[{"_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",6235423,"mediaKeyId","3400784-dac40ad8ea0cfd83010cef95167dbcec","parentId",3400784,"title","Regional EMS oversight, interlocal purchasing and contract teams advanced by EMS administrative board","audioSeconds",249,"startMs",773000,"endMs",1022000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3400784-dac40ad8ea0cfd83010cef95167dbcec&start=773&end=1022","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3400784-dac40ad8ea0cfd83010cef95167dbcec/thumbnail_773000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6235423/Battle-Ground-City/Clark-County/Washington/Regional-EMS-oversight-interlocal-purchasing-and-contract-teams-advanced-by-EMS-administrative-board","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235423-c5ab06806a6ed3488f7226b648e07b4d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775829135&Signature=S1jo5V4jnl0EbYAgBvsL2JzA0GAZ1CBUzraWvbJGExADEWKuEZl8dHme~U3GA5z6dnd0Jrpdw~-8991FfFQR~kGWMrXpJbtey14NbQwvp6uxPs0a5N2~LBpvdGpipv5R~HoBjoMwvtCxE4XQDeBFBop012uyq4nG52xn1OZa0~58QT5qdOymhbWsk~8Zc4jbzajvm~Q8ITDt6w4lNKh8CvDn9i8mabVyfvgHkDUc9PaHKPhyT1ZmmBCV0k8TcDs0j2W0RNSUJpyTQQeL1pdoJMivVPFn6DgedL3G~LLxtpUjTMGyqEVtPtsm4US33fz6f2vJVaci5e37g34h0d6Heg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Battle Ground City, WA","date","2025-05-20T12:19:54.767Z","article","A council member reported May 19 on recent action by the emergency medical services (EMS) policy and administrative group representing multiple local fire districts and county partners. The regional committee approved an interlocal cooperative purchasing agreement with the City of Vancouver to allow cooperative procurement and \"piggybacking\" on existing contracts.

The committee also approved an EMS administrative board composed of six members: the three district fire chiefs representing the participating fire districts, the EMS medical program director, a local hospital administrator, and a CRESA (regional emergency services association) director or alternate. In addition, the committee approved a contract negotiation team consisting of Clark County legal staff, Clark County Contract Administration, and the three chiefs from the participating fire districts.

Council members said the approvals represent progress toward more centralized contract administration and oversight as the EMS service area phases out a temporary work group. The report did not include a formal council action that night; council accepted the update as a summary report. Staff said these governance and procurement changes are intended to improve coverage and contract management for emergency medical services going forward.

Why it matters: The administrative and contract teams define decision-making and legal oversight for regional EMS procurement and coverage, and the interlocal purchasing agreement can speed procurement by allowing the jurisdictions to use existing contracts.

Next steps: Staff and participating agencies will implement the administrative board and contract negotiation team roles; no budget vote or contract award was taken at this meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","05-19-2025 Battle Ground City Council Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Council received a report that EMS administrative and contract-negotiation teams were approved by the regional EMS board; the structure assigns chiefs, medical and hospital representatives, and county contract/legal staff to oversight and negotiation roles.","taxTitle","Battle Ground City, Clark County, Washington","taxId",53947,"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},6235427,"Council adopts ordinance seeking lower aspirational speed limits on State Highways 502 and 503",641,6595000,7236000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3400784-dac40ad8ea0cfd83010cef95167dbcec&start=6595&end=7236","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3400784-dac40ad8ea0cfd83010cef95167dbcec/thumbnail_6595000.jpg","/articles/6235427/Battle-Ground-City/Clark-County/Washington/Council-adopts-ordinance-seeking-lower-aspirational-speed-limits-on-State-Highways-502-and-503","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235427-9f2668db5af28e5cbb55878a5198e354/orig.mp4?Expires=1775829135&Signature=iiq3ZnmVEkh1TznkcmlA6aL~te751nGdHtXllqwh-GfZf9o6Jv2PSxY~88L-Oj1fbZn-tfhZueeuVnmryibxv1lyfQR50~yLLru3yaNVhbFnOOjqhVDAAc3waEP6btcgv~PWRnQgEiwT023Ao8jFi2yoxzmDNqaHUdTYC5XTAlHTbHXNa8DvaG46meViS6p29Dd99ZZczFNtqjEzf7Awn4gRFSaHBcjMZk9AyUFqar5vh2nvmE93RHKFkejWspCSAHTop1pqh4dqRrK5V8GdmSC6Imeoo1LC27cCs8iyOWdM2EfrSxa~063l2YhxM2thko6InW672sdLxq3KEWWgRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council adopted Ordinance 2025-04 May 19 amending local code language to state the city's desired speed limits for State Route 502 (30 mph) and State Route 503 (40 mph) as corridor improvements proceed.

