[{"_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",6219241,"mediaKeyId","3623478-b74abed90ee0721db254bfb459dd1e0a","parentId",3623478,"title","Battle Ground council unanimously adopts broad municipal code amendments, aligns ADU rules with state law","audioSeconds",389,"startMs",3600000,"endMs",3989000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3623478-b74abed90ee0721db254bfb459dd1e0a&start=3600&end=3989","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3623478-b74abed90ee0721db254bfb459dd1e0a/thumbnail_3600000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6219241/Battle-Ground-City/Clark-County/Washington/Battle-Ground-council-unanimously-adopts-broad-municipal-code-amendments-aligns-ADU-rules-with-state-law","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219241-8ed9589acfec834a6cfa07d7d575d808/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178700&Signature=ocevdghn1afKtYjKBcvY4qCsKl850xV4s8IPYiqlLtBqlxAxibpwYPCpreldUJF22ZYZO9ftlRazHUCYImmGKaFL-hRhlAJYdhMj1dM~Xbb-praTNG-fCGwDr8iIBGViVixgXd6hB1Tjj~f0mTTkvqB5NvpTpaHN9DOMeLyOyxm0vM00eeZNjHboJ9jSTjVnVYyMipIYlCFwI9Xq3-s7vwqUpmYmPMSjSvhGx-WcR2ejV8RBqhHdiy1c0Z52Ue4xuPa-PV5sGt~N8lxQYdrelwN855lUcaEhTCwsfHiOHWYXdE~j4Yo8DAZta1P2QiyyVA54auHfoBcIzrZXjKpQZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Battle Ground City, WA","date","2025-06-03T01:46:23Z","article","Battle Ground — The Battle Ground City Council on June 2 unanimously adopted a package of municipal code amendments covering health and safety, streets and sidewalks, building and public-works standards, zoning (including accessory dwelling unit definitions and configurations), and stormwater/clearing and grading rules.

The changes—carried as Ordinances 2025-05, 2025-06, 2025-07, 2025-08 and 2025-09—include edits to Title 17 (zoning) to revise the city’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) definitions and to make the ADU sections “consistent with state law,” staff said. Kristen (staff) told council the Washington State Department of Commerce reviewed the draft and recommended edits during its 60-day comment period.

The ADU revisions add a standalone definition for “accessory dwelling unit” and update the attached/detached ADU definitions. As Kristen explained to the council, the state-required configurations allow “up to 2 accessory dwelling units, which can be configured in a way either [as] 1 detached structure that houses 2 separate accessory dwelling units or to allow for 2 detached structures that would house 1 unit each.” The staff report and ordinance language were revised to reflect that standard.

Council members moved each ordinance to adoption in sequence. The clerk read each ordinance title on the record; motions to adopt were made and seconded and all five ordinances passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Why it matters: the ADU updates change how many and which types of ADUs property owners may develop within single-family zones and clarify local code to match state law and recent legislative changes. The broader package also updates technical construction and transportation standards and the city’s stormwater and clearing rules, items the city said were prepared after staff and department review.

Key details
- Ordinances adopted: 2025-05 (Title 8, health and safety — nuisances); 2025-06 (Title 12, streets and sidewalks and frontage improvements); 2025-07 (Title 15, buildings and construction; public works specs); 2025-08 (Title 17, zoning, including ADU definitions and Section 17.135.01 on ADUs); 2025-09 (Title 18, stormwater control, drainage and clearing/grading). All passed unanimously.
- Staff noted the Washington State Department of Commerce provided formal comments after the May 5 briefing; changes to ADU language were made to respond to Commerce and to align with RCW/house bill language.
- At least one clarified change: the code now explicitly permits a configuration of two detached ADU structures each containing one unit, or a single detached structure containing two ADUs, consistent with state statute language.

What council said: Kristen summarized the Commerce review and the specific edits to the ADU definitions and configurations and apologized for an earlier misstatement at the May 5 meeting; she told council the revised text corrects that oversight. Mayor McCoy presided over the roll calls and ordinance readings.

