[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6175794,"mediaKeyId","5352964-82a9a1962cdc9ef3e96d1903abb2298d","parentId",5352964,"title","La Center staff warn of aging wastewater equipment, propose upgrades and shared-use path funding","audioSeconds",179,"startMs",2704000,"endMs",2883000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5352964-82a9a1962cdc9ef3e96d1903abb2298d&start=2704&end=2883","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5352964-82a9a1962cdc9ef3e96d1903abb2298d/thumbnail_2704000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6175794/La-Center/Clark-County/Washington/La-Center-staff-warn-of-aging-wastewater-equipment-propose-upgrades-and-shared-use-path-funding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175794-116f71067d92a3d771ff18c3c3884f9a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175474&Signature=jVd-yEY9vMzoSAQnVV2sRcJjm6--0s9YhAQ5AEm2sSq8c8q6jmPIoCCw~~x9gUm0wp1JObEKY4lrIARfOAorWx3Jx7-dGmrCvMq7wRFdZsU4XOUzUCeIoNnuiANt7dI5aqyQNE~Ktkk6xr4V1KepZtaupXNMlf7a~R~e1q3KC0BvjqwuQxYJUSZmioEgBCnSgPnI2AhOTD-RSygiJKH~eJaTrqLnXBm3FIwPghWsIjK8Goh9H6-4YaHHJsaoq8YKXfDYU5b0aWB5USB8ADClJxqTK3RKJ-~suceqIMb84SUbqpODDARDjixmgbUcYoNPjitTStlG1G~sInNccMqG9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","La Center, WA","date","2025-07-10T16:47:00.953Z","article","La Center — City public-works and community-development staff reported July 9 that the wastewater treatment plant needs upgrades and that the city is actively evaluating alternatives to avoid future service failures and large rate shocks.

Tracy Coleman, community development and public works staff, told the council the plant’s UV disinfection system is operational but becoming obsolete and difficult to service because parts are hard to obtain. The plant has added extended processing time for solids and staff have adjusted schedules to work seven days a week to keep up with current loads.

Coleman said the city remains in compliance with its NPDES permit limits but that winter high-flow events require planning now. She described planned trips to review other municipalities’ plants for potentially cost‑effective technology and said staff are seeking grant funding for a stormwater project and evaluating engineering services for a funded culvert replacement project.

On active projects, staff said a Fourth Street widening and the Breezy Creek culvert project are in design or procurement and that the city plans to use tax-increment financing (TIF) dollars to begin construction on a shared-use path next year. Council members said the shared-use path project is urgent for pedestrian safety and mentioned the city is about $750,000 short of grant funding to complete the path; the council discussed taking TIF funds if grants do not fill the gap.

Coleman also reported development activity: 51 new residential permits to date this year, 230 total permit applications in process and 34 land-use submittals so far, compared with 37 total land-use submittals for all of last year. The city recently added a code-enforcement officer; staff said there are 35 open enforcement cases with the oldest dating to February.

Why this matters
Plant obsolescence and rising development increase operational risk and future capital needs. Staff said they are evaluating rate structure changes to better match sewer charges to water usage and that grant and tribal partnerships could reduce capital costs.

What’s next
Staff will continue evaluating upgrade options, pursue grant opportunities, present engineering procurement recommendations and return with rate and capital recommendations for council consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular City Council Meeting 07 09 2025","oneSentenceSummary","La Center — City public-works and community-development staff reported July 9 that the wastewater treatment plant needs upgrades and that the city is actively evaluating alternatives to avoid future service failures and large rate shocks.","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},6175799,"La Center council adopts zoning change to allow expansion of public works operations; mayor, residents assured park amenities retained",1795,3606000,5401000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5352964-82a9a1962cdc9ef3e96d1903abb2298d&start=3606&end=5401","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5352964-82a9a1962cdc9ef3e96d1903abb2298d/thumbnail_3606000.jpg","/articles/6175799/La-Center/Clark-County/Washington/La-Center-council-adopts-zoning-change-to-allow-expansion-of-public-works-operations-mayor-residents-assured-park-amenities-retained","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175799-ddd7f5a2f80f8f8d82c7af3492ac6587/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175474&Signature=jRVCwEYtkeadkSAXzL8eXkskMLw-hls3UZNSUAXaK2Kzb70EAVkSuQsqNwJV3oO~0cN3afMQW1lwEeSFiZluYHzJjWHXbqAuahfXCp03gyl0zOiTR2OQPTH~tL~HyYUseVURkGo6KibXzpTCQ66nFzp50OlYgRkN3-UIn39MM-9foRruayJ1T~m8KKpakuPkMDwFNmpXZZxKIWu0QL6IVjXFwW3rnw0bDMsXJFDY3Vlofqw6kGdXSILuAxsW-rf8mgLE84Q4Vci3aBwGvfwHFkx-pydIGzj8ZfsEmFz8pUCIBvE0Gl0MJPCO5tujKpjDcsbYt3V9Dap1vtVvojJOAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","La Center — The City Council voted unanimously July 9 to rezone two parcels containing the city’s public works operations facility, clearing the way for a proposed expansion that includes a five-bay shop, covered parking and paving and stormwater improvements.

