[{"_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",6075652,"mediaKeyId","2979237-79c12b8315e16b4d3955c4b13c5f246b","parentId",2979237,"title","Public commenters press council on downtown benches and conservative budgeting resolution","audioSeconds",194,"startMs",215000,"endMs",409000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2979237-79c12b8315e16b4d3955c4b13c5f246b&start=215&end=409","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2979237-79c12b8315e16b4d3955c4b13c5f246b/thumbnail_215000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6075652/Walla-Walla/Walla-Walla-County/Washington/Public-commenters-press-council-on-downtown-benches-and-conservative-budgeting-resolution","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075652-9e3b0afc0c780c9e92c8be643ede0392/orig.mp4?Expires=1775218861&Signature=HXJQWlIXzDlJk5POKZNU-CNePLaj8yOQa1i-oh~YC6-M7TN0wyFha-~-Yp4S0MtMpkLTuSybMSmDzJD0wHLUzXIwYlgvqCwi68tM6Ds~3o6xPDZqGTLMyFrikWTFjFDZHc9nu4w1mW2HGonBWjxzBHN3U5mA30TomA9~XfvIj6KceN54R3nObSGx8RGgk-hJRqCjXeIUxp2d~IFx2hUpSWelxAS5fX6~9112gyDxTNjfnlKubKkRwpti9MBCtXjUQG~u~OAd4xNflJAlT3cdz02FhgZAhMn4u~aDMC4pSpKFprAfBHZA4IrXjXtqf4wtvllCr9srFvrNXdKHtWxXLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Walla Walla City, WA","date","2025-03-26T00:00:00Z","article","At the March 26 meeting the council heard two public comments unrelated to the formal agenda: one asking the city to replace benches downtown and another urging a budgetary restraint resolution.

Sharon K. Schiller, who identified herself as a Walla Walla resident at 1414 Topaz Street, told council that benches have been removed from downtown over the last decade and that seating near the Walla Walla Library and transit center has become scarce. Schiller described people waiting outside the library and the difficulty of sitting on planters or bike racks and asked the council to consider restoring benches; she said, “places to sit have become more scarce, namely benches.”

On Zoom, Robert Lee urged council to place a resolution on a future consent agenda that would prohibit approval of any budget or contract amendment obligating the city to additional expenditures within the current biennial budget period unless sufficient cash or guaranteed receivables already exist. Lee described the approach as “no budget or contract amendment obligating the City to additional expenditures within the current biannual budget period would be approved without sufficient funding already in a cash or cash equivalent status.” He said he would email suggested language to council.

Ending: Council received both comments during the public‑comment period. No formal action was taken during the meeting on bench replacement or on Mr. Lee’s proposed resolution; both matters would require staff follow‑up or placement on a future agenda for consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 26, 2025\tCity Council - Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","During public comment the council heard from a resident urging replacement of benches near the downtown library and a Zoom commenter urging the council to adopt a resolution to avoid approving budget obligations without confirmed cash or guaranteed receivables.","taxTitle","Walla Walla, Walla Walla County, Washington","taxId",59846,"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},6075657,"Council approves Mill District development agreement and Equinox preliminary plat",1777,4937000,6714000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2979237-79c12b8315e16b4d3955c4b13c5f246b&start=4937&end=6714","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2979237-79c12b8315e16b4d3955c4b13c5f246b/thumbnail_4937000.jpg","/articles/6075657/Walla-Walla/Walla-Walla-County/Washington/Council-approves-Mill-District-development-agreement-and-Equinox-preliminary-plat","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075657-8f2ab5bbb8ec4f6d25d2c3fe3a6f9eb8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775218861&Signature=hSI8VF77UjFWX8HYj0~A~o8fdnMNs~WNd1mp0wY2D5Q9tZPMjL-8J4Q1B-6-0lVoRabJoP5S72PgIiWizhuNwJrJNHGK-whsf1X7axBxgdDQR0hCigCMhEBYTE6rIDf9FIPH1F3t2VXqodh3Xj7~l0deWKapN11GVP3zJa7NeimgbuX7SFo43Q1apPOoKlzWs7qQuUUa3OVTNTv0hGbuFsUK0z8fim5ARzmOYRtJ2FEEawFQKXuTzC32rUarbD-VeT7LTJY4cprR84IQsEJ5-8n~ep9Jrhdax4vvcvNaYDsa2Z6zbRdWllXJOxSqjQ9txwSX9JAzCZHquIOUVOQXSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Walla Walla City Council voted March 26 to accept the hearing examiner’s recommendation and approve a proposed development agreement covering the Mill District Urban Planned Community and, separately, approved the Equinox Subdivision preliminary plat, which is part of the wider Mill District plan.

