Council adopts consent agenda; staff reports on housing, utilities and city hall progress; public hearing on refuse charges draws no speakers

The Olivia City Council approved its consent agenda, which included meeting minutes and multiple resolutions covering personnel movement, a donation from the Sons of the American Legion, procedures relating to reimbursement of tax-exempt bond expenditures under the Internal Revenue Code, and calls for public hearings on assessments tied to unpaid mowing and hazardous-structure costs.

During a staff presentation on unpaid refuse assessments, staff said letters notifying property owners were mailed Sept. 30 and that assessments are not imposed until Oct. 31. A staff speaker told the council, “they all got notice on September 30th ... and nothing gets assessed until the end of the month October 31st.” The public hearing produced no in-person or virtual public comments.

Staff reports covered several boards and commissions: the Planning Commission discussed zoning matters including cannabis registration and accessory dwelling units; Public Utilities held an informational “Utilities 101” for new members; and the Economic Development Authority focused on housing options for a Fairview site and former hospital lots, saying the developer has done considerable marketing but no sale has closed and the developer agreement is nearing its end.

City Hall construction was also updated: phone lines required undergrounding during the project and caused an outage, interior framing is underway, crews are digging for additions and staff scheduled a box walk to review outlet placement; staff projected an early-spring reopening for the facility. Council members set a canvass board meeting window between Nov. 8 and Nov. 15 to certify local election results, noting potential conflicts with Nov. 12 and 13 and suggesting a short meeting at 5 or 5:30 p.m. to complete the process.

With no further business, the council adjourned after a voice vote.