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Goldendale council approves hearing‑examiner contract, construction awards and code corrections
Summary
Council authorized a professional services contract for hearing examiner services, awarded two public works construction contracts (pavement preservation and waterline), and approved three ordinances and a tourism funding resolution. The council also adopted a proclamation recognizing Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
Goldendale City Council on Monday approved a package of contracts, ordinances and funding recommendations including a professional services hearing‑examiner contract, awards for pavement and waterline projects, and code updates.
The council authorized the mayor to execute a professional services contract with Laminar Law PLLC for hearing examiner services covering 04/01/2025–12/31/2025. Council discussion emphasized that the hearing examiner will apply city codes and state law rather than make subjective policy decisions, and that the change is intended to reduce staff time and simplify quasi‑judicial reviews. Council also adopted Ordinance No. 15‑41, which eliminates the Board of Adjustment and creates the office of hearing examiner to handle specified land‑use reviews.
On infrastructure, the council awarded the 2025 pavement preservation (chip seal) contract to Tomer Construction Company Inc. The motion on the floor recorded the award amount as $723,533.60. Dustin Conroy, presenting the project, noted the city received seven bids and that the project is funded in part by a grant; he said the city may be able to add an additional street if the project comes in under grant limits. The council also awarded the Phase 2 waterline improvement project (02/2025) to Ajax Northwest in the amount of $1,384,404.35. Staff said the water project is funded with the project loan and city water funds; the bid exceeded the original loan amount by roughly $210,000 but staff reported the city budget can cover the difference.
Other votes included adoption of Ordinance No. 15‑45 (amending chapter 13.04, water supply system, Goldendale Municipal Code) and Ordinance No. 15‑46 (amending sewer disposal systems). The council approved Resolution No. 744 to provide tourism funding in the amount recommended by the events committee ($5,000), and the council authorized the mayor to sign a proclamation recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 13–19).
Most motions were approved by voice vote with “Aye” recorded and no opposition noted in the transcript. Several councilmembers requested that staff coordinate with contractors and give advance notice to residents before construction begins. Council also instructed staff to seek hospital input on the East Collins parking issue (referred separately to Public Works).
Votes at a glance
- Authorize professional services contract with Laminar Law PLLC for hearing examiner services (04/01/2025–12/31/2025): motion passed; mover/second not specified in transcript; outcome: authorized; notes: Ordinance 15‑41 creating hearing examiner also adopted.
- Adopt Ordinance No. 15‑41 (eliminate Board of Adjustment; create office of hearing examiner): motion passed; second reading waived.
- Award 2025 pavement preservation project to Tomer Construction Company Inc.: motion passed; motion text recorded the award amount as $723,533.60; outcome: contract award authorized; contractor to begin work in warmer weather (late spring/early summer) with a 30 working‑day completion window once started.
- Award 02/2025 Phase 2 waterline improvement project to Ajax Northwest: motion passed; award amount $1,384,404.35; outcome: contract award authorized; staff said project start target was May 1 with construction later this summer.
- Adopt Ordinance No. 15‑45 (amend chapter 13.04, water supply system): motion passed; second reading waived.
- Adopt Ordinance No. 15‑46 (amend sewer disposal systems): motion passed; second reading waived.
- Approve Resolution No. 744 (tourism event funding) in amount recommended by events committee ($5,000): motion passed.
- Proclaim April 13–19 National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and authorize mayor to sign proclamation: motion passed.
What the council asked staff to do next
- For the hearing‑examiner implementation: finalize the Laminar Law contract, arrange hearing‑examiner packet preparation procedures, and monitor staff time savings and costs. - For the pavement and waterline projects: obtain performance bonds and notice to proceed, schedule work windows for warm weather, and give advance notice to affected residents. - For ordinances 15‑45 and 15‑46: bring red‑line versions to the ordinance committee for review of developer cost impacts and implementation language.
No council votes failed at this meeting; most were adopted by voice vote with no recorded dissent.