City staff explained the ordinance sets the city's aspirational speed objectives and is intended to inform Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) decision-making as safety and infrastructure changes occur. WSDOT retains authority to set and post legally enforceable speed limits; staff and council discussed that posted signage and enforcement will reflect the state process and timing.

Council member questions focused on when posted limits and enforcement will change. Staff said WSDOT is working through corridor studies; a WSDOT update on SR 502 speed limits was expected around July and the SR 503 corridor would return to council in June for additional discussion. The council adopted the ordinance by motion (Deputy Mayor Bowman moved; Council member Overholzer seconded); the clerk read the ordinance title before the vote.

Why it matters: These corridors carry regional traffic and changes to posted speed limits affect safety, traffic flow and enforcement. The ordinance communicates the city's policy preference to WSDOT while recognizing the state's legal authority over state highways.

Next steps: Council and staff will coordinate with WSDOT on timing and signage; staff noted WSDOT-led updates are already underway for Dollar's Corner and other segments.","By unanimous vote, the council adopted Ordinance 2025-04 asking WSDOT to set aspirational speed limits for State Route 502 at 30 mph and State Route 503 at 40 mph as corridor improvements proceed; the ordinance provides policy direction while final posting remains under state authority.",{"_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},6235432,"Council sets June public hearing for 2026-2031 six-year transportation improvement plan",440,4786000,5226000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3400784-dac40ad8ea0cfd83010cef95167dbcec&start=4786&end=5226","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3400784-dac40ad8ea0cfd83010cef95167dbcec/thumbnail_4786000.jpg","/articles/6235432/Battle-Ground-City/Clark-County/Washington/Council-sets-June-public-hearing-for-2026-2031-six-year-transportation-improvement-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235432-482d28fff75115d4b89d4044648fbd13/orig.mp4?Expires=1775829135&Signature=FYqXhxFs~4oAi8~GrTmUXJdV7rLnNbZ0bjrcOtALvw8T4iYAlV4t~RhYWV70~NxC60Gcx86OpD3Qa-ZzifCeIL2Oby1vYm9JKHS2ARP~5o64x1Fu9OwzEtJGZNsCJK3dfnjm1Y54S2KdUQLey1joDEViB1jrzSiJN38gPkLY32yPYXgMNAUjyVM6x5oj4FjGtJ-DwMlWUyvMkd80lZ8753R6r9A7NMqoo4b1eOqceZL98HadwBvCcMsG5rsSV2g5BvV0o17xRrA1kJyEu9ju~VAhAMHrAuAbPy7VOVUzewo-PujLZMdwF8M82QOKgJ5WFPMmiTe7YwY~OOKl7OsjLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mark Hersey, City Engineer, presented the draft 2026-2031 six-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and explained the state requirement to adopt or update the TIP by July 1 to remain eligible for state and federal grants.

The draft TIP adds the Old Town East Main Street improvements funded in part by a $500,000 state allocation and removes two projects (the 15th and Main intersection and the 20th Avenue pathway) that will be obligated for construction this year. Hersey said there is no statutorily required ordering of projects in the plan, but the city has historically listed funded projects first.

Council member Davis asked specific questions about project types, including that the Southwest Rasmussen Boulevard item labeled \"signal\" will be a roundabout, and that South Parkway/Rasmussen will ultimately require a traffic signal funded through mitigation because of concurrency failures. Hersey said staff will correct the TIP language to reflect the roundabout designation.

