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Residents press council on small‑business damages, LTAC funds and downtown planning
Summary
Multiple residents used public comment to press the council on small‑business impacts from public‑works projects, request reallocation of $25,000 in LTAC funds for downtown events, and urge steps to convert regional visitors into downtown customers.
Public comment at the Jan. 5 Woodland council meeting featured several residents raising small‑business and downtown revitalization concerns.
Rick Pettit told the council that his business, Remnant Farms Feed and Supply, suffered damage tied to a prior road project at Sherman Way and Geld Road. Pettit said he was told to pursue the contractor’s insurance and that a requirement for a forensic accountant effectively blocks small operators from recovering losses. The mayor and staff described prior meetings with the project team and explained the city’s insurance and contractor‑liability processes; staff said the city provides claim information to claimants and that contractor insurance typically assumes liability under construction contracts.
Adonica, president of Downtown Woodland Revitalization (DWR), asked the council to consider reallocating $25,000 of unawarded LTAC funds toward DWR’s pending grant application so the organization can run two larger downtown events. City staff and the city attorney explained three options: reallocate the existing awards among prior applicants, reopen the LTAC application process (which would require public notice and a 45‑day comment period), or roll the unallocated dollars into future LTAC funds for 2027. The council indicated staff could place the discussion on a future agenda for fuller consideration and recommended DWR provide more detailed spending plans at that meeting.
Several residents also urged the council to plan proactively for expected regional visitors tied to nearby developments (Scott Hill, Austin Point), encouraging the council to seek ways to attract visitors to downtown Woodland (hotels, events, and targeted uses of LTAC funds).
