White Salmon Council approves consent agenda, moves to refine planning workplan and asks staff to review committee code options

The White Salmon City Council unanimously approved its consent agenda on Jan. 21, 2026, moving to accept vouchers and several construction pay applications and change orders. The consent motion, made by Council Member David Lindley and seconded by Morella Mora, passed 5-0 and included Resolution No. 2026-01-640 removing and authorizing signers on city financial accounts and vouchers totaling $309,091.65.

On the Planning Commission's 2026 Work Plan, Planner Rowan Fairfield presented a draft list of seven activities. Council members expressed concern that two items (Activities 2 and 3) might not be core planning functions and requested time to prioritize. Council Member Doug Rainbolt moved, seconded by Patty Fink, to defer action and return on Feb. 4 with a more comprehensive list of key focus areas; the motion carried 5-0.

Council then discussed a draft ordinance addressing committee roles, transparency and expectations. Council Member Patty Fink said she requested the discussion to clarify committee responsibilities and downstream impacts, and department heads cautioned that additional formal requirements could increase staff workload. City Attorney Shawn MacPherson declined to provide an oral legal opinion, saying he would supply written guidance after review. Mayor Marla Keethler asked staff to return with options — including an OPMA-style approach or a hybrid model — after legal review.

Staff reports noted an onboarding discussion with Council Member Rainbolt on elected roles and responsibilities and a Public Works update on Phase IIA of the Bald Mountain Corners project, which is expected to begin contractor mobilization in mid-February with significant traffic impacts later in spring; a public open house on the water project is scheduled for Feb. 24.

The meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.