[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6392855,"mediaKeyId","2108890-20817e465e7253a30effab5905693af5","parentId",2108890,"title","Public works update: asphalt work complete; community center bids extended; C‑TRAN shelter due in January","audioSeconds",346,"startMs",2950000,"endMs",3296000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2108890-20817e465e7253a30effab5905693af5&start=2950&end=3296","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2108890-20817e465e7253a30effab5905693af5/thumbnail_2950000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6392855/La-Center/Clark-County/Washington/Public-works-update-asphalt-work-complete-community-center-bids-extended-CTRAN-shelter-due-in-January","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6392855-11b1eaa6fc29b53460ae0c8b984d78c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775005291&Signature=iyr6nJg2CSxnQy0vgKXwgbYvca9DQljmVlVwq6YfEVHKad7xBvJFQ1K9jI-N7FsrVIbu-aMm~vY1cXMY8fxgf1POzF~MLNfg2S6DVWFy~nCejIIVpH443987BDIQuQjY7TYVCek3VNOhwfSXe4iCU5SHSUEGZ2F~dY~~KnFhetk9YtAeNoy8XSyvK7IqynSkuREpjKY10MQCy4WACNqJL5qLkJusJSH27Vos-ZMI7I7kaIhbcoq5fzwe3hUVxc2pH~J9K0H~tpzJdYNiZqaBjiQFMfQ5TOEiG4XFXFJcygYnpmsYERGOefhYKvnTJTkhvhEJ9Nq4c3veqcGcv57GDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","La Center, WA","date","2025-01-14T02:20:30.703Z","article","Tracy Coleman, community development and public works staff, reported operational updates and development activity to the council.

Coleman said the city completed its hot-mix asphalt program for the year and is preparing for winter by fitting plow blades and staging rock and sand for icy roads. The community-center revitalization project’s bid date was extended to Nov. 19 to incorporate asbestos abatement and vandal-resistant fixtures for exterior restrooms (stainless toilets, sinks and urinals). Coleman said some items have longer lead times and the extension accommodates those suppliers.

On transit and accessibility, Coleman said the C‑TRAN park-and-ride site in Birch has a finished ADA parking pad, sidewalk, driveway and bus-shelter pad; final grading and landscaping remain and the C‑TRAN shelter should be installed before the stop is activated in January.

Stormwater: staff asked residents to clear leaves from catch basins and avoid placing yard debris in streets to help the city’s drainage and street-sweeper operations. Wastewater operations remain within NPDES permit limits; the city recently added a wastewater-operator I after an employee passed the licensing exam. Engineering work on the 4th Street widening and related right-of-way recordings should be complete this month to unlock delegated funds for project spending.

Building and permits: Coleman reported the following counts year-to-date: 70 new-residential permit applications; 126 'other' permits (roofs, mechanical, plumbing, right-of-way); 17 special permits (solar, cell towers, decks); total 213 applications year-to-date, down from 341 the prior year. She also reported active construction on multiple subdivisions and that the part-time code-enforcement officer has closed many cases and has seven open cases currently.

Why it matters: the report signals the city is proceeding on capital and maintenance programs, preparing for winter operations, and continuing a pipeline of housing construction while overall permit volume is down from last year.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular City Council Meeting 11 13 2024","oneSentenceSummary","Staff reported year-to-date development permit counts, completed asphalt patching, snow-season prep, community-center bid extension to Nov. 19 to include asbestos abatement and vandal-proof fixtures, and progress on a C‑TRAN park-and-ride bus pad and shelter installation.","taxTitle","La Center, Clark County, Washington","taxId",73809,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6392860,"Council reviews TDS franchise renewal; company agrees to site improvements and local contact",692,5551000,6243000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2108890-20817e465e7253a30effab5905693af5&start=5551&end=6243","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2108890-20817e465e7253a30effab5905693af5/thumbnail_5551000.jpg","/articles/6392860/La-Center/Clark-County/Washington/Council-reviews-TDS-franchise-renewal-company-agrees-to-site-improvements-and-local-contact","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6392860-887ea5d68625264b0e0cefb80871c64b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775005290&Signature=HVHrTmuC1wdQZWZSeiBwhTsdpSzneomJFQBrmWiMx-QpnDnpYK7jEaudV6dAtThDCOTxr70P3B4z-FMf-L8X77yAARG1ebfyaEADSYqQNwNI8HoO7gJMUTB5mXTPR72QQlNhyFirKx1u~VWv9W~ullNGXcSYpK7mDAPJlxOpuwE5YgUB1b2BfYMZszWUmndw0HvKM8lkLCUnZC6xrLNedEDcUhvKq64tinO-bCAeR02pNsIpUwRbxhQtvafFgQaqhUr0c8Ju6xJPKCqfd7M4E5UydjSKHtfkoohZ6M9YmhtLhsde-WXy28f6Zhbf-Gl5J6LLOde8JOdxF6ne3t0yYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City attorney Janine Parker presented a first reading of an ordinance renewing the franchise agreement with TDS Telecom. The draft ordinance extends the existing franchise for five years with largely the same terms and includes negotiated provisions requiring TDS to repair and improve an existing facility near city hall and to provide a local contact for city issues.

