Milton-Freewater council appoints Brynnley Raikes to library board; residents raise elevator access and senior center grant

The Milton-Freewater City Council on May 11 appointed Brynnley Raikes to the Library Board and heard public comments on accessibility and community programming.

Mayor Mike Odman recommended Raikes to fill the remainder of a one-year term on the Library Board, ending February 2027. City Recorder Leanne Steadman confirmed the applicant's address had been verified. Councilor Steve Irving moved to appoint Brynnley Raikes and Councilor Emily Holden seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

During the public-comment portion, Tina Kain of 403 Willow said the elevator door at a city facility is difficult to open for people using wheelchairs, knee scooters or crutches and asked the council to address the problem. Councilor John Lyon asked Interim City Manager Tim Johnson to have staff member Steven Patten inspect the elevator for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance; Johnson agreed to do so.

Elizabeth Foute, representing the Milton-Freewater Senior Center, thanked Councilor Destiny Jensen for applying for and securing a $15,000 grant to support food service at the center and promoted the center's annual rib dinner on May 16; pre-sale tickets were $15 and $20 at the door.

Interim Manager Tim Johnson noted the managers' reports for April were included in the packet and will be posted to the city website. Mayor Odman announced a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Freewater Park on May 20 at 6 p.m. and summarized the manager-recruitment timeline from Clay Pearson with SGR; council members agreed to receive applications directly from Pearson.

There being no further business, the council adjourned at 8:16 p.m.