Zillah staff update: downtown bulb‑outs scaled back, meter replacements halfway done; new officer sworn in study session

At the Oct. 7 study session, Public Works Director John Simmons and other staff updated council on capital projects, utility meter replacement and personnel changes.

Simmons said the downtown bulb‑out design — part of the approved downtown revitalization plan and a condition of Transportation Improvement Board grant funding — had been scaled back after staff and the city engineer adjusted plans to improve traffic flow, truck access and business visibility. Councilmember Doug Stewart voiced concern that the bulb‑outs could affect business and truck access; Simmons said he worked with the city engineer to reduce the bulb‑out size to address those issues.

On meters, Simmons reported remote meter installations are at roughly the halfway point: "approximately 532 of 1100 installed" and that progress is limited by supplier availability. He and City Administrator Michael Grayum praised staff member Deana for integrating the meters with the new tracking system and supporting public‑works operations.

Police staffing also featured in the study session: Mayor Pro‑Tem Doug Stewart administered the oath of office to new Police Officer Nune Angel. The minutes state Officer Angel "will go to the Academy in November with an expected graduation date in March 2025, followed by Field Officer Training," and staff expect the officer to be serving as an independent patrol officer by July 2025. Chief Tim Quantrell separately reported plans to hire two officers to cover an upcoming retirement and a recently vacated position; Sgt. Olivias passed probation and Officer Garent completed the FTO program and is patrolling independently.

No formal council votes were recorded on the bulb‑out redesign or meter program during this meeting; both items were updates and remain subject to project and grant conditions.