[{"_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",6220051,"mediaKeyId","3619196-ba60887710026f39ef43e3a53403854e","parentId",3619196,"title","Council accepts second reading of ethics ordinance; committee to return with procedural companion and final edits","audioSeconds",450,"startMs",6780000,"endMs",7230000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619196-ba60887710026f39ef43e3a53403854e&start=6780&end=7230","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619196-ba60887710026f39ef43e3a53403854e/thumbnail_6780000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6220051/Aberdeen/Grays-Harbor-County/Washington/Council-accepts-second-reading-of-ethics-ordinance-committee-to-return-with-procedural-companion-and-final-edits","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220051-105f9dfc2c1013684e2dcb0fb8e7bb8c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174500&Signature=eR1jKVuuxRTQ~8ZkAkYpQQnmGnoqPFwJUX-eVIRO3us3sBFw9bFQZAzb93vEmsOeuzIw9RvV8Bwv9CFmqA7W6VztuCS22Latd8soOuWYh54ZAaAdOCr~M1Xm7rid7YcliW0B6mfyrfI4-OomG6cqsWI3Tylln56dC9R3IP2etLvAxYy347NnAsGUlLHrJ2pCrlSTYvHrgrZ5ywlHipi6pDNmiGvnFPY9hHa~urR--RexZ9q7p-73jPzVFWvsRgdd99xa-Dg0APJYqWEOOo320ECU6CcWLGINYQuzYJ9mr4HZqIxXnc3PGDrndeAr141AJzAV1My~b2eYWN-3JHBYRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Aberdeen, WA","date","2025-05-29T19:46:44Z","article","Aberdeen’s City Council accepted the second reading Wednesday of a proposed amendment to the municipal code of ethics (AMC chapter 2.24) and agreed the council committee will return with a companion procedural document and further edits for a third reading.

Councilmembers said they want the public and council to see redlined changes before the third reading and that the committee would provide language addressing procedural details such as anonymized complaint handling and potential forfeiture of a seat. Committee members noted they had considered a gradual approach—bringing the ordinance forward now and the procedure later—so the council would have an ethics code in place while staff completes procedural language and legal review.

Councilmembers voted to accept the second reading by voice vote; the committee indicated it will circulate revised language and a companion procedure ahead of the third reading, currently anticipated in early June.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Aberdeen City Council Meeting 05/28/25","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved the second reading of an updated municipal code of ethics amendment while committee members said a companion procedural document and additional edits will be returned for a third reading; councilmembers requested tracked changes for the final packet.","taxTitle","Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County, Washington","taxId",71677,"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},6220056,"Council approves $229,009 in opioid-abatement expenditures; long-term funding level remains uncertain",190,4650000,4840000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619196-ba60887710026f39ef43e3a53403854e&start=4650&end=4840","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619196-ba60887710026f39ef43e3a53403854e/thumbnail_4650000.jpg","/articles/6220056/Aberdeen/Grays-Harbor-County/Washington/Council-approves-229009-in-opioid-abatement-expenditures-long-term-funding-level-remains-uncertain","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220056-4add14e11ddb95370a2315fec28f7cc3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174500&Signature=GHnOt0BxYTjHMA1wTl47B~9gDXGeZSrR8cdRoCd8dUaIQrFstfXpnxr9YCvE0UlmdgP4BW0J0nVrjcT3Iqpg~0XseTjmWqF41i~Nt49iTyF1NdTNWbnbJj7zHo6NITtsHfKG44qDxEkiGso~K0qmuXsgBsU0gUah4jrXyL7liFpz7CKyS3ZAU9Rt3WTAwN0gDxWMJD13y3X3DlNwa7BIapFFh11fPmsr2fmbKXiQAlS257dqTQqF92ZHeX-grCGSRw1jr725LeUl50zsHSpO1wN-qSpI3ovCMPG5KmzOgizSYO9syXJZGiJ58d45xXH2dyLpISVAucQas5GCtHb9tg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Aberdeen’s City Council voted Wednesday to approve $229,009 in expenditures recommended by the local opioid-abatement advisory group, drawing from settlement funds the city has received related to national opioid litigation.

Council discussion noted an initial lump-sum payment of roughly $371,000 to the city and that staff expect further payments in future years; those future amounts and schedules are not yet certain, with staff citing an estimate of about $60,000 a year from ongoing settlements but noting that future settlements and payment formats vary. The council questioned the rate at which the initial funds would be spent and asked staff to remain mindful of long-term program funding needs.

