Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Management Parks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sedro‑Woolley council approves ordinance to update park reservations, fees and nonprofit discounts
Summary
The City Council approved Ordinance No. 209525 (first reading) amending Sedro‑Woolley Municipal Code Chapter 12.36 to streamline online reservations, set payment deadlines and clarify refunds and nonprofit discounts; the council added Olmstead Park shelters to the code and discussed RV space reservations at Riverfront Park.
The Sedro‑Woolley City Council voted to approve Ordinance No. 209525, a first reading amendment to Municipal Code Chapter 12.36 governing park, facility and community center reservations. The ordinance revises reservation rules to match a new online reservation and payment system and clarifies refund and payment deadlines.
City staff explained the code changes streamline two reservation types: picnic shelters that require no staff approval and pay‑online booking, and staff‑approved reservations for athletic fields, the large Riverfront Park shelter, the amphitheater and the community center. Staff said the ordinance requires payment 90 days before a reservation for staff‑approved facilities; cancellations at least 60 days before an event will receive a refund. Reservations made less than 90 days in advance must be paid within five days of booking.
The code change also replaces the undefined term “community group” with a clearer standard: eligible organizations will be defined as charitable non‑profit organizations that attest to qualifying criteria on a simple form. The city will keep that attestation on record and flag eligible accounts in the new reservation system.
Council members asked about the master fee schedule and Olmstead Park. Staff said the master fee schedule will be updated later and that the ordinance was amended during the meeting to add Olmstead Park shelters to the same reservation rules and fee basis used for other shelters. Council members also asked about Riverfront Park RV spaces; staff said the park has 27 RV spots, 17 of which are available for reservation and 10 are first‑come, first‑serve if unreserved.
Councilman **** moved to approve the ordinance with the addition of Olmstead Park shelters; Councilman Henderson seconded. The council approved the motion by voice vote; the mayor called the motion carried.
The ordinance is aimed at reducing administrative work, improving online payment integration and providing a clearer process for nonprofit discounts and facility availability.
