A motion to adopt the draft guidelines for the downtown Historic District passed by unanimous vote of the Hoquiam City Council on Monday night.

The guidelines spell out the preservation and enhancement of the historic character and architectural heritage of downtown Hoquiam and the overall community.

John Larson, a proponent of the Historic District, advocated the benefits of the implementation of the guidelines.

“We believe that a downtown with a cohesive look will bring in new tourists, new businesses and elevate the whole community,” Larson said.

The guidelines were implemented in 2013, but this resolution draft will provide a reference for those intending development within the district in an easily accessible form.

In other business

Rognlin’s Inc was awarded the contract to repair the existing clarifier mechanism at Hoquiam’s wastewater treatment plant. Three sealed bids were submitted for the work and Rognlin’s offer of $625,285.50 came in under the other two and was accepted by the council. Work on the clarifier is slated to begin next August and will take about six weeks to complete.

Three city vehicles were declared to be surplus and no longer needed: a 2010 Dodge Charger, 2005 Ford Explorer and a 1998 Chevrolet Astro-Glide. The vehicles will be sold at public auction or by public sale.

Council notes:

The newly formed Friends of the Olympic Stadium will have it’s first meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 12 in the council chamber.