A voice vote carried the motion to approve the recommended expenditures. The council did not list individual projects in the public discussion at the meeting but adopted the staff recommendation as presented.","The council approved a recommendation to spend $229,009 from opioid abatement settlement funds; staff noted the city received an initial lump sum and expects additional payments that may vary in timing and amount.",{"_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},6220060,"Council authorizes $30,000 appraisal for DNR land in South Aberdeen to explore housing and mitigation options",935,5965000,6900000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619196-ba60887710026f39ef43e3a53403854e&start=5965&end=6900","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619196-ba60887710026f39ef43e3a53403854e/thumbnail_5965000.jpg","/articles/6220060/Aberdeen/Grays-Harbor-County/Washington/Council-authorizes-30000-appraisal-for-DNR-land-in-South-Aberdeen-to-explore-housing-and-mitigation-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220060-5674b0bcfa89354fd6c9e73ac11e6727/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174500&Signature=Habwv2~LNXVke7bduWORQAfri7VVUs3DaHDwYi3y72XkvUbLTok~ysKqddLrC3QLBoXlxN5a5Hu7QfZQqWgzg7k~XPPe~OsDZajPxWQGFkvGSLPQGLsLE9Wki2FEKtf1bg1lVb9QXsoeAM43hc1JLaRBzHodw3msMZCEKWm7Oy~hoV9E0ibu7hKC9SFX80LHZUfvMFvty11Hhg2Oo2laW-p6PBTZyDoxakFeGJhYHRpcnohc6xiibEwO56tnPg5UiDEHGHzV3lMtwfSnFDHPEg8pVRCmq4-ymIp66Qb212kc2pF6r~OzhtCIr3TJDpkCVTFGdFwMDeRZesb2S893gg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Aberdeen’s City Council on Wednesday authorized the mayor to sign a contract with the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to fund an appraisal—estimated at $30,000—of land in South Aberdeen that staff said could support housing development and provide wetlands mitigation credit.

Economic-development discussion at the meeting noted the city and a private developer had discussed using the land near the South Shore mall for mixed-use housing projects built with off-site, manufactured housing pods. Staff said DNR ownership and leasing policies make municipal acquisition a potential prerequisite for development and that owning nearby wetland acreage could help meet mitigation requirements for other city projects.

Councilmembers asked whether the appraisal obligates the city to purchase the land; staff said it does not obligate a purchase. Staff explained the intent: to determine market value and then evaluate options, including negotiating resale of the highest-value parcel to the mall owner so the city could recoup costs while retaining mitigation acreage and flood-control benefits. Staff also said the property includes a sewer easement and that surface flooding in parts of South Aberdeen is linked to changes made around the creek; city ownership could enable more direct repair and maintenance.

A motion to authorize the mayor to sign the appraisal contract passed by voice vote. Staff said they will return with the appraisal results and any recommended next steps, including potential partnership or sale terms, before the council would consider a purchase.","The council authorized the mayor to sign an agreement with the Washington Department of Natural Resources to obtain an appraisal of several parcels in South Aberdeen; staff said the appraisal is the first step toward potential acquisition to support housing, flood mitigation and wetland credits.",{"_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},6220066,"Council tables vote on new Wishkah River Bridge welcome sign after public concern over readability and outreach",1862,4018000,5880000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619196-ba60887710026f39ef43e3a53403854e&start=4018&end=5880","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619196-ba60887710026f39ef43e3a53403854e/thumbnail_4018000.jpg","/articles/6220066/Aberdeen/Grays-Harbor-County/Washington/Council-tables-vote-on-new-Wishkah-River-Bridge-welcome-sign-after-public-concern-over-readability-and-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220066-98d17d27785c76c91ca7a0bf881a3245/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174500&Signature=IshcD576XHonHLeEfG0589sn2Ks1Bw0VILb74-lXaXTCtMyh71i5b8LUmCuNV2CPFf3jj3e22bD~j1s~XhmkEpmWlYHjfCg1NU2GpiX3Zd-p7w7JPQpbpa84~kw0SMr5tXhddXQMKOZ1aDW6Q~FvKWiMLKj5ogUxXTg~0SPR76rUQDsuTHhHF3XDDc6OXofZiR~3kXdzGhSE29sjAZ0fN5n2PvvOk~JcrR1nTnWAMnjYPkLU3UfXiKe8BEhj~BQVXhekQT4lLevdS5igXpSxHpltQZnmQ~oTMHuEl3uUuSWqzYrjIfK0ROHfCY0R6l3Nn9h4POUiDUeOWry3JgLEaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Aberdeen City Council on Wednesday tabled authorization to execute a contract with artist Tim Gervin for a new Welcome to Aberdeen sign to be installed on the Wishkah River Bridge, after councilmembers and members of the public raised concerns about readability and prior public outreach.

Director Stacy Barr told the council the Arts Commission solicited eight artist submissions and selected Gervin’s concept; the commission had recommended $2,500 in lodging-tax funding for artist compensation, with remaining costs for fabrication and installation to follow. Barr said commission members wanted imagery that reflected Aberdeen’s music, maritime and forestry history and the Quinault Indian Nation.

