White Salmon council approves consent agenda, defers Planning Commission work plan to Feb. 4

The White Salmon City Council voted on Jan. 21 to approve its consent agenda and to defer action on the Planning Commission’s 2026 work plan.

On the consent agenda the Council approved a suite of items—including multiple change orders and pay applications related to water and street projects, an interlocal agreement for incarceration services with Klickitat County, and Resolution No. 2026‑01‑640 to remove and authorize signers on city financial accounts. Vouchers and payroll presented at the meeting totaled $309,091.65. Councilmember David Lindley moved to approve the consent agenda; Morella Mora seconded and the motion passed 5–0 (Giant, Fink, Rainbolt, Lindley, Mora: Aye).

On the Planning Commission’s draft 2026 work plan, Planner Rowan Fairfield described a seven‑item list developed after a joint Council–Planning Commission meeting. Several councilmembers raised concerns that two proposed activities (listed as Activities 2 and 3 in the draft) may fall outside core planning duties and asked for prioritization. Councilmember Doug Rainbolt moved, and Patty Fink seconded, to defer action and return on Feb. 4 with a more comprehensive list of key focus areas for Council consideration. The motion carried 5–0.

On the Community Development Block Grant Home Repair Program closeout, staff reported $124,766 in federal CDBG funds were spent on six repair projects at three homes; Mayor Keethler opened a public hearing for the closeout, heard no testimony and closed the hearing. Councilmembers commended Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation for the work; no formal vote was required to close the report.

No executive session was held. The meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.