Action: The council set a public hearing on the 2026-2031 TIP for its June 16, 2025 regular meeting and directed staff to return with the plan for formal adoption after the hearing.

Why it matters: The TIP functions as the city's capital prioritization list for transportation projects and is a prerequisite to apply for state and federal transportation grants.

Next steps: Staff will publish required notice for the June 16 public hearing and return with any revisions and a motion for formal adoption following the hearing.","The council set a public hearing for June 16 on the city's proposed 2026-2031 six-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), including an addition for Old Town East Main Street improvements and removal of two projects now under construction.",{"_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},6235437,"Council asks staff to draft ordinance adopting parks board hours and rules, with pickleball hours flagged for neighbor review",895,4759000,5654000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3400784-dac40ad8ea0cfd83010cef95167dbcec&start=4759&end=5654","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3400784-dac40ad8ea0cfd83010cef95167dbcec/thumbnail_4759000.jpg","/articles/6235437/Battle-Ground-City/Clark-County/Washington/Council-asks-staff-to-draft-ordinance-adopting-parks-board-hours-and-rules-with-pickleball-hours-flagged-for-neighbor-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235437-3d085313f7d821789533c70aa3da3cb8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775829135&Signature=URjm-IrjDoWUgH0vmsOokaAFn6EScCV1lElEEsOqgBw~GISsRkUoHyno5NQKjCdErNA0IkRnYO3AmCBAZjRPdgw69t49S27WxaixtEz1HxShtfj2TH-GcCnLhifCn0CZBRMdnsdg8Fme6o4Fs6y1TVXV2jCikOworyue-hBFQpfv0VQwXTenct5GqelofjwrYWnHxTIZsmBqyDFqr5vBPBsUtdbNjAVoBafkS6M5zn6Br0M7x4zaJrDQGymZsmCqNjEcd2C-1MFYQCnddUf4NNrg1KBTAe9lSYahUS5zCWqEJQq-jgiNcvEdyWD8xJKIjwzJ6DrgEeiiqtZDdQ76VA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City engineer Mark Hersey presented proposed citywide park rules and hours May 19 and summarized the Parks Board's recommendations for amendments to Battleground Municipal Code (BGMC) on park hours, permitted uses and signage.

The Parks Board recommended general park hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; facility-specific hours for Kiwanis pickleball and basketball courts of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and a skate-park schedule of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The board also recommended adding geocaching as an allowed use (without damage), and an explicit ban on smoking and vaping in city parks.

Council members asked questions about lighting, neighbor impacts at the new pickleball courts, drainage and site security near the sound wall, and whether trees would be planted as screening. Staff said the pickleball project was nearing completion and that 15-gallon (approximately 5'6 feet tall at planting) trees would be installed as part of landscaping. Staff acknowledged unresolved drainage concerns and said the project manager had addressed issues in the field; staff committed to follow up with the council on remaining stormwater and downspout details.

Council members expressed mixed preferences on fixed hours versus keeping the city's current dawn-to-dusk standard until the courts have been used. Parks board members had suggested trial hours for lit facilities to allow adjustments based on actual noise and neighbor feedback. Several council members supported adding geocaching and banning smoking.

Action: The council gave direction and consensus to staff to draft an ordinance reflecting the Parks Board recommendations and to bring the ordinance forward for public hearing and adoption. Council asked staff to be responsive to neighbor complaints after facilities open and to consider trial or temporary adjustments if needed.

Why it matters: The new pickleball courts and other lit facilities change how and when parks are used; the council balanced recreational access against neighbor concerns about noise and drainage. The updated rules would also formalize practices already in place (smoking restrictions) and clarify permitted activities.