Council members and residents questioned visibility, color contrast and the number of icons included in the design. Councilmember Alice and others said the small iconography at the bottom of the proposed sign would be hard for drivers to decipher and asked for higher contrast and simpler wording. Several council members asked staff to show the other designs Gervin submitted and to advertise them publicly before the council decides on fabrication. A council motion to table the item passed; staff said they will return with the artist’s alternate concepts and public-comment opportunity at a future meeting.

Councilmembers also noted the existing sign’s structural deterioration and asked staff to expedite review so the replacement (or repair) happens before a safety hazard occurs. No contract was executed; the council directed staff to bring back Gervin’s other designs and to arrange public outreach.","The Arts Commission recommended a new sign design by Tim Gervin funded in part with lodging tax; council voted to table the contract so the artist's designs can be shown for broader public review and to address contrast and visibility concerns.",{"_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},6220070,"Aberdeen staff present homelessness survey showing mixed perceptions after camp removal; city reports some service declines",2128,1872000,4000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619196-ba60887710026f39ef43e3a53403854e&start=1872&end=4000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619196-ba60887710026f39ef43e3a53403854e/thumbnail_1872000.jpg","/articles/6220070/Aberdeen/Grays-Harbor-County/Washington/Aberdeen-staff-present-homelessness-survey-showing-mixed-perceptions-after-camp-removal-city-reports-some-service-declines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220070-0679d1ea8113a1af60f9217a9f15209e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174500&Signature=O7sI3ZHnRnpNbAiqC3iPYx1Co6FD8iMATDokLtnmCfYxZ~XImyf2vEg2xZwsF7sAKKeyy0MLnHm~czjEy-GWEqZLHcEeq3epxmVIkKhWarGJzLmWi0phubFlyJYgWG-PvOqub43V1tWuQiPGRkMBE3q4ptrdhcC~bu2elSaeEj7tXqAiqOgk-MjNa~IJAa78M71a3~UoTuzSdm8Uug79lizZ2bT-G3jsBFr29Asb2bBTQNJD1qNw6inooEHjqWHfvWNMHQqPOAATbyigrYynJ~ok2DF1L7MayVl7vGgmc~R9N1UsFgS3aRktBwy7nEJPFyIVj8AfG8t7GVYPwYP~DQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Aberdeen city staff on Wednesday presented the results of an April survey of residents and businesses about homelessness and described operational changes after the removal of a large camp beneath the Chehalis River bridge.

The presentation, given by Ruth Clemens, a city staff member overseeing the survey, showed 494 residential responses and 40 business responses this year, down from 686 residential and 171 business submissions in 2023. Clemens said respondents most often cited \"affordable housing\" and \"cost of living\" as reasons people move to Aberdeen and that a plurality of respondents reported seeing an increase in visible homelessness near their properties.

Clemens said the city had an estimated 300 campers at the state-and-river-area encampment before the removal and that the camp consumed “approximately $16,000 to $20,000 a month” in combined EMS, police and public works responses. She told the council that since the camp removal, first-quarter homeless-related emergency responses dropped from 215 (in the comparable earlier period) to 67 in the most recent quarter, and that overdoses and shoplifting reports have decreased. At the same time, Clemens said, trespass complaints have risen because some people are sleeping in alcoves or vehicles. She also reported recurring complaints about trash and hazardous waste near homes and businesses and said “needles or other hazardous waste” was a top concern in both business and residential responses.

Resident Mitchell Sowen described an individual enforcement case with code enforcement and said he felt the city had compelled him to leave his tiny-home plan; his comments highlighted the tensions residents face during enforcement and the broader local housing shortage. Business owners and downtown merchants told the council they still see mental-health-related vandalism and property damage late at night even as visible tent camping has declined.

Councilmembers and staff discussed enforcement and services: code enforcement reports finding one to two people camping in alleyways per week and seeing three to six new faces in overnight sleeping locations on some mornings. Clemens and staff said the city has increased garbage receptacles downtown and that public works and partners report some improvements in cleanliness. Clemens also noted limitations: some shelter and service providers have vacancies but not everyone uses them, and housing supply remains constrained.

The council did not take formal action on the survey during the meeting. Clemens said staff will follow up with additional outreach and provide more detailed breakdowns by ward, and council members asked for public engagement and more data to guide potential policy or operational changes.","City staff reviewed results of an April survey on homelessness and described operational impacts of clearing a large camp, including decreased emergency calls but persistent litter, needles and trespass complaints; council and residents discussed next steps.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council accepts second reading of ethics ordinance; committee to return with procedural companion and final edits

Council approves $229,009 in opioid-abatement expenditures; long-term funding level remains uncertain

Council authorizes $30,000 appraisal for DNR land in South Aberdeen to explore housing and mitigation options

Council tables vote on new Wishkah River Bridge welcome sign after public concern over readability and outreach

Aberdeen staff present homelessness survey showing mixed perceptions after camp removal; city reports some service declines