The Goldendale City Council held another speed meeting last night, rolling through the whole agenda from Pledge of Allegiance to motion to adjourn took just 14 minutes and 17 seconds. Part of that was due to some last-second changes. Mayor Dave Jones was out sick and Steve Johnston was excused. Councilor Danielle Clevidence took the gavel for the evening.
Apart from reading a proclamation from Governor Bob Ferguson honoring surgical technologists, councilors had only a first reading of the park plan, which had been in the works for three years. There could have been a vote to dismiss the second reading and a vote on the plan, but councilors voted to table the matter until Mayor Jones could be present and answer questions.During the report of officers, Police Chief Mike Smith reported that he had contacted the county prosecutor, Rebecca Cranston, about handling misdemeanor cases, and was awaiting her response.
Julianna Ontiveros spoke for the city fire department and said The fire department was offering free CPR, first aid, and Narcan training classes funded by a grant, with sessions held across the county and more to be scheduled before year’s end.
Councilor Brian Paul noted it was a pleasure to provide parking and security for the Maryhill Museum’s 100-year anniversary Saturday, which drew attendees from Washington, Alaska, California, and Nevada.
There was one sad moment when councilor Theone Wheeler reported that the Goldendale Kiwanis club was disbanding as of October 1st.
“We’ve tried for two years to keep it alive but everybody that said they would join and be active have pretty much left us in the same position we’ve been in for years, which there’s only four of us running the whole show, and it’s just too much. We’ve agreed to use all remaining funds to give books to evert school in the county.”