What was before council: Planning staff described the Mill District area east of Myra Road and north of Rose Street as an urban planned community with roughly 42 acres under a coordinated concept that includes residential blocks, pathways, Mill Creek shoreline enhancements and a future mixed‑use area near a key intersection. The Equinox preliminary plat covers the residential subdivision portion of the overall Mill District proposal and, as presented to the hearing examiner, included roughly 119 residential units on about 23 acres, new block connectivity and extensions of Offner and Avery streets.

Hearing and standards: Council held a closed‑record, quasi‑judicial hearing. Planning staff and the hearing examiner framed their recommendation around compliance with the city comprehensive plan, adopted development regulations and site plan review recommendations. Staff told council the application had been through notice, Site Plan Review Committee review and a hearing, and that conditions recommended by the hearing examiner are aimed at addressing irrigation easement issues, right‑of‑way needs and shoreline‑related review for development within a shoreline setback.

Council questions and context: Council members asked about unresolved private‑property irrigation easements and right‑of‑way acquisition; staff said conditions require resolution as part of initial plan review and that the city is pursuing necessary right‑of‑way. Council members also discussed comprehensive‑plan consistency, affordable‑housing considerations and how the development agreement sets phasing and standards that future permits must meet. The council emphasized that development permits and shoreline permits will be required for any construction within the shoreline setback.

Outcome and next steps: The council approved both the development agreement and the Equinox preliminary plat by recorded motions accepting the hearing examiner’s recommendations. Staff said they will carry the hearing examiner’s conditions into permit review and will monitor compliance as final plats and building permits proceed.

Ending: With approvals in hand, the Mill District concept proceeds to permit and implementation phases; staff will track required conditions, right‑of‑way acquisitions and any shoreline permits that may be needed.","After a closed‑record hearing, council accepted the hearing examiner’s findings and approved a development agreement for the Mill District Urban Planned Community and the Equinox Subdivision preliminary plat.",{"_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},6075662,"Council approves $826,120 contract amendment for Myra Road South Extension oversight",90,3600000,3690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2979237-79c12b8315e16b4d3955c4b13c5f246b&start=3600&end=3690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2979237-79c12b8315e16b4d3955c4b13c5f246b/thumbnail_3600000.jpg","/articles/6075662/Walla-Walla/Walla-Walla-County/Washington/Council-approves-826120-contract-amendment-for-Myra-Road-South-Extension-oversight","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075662-524a8ffe8663f431047c22730b75fbc3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775218861&Signature=gnlezvlzypAWNEthAGm-jU9bjI5ElLMKGB-af4XE3zxlw0gFBJ~1fnSDNSyet83DjP9pLJ75IxElgviz3qPuVMMxzL2O2bExNEGKoN6VeIbd8sp4FeroEGWwcpAB6NyuU34QL4vs8Z0TyNJDdq1sdaqhsJy~xYeeNwuRHgdSgoCdHIBBlSGG9~J2K8a1hylgWmY8KVUXV4Nm1q8QC5sGJdhZ8BwtSTw7-dAo~k4r5Bf6hzguZ~S3nJUEkeyZENEEmGvsvpJuSuv0pH6qsDKftfT5np0seeGLC-3E83H4TKv5fYyKxLYv~0VUghVlslTNQjvI3LOUpsdzOf~sMB-QRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Walla Walla City Council voted March 26 to authorize a $826,120 contract amendment with Consort North America, Inc. for construction engineering support on the Myra Road South Extension project.

Why it matters: Staff described the Myra Road project as large and complex, with significant interfaces with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) standards and requirements. The contract amendment is a time‑and‑materials, not‑to‑exceed agreement to provide construction administration, special inspections (including retaining walls and cement‑amended soils), submittal reviews and additional staffing support because city engineering resources will be managing multiple concurrent projects.

What staff said: Mr. Bealey (public works/engineering staff) told council the amendment keeps the engineer of record and consultant support available through construction so staff can rely on their review of submittals and specialized inspections. He said staff expects variable monthly hours based on construction schedule and that additional funding could be requested if the construction period extends.

Council questions and direction: Council members asked whether the road will be designed for a 25‑year storm event; staff said city standard is to design for a 25‑year, 24‑hour storm for most local roads and that highway standards are typically higher. Councilors and staff discussed that the recent construction bid came in substantially below engineer’s estimate, but staff said that lower bid does not change the scope or oversight required of the engineering consultant.

