DuPont council approves appointments, lodging‑tax grants, Center Drive design award and three public‑works trucks

The DuPont City Council took a series of administrative and capital actions after presentations and staff reports.

Appointments: The council approved the appointment of Gus (city engineer candidate) and appointed Greg Butler to the DuPont Planning Commission by voice votes following motions and seconds. The council also approved the consent agenda.

Lodging tax grants: Director Oak Smith summarized the Lodging Tax Committee’s recommendations. The committee reviewed 39 applications, approved 36 grants and recommended distributions totaling roughly $449,954.30 from a $450,000 Part A budget; the council approved the committee’s recommendations. Council members used the discussion to ask for future policy work on allocation guidelines, reserve levels and applicant match requirements before future funding cycles.

Center Drive design award: Staff recommended extending design work on Center Drive Phase 4B with David Evans & Associates to expedite bidding and combine Phase 4A and 4B into a single summer construction package. The council moved and approved awarding the design so bids could be issued in March and an April award target maintained.

Public Works vehicles: The council approved a request to purchase three Public Works trucks to replace aging vehicles. Staff explained long manufacturer lead times and proposed using ER&R funds and a $170,000 water‑fund contribution; council approved the purchase and staff said the recently adopted utility rate adjustment would not be affected.

All formal items were approved by voice vote; no roll‑call tallies were recorded in the public proceedings.