Parker said the agreement is consistent with earlier franchises and staff found the terms protective of the city. She noted Section 5(h) (as drafted) includes a requirement for the company to undertake particular repairs coordinated with staff. Mayor Stroban and Tracy Coleman said the agreement goes beyond prior versions by securing commitments to paint and improve the visible building near city hall.

No final vote was taken; the ordinance is subject to the special statute requiring franchise proposals be presented at least five days prior to final adoption. Council indicated support for returning the ordinance for adoption at the next meeting and asked staff to include a named local contact for TDS in the final draft.

Why it matters: franchise agreements authorize private telecom providers to place facilities in public right-of-way and set conditions governing work, maintenance and local points of contact; this draft adds community-facing improvements and a local contact.","Council received a first reading of a five-year franchise renewal with TDS Telecom; the draft keeps existing terms, adds a local contact and requires exterior repairs and repainting of a nearby telecom building as part of negotiated terms.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6392864,"La Center approves 2025 property tax levy; rate falls to $0.79 per $1,000 as assessed value rises",851,4660000,5511000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2108890-20817e465e7253a30effab5905693af5&start=4660&end=5511","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2108890-20817e465e7253a30effab5905693af5/thumbnail_4660000.jpg","/articles/6392864/La-Center/Clark-County/Washington/La-Center-approves-2025-property-tax-levy-rate-falls-to-079-per-1000-as-assessed-value-rises","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6392864-8c365e5215c52da25f1e3ab64a1ae39f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775005290&Signature=kWPQ0r0SrJPDYWZWuZMMM5QsPPumAnfc68GruMJC2MOMXSorsAbaJsLiDYyXrFk7L3Bv5Iigkbif6t7u8iQZ96gARi1Ey2LWcrmXoVlHpK0sNqj2~ExZ7vYtmVNg1inxmZG1hkKFU9P8LAlvem0ca4wPXfvuE3o-whnUVd9XGXxucHihEcu3MkijuHkuow-Lv~7y2Ks8gdrhYdc0rZL7lmYOZowakE2RS14ldJ8q5tzXQ17PSI2VInd556F5IylcreFX0jAYGnJw2mVxz2Ln99jWk9dxkOIX29XKJ2Gq~O8fLlXhE7OYg8275APPeE3Wtgj~mkzu53v7RD7UAPHjiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council adopted Ordinance 2024-14 setting the 2025 property tax levy and related revenue estimates after a public hearing. The ordinance increases property-tax revenue from the prior year by 1% (an added $6,904) while the city’s levy rate per $1,000 of assessed value falls from $0.81 to $0.79 because overall assessed value increased.

City staff reported the city’s total assessed value as of Jan. 1, 2024 at about $953.0 million (up roughly $31.1 million, a 3.7% increase). New-construction assessed value for 2024 was shown as $70.8 million (an 8.3% increase). City staff also reported a planned transfer from the sewer utility to the general fund of $400,000.

Maria Inskeep, presenting the revenue analysis, confirmed city staff plan no change to the sewer monthly charge for 2025; the sewer monthly fee will remain $66.00 and the stormwater maintenance fee will remain at $10.60. Inskeep said the city is conducting a sewer study that could inform future rate adjustments but no change was adopted in the ordinance.