Next steps: Staff will prepare an ordinance for public hearing and return to the council with the draft and any recommended refinements, including follow-up information on drainage and screening.","After a presentation on park rules and hours, the council directed staff to draft an ordinance reflecting Parks Board recommendations (general hours, facility-specific hours, geocaching allowed, smoking/vaping ban) and to bring it forward for public hearing; pickleball hours will be monitored for neighbor impacts.",{"_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},6235442,"Battle Ground council votes to keep proclamation authority but narrows criteria after month-long pause",3002,1297000,4299000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3400784-dac40ad8ea0cfd83010cef95167dbcec&start=1297&end=4299","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3400784-dac40ad8ea0cfd83010cef95167dbcec/thumbnail_1297000.jpg","/articles/6235442/Battle-Ground-City/Clark-County/Washington/Battle-Ground-council-votes-to-keep-proclamation-authority-but-narrows-criteria-after-month-long-pause","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235442-c92aca514580d2f88854fdbb3e22bab5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775829135&Signature=YJCehGqEYIdnjGzlEXTgtHr6uumGDzYGHOitUVfleM6M4DQnMMe9eAnnxxWDdfwZuZmr50ro3ELhRTXx9lCvRdELJn0Hxbc6UAf8m2znuGLttODkX8lLY0py858dJ8rvTU9nu1Bav0wPWkkTs~jwkt1L~ZQ79OKxcB~r~FWCv9FBmMt730BM6s3nFom4TXr~ge5Lu7WF3Ljm3n7-6ShFbM~Y6U8BzxztfDXzF2VOm6jl9EdmG4QD5hnMXltheWtH2aEnKXnLwHtApTVEn75WZrcZKsMsVMnaN0dgm8JthZ3ILEBwWiViXhQIkGbF4n5T7ftZLlUHYQfefLnuDkWQSQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Troy McCoy convened the Battle Ground City Council May 19 for a lengthy public discussion about the city's proclamation process after nearly 11 months in which no proclamations were issued.

The debate followed public comment from residents who said proclamations signal inclusion and civic recognition. Several speakers, including Jessica Cole and David Terry, urged the council to restore or reform the process; others and some council members said the existing language has legal and procedural risk.

The issue was raised formally by Council member Overholzer, who said the proclamation pause followed a vote last year on a June proclamation and that several protected-class recognitions went unissued afterward. Overholzer moved to remove Section 21 (Proclamations) from the governance manual in its entirety. That motion failed 2-5. After further discussion, the council voted 4-3 to remove subsection 21(a)(2) from the governance manual, leaving mayoral proclamation authority but narrowing a previously added criterion that had allowed a one-third minority to block proclamations.

City legal counsel Harper advised the council on First Amendment principles and potential litigation risk. Harper said governmental speech (like a mayoral proclamation) generally is not covered by the First Amendment in the same way as private speech, but he cautioned that the process of deliberation can create exposure if council members make statements that suggest discriminatory intent. Deputy City Manager Robert Perrier summarized the current governance manual language and said staff would implement council direction.

Public commenters framed the stakes as symbolic and civic. Jessica Cole said proclamations \"signal belonging\" and urged repair of the process; David Terry and several others said the city should ensure all groups may request recognition. Other speakers expressed concern that proclamations had been applied inconsistently. Mayor McCoy and Deputy Mayor Bowman defended mayoral discretion while acknowledging the need for clearer rules to avoid perceived unfairness or legal challenge.

Outcome: The council did not remove proclamations entirely. It voted to eliminate the specific subsection that allowed a minority threshold to block proclamations (motion passed 4-3) after rejecting a motion to strike Section 21 in full (motion failed 2-5). Council directed staff to update the governance manual consistent with the vote and to return with any necessary resolution.

Why it matters: Residents and advocacy groups said proclamations provide visibility to community groups and mark civic values; council members said the city must balance that visibility with consistent procedure and legal risk.

The council moved on to other agenda items after directing staff to prepare amendments; no additional proclamation requests were approved that evening.","Battle Ground City Council debated and voted May 19 on whether to remove or revise the city's proclamation process after public comment about past rejections. Council rejected a full repeal but approved narrowing the governance manual criteria for proclamations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Regional EMS oversight, interlocal purchasing and contract teams advanced by EMS administrative board

Council adopts ordinance seeking lower aspirational speed limits on State Highways 502 and 503

Council sets June public hearing for 2026-2031 six-year transportation improvement plan

Council asks staff to draft ordinance adopting parks board hours and rules, with pickleball hours flagged for neighbor review

Battle Ground council votes to keep proclamation authority but narrows criteria after month-long pause