The council adopted Ordinance 2025-04 after a public hearing and a staff presentation that said the parcels were placed in a parks and open space category in error and that the proposed urban public zone better matches existing and intended public uses.

Brian (staff member) told the council the parcels in question form a rectangle adjacent to Holly Park and that the project will demolish an existing storage building and replace it with a five-bay shop, add covered parking and improve site paving and stormwater facilities. He said the project footprint stays largely within already fenced city property and will move one building about 15 feet south to improve maneuverability.

The ordinance followed a Planning Commission recommendation to approve the zone change. During the public hearing, residents voiced concerns about potential loss of park area and impacts to ball fields and youth recreation. Al Phillip urged the council to keep the horseshoe-shaped t‑ball area intact. Kimberly Elpin asked about the age of the buildings and whether the prior zoning made the earlier construction legal; staff and the city attorney said buildings predate the 2019 parks code and the change corrects a historic zoning inconsistency rather than create new development rights.

City staff and the attorney said parks and ballfield uses are allowed in the Urban Public zone and that any future changes would require separate public review; the council emphasized the city does not plan to remove existing recreational amenities and said improvements to ballfields are being discussed.

In related action, the council approved a professional services agreement for an on-call hearing examiner, which the city said is needed so land-use hearings and site-plan reviews do not stall when the primary examiner is unavailable.

Votes at a glance
- Ordinance 2025-04 (rezoning public works operations site to Urban Public): Adopted by roll call: Councilmember Fox — Yes; Councilmember Casperg — Yes; Councilmember Boyle — Yes; Councilmember Leija — Yes; Councilmember Cervini — Yes. Outcome: approved.
- Professional services agreement: On-call hearing examiner (Daniel Kearns, Reeves Kearns PC): Approved (voice vote: all in favor). Outcome: approved.

Why this matters
Rezoning corrects a long-standing mismatch between the recorded use (a city operations facility) and the mapped zoning category. That lets the city modernize its public-works facilities without purchasing new land and preserves the public process for site-plan and conditional-use approvals for government facilities.

Council and staff said the change does not alter the city’s ownership or property lines and that any future substantial changes to park layout would require separate public hearings.

What’s next
Staff said site-plan and conditional-use review will go to the hearings examiner under the city’s land-use procedures. The hearing-examiner contract will provide backup so scheduled hearings can proceed if the primary examiner is unavailable.

","The La Center City Council on July 9 adopted Ordinance 2025-04, rezoning the parcels that contain the city's public works operations facility from 'Parks and Open Space' to 'Urban Public' so a five-bay shop, covered parking and stormwater improvements can be built. Council also approved an on-call hearing examiner contract to avoid permit delays.",{"_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},6175783,"La Center Arts Council asks council to include arts in long-term city planning, highlights programs and partnerships",178,1279000,1457000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5352964-82a9a1962cdc9ef3e96d1903abb2298d&start=1279&end=1457","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5352964-82a9a1962cdc9ef3e96d1903abb2298d/thumbnail_1279000.jpg","/articles/6175783/La-Center/Clark-County/Washington/La-Center-Arts-Council-asks-council-to-include-arts-in-long-term-city-planning-highlights-programs-and-partnerships","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175783-803785fad7c0607b5f46d35f62add03b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175474&Signature=gE8nSYU9ZzGVszUvWpT3ZJTJLJYvps0wRJ~f4ooWD03~bLzTVs3v2I1Mvt3XAVWpvzqSeCLKarVXCDZHi7avD3oKXePSEQfOv5369P7VumXwWuUjNBOl3lHKkUil7A2vzaGlSnRNeiNopPU8NEzlzDpcLjtLlDfgdAqMcvCKR2YVOmoI6UUpd0lM4QFaiILl795f0np9JeOQmtcUV3iNdrj5ma4KeHfur6VA0c7ZM64NDdp610QvA2KDXviuHd9FdbwjUektbEdisRLaQ4zPI15upwbKDVD8i1aI4qj-KP5JZMnWRiNRytHbISBTrftlQopdi4MFLc5DCemNkP4JNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","La Center — Chrissy Du Bois, presenting for the La Center Arts Council, updated the City Council July 9 on the council’s recent work, membership efforts and partnerships, and requested the city include the arts council in long-term planning for a permanent arts space.

