinance and resolution agenda: Resolution 484 to vacate a Cowlitz Tribe right‑of‑way, Ordinance 2024-14 concerning ad valorem taxes, and a first‑look review of Ordinance 2024-11 for a TDS franchise agreement.
- Resolution 484 – Cowlitz Tribe Right of Way Vacation
- Ordinance 2024-14 – Ad Valorem Taxes
- First Look – Ordinance 2024-11 TDS Franchise Agreement
- Battle Ground Courts Interlocal Agreement (consent agenda)
- Judge Confirmation (consent agenda)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will discuss draft reports for the 2025 Comprehensive Plan, specifically focusing on environment and climate resilience. The meeting also includes a presentation from WSP.
- Draft 2025 Comprehensive Plan Environment report
- Draft 2025 Comprehensive Plan Climate Resilience report
- Draft LCMC Chapter 18.300
- WSP Presentation
Land Use Public Hearing-Paradise Park Site Plan
The La Center Land Use Committee will hold a special public hearing to present and discuss the Paradise Park site plan. No specific actions or decisions are listed on the agenda; the meeting is limited to a presentation and discussion.
- Presentation and discussion of the Paradise Park site plan
Salary Commission
The La Center Salary Commission will meet on October 28, 2024 at City Hall, 210 E. 4th St. The agenda includes a public hearing on Ordinance 2024-19, which establishes the compensation schedule for the mayor and council members. The commission will also consider a code change to Chapter 2.80 and hold a presentation/discussion. Public comments must be emailed to clerk@ci.lacenter.wa.us by 4:00 PM on October 27, 2024.
- Public hearing on Ordinance 2024-19 compensation schedule for elected officials
- Code change to Chapter 2.80
- Presentation / discussion segment
- Public comment submission deadline (email by 4:00 PM Oct 27)
- Roll call
Regular City Council
The La Center City Council will present and take public comment on the 2025 Preliminary Budget Draft. Council members will also consider Ordinance 2024-13 on procurement policy and Resolution 480 concerning public procurement and contracting. An EMS Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for 2025 ambulance services will be reviewed, along with presentations on the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update and the Timmen Landing and Downtown Subarea Plans.
- Preliminary Budget Presentation and Public Hearing – 2025 Preliminary Budget Draft
- Ordinance 2024-13 – Procurement Policy
- Resolution 480 – Public Procurement & Contracting
- EMS Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for 2025 ambulance services
- 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update – Land Use Scenarios presentation
Land Use Public Hearing- Breeze Creek Trails Subdivision
The La Center City Council will hold a special Land Use Public Hearing on October 22, 2024. The meeting will include a presentation on the Breeze Creek Trails Subdivision followed by a discussion. No decisions are listed on the agenda; the session appears to be for informational and public input purposes.
- Presentation on Breeze Creek Trails Subdivision
- Public discussion of the subdivision proposal
Salary Commission
The La Center Salary Commission will review the compensation schedule for the mayor and council members. Staff will present a report and recommend either taking no action on a 2025 salary adjustment or directing staff to draft Ordinance 2024-19 with new salary amounts and meeting stipends. The commission will also hear public comments submitted by the deadline of 4:00 PM on October 14, 2024.
- Presentation and discussion of the Salary Commission overview (staff report)
- Public comment period – comments must be emailed by 4:00 PM Oct 14, 2024
- Motion to take no action on a 2025 salary adjustment
- Motion to direct staff to create Ordinance 2024-19 with new mayor and councilmember salaries and meeting stipend
- Reference to public hearings held Oct 14 and Oct 28, 2024 on the proposed compensation schedule
Work Session & Regular City Council
The La Center City Council will hold a work session to present the draft 2025 Comprehensive Plan update, focusing on land use and housing elements and related code revisions. Council members will discuss the proposed revisions, land‑use scenarios, and next steps toward adoption, which is slated for late 2025. The meeting also includes routine public comment, a consent agenda, and proclamations.
- Presentation of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update – draft land use and housing elements
- Review of LCMC updates: impact fees, design standards, short plats, and supportive housing provisions
- Discussion of HB 1998 (co‑living housing) and HB 1377 (density bonus for religious‑organization housing)
- Examination of land‑use scenarios showing zoning changes and projected housing unit adjustments
- Consent agenda items: checks payable and approval of the September 25, 2024 meeting minutes
Planning Commission
The La Center Planning Commission will discuss a draft code that adds co‑living and affordable housing provisions on religious property, review housing updates, and consider a draft Environment Element, Climate Element, and Critical Areas Ordinance. The meeting also includes approval of the September 10, 2024 minutes and a public comment period.
