Resident presses Goldendale council on observatory, dark‑sky promises and Chamber contract

During the open public comment period on July 1, resident Robert Eumesley delivered an extended statement urging the Goldendale City Council to revisit earlier commitments to protect night skies and to respond to what he described as an unfulfilled Chamber of Commerce contract to pursue 'dark‑sky community' designation and provide public education.

Eumesley said the observatory was once an International Dark Sky Association (IDA)‑recognized site but, following management changes around 2015, the site was no longer maintained to IDA expectations. He alleged the Chamber submitted an inadequate application for dark‑sky community designation and failed to implement the education and outreach program required by its agreement with the city. Eumesley asked the council for a written response to his address and cited past contacts with state dark‑sky program representatives who had offered pro‑bono assistance.

Councilors acknowledged the concern, confirmed that a lighting ordinance exists in the municipal code, and suggested the ordinance committee and upcoming ordinance work would be an appropriate forum to review the issue. The chair invited Eumesley to stay after the meeting for further conversation and said staff would follow up on the questions about the Chamber contract and a possible dark‑sky community application.