The Medical Lake City Council approved several budget and operational measures during its Nov. 4 meeting, including hiring a grant-writing consultant, moving forward a security-camera installation, adopting updated administrative and utility fees for 2026 and approving claims totaling $505,542.26.

Grant-writing services: The council approved Resolution 25-7-79 to contract with a grant-writing consultant (referenced in the record as Bridging ___ Consulting and an individual named Alessandra Sims) under a service agreement for up to $10,000. Staff said the firm will search for federal and state grant opportunities that match the city’s capital improvement plan and perform application work; staff estimated the consultant’s market research charge at $150 per hour and said the expected output for the contract is two to three grant applications. Sunny, a city staff member, told the council the $10,000 is intended as a starting point and the city could amend the contract if the initial work proves fruitful.

Security cameras and lighting: Resolution 25-7-78 to fund security camera and light pole installation passed after staff corrected language and scope with the contractor. Council members said cameras and lighting improvements will support safety in parks and other public spaces.

Administrative and program fees: The council approved Resolution 25-7-80 updating administrative fees; staff highlighted a proposed commercial-kitchen membership model intended to generate revenue and expand program hours. Staff described a $300-per-month membership that would guarantee users time in the kitchen during low-use hours, and that members could offer classes or sell products at the farmers market under the membership.

Utility rates: Resolution 25-7-81, adopting utility rates for 2026, passed unanimously. Packet exhibits showed proposed changes (Exhibit A) and a full adopted schedule (Exhibit B). Staff explained the exhibit layout to council members and said the revised rates are intended to ensure sufficient revenue for operations and capital work.

Wreath-making service agreement: The council approved Resolution 25-7-82, a standard service agreement to allow seasonal classes such as wreath making; staff noted insurance details were being finalized and the first class is scheduled for Dec. 15.

Consent items and minutes: Council approved corrected minutes for Oct. 15, 2025 (removing an erroneous Zoom link and correcting the meeting time to 10 a.m.), approved the Oct. 21, 2025 minutes, and approved claims/warrants No. 5309053115 in the amount of $505,542.26 (staff corrected the claims date to Nov. 4, 2025).

Property tax first reading: The council conducted the first reading of Ordinance No. 1136 to levy regular property taxes for fiscal year 2026 and stated a 0% increase in the property tax levy during that reading; the first read passed on a motion and will return for subsequent readings as required.

Why it matters: The grant-writing contract is intended to help the city secure outside funding for capital projects listed in its capital plan; the rate and fee changes are intended to shore up city revenues for utilities and programs. Security and programming approvals aim to improve public-safety infrastructure and community services.

Votes at a glance (items adopted Nov. 4, 2025):
- Corrected minutes (10/15/2025) – approved (motion seconded; voice vote).
- Minutes (10/21/2025) – approved (motion seconded; voice vote; one abstention recorded in minutes).
- Claims and warrants No. 5309053115 – approved ($505,542.26; date corrected to 11/04/2025).
- Resolution 25-7-78 (security camera and light pole installation) – approved unanimously.
- Resolution 25-7-79 (grant-writing services agreement, up to $10,000) – approved unanimously.
- Resolution 25-7-80 (administrative fee schedule; commercial-kitchen membership) – approved unanimously.
- Resolution 25-7-81 (utility rates for 2026) – approved unanimously.
- Resolution 25-7-82 (service agreement for wreath-making class) – approved unanimously.
- Ordinance No. 1136 (first reading) — property tax levy for 2026, 0% increase — first reading passed.

What council discussed about the grant writer: Staff said the consultant will use the city’s capital plan to target grants rather than applying broadly; staff recommended starting at $10,000 because grant application complexity and consultant rates have increased since the city’s earlier agreements. Sunny told the council, "$10,000 is a good place to start," and said staff would return to council to amend the contract if additional funds were warranted.

Provenance: Discussion of the grant-writing agreement appears in the meeting packet and on the Nov. 4 transcript; the vendor and contract terms are recorded in the council discussion and resolution vote.