- Draft code including co‑living and affordable housing on religious property (per the Updated Periodic Update Checklist)
- Housing updates referenced in agenda item 2.7.2
- Draft Environment Element, Climate Element and Critical Areas Ordinance (agenda item 2.7.3)
- Approval of September 10, 2024 meeting minutes
- Public comment period with submissions due by 4:00 PM on October 8, 2024
Regular City Council
The La Center City Council will consider three items on the agenda: Resolution 483 establishing a law‑enforcement agreement with Clark County, Ordinance 2024‑16 to vacate a city road, and Ordinance 2024‑10 to create a Transportation Benefit District. Staff reports will include a presentation on the 4th St. and Highland Road traffic signal project. Public comments and several presentations are also scheduled before the council votes.
- Resolution 483 – CCSO Law Enforcement Agreement between the City of La Center and Clark County
- Ordinance 2024‑16 – La Center Road Vacation
- Ordinance 2024‑10 – Transportation Benefit District
- 4th St. and Highland Road Traffic Signal Project (staff report)
- Waste Management Composting Presentation
Regular City Council
The La Center City Council meeting will review several items, including a resolution to form a Transportation Benefit District, a resolution concerning surplus property, and an ordinance amending employee exemption rules. The council will also act on the GTH 2025 contract and hear a presentation comparing road repair costs. Decisions on these items will be recorded in the meeting minutes.
- Resolution 482 – Transportation Benefit District Formation
- Resolution 481 – Surplus Property
- Ordinance 2024-09 – Amending Section 2.52 Exempt Employees
- GTH 2025 Contract (consent agenda item)
- Road Repair Cost Comparison Presentation (chip seal, grind & overlay, full depth reclamation costs)
Planning Commission
The La Center Planning Commission will review and discuss revisions to the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Code section LCMC 18.247. The commission also noted that a revised Housing Element is tentatively scheduled for presentation at the October meeting by WSP. The agenda includes the usual public comment, public hearings, and reports.
- Review and discuss revisions to ADU Code section LCMC 18.247
- Tentative presentation of the Revised Housing Element by WSP at the October Planning Commission meeting
Work Session & Regular City Council
The La Center City Council will hear a presentation recommending the formation of a Transportation Benefit District that could levy up to 0.1% sales tax, generating an estimated $65,000‑$130,000 per year for road projects. The council will also consider Resolution 478 to vacate a portion of right‑of‑way on NW La Center Road and Resolution 479 to approve a grant for the Recreation and Conservation Office. Public comments, staff reports, and routine consent‑agenda items will be addressed.
- Transportation Benefit District presentation – recommendation to approve a district that could raise about $65K‑$130K annually via a 0.1% sales tax
- Resolution 478 – initiate vacation of a portion of right‑of‑way on NW La Center Road
- Resolution 479 – approve Recreation and Conservation Office grant and signatory
- Consent agenda items – checks payable (e.g., $14,602.08 to Dept. of Retirement, $21,712.37 to IRS) and meeting minutes
- Public comment period – citizens may submit comments by email by 4:00 PM on August 28
Regular City Council
The La Center City Council will consider its consent agenda, which includes approving the engagement letter for Ogden Murphy Wallace, P.L.L.C. to serve as special counsel with a value of up to $50,000 per annum. Routine items such as check payments and the July 24, 2024 council minutes are also on the agenda. The meeting will include public comments, staff reports, and a review of ordinances and resolutions.
- Approval of Special Counsel Services Engagement Letter with OMW (up to $50,000 per year)
- Approval of Checks Payable listed in the consent agenda
- Adoption of City Council minutes from July 24, 2024
- Public Works & Community Development staff report (pages 21‑26)
- Review of ordinances, resolutions and public hearings
Regular City Council
The City Council will discuss updates to the city's Parks Plan and a new ordinance regarding compost. The body will also review a second-quarter financial presentation and a report from the Commission on Aging.
- Ordinance 2024-03: Parks Plan Update
- Ordinance 2024-07: Compost
- CREDC Contract 2024-2027 for economic development services ($2,500 annual investment)
- Quarter 2 Financial Presentation
- Commission on Aging 2023 Report
Regular City Council
The La Center City Council will meet on July 10, 2024, to review recent meeting minutes and payable checks. The agenda also includes a presentation from Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue and a Public Works staff report.
- Parking Lot Slurry Seal and Pavement Markings contract with Blackline, Inc.
- Presentation by Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue
- Public Works & Community Development Staff Report
- Review of accounts payable checks
Planning Commission
The commission will hold a public hearing regarding annual updates to the Transportation Capital Facilities Plan. The proposal includes changing the roadway classification of 5th Street to maintain eligibility for federal improvement funds. The agenda also includes the appointment of a new Planning Commission Chair.
