The Montesano RV Ordinance/Campground definition change was the key note of the Montesano City Council meeting on Jan. 24, as there was no shortage of council deliberation or citizen input on the matter.
The Public Works Committee had met on Jan. 18 to discuss the RV ordinance, concluding the meeting with a definition change to the camping ordinance. Currently the ordinance states that stays in a campground are limited to 30 days, however, as explained by CFO Doug Streeter, the proposed ordinance would increase that to 180 days for an RV that can hook to water and sewer, or 30 days in a tent.
Councilman Dan Wood noted the importance this change could play in the economic development of Montesano. If campers with accessibility to water and sewer are permitted to stay in Montesano for a longer period of time, it enables them to spend money in Montesano at increased amounts.
“I would like to see that money being spent in Montesano for a longer period of time,” Wood said.
The ordinance change was approved by the council by a vote of 3-2, but failed to pass as the proponents of the change lacked a majority of the votes. Councilman Tyler Trimble was absent.
As explained via email by Streeter after the meeting, Councilman Anthony Chung had recused himself from voting (because he is directly involved in a business that would be impacted by changes to the ordinance), leaving five council members.Streeter cited RCW 35A.12.120 which states that the resolution required “at least a majority of the whole membership of the council.” The ordinance needed four affirmative votes to pass.
Other business
Citizens of Montesano participated vigorously in the public comment portion of the meeting, conveying their questions, concerns or approval for a potential roundabout and rest area.
Many citizens expressed their hesitation in backing the construction, as they had concerns about upkeep and the role their taxpayer dollars would play. Additional concerns were in regards to semi-traffic through the area, and the effects the roundabout would play in relation to commercial travel. There were those citizens who voiced their approval for the project, stating how a boost to business and consumerism would work to serve the economic interests of Montesano.
The Montesano Fire Department issued a proposal to the council for a Fire Cadet Program, in partnership with Montesano High School. The goal of the program would be to provide students the opportunity to learn about a variety of fire department based skills through a vocational setting.
The program would be for students aged 16 to 18, with class sizes not exceeding 15. The fire department will provide classrooms, curriculum, instructors, equipment, training grounds and protective gear, while the school will provide a contract amount of $15,000 to aid in offsetting the demand for updated equipment and instructor time. The council hopes to draft a contract by its next meeting.
The Montesano Youth Soccer Club is seeking field lights, and potentially concessions and rest rooms, to be put up at Beacon Park. They are seeking multiple grants to get lights on the field, which will total about $60,000. The grant application deadline was Jan. 31, with language specifically noting that the field must always be available for youth sports.
Concerns over the ballpark netting being down at Vessey Field were addressed at the council meeting. The council hopes to have the issue resolved by the end of February.