Roll-call votes recorded councilmember responses: Casperg — Yes; Boyle — Yes; Leija — Yes; Cervini — Yes; Councilmember Fox was absent and excused. The ordinance passed by majority roll-call vote.

Why it matters: approving the ordinance sets the city’s legal levy for 2025 and locks in the tax revenue projections used in the 2025 budget. While assessed values increased, the levy-rate decrease means the rate per $1,000 of valuation is lower than the prior year even as total levy revenue rises slightly.","Council approved Ordinance 2024-14, increasing the city’s property tax levy revenue by 1% for 2025 (an additional $6,904) while the levy rate per $1,000 of assessed value falls to $0.79 due to higher assessed values; sewer and stormwater monthly fees unchanged.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6392869,"Council sets Dec. 11 hearing on vacating 0.47-acre Paradise Park Road parcel to Cowlitz Tribe",1256,3341000,4597000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2108890-20817e465e7253a30effab5905693af5&start=3341&end=4597","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2108890-20817e465e7253a30effab5905693af5/thumbnail_3341000.jpg","/articles/6392869/La-Center/Clark-County/Washington/Council-sets-Dec-11-hearing-on-vacating-047-acre-Paradise-Park-Road-parcel-to-Cowlitz-Tribe","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6392869-4decfc9ee022043ef994e4a8b6bca487/orig.mp4?Expires=1775005290&Signature=FpXlTBM00GSsLOPEsZV3RD3rJPR7qm5wsn4Gu7zb81oyzQPKldjGtel6CCPjbqWXunrjuuyDVIR2XdIFSLTYVoYT1rDymNjiw3KrLFuUv4-6wtXJ36sQgmDKGk1~V0xOk7CDcVCJp2yEgCOwIVM6LTzUSZRk12GCiCTyyyxgLfDu58PgapMdMIpWbbgb16uellW5dmdEVFXvT9CWQpNik6mMc90FEpcYuqKXdX1Z45h2ZaRjn91~FClWuoc~CPpSRrKdhmzMG-YVSdtws~1cSYOwDTprme2fpcWboYQ0x4VGwGKQY~-ZECnxs76Hcqi3-OAMFzhpuR7uJn4-lSYdcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council voted to set a public hearing for Dec. 11 to consider vacating about 0.47 acres of surplus right-of-way along the former Paradise Park Road alignment near the I‑5 northbound ramps, with staff recommending the city not require compensation because the Cowlitz Tribe reconstructed and improved the roadway as part of the 2017 interchange project.

Brian (presenting as city staff) explained the parcel was created when the Tribe relocated and rebuilt the Paradise Park alignment and curb to the east during interchange improvements. He said the city had contemplated the vacation during the earlier interlocal work but did not complete the legal steps at that time. The proposed Resolution 484 would set a public meeting on Dec. 11 to hear public comment and consider an ordinance to vacate the right of way.

Staff described utilities in the area: overhead power lines cross the parcel and would require an easement to remain or coordination with Clark PUD to relocate them; water and sewer lines were moved into the new alignment during the 2017 work and do not remain in the old right-of-way. Staff also recommended reserving utility easements if the vacation proceeds.

Council members asked about potential maintenance costs and liabilities if the city kept the parcel, including past transient encampments and associated cleanup costs. Tracy Coleman, community development and public works staff, said the city mows the area only a few times per year and estimated annual maintenance well under $1,000; she cautioned that refusing the vacation could mean increased maintenance and enforcement costs if development or transient activity increased. City attorney Janine Parker confirmed state law allows the council discretion to require compensation but that it is not uncommon to waive compensation when the requesting party previously reconstructed the roadway.

A motion to set the public hearing for Dec. 11, 2024 was moved and seconded; the resolution passed on a vote with recorded ayes and at least one abstention noted in the minutes. Staff were directed to return at the Dec. 11 hearing with additional details requested by the council, including an estimated parcel value, clearer maintenance cost data, and any needed utility-easement language.