- Public hearing for annual updates to the Comprehensive Plan
- Proposed roadway classification change for 5th Street and its extension west of Pacific Highway
- Appointment of a new Planning Commission Chair
- Review of Transportation Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) updates
Regular City Council
The La Center City Council will consider several service contracts for city facilities. These include agreements for janitorial services, police station painting, and road striping. The council will also review staff reports from the police and administrative services departments.
- Janitorial services contract with CBM Systems, LLC (up to $2,152.53 per month)
- Police Station Painting Contract with S&W Craftsman, LLC
- Police Station Fencing Parking Lot Contract with Eco Fencing & Decking, LLC
- City Road Striping contract with Specialized Pavement Marking, LLC
- Ridgefield Taser Invoice
Land Use Public Hearing
The City of La Center is reviewing the planning and engineering for the Vineyard Vista subdivision on 29.46 acres. The proposal includes an 84-lot single-family residential development with associated park spaces and environmental mitigation. Staff recommends approval subject to conditions regarding geotechnical reports and vegetation.
- Proposed 84-lot single-family detached subdivision
- Rezoning of 29.46 acres from Low Density Residential to Urban Residential
- Creation of an 0.81-acre family park and open space tracts
- Plan for removing 1,059 trees and planting 1,059 new trees
- Projected generation of 792 daily vehicle trips
Regular City Council
The City Council will consider authorizing a design contract for the 2024 Storm Drain Rehabilitation project following culvert collapse near the New Phoenix Casino parking lot. The agenda also includes resolutions regarding E-Verify and an interlocal agreement with the La Center School District. Additionally, presentations are scheduled regarding fire rescue levy lid lifts and golf cart/ATV updates.
- Authorization of 2024 Storm Drain Rehabilitation design contract
- Resolution 476: Interlocal Agreement with La Center School District
- Resolution 477: E-Verify implementation
- Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue Levy Lid Lift presentation
Planning Commission
The La Center Planning Commission will discuss the third draft of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan, specifically regarding land use and housing requirements. The meeting also includes a review of commission comments and the approval of minutes from the April 23, 2024, meeting.
- Third draft of 2025 Comprehensive Plan (Land Use & Housing)
- Updates to LCMC Chapter 3.35 and Title 18
- Approval of April 23, 2024, Planning Commission minutes
- Planning Commission review comments
Regular City Council
The City Council will meet to discuss administrative updates and review staff reports. The body is considering two ordinances regarding the acceptance of donations and changes to work sessions.
- Ordinance 2024-04: Accepting Donations
- Ordinance 2024-05: Amending Work Sessions
- Brezee Creek - Brian Abbot Grant PSA
- Payment of $18,158.67 to Internal Revenue Service
- Payment of $15,585.44 to Dept. of Retirement
Work Session & Regular City Council
The City Council and Planning Commission are conducting a work session to review draft vision statements and existing conditions for the Timmen Landing and Downtown subareas. The body is also considering an ordinance to amend nuisance laws and reviewing a parks and recreation plan update.
- Presentation on Timmen Landing & Downtown Subarea Plans vision and survey results
- Ordinance 2024-06 Amending Chapter 8.55 Nuisances
- Park Recreation & Open Space Plan Update
- Proclamation of Solidarity & Resilience in Support of Israel
- Proclamation National Public Works Week
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular City Council
The City Council will discuss a formal intergovernmental agreement with the Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Authority regarding wastewater and biosolids processing. The body is also reviewing a manhole repair bid and a professional services contract amendment.
- Proposed Memorandum of Agreement with Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Authority for biosolids processing
- Bid award of $25,316.82 to Grade Werks Construction for manhole repair at Alder Place
- Contract amendment for WSP USA Inc. adding $40,000 for a total budget of $70,000
- Comprehensive Plan Housing & Employment Projections Report
- Payment of $30,184.36 in checks dated April 17 and $26,076.89 in checks dated April 18
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is reviewing updates to the 2025 Comprehensive Plan regarding housing and employment allocations. Additionally, the commission is discussing a draft of the 2024 Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan.
- Housing allocation methods: Method A, Method B, and a Hybrid solution
- Current employment allocation of approximately 50 jobs over capacity
- 2024 Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan public review draft
- 31.7 acres of parks and open spaces managed by Public Works
Work Session & Regular City Council
The City Council held a work session to discuss a proposed agreement with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe regarding land trust status and mitigation payments for parcels east of I-5. The session included a financial analysis comparing city revenue under current jurisdiction versus the Tribe's proposal. The council also reviewed routine accounts payable and a transportation plan update.