Next steps: The adopted code amendments are effective per the ordinances’ effective dates (as printed in each ordinance title); the record shows no request for further study or referral. Staff and the planning department will implement the updated definitions and permitting steps in permit intake and public guidance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","06-02-2025 Battle Ground City Council Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Battle Ground — The Battle Ground City Council on June 2 unanimously adopted a package of municipal code amendments covering health and safety, streets and sidewalks, building and public-works standards, zoning (including accessory dwelling unit definitions and configurations), and stormwater/clearing and grading rules.","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},6219222,"Local dentist urges council to reconsider water fluoridation, cites studies and health concerns",181,2964000,3145000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3623478-b74abed90ee0721db254bfb459dd1e0a&start=2964&end=3145","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3623478-b74abed90ee0721db254bfb459dd1e0a/thumbnail_2964000.jpg","/articles/6219222/Battle-Ground-City/Clark-County/Washington/Local-dentist-urges-council-to-reconsider-water-fluoridation-cites-studies-and-health-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219222-2b38ec05cbe10257fa73ebab0d7231a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178700&Signature=k4xkuW3UJl39fy3qXWCtGwiZZiQMID7Rm9SrLDibUAS3UI-wYLk5GvT7bHZIctYdXvZbgfbf7MjDA64DD-ioz5Ra0jozr9a27~dVfN36jksyIYT-j6C0pnffrDsWf61nvsfdiKy2ivF7DE-CC1QW-kC-R0MbkhMtUJPwXjg5wpqmnE8xSErA2puylbUcX2-STxTVGhFQ9QyCfnf8IqB09KnPI5lUyzFDA9pxAYtrb5hhd-yV~Gsh29ZEsnpsdyivyMje5xsSOkwIt60aDBRB0aKl1lKalMVagUq4W5hpzfcfbiDjRi0IgTFMqQ~corJkC-rZw5zqNznfsag19~0lhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Battle Ground — Dr. Bill Osmundson, a dentist, used the June 2 public-comment period to urge the Battle Ground City Council to reconsider community water fluoridation and requested a follow-up meeting with council or staff.

Osmundson presented charts and said international and systematic-review data show diminishing benefits from fluoridation. He referenced World Health Organization data and a Cochrane review and told council that, in his view, the public-health benefit has declined since about 2005. He also criticized the absence of explicit safety studies, saying that when agencies such as the EPA, FDA, CDC and the National Sanitation Foundation were asked in litigation they could not point to safety studies, and he urged further local review.

Osmundson described clinical harms he has treated, including dental fluorosis, and raised broader reproductive concerns, saying, “For me, the gut wrencher is the premature birth, the infant mortality, and the miscarriages look like they're increasing. We don't want to harm these infants.” He asked the council to set a time for a longer discussion about potential harms and evidence.

Why it matters: public comment raised scientific and safety concerns about fluoridation, requested follow-up engagement, and referenced several international and systematic-review sources. The transcript records the speaker’s claims and requests but does not show any staff response or council action to schedule a follow-up.

What was said: Osmundson said a 2024 study and a Cochrane review showed little recent benefit, cited agency guidance on fluoride in toothpaste (“do not swallow”), and requested further discussion with council or staff about harms.","During public comment Dr. Bill Osmundson spoke against water fluoridation, referencing World Health Organization data, a Cochrane review and U.S. agency guidance; he asked council for a follow-up meeting to discuss potential harms including dental fluorosis and reproductive outcomes.",{"_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},6219227,"Resident: city proclamation policy was applied inconsistently; urges consistent recognition",153,3169000,3322000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3623478-b74abed90ee0721db254bfb459dd1e0a&start=3169&end=3322","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3623478-b74abed90ee0721db254bfb459dd1e0a/thumbnail_3169000.jpg","/articles/6219227/Battle-Ground-City/Clark-County/Washington/Resident-city-proclamation-policy-was-applied-inconsistently-urges-consistent-recognition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219227-dfc36a8c78c35cb24c631d6778080617/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178700&Signature=QBNH5i4zX~Cm0koUpuKYXEaKZl2z2x-ztEre45bg86EDMXgyz9zhfGwcr5K9Vr6PybKpO6f02Y~Xa8Jj0Hh97RTqzF9GEiExHI3AQQLQGx7r4uU0M6IFR5DDJ5VIksp0z1asFnX1kGr0Gj0e6-LSfYu2FDLQS-uGCgRSpVMK~KWWWHKronALOu4yIlD14c5Pvi9o4QeElkuMVJ44kjTAmvw~TlQMQy~umN1hH7LuPMe5ule9QqzXdrKP82BPK-ic2KzdAdhys5IG~ZKa44ujlSlOILk1vlqUNeTB6syraI7-xdzCkL9~JZQ4WSodQF8uRKHIa0~90AgvPdptXX19oQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Battle Ground — Jessica Cole used the June 2 public-comment period to challenge how the city applies its proclamation policy, saying the policy uses the phrase “potentially controversial,” not an automatic vote requirement, and that it had been applied selectively.