Why it matters: vacating right-of-way transfers control to the Tribe and removes a small parcel from the city’s maintenance inventory, but creates questions about signage, easements for overhead power, and the potential for future development adjacent to I‑5.","Council approved Resolution 484 to set a public hearing on Dec. 11 to consider vacating roughly 0.47 acres of an old Paradise Park Road right-of-way; staff recommended no compensation because the Tribe reconstructed the new alignment in 2017.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6392874,"La Center adopts 2025 legislative priorities; seeks narrow Growth Management Act exemption for sewer to Cowlitz Tribe",1547,874000,2421000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2108890-20817e465e7253a30effab5905693af5&start=874&end=2421","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2108890-20817e465e7253a30effab5905693af5/thumbnail_874000.jpg","/articles/6392874/La-Center/Clark-County/Washington/La-Center-adopts-2025-legislative-priorities-seeks-narrow-Growth-Management-Act-exemption-for-sewer-to-Cowlitz-Tribe","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6392874-69d633e57b1a6bc76e4bf7e249a6c746/orig.mp4?Expires=1775005290&Signature=iA~Qcf2ULFOjaZBjJWLqrMIsxJMOf-NAVUl1vin4Aat9lylrzm9iYKjIJvMs1kkyiOr-uarUEAF6VQzUYM4WyOIfRXX5mn6vcawjnXbhJQ1eG49bCKDDTfyRThSFJKKInf8aH6pf2EZ205lVmW-sbJLC0Mns-~K~JzH38gxyuYlEBvfsmEq0oAJIRX-lmRnfwScCKEui9lNRqvfuRNAD2zl5gBjX64P0~4ZvX7DaQ29mmSC04LIMBAwpMRIyU30QWoA1uCh-VTRu0iBXqtcthmDvwJ8ymDo2UNgdrmBWNvn6BreHHL6TpI3YdaG9MEsH~4sg4rrL2tsjusAHpfbZ-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","La Center council voted to adopt a 2025 legislative agenda that includes a bill to allow the city to provide sewer service to the Cowlitz Tribe, a $4.5 million capital request for a downtown community plaza and a $1 million request for roadway lighting and safety improvements along the La Center Bridal (transportation) corridor.

Hannah Jones, the city’s contract lobbyist with Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Relations, told the council she will pursue a “very narrow exemption to the Growth Management Act to simply allow for partnership between the city and the Tribe.” Jones said the firm will seek a bill draft from the code reviser and will begin outreach to committee members once bills are filed.

The agenda lists two budget asks: $4.5 million for land acquisition and construction of a downtown plaza, and $1 million for lighting and safety improvements on the Bridal/La Center roadway. Jones also described a long-term priority for a roughly $25 million La Center Road corridor improvement package; that request is not being submitted this session but will remain on the city’s long-term list for potential inclusion in a broader transportation package. Jones said the city’s delegation in the 20th legislative district has been briefed and is supportive.

Jones summarized recent results the firm secured for La Center: $250,000 toward the La Center Community Center and $1 million for the Pacific shared-use path, funds the city will be eligible to receive on Jan. 1, 2025. She described a timeline of committee reorganization and bill prefiling in December and said she expects the local-government policy committees to be the first stop for the sewer exemption bill.

Council moved and seconded adoption of the legislative priorities; the motion passed on the voice vote. The council directed staff and the lobbyist to continue briefings with legislators, prepare required budget request forms, and pursue stakeholder letters of support for the funding requests.

Why it matters: the sewer exemption, if passed, would be a statutory change enabling a specific partnership between the city and the Tribe; the capital and transportation requests seek state funds that would directly support the city’s planned downtown and safety projects.","Council approved a legislative agenda that directs the city’s contract lobbyist to pursue a narrow legislative exemption to allow sewer service to the Cowlitz Tribe and seeks capital and transportation funding, including a $4.5 million downtown plaza request.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public works update: asphalt work complete; community center bids extended; C‑TRAN shelter due in January

Council reviews TDS franchise renewal; company agrees to site improvements and local contact

La Center approves 2025 property tax levy; rate falls to $0.79 per $1,000 as assessed value rises

Council sets Dec. 11 hearing on vacating 0.47-acre Paradise Park Road parcel to Cowlitz Tribe

La Center adopts 2025 legislative priorities; seeks narrow Growth Management Act exemption for sewer to Cowlitz Tribe