Mayor updates wildfire preparedness, fireworks ban; councilmembers report on SDC review and community efforts

Mayor Marla Keethler briefed the council on public-safety and planning matters, saying the city had its first red-flag warning of the season and that the City will enforce a fireworks ban within city limits for the Fourth of July. Keethler said the city is coordinating DNR fuel-mitigation work near the northern and western boundaries and that Public Works staff are assessing storm damage and planning repairs.

Keethler also noted the city is pursuing potential Transportation Improvement Board submissions and expects a previously funded Safe Routes to School project for Skyline Drive and State Route 141/Jewett Boulevard to move forward later this year. She said staff are reviewing the city's emergency notification procedures after recent storm impacts and working with partners to pursue funding for watershed data analysis, mapping and wildfire preparedness projects.

In councilmember reports, Councilmember Doug Rainbolt said the Operations Committee is continuing to review System Development Charges, including potential approaches such as using equivalent meter units to calculate proportional infrastructure impacts; he said more data and staff time will be needed to proceed. Councilmember Ben Giant reported the Community Development Committee approved proposed language updating wording related to Hispanic Heritage Month and welcomed new member Tammara Tipple. Councilmember Patty Fink said volunteers completed a Gaddis Park cleanup and noted a dedication of a tulip poplar tree gift at Pioneer Park on July 4. Councilmember Morella Mora reported on the Pucker Huddle Coalition meeting, including Washington State Police discussions about traffic safety, encouragement for residents to report deer strikes to improve data, and community efforts to support agricultural workers during cherry season.