Du Bois said the Arts Council has achieved nonprofit status, runs recurring arts workshops, supports youth art projects (including a middle-school mural called Hawks Landing), collaborates with La Center United on parent-and-child classes and provides face-painting for community events. She described recurring programs such as a community art session (Bristles and Nibs) held on first and third Saturdays and twice-monthly wheel-throwing sessions.

Du Bois said the arts council is working with the Cowlitz Tribe, La Center School District and the city on public art and hopes the city will include a permanent arts home in its development plans. Council members expressed support and asked staff to coordinate outreach to property owners for potential mural sites; Du Bois said she and the arts council will continue to coordinate with the city.

Why this matters
Arts and cultural programs contribute to community identity and education and often factor into downtown and public‑space planning. The arts council’s request to be considered during long-term planning is a request for formal inclusion in future project scoping and public‑space design.

What’s next
Staff and the arts council will continue coordination on public art installations, youth programming and potential placement of a mural on a private building, subject to property-owner approval.","Chrissy Du Bois presented on behalf of the La Center Arts Council, reported the council’s nonprofit status and programs, and asked the City Council to keep the arts council in mind during long‑term development planning and public art efforts.",{"_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},6175788,"WSDOT letter prompts La Center council discussion on C-TRAN board proportionality and potential loss of seat",202,5430000,5632000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5352964-82a9a1962cdc9ef3e96d1903abb2298d&start=5430&end=5632","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5352964-82a9a1962cdc9ef3e96d1903abb2298d/thumbnail_5430000.jpg","/articles/6175788/La-Center/Clark-County/Washington/WSDOT-letter-prompts-La-Center-council-discussion-on-C-TRAN-board-proportionality-and-potential-loss-of-seat","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175788-986fa59d75af40425a73648ef05a12cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175474&Signature=WKxUbqg8k-K8KTCQN2OrYdMHWIrC3akBqTN48Y-V9anXFLN92daKeRkAN9yGbC~m7hKVjy~Donv1EHJRhytoNFFrWgaIH90TZZ2ieZffenRWMkr1072VouyKI3117ZyIfqEMus8sKOzqsk6xSdE6RWydkN1fkFbLpAahxYoeEqPqVSadlxBYYmknYyHxWR0AVpNmD4Eb3UcDAbBhoLg9OcO~CWxBYUnXMc2VRbs8yFEIEtirrPZrIBvtJKmBFXEc2cVmrLmtknoSK58k4s6HbH52vnmj0lFY7lNuOzftMt2~nHfztlV43oCJLAMqfAaP6N~JAwCWAFig2BNwy~98PQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","La Center — Council members were advised July 9 that the Washington State Department of Transportation is requiring public-transportation benefit areas serving populations of 400,000 or more to certify board representation proportional to population by Oct. 1, 2025, and that C‑TRAN’s current board composition appears out of compliance.

Councilmember Boyle, La Center’s representative on the C‑TRAN board, said the city received written notice that the PTBA is “underrepresented by the city of Vancouver and the unincorporated portions of Clark County” and overrepresented by smaller cities, and that the state expects the PTBA to correct proportional representation to continue receiving grant funding.

Boyle read portions of the WSDOT notification, including references to the legislative change enacted in Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5801 and the requirement to certify compliance with RCW 36.57A.050 as a condition for receiving certain state grant programs listed in RCW 47.66. Boyle said the notice arrived at an awkward time and that a board-composition review committee meeting will be scheduled in August; he asked for public input and said he would report back after the committee meets.

Janine, the city attorney, said she had requested a copy of the WSDOT letter and would evaluate the statutes cited and advise the council about legal options and next steps.

Why this matters
If the PTBA is found noncompliant and does not remedy board proportionality, it could affect regional grant eligibility and representation on the C‑TRAN board — potentially reducing seats for smaller jurisdictions and altering local influence over regional transit decisions.

What’s next
Boyle said the board-composition review committee will meet in August to consider remedies; the city attorney will analyze statutory options and report back to the council.","Council member reported a Washington State Department of Transportation notice that certain public-transportation benefit areas (PTBAs) must certify proportional board representation by Oct. 1, 2025; analysis by the state says C‑TRAN is out of compliance, which could change board seats and regional representation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

La Center staff warn of aging wastewater equipment, propose upgrades and shared-use path funding

La Center council adopts zoning change to allow expansion of public works operations; mayor, residents assured park amenities retained

La Center Arts Council asks council to include arts in long-term city planning, highlights programs and partnerships

WSDOT letter prompts La Center council discussion on C-TRAN board proportionality and potential loss of seat