- Proposed Cowlitz Tribe mitigation payments: 1.2% for businesses subject to WA excise taxes and 1.0% of Tribal Sales Taxes for tribal businesses
- Proposed trust status for up to 75% of land in the 'Agreement Area' east of I-5
- Adjustment of Tribe's financial contribution for the La Center Road and Paradise Park Road intersection for inflation
- Checks payable totaling $64,490.95 on 4/1/2024 and $42,018.84 on 4/3/2024
- Transportation Plan Update
Regular City Council
The City Council adopted a resolution thanking the 20th legislative delegation for securing $250,000 for the Wheel Club Community Center and $1 million for the Pacific Highway Trail Shared Use Path. The body also held a public hearing regarding building code amendments.
- Resolution 2024-475: Honoring legislative delegation for $1.25M in state funding
- Ordinance 2024-02: Public hearing held for Building Code Amendments
- Sale of police radio to City of Ridgefield for $4,000.00
- Letter of support for Cowlitz Indian Tribe Public Safety Building project
- Approval of checks payable totaling $123,009.75 across three dates
City Council Retreat
The City Council is meeting for a retreat to conduct a presentation and discussion regarding the city's mission and vision.
- Mission and Vision Discussion
Regular City Council
The City Council approved a consent agenda that included a property purchase for a traffic signal project and a professional services agreement. The meeting also featured a 2023 financial presentation and an update from Clark Cowlitz Fire Rescue.
- Purchase of Minihan property for $3,946 for E. 4th Street and Highland Road traffic signal right of way
- Professional Services Agreement with Erin Erdman for City Council retreat assistance, not to exceed $7,500
- Sale of a dart machine to Washougal Police Department for $2,575
- Approval of checks payable totaling $63,414.56 (dated 3/1/2024) and $21,009.42 (dated 3/5/2024)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is discussing updates to the 2025 Comprehensive Plan, specifically the Land Use and Housing elements and related municipal code. The meeting includes a review of population targets, housing capacity, and a draft Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan.
- 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update: Land Use and Housing Elements Draft Code
- Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan Draft
- Proposed LCMC updates to allow permanent supportive and transitional housing in C-1, JP, MX, and LDR-7.5 zones
- Proposed LCMC updates to allow group homes in LDR-7.5, MDR-16, JP, and MX zones
- Proposed changes to Downtown Overlay District design guidelines regarding facades, colors, and lighting
Work Session & Regular City Council
The City Council is holding a work session to discuss the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update, specifically focusing on housing capacity and land use scenarios. The regular meeting includes a consent agenda with several professional service contracts and staff reports.
- 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update presentation regarding housing capacity and land use scenarios
- Professional Services Agreement with DOWL for On-Call Planning Services not to exceed $30,000 per calendar year
- Columbian Legals Contract
- PSA EXIGY
- CCSO Temporary Contract
Regular City Council
The City Council will discuss a professional planning scope from WSP USA Inc. for the city's mandated Comprehensive Plan and development regulations update. The body is also considering an agreement for the Local Government Investment Pool and a letter of support for homeless services funding.
- WSP USA Inc. scope of work for Comprehensive Plan and development regulations update
- Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP) agreement
- Letter of Support for Supplemental Operating Budget Shortfall for Homeless Services
- National Endowment for the Arts Matching Grant staff report
- Payment of checks totaling $131,378.54 across three dates (1/30, 2/1, 2/2)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Work Session & Regular City Council
The City Council is holding a work session on the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update, focusing on housing capacity and climate resiliency. The regular meeting includes a proposal to annex 14 acres of land at 555 W 5th St.
- Ordinance 2024-01: Barnhart Annexation of approximately 14 acres at 555 W 5th St.
- 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update work session regarding housing and climate requirements
- Payment of checks totaling $32,723.21 (1/17/2024) and $9,767.93 (1/18/2024)
- Public Open House for Comprehensive Plan scheduled for March 20, 2024
- Community blood drive scheduled for March 12 at City Hall
Regular City Council
The City Council is meeting to review a consent agenda that includes a professional services agreement for bridge inspection and a Planning Commission appointment. The body will also review staff reports from Public Works and Community Development.
- Professional Services Agreement with CONSOR Engineers, LLC for La Center Road Bridge inspection not to exceed $3,292
- Planning Commission Appointment
- Approval of checks payable totaling $80,790.24 (12/27/2023), $28,012.56 (12/29/2023), and $404,153.95 (1/5/2024)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is discussing the second draft of the Housing Needs Assessment and Strategy (HNAS) and the Comprehensive Plan community vision. The body is also reviewing county allocations and yield capacity reports by zoning.
- Second Draft Housing Needs Assessment & Strategy
- Comprehensive Plan: Vision
- County Allocations: Yield Capacity Report by Zoning
- Housing for All Planning Tool (HAPT) updates
- Approval of December 12, 2023 meeting minutes