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Council hears updates on hospital microgrid, observatory debris and citywide cleanup; urban growth boundary raised
Summary
Councilmembers heard a hospital microgrid update, discussed using large slash from the observatory project as firewood, set a citywide cleanup date (May 31) and raised the possibility of revisiting the city’s urban growth boundary to expand city tax base.
Mayor (name not specified) reported a meeting with hospital staff — Jonathan Lewis and Josh Hamlik — and city representatives about the hospital’s proposed microgrid project. The mayor said coordination between the hospital and city departments has been “really good” and that city staff have discussed logistics the hospital will need from the city.
Councilmember Steve Johnston and others raised a separate operational matter: large-diameter slash and logs left after work near the observatory site. Speakers discussed potential uses for the material, including hauling out larger logs for firewood to assist low-income residents. One councilmember said insurance and liability concerns had previously blocked organized distribution, and staff said they would revisit the issue with city departments and potentially WAGAP, which had previously partnered on firewood distribution.
Public works and conservation staff noted the cut material is mostly pine and some of it is millable but moving it to a mill would likely not cover costs; however, local distribution for firewood might make sense if a program and liability framework could be arranged.
Councilmember Danielle Clements reminded residents the citywide cleanup day is scheduled for May 31 and asked staff to publicize the event; staff said they are working with Republic (solid-waste provider) on a flyer and will post information to the city website when available. Council discussed basic criteria for pickup (dried paint accepted; chemicals must be segregated) and said the program is limited to properties within city limits.
Council also briefly discussed the city’s urban growth boundary and whether to revisit expansion to capture a larger tax base; staff said there is a process to address urban growth boundaries and that the issue had not been actively addressed in at least 20 years.
Why it matters: The items touch on infrastructure (hospital microgrid), wildfire mitigation and community services (potential firewood use, cleanup day), and long-range planning (urban growth boundary). Staff agreed to look into liability and program options for using larger slash as firewood and to post cleanup details when the flyer is ready.
