College Place council adopts strategic plan, approves several contracts and expands utility discount program

The College Place City Council on Jan. 14 approved a package of policy and contracting items, including adoption of a 2025–2035 strategic plan, acceptance of a Washington State Department of Health grant to study irrigation-district consolidation, authorization of an architectural contract for a replacement Lions Park Community Center, renewal of a contract with the Blue Mountain Humane Society for 2025, a one-year trial contract with the Blue Mountain Action Council (BMAC) to screen utility discount applicants, and an ordinance broadening the city’s utility discount program to 150% of federal poverty guidelines.

The council adopted ordinance 25-1 to replace the city’s previous strategic plan with a shorter, revised 2025–2035 strategic plan that organizes goals under four pillars: connected community, resilient community, safe community and affordable community. Council members praised the months of workshops and public participation that produced the document. The motion to adopt passed unanimously.

Council then approved a resolution to accept Washington State Department of Health contract GVL30999-0, a consolidation feasibility study award intended to pay for an engineering/consultant study of irrigation-district consolidation that affects areas including the Villages of Garrison Creek and Irrigation District 14. Staff said the…