White Salmon council approves consent agenda, $570,440.81 in vouchers and pursues WSDOT safety grant

The White Salmon City Council unanimously approved the consent agenda on March 4, including routine minutes, a WSDOT City Safety Program (HSIP) grant authorization, Pay App No. 6 for the Buck Creek Roof Replacement Project, and vouchers totaling $570,440.81.

The motion to approve the consent agenda was moved by Councilmember David Lindley and seconded by Councilmember Ben Giant. The vote was recorded as Giant – Aye, Fink – Aye, Rainbolt – Aye, Mora – Aye, Lindley – Aye; the motion carried 5–0.

During discussion before the vote, Councilmember Patty Fink asked whether the city's application for the HSIP grant was part of the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Safety Action Plan process and whether a full regional plan existed. Public Works Director Chris True replied that the Safety Action Plan prepared by consultant DKS is included in the council packet and that the city was pursuing the WSDOT grant because the plan recommended targeted safety improvements based on crash and traffic‑safety data. Councilmembers also raised other local safety concerns, including speed and pedestrian safety along Jewett Boulevard and near Spring Street.

The council approved vouchers and payroll items summarized in the meeting packet: total claim and payroll vouchers amounting to $570,440.81. The meeting minutes record that vouchers were audited and certified as required by state law (RCW 42.24.080 and RCW 42.24.090).

Councilmembers recommended follow‑up opportunities to pursue additional funding programs beyond HSIP, including pedestrian and bicycle programs and potential Transportation Improvement Board grants to address community‑raised safety concerns.