Outcome: The motion to approve the amendment passed unanimously. Staff said monthly invoices will be provided and that the department will report milestones and WSDOT coordination to council as the project advances.","Council authorized a not-to-exceed $826,120 time‑and‑materials amendment with Consort North America for construction engineering support on the Myra Road South Extension project, citing WSDOT coordination and project complexity.",{"_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},6075666,"Votes at a glance: council approves consent agenda and several active resolutions",3375,585000,3960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2979237-79c12b8315e16b4d3955c4b13c5f246b&start=585&end=3960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2979237-79c12b8315e16b4d3955c4b13c5f246b/thumbnail_585000.jpg","/articles/6075666/Walla-Walla/Walla-Walla-County/Washington/Votes-at-a-glance-council-approves-consent-agenda-and-several-active-resolutions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075666-b66d3436fcd6a7cdbab6c826a175a4a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775218861&Signature=DSKMGwKX4XM4P59EPF4yiIlbCImxTR7NfTRW6ubxpHj196i2Elv7CluAKxNueVqyIpN40quPvJecb-HpZYIcmUcwoNIbn3VYQmeYBHoLANY~IAdUc1XpU29z8V0i-wgRNTh0yYy~odXctZ46Nsrj~n-4WgmUIzX1HAO56~ByVwgoGg~rw4k~dWnDqAhyRNnFAkVcIaPl~4NVTbQQI8Ra5yLM4wtv~z7Tt~QTE-29SV~8Npgiau5zhPXWc~-88u86ERJwQbAmek2SYbG8l22cSTVF7RYz20064u-Jz775bJm4xTKqsRXjlWQ~OgS-MImN~onMvHAZTxNwf~A~mKPC~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Walla Walla City Council voted unanimously to approve a seven‑item consent agenda and then approved a series of active resolutions on March 26, 2025.

What passed at the meeting

- Consent agenda (items a–g): Council approved seven items on a single motion. The clerk summarized those items as follows: a) Resolution 2025‑023 ratifying an emergency declaration for repairs to an influent pump at the wastewater treatment plant; b) Ordinances 2025‑4 and 2025‑5 amending the maintenance and operations budget and the capital improvement project budget for the 2025‑26 biennium; c) Resolution 2025‑524 (packet) authorizing a professional services contract amendment with PBS Engineering and Environmental for construction engineering support on the Howard IRRP project; d) Resolution 2025‑525 authorizing a contract amendment with Anderson Perry and Associates for design of utility improvements on Reeser Road and Wilbur Avenue; e) Resolution 2025‑526 authorizing replacement purchases of eight fleet vehicles and equipment (total purchasing cost $1,193,940); f) Resolution 2025‑527 approving a contract with Tyler New World Systems for computer‑aided dispatch and records management services; and g) approval of minutes for prior meetings. The consent motion was moved and seconded and carried unanimously.

- Resolution 2025‑028 (active agenda item B): Council approved a contract amendment with Consort North America, Inc. for construction engineering support on the Myra Road South Extension project in the amount of $826,120. The contract is time‑and‑materials not‑to‑exceed; staff said the larger size and complexity of the Myra Road project and coordination with WSDOT explain the amount. Motion carried unanimously.

- Resolution 2025‑029 (active agenda item C): Council approved an adjustment of the city limit boundary to include a portion of property owned by Encore Farms LLC. Staff said the state statute allows boundary line adjustments where property is partially in the city and partially in the county; the measure now goes to the county commissioners for concurrent action. Motion carried unanimously.

- Resolution 2025‑030 (active agenda item D): Council accepted the hearing examiner’s recommendation and approved a development agreement for the Mill District Urban Planned Community (the “Mill District”). The council held a closed‑record quasi‑judicial hearing on the matter prior to action. Motion carried unanimously.

- Resolution 2025‑031 (active agenda item E): Council approved the hearing examiner’s recommendation for the Equinox Subdivision preliminary plat, a residential subdivision proposed as part of the Mill District development. Motion carried unanimously.

- Minutes approval (active agenda item F): Council approved minutes for the March 10 work session and the March 12 regular meeting; vote recorded 6‑0 with Council member Reyna abstaining from that minutes vote.

Vote procedure and attendance

A roll call at the start of the meeting recorded Council member Casey, Council member Esco, Council member Moss, Council member Reyna (present), Council member Robinson, Council member Willis and Mayor Scrivner as present. For the motions where the council called the vote, council members indicated “Aye” and the mayor declared motions carried unanimously except where noted for the minutes approval.