“I want to clarify a few points about proclamations. It's been said often that the governance policy requires a vote on controversial proclamations, but that's not accurate. The policy says potentially controversial, which is a key difference,” Cole told the council. She said that because virtually any proclamation could be seen as potentially controversial, the policy’s selective application—she said it was applied only in response to a pride proclamation—was inconsistent and “not how good policy should work.”

Cole said her advocacy covered more than LGBTQ recognition and warned that eliminating proclamations would remove a recognition tool used by veterans, public servants and groups such as domestic-violence-prevention advocates. She told the council she had rarely been acknowledged during public comment for the work she does and said proclamations provide consistent, meaningful recognition that public comment does not.

Why it matters: the public comment refers to a recent council debate over how to handle proclamations and suggests community concern about whether the city applies its governance policy consistently. Cole thanked council members who she said voted to retain proclamations and to remove a clause that gave veto power to a minority.

What was said: Cole argued proclamations should remain an available, consistently applied recognition tool, and she urged clearer, consistent policy application moving forward.","During public comment Jessica Cole told the council the city's governance policy uses the phrase 'potentially controversial' and that a recent selective application—she said in response to a pride proclamation—set a bad precedent. She urged consistent application so proclamations remain a tool for recognition across causes.",{"_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},6219233,"Battle Ground Police recognize life-saving actions and officer of the year; unveil upgraded 'Manny 2' ghost car",912,1891000,2803000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3623478-b74abed90ee0721db254bfb459dd1e0a&start=1891&end=2803","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3623478-b74abed90ee0721db254bfb459dd1e0a/thumbnail_1891000.jpg","/articles/6219233/Battle-Ground-City/Clark-County/Washington/Battle-Ground-Police-recognize-life-saving-actions-and-officer-of-the-year-unveil-upgraded-Manny-2-ghost-car","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219233-9c2bf3ac558ddd61f77a7dc6d494d233/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178700&Signature=Q98Njunpd7alnuDfq4CqKILpoND-kKMPtb-NpJDEHBW-nRb9B~-ZAbHIU7NrzNBRyl-I9pp1M0nxvvSq1XijpgQHr6sCLQ78wz0syg5F0sLEyGAXbMBpfqJOC-7S7BIumoTyPRGPVqSpwaYwcMdyRQzaNXY-Ft7hO9FP3L5zikGR4OCSlbakTnBo4z7PR4HWCtSiTXA-HlOKPSL59swHUYFLUGkjVMY0oST-LWv-DHTzB3PUhkTp1b4zUKcowrP~QdbP3ia43sCBcgwyxtVCe2VfCa~8q1YcPkO68axY5RTVKanrMhRJWPUcp7U68am5e~0F0c9IxbsOrKqy3f5LLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Battle Ground — At its June 2 meeting the Battle Ground Police Department and city leaders recognized off-duty actions and investigative work by department members and showcased an upgraded traffic-deterrent vehicle nicknamed “Manny 2.”

Chief Dennis Flynn described the life-saving actions of Lieutenant Jason Perdue, awarding him a life-saving medal for intervening at a Blaine restaurant in August 2024 when an elderly woman was choking. Flynn said Perdue “immediately sprang into action” and that his intervention “successfully cleared the woman's airway.” The chief said Perdue coordinated with emergency services until paramedics arrived.

The department also named Detective Ethan Pokey its 2024 officer of the year. Flynn recounted Pokey’s work mentoring new detectives and leading complex investigations in 2024, including a human-trafficking and prostitution investigation that led to a search warrant and closure of a local business and a commercial burglary investigation that resulted in arrest and recovery of more than $100,000 in stolen property, according to Flynn’s remarks.

Chief Flynn also presented an update on Manny 2, a retooled, decommissioned patrol vehicle repurposed as a visible traffic deterrent. Fleet supervisor Mike Wilcox removed a radar unit from a salvaged speed trailer and engineered an articulating mount and an integration with the patrol car’s overhead lights and power supply. The system is single-direction radar (able to detect speed in one direction), triggers emergency lights for two seconds when a vehicle exceeds a programmed threshold and logs activations with a resettable counter.

The chief read a written commendation for Wilcox that said Manny 2 was first deployed April 25, 2025, and recorded 686 speed-related activations during a 48-hour deployment. The chief said the public response was “overwhelmingly positive” on social media and that staff often follow Manny 2 placements with an on-site officer to enforce speed limits.

Why it matters: the awards publicly recognize a life-saving off-duty intervention and investigative work that the department says improved public safety; Manny 2 represents a low-cost, in-house engineering retrofit intended to deter speeding and collect activation counts for deployment assessment.

