Longview council expresses grief over Nippon Dyna Wave disaster and appoints Steve Taylor to PDA board

Council members and city staff opened the meeting by recognizing the victims, families and first responders connected to the Nippon Dyna Wave disaster. The presiding officer led a moment of silence and invited Pastor Bob Giles to deliver a prayer. Several council members expressed condolences: one council member who said he had worked at the facility for more than 40 years described the event as “the worst possible moment” and urged the community not to politicize the tragedy.

City Manager Wills described it as a tough week for the city, thanked first responders and staff for their work at the scene and asked the community to support those who will continue to cope with the aftermath. Council members and staff were thanked for communications and support activities, and council recognized local fundraising and meal efforts for families.

On procedural business, the council approved the consent calendar by voice/hand-raise vote (chair declared the motion passed). The Council Appointments Committee recommended Steve Taylor to the Public Development Authority (PDA) board; the council moved, seconded and approved the appointment to a term beginning immediately and ending 12/31/2029 (no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript).

Quotes (attributed): “I hope that as a community, we can come together. This isn’t...this shouldn’t be politicized in any way,” a council member said. City Manager Wills said, “Tough week for our city,” and thanked staff and first responders.

What happens next: The appointment of Steve Taylor takes effect immediately; the city continues to manage response and recovery efforts related to the Nippon Dyna Wave disaster.