Ending

There were no failed motions recorded. Where staff requested follow up (for example, final CDBG allocations or county concurrence on boundary adjustments), council asked staff to return with final documents and to coordinate next steps.","The Walla Walla City Council approved seven consent items and passed five active resolutions on March 26 addressing emergency repairs, budget amendments, contracts, boundary adjustment, development agreements and a construction engineering amendment.",{"_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},6075671,"Council holds public hearing on 2025 CDBG plan as staff warns federal funding may be cut",737,1391000,2128000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2979237-79c12b8315e16b4d3955c4b13c5f246b&start=1391&end=2128","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2979237-79c12b8315e16b4d3955c4b13c5f246b/thumbnail_1391000.jpg","/articles/6075671/Walla-Walla/Walla-Walla-County/Washington/Council-holds-public-hearing-on-2025-CDBG-plan-as-staff-warns-federal-funding-may-be-cut","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075671-f3101d6b97d7e5744decded266bc1581/orig.mp4?Expires=1775218861&Signature=eynipZj6XgQOf8KznK8kt5~XluN1AHDm1Y2OQJU-IA~BKKucsFHQRt1pClC2McCOHWd2HSAzPwuiKMuHVWLOv3sGnH3kg7UvmgbNa1cVBUX-oyDk7bNbMolBgHDjeUb8NuhgyRUrb7YZoVIeYtwV-pRpUAYxWeFzgD26w4Z8ECbiGk12sFbTIdt4wjZ8721qjr44bU6tIFF2vBLYGryV~k13ek~0tIfRrksaIMYG12VhxoX4JPBNQNVTSwsXfF60f0AhjAmuJBIuH8GIZ-dNj9EtpNQ-wdIUOL18Jx1ZbAfBJDZeyzMI5grAfsO~5of4gkz28NE9HnMGcg0UWklZIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Walla Walla City Council held a public hearing March 26 on the draft 2025 Community Development Block Grant annual action plan and heard several community partners outline proposed uses for expected 2025 CDBG funds.

CDBG program coordinator Lydia Caudle told council she had presented “the entire CDBG budget” to the city for the first time and described a set of proposed projects that, together, target affordable and accessible housing, childcare, neighborhood cleanups, home repairs and case management for people experiencing homelessness. Caudle also said the federal 2025 allocation will remain at the 2024 level after a continuing resolution but warned the 2026 presidential budget request would eliminate CDBG funding.

Why it matters: CDBG provides flexible federal money for local housing, infrastructure and public-service projects that primarily serve low- and moderate-income residents. Council members said the program’s local leverage—Caudle described several projects that combine CDBG with other public and private funds—makes the city’s CDBG allocation influential beyond the dollar amount.

Caudle described a set of project proposals in the draft plan: two licensed child-care play areas through a partnership with the Walla Walla School District and Whitman College’s human-centered design program; a pilot homeownership/down-payment assistance component with Habitat for Humanity to support two duplexes and a triplex; continued homeowner and rental unit repairs; and funding for case management services delivered by BMAC to roughly 30 people experiencing homelessness. She said neighborhood cleanups and investments to address failing household sewer lines were also included in the draft. Caudle provided dollar-band estimates for capped categories (administration and planning at about 20 percent; public services at about 15 percent) and singled out a roughly $390,000 public-service bucket for neighborhood cleanup and other activities in low-income areas.

In public testimony, Felipe Gamboa of Upwards framed childcare as an economic and workforce issue: “so many families do not have the option to enter into the workforce because they cannot find reliable childcare,” he said, and described Upwards’ work with in‑home child-care providers. Caudle and several council members repeatedly tied project choices to community input and the consolidated plan, and council members praised the outreach the CDBG office conducted.

Council direction and next steps: Councilors agreed to draft a letter to the city’s congressional delegation urging them to protect CDBG funding. Caudle said she is preparing one-page materials and suggested hosting legislators to tour CDBG-funded projects. No formal funding decisions were made at the meeting; Caudle said she will return with a final annual action plan once the city’s final federal allocation is received.

Council reaction: Multiple council members thanked Caudle and the CDBG board for broader outreach and for proposals aimed at childcare and housing. Councilors discussed the program’s leveraging ratios and the city’s role in advocacy if federal funding is cut. Several council members committed to sign a letter drafted by staff asking state and federal representatives to maintain CDBG funding.

Ending: The council closed the hearing after brief public comment and directed staff to prepare outreach to the city’s legislative delegation and to return with a final action plan after the city’s allocation is confirmed.","City staff presented a draft 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual action plan emphasizing childcare, affordable housing pilot projects, homeowner repairs and services for people experiencing homelessness; council agreed to ask the city’s legislators to preserve CDBG funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public commenters press council on downtown benches and conservative budgeting resolution

Council approves Mill District development agreement and Equinox preliminary plat

Council approves $826,120 contract amendment for Myra Road South Extension oversight

Votes at a glance: council approves consent agenda and several active resolutions

Council holds public hearing on 2025 CDBG plan as staff warns federal funding may be cut