What was said
- Chief Dennis Flynn described Perdue’s actions as saving a life and praised Detective Pokey’s mentorship and investigative results.
- The written commendation for Mike Wilcox credits him with sourcing the radar unit, integrating the trigger and lights, and building a resettable counter; chief noted Manny 2 recorded 686 activations on its first 48-hour deployment.

Next steps: The department will continue deploying Manny 2 and use activation data to guide enforcement; awards are ceremonial recognitions presented at the council meeting.","The police department presented a life-saving medal to Lieutenant Jason Perdue and named Detective Ethan Pokey the 2024 officer of the year. Chief Dennis Flynn also described 'Manny 2,' a retooled ghost car traffic deterrent built by fleet supervisor Mike Wilcox, and presented Wilcox with a commendation.",{"_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},6219236,"Battle Ground sets July 21 public hearing on revised park rules; council intends to ban horseback riding",119,4106000,4225000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3623478-b74abed90ee0721db254bfb459dd1e0a&start=4106&end=4225","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3623478-b74abed90ee0721db254bfb459dd1e0a/thumbnail_4106000.jpg","/articles/6219236/Battle-Ground-City/Clark-County/Washington/Battle-Ground-sets-July-21-public-hearing-on-revised-park-rules-council-intends-to-ban-horseback-riding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219236-003c9f2ac8340eef5a10ce2b17c3fcf0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178700&Signature=Svn3MGB420o6xrwk3K8J3PVMZP4LsO6kd8nDlb~WLzvMATOt52kbp~r-MGGFabF8mCDbYprd7fIlPil9dS0zgAAZTLvEk1A8nybjJVYRSwy4ponlS601GitK5LCT3B2Mj9wTKupmHGmU3zXvV-FqwNfL19gBkQb~DrePQkgJWVEuoewRe6Nk5fnUANWjtusDW3xTaGjGwzDdxM-0oCvBbEPhpD3c4CmW2LpEyIKvOQ5JzZ5YdbSjqqhLkSMNcovz~Fvjlxg3ORrvsJtEqIACJZ6-Ixu4dOg0-eQAvknzj8Fk3gFbeQQNcE3Z6ipX0myTn2N8PfyoJqi27KJHDYPykA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Battle Ground — The Battle Ground City Council on June 2 set a public hearing for July 21 to take testimony on an ordinance that would revise the city’s park rules, including hours of operation, permitted activities and a prohibition on smoking and vaping.

City staff presented the draft ordinance (2025-10) and said it adds geocaching rules, clarifies facility-specific hours and removes vaping and tobacco use from allowed activities. During council discussion one member asked that horseback riding be explicitly prohibited; staff said they would add that language to the ordinance prior to the hearing.

Council then moved to schedule a public hearing for the July 21 regular meeting. The motion to set the hearing was made and seconded and passed unanimously.

Why it matters: the update clarifies everyday park behavior, adds geocaching as a permitted/regulated activity, and removes vaping and tobacco use. The council’s decision to include a horseback-riding prohibition follows comparable rules in nearby jurisdictions and aims to address safety and facility wear concerns raised by council members.

Key details
- Ordinance: 2025-10 — amends Battle Ground Municipal Code Title 8, Chapter 8.18 (Parks rules and regulations).
- Additions: geocaching with rules, facility-specific hours of operation, vaping prohibited, smoking and tobacco use prohibited.
- Council requested: explicit prohibition on horseback riding to be added to final ordinance language before the public hearing.
- Hearing scheduled: July 21, 2025 (regular City Council meeting).

What staff said: Mr. Hirsick (parks staff) asked council to set the hearing and outlined the changes; he also invited council questions. Council member Mark (speaker) said many county parks disallow horseback riding and recommended the same for Battle Ground; staff agreed to add that prohibition.

Next steps: Staff will incorporate the horseback-riding language and publish the ordinance packet for the July 21 public hearing.","Council set a July 21 public hearing to consider Ordinance 2025-10, which updates park hours, adds geocaching rules, prohibits vaping and smoking, and — after council discussion — will include a prohibition on horseback riding in city parks.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Battle Ground council unanimously adopts broad municipal code amendments, aligns ADU rules with state law

Local dentist urges council to reconsider water fluoridation, cites studies and health concerns

Resident: city proclamation policy was applied inconsistently; urges consistent recognition

Battle Ground Police recognize life-saving actions and officer of the year; unveil upgraded 'Manny 2' ghost car

Battle Ground sets July 21 public hearing on revised park rules; council intends to ban horseback riding