City Council Approves Neighborhood Mixed Use District

The December 13 Colville City Council meeting was called to order with all council members Brandon Hatch, Chris Loggers, Kevin Fryer, Thomas Carpenter, Robin Kurowski, Ben Nielsen, Richard Nichols and Mayor Jack Smith present.

The minutes from the November 22 city council meeting were approved, as were payments totaling $ 723,468.81, including payroll, claims checks, and EFT debits.

The floor was then opened up for public comments, Shari DePaulo spoke in favor of the Neighborhood Mixed Use (NMU) Rezoning, after which contracted city planner Aaron Qualls asked that no additional testimony be taken on the NMU. Mike Nichols was then recognized and spoke against the NMU, saying that it was unconstitutional and negatively affects the rights of the people. After Mr. Nichols comments Mayor Smith said no additional testimony would be heard on the NMU. Councilmember Carpenter stated that it is unusual for an outside entity to be stating what can be addressed during the public comment session. Shelly Bacon closed out the session stating that the council needs to know their decisions impact lives.

The council moved on to their first item, a request by the Colville School District for Vinson Funds for a new intercom system. Brent Purvis stated that the intercom system that was original to the high school has worn out and the replacement sought would last as long the one it is replacing, approximately 30 years. Mr. Purvis also noted that Colville students have been fundraising to help pay for the new system. The council approved $ 5,000 from the Vinson Funds for the Colville High School intercom replacement.

Next was a closed record hearing on the Neighborhood Mixed Use (NMU) zoning district, where the council would vote on an ordinance establishing a NMU and amending the official zoning map, and amending design requirements for offstreet parking and loading. Contracted city planner Aaron Qualls presented a slide show explaining the proposed neighborhood mixed use zoning district. He stated that neighborhood mixed use areas are intended to provide a range of commercial services and/ or multifamily housing to create mixed-use nodes and promote walkability within the city. This district permits small- scale retail and service providers to be located within close proximity to residences, which will encourage walking and the use of non-motorized transportation. he stated that potential uses could be small convenience stores ( without gasoline sales), barber and beauty shops, animal groomers, and small offices.

Councilmember Nichols stated that he struggles with accepting the neighborhood mixed use zoning. He stated that the city can accomplish the same goals using the current zoning. He stated that the city should be cautious about imposing costs on developers. Mr. Qualls stated that the benefits of the proposed ordinance are additional allowance for housing types in these areas, more economic opportunity for small businesses, gain subdivision standards, including sidewalks, walkability, safety, comfort, and protection of existing neighborhoods.

Mr. Qualls stated that there are additional costs, but with those costs come more opportunity, smaller lot sizes, and different housing types. Councilmember Carpenter stated that the neighborhood mixed use zone, as a concept, is not necessarily a bad thing; however, it is not right for the city of Colville. He stated that Colville is not a city where we can expect people to walk a mile and a half to downtown when it’s zero degrees outside. He stated that it is not responsible city planning. Councilmember Kurowski moved and councilmember Loggers seconded the motion to adopt proposed ordinance no. 1692 n. s. for the establishment of a neighborhood mixed use zone, modifications to the table of permitted and conditionally permitted used and the design modifications to the off- street parking and loading as recommended by the planning commission and based off the public record of the planning commission having made the following findings pursuant to Colville municipal code § 17.96.040:

1. The proposed amendment is consistent with the intent and goals of the Colville comprehensive plan and meets the requirements and intent of the Colville municipal code, including the type and intensity of development, and the protection of critical resources areas.

2. The proposed amendment is consistent with applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

3. The city and other responsible agencies and special districts will be able to supply the development resulting from the amended comprehensive plan or implementing ordinance with adequate roads and streets for access and circulation, water supply, storm drainage, sanitary sewage disposal, emergency services, and environmental protections.

4. The amendment adequately mitigates impacts identified through the SEPA review process, if applicable.

5. The amendment is beneficial to the public health, safety, and welfare, and is in the public interest.

Councilmember Carpenter stated that he will be voting no, and this is a wrong

direction for the city. Councilmember Nichols stated this takes away some of the individual rights of

property owners to make decisions on their own property. Mayor Smith requested a roll call vote. Voting Yes were councilmembers Loggers, Fryer, Kurowski, and Nielsen. Voting no were councilmembers Hatch, Carpenter, and Nichols. Motion passed 4- 3, Ordinance No. 1692 is on file in the City Clerk’s Office.

