Pullman council approves appointments, major disbursements, EMS interlocal and cybersecurity grant; elects mayor pro tem

The Pullman City Council on Jan. 14 confirmed a reappointment, enacted a multi-item consent agenda and elected a mayor pro tem.

Confirmation: The council moved and approved the reappointment of Carol Chipman to the Cemetery Committee, with the term described in the motion as expiring Dec. 30, 2027. The motion passed by voice vote.

Consent agenda and staff motions: The council approved the consent agenda by a single motion. Items read into the record and approved included: - Dispense with reading of Dec. 17, 2024 regular meeting minutes and approve them as submitted. - Approve accounts payable checks number 201-290-040 through 201-129-111 totaling $374,465.38. - Approve accounts payable checks number 2011-29112 through 2011-29176 totaling $377,085.77. - Approve accounts payable checks number 201129177 through 201129248 totaling $1,890.23. - Approve accounts payable checks number 201129249 through 201129290 totaling $97,277.95. - Approve accounts payable checks, electronic transfers, and ADP payroll transfers totaling $1,691,883.45. - Approve ADP payroll transfers totaling $135,473.88. - Approve accounts payable checks, electronic transfers, and ADP payroll transfers totaling $1,078,725.35. - Authorize a lodging tax grant to American Legion Post 52 in the amount of $1,903.36 for the Hometown Heroes banner program. - Authorize a three-year interlocal agreement to provide emergency medical services to the City of Palouse and Whitman County Fire District No. 4. - Renew contract with O'Sullivan Legal PLLC to provide legal assistance and advice to the City of Pullman. - Adopt Resolution R-01-25 authorizing acceptance and execution of a grant agreement with the Washington Military Department Emergency Management Division State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program for a cybersecurity incident response plan project.

All consent items were approved by voice vote after the council read the items into the record and asked whether any member wished to remove an item for separate discussion.

Mayor-pro-tem election: Council member Eric Fajarin was elected mayor pro tem and Carla de Lira was elected alternate mayor pro tem by a council motion. The council approved the nominations by voice vote.

How it matters: The consent agenda carries the city's routine but significant financial and intergovernmental business into effect, including payroll disbursements, an EMS interlocal agreement and the city’s acceptance of a cybersecurity grant. The mayor-pro-tem election establishes council leadership roles for the year.

Votes and records: Where motions were approved the record shows approval by voice vote; individual roll-call tallies were not recorded in the transcript text.