Next on the agenda was a request to approve the bid for on- call snow and ice removal to Bradeen Ex. LLC. as a backup plan in the event that the city has a large snow event that city crews are unable to do the work. The bid was approved in the amount of $ 2,480 plus tax for 2” to 6” of snow, and $ 2,980 for over 6” of snow. Councilmembers Carpenter and Nichols dissented.

The council then voted to set aside $ 70,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for the Stevens County Historical Society to purchase and install a new HVAC system. Councilmember Carpenter dissented.

The council voted to accept the 7th Avenue construction project as completed by Interstate Concrete for the amount of $ 681,258.52.

There was some discussion over the acceptance of the 2023 Lodging Tax Funding Recommendations, Councilmember Nichols stated that Farm Jam is a for- profit event and does not see why the city should pay for that program. Councilmember Kurowski countered that the event brings the most people to town and fills the motels which provides basis for the city to support the program. Councilmember Carpenter stated the motion should be approved as is, but a discount for Colville residents should be discussed for future events. The motion to approve the 2023 Lodging Tax Recommendations passed.

The 2023- 2024 Biennieal Budget was approved with the passing of ordinance no 1693. Ordinance No. 1693 is on file at the City Clerk’s Office.

Ordinance No. 1694 which would have amended the ordinance establishing a rate structure for the Storm Water Management Utility failed to be passed. A rate study may need to be done to establish a basis of date in order to determine what is needed.

Ordinance no. 1695 N. S. amending the ordinance requiring a permit to excavate any of the public streets or alleys for any purpose passed. There was one dissension noted from councilmember Carpenter.

The motion to adopt proposed resolution No. 14- 22 adopting an application fee for the vacation of streets and alleys and vacation or alteration of a subdivision passed.

The motion to adopt proposed resolution No. 15- 22 adopting a fee schedule for the Colville land division ordinance passed.

The motion to adopt proposed resolution No. 16- 22 adopting a fee schedule for the Colville zoning ordinance passed.

Saundra Wilma was reappointed to the Planning Commission, Kathy Ahlenslager was appointed to the Planning Commission and reappointed to the Tree Board.

Monthly reports were given to the council as well this evening. Police Chief Robert Meshishnek stated that the body- cams have arrived, and it will be a few months to get the training and supplemental equipment set up and implemented. Councilmember Carpenter asked what the process is for the public to request a viewing of body- cam footage. Chief Meshishnek stated that it is through

a standard public records request.

Public Works Director Rob Henry stated that the public works department has been dealing with snow issues and lack of staff. He stated that they are working on getting the bulk water station online. He also stated that the summit street project will go to bid in January. Councilmember Nichols stated that as a pedestrian, he had to walk into the intersection of First and Wynne as well as the intersection of First and Oak due to the high snow berms in the middle of the road. Public Works Director Henry stated that the city is getting more snow than the department can keep up with. He stated that they are working hard to clear it.

City Treasurer Vickie Strong stated that the treasurer’s department has a new office

assistant who started on November 30.

Building Official/ Inspector Dave Harper stated that the fire station bids came in over

double the engineer’s estimate. He stated that he also met with the architects working on the library design project. Mayor Smith stated that since library manager Leah Hammerquist resigned, he has

been working with county- wide administrator Amanda Six on the library issues.

Mayor Smith stated that the EV charging stations ad hoc committee is still working on

the Avista master agreement.

Councilmember Carpenter stated that he has been working with TD& H engineers on grant applications, but the grants have not opened yet.

Councilmember Carpenter asked if the Draper Building has been listed for sale. Mayor Smith stated that it is for sale, and there have been two showings.

Councilmember Fryer stated that the airport board canceled their meeting this month.

Councilmember Loggers asked if there were any issues with draft council appointments for 2023. Councilmembers Carpenter and Nichols stated that they have issues and will follow up with Councilmember Loggers.

Mayor Smith stated that he attended the Colville together annual function. he stated that we are getting close to a final draft of the revised library interlocal agreement.

Councilmember Kurowski stated that the truck with the bicycles has been removed from the snow storage lot. She asked if there has been any feedback from the residents regarding the new homeless space. Mayor smith stated that there is a volunteer working with both residents and agencies, and there is a good rapport with the volunteer. he stated that the residents are maintaining the space and are following the rules.

That concluded the December 13 City Council Meeting.