The Aberdeen City Council’s Finance Committee recommended disbursement of 2017 lodging tax funds in the amount of $3,100 to Don Bell, who brings powerlifting competitions to the Timber Gym on West Market Street. The full council, however, rejected the Finance Committee recommendation at Wednesday night’s council meeting and turned the funding down.
Somewhere in the application process Bell’s submission was lost. Assuming he had been approved for the funds, Bell spent the disbursement amount out of his own pocket.
Mayor Erik Larson called for an oral vote, which he declared went in favor of the no voters. He asked the council if anyone wanted a roll call vote and got no reply, so the recommendation was rejected.
“I think he should have to wait until the proper time, and then apply,” said Councilwoman Tawni Andrews.
“Don puts on an amazing event that brings a lot of people to town,” said Councilman Denny Lawrence. Added Councilman Jim Cook, “I’m saying there were extenuating circumstances. I’m voting yes.” Councilwoman Alice Phelps echoed Lawrence’s take, saying, “He brings families to town, puts lots of heads in beds.”
In other miscellaneous business Wednesday night:
The Aberdeen Revitalization Movement is asking for city funds to hire an official director, allowing the city to become a Main Street USA city. After withdrawing a short-term plan to cover expenses in the second half of 2017, Gary Jones, on the movement’s board of directors, has drafted a three-year plan for funding of the director and office expenses. This plan will be unveiled at the Aug. 9 meeting.
No public testimony
Three public hearings were on the schedule at Wednesday’s meeting for the second readings of ordinances related to adopting the city’s revised shorelines plans, processing applications for variances under the zoning code, and approving an amended six-year transportation plan. No public testimony was given, and all three were passed unanimously by the council. They will get final consideration at the Aug. 9 meeting.
Library Board passes
The council unanimously approved the third reading of an ordinance to create a city library board. The city can now begin filling seats on the board.
Permission for carnival at Shoppes at Riverside
The council unanimously approved a permit for a carnival at the Shoppes at Riverside Aug. 5. This Habitat for Humanity event will take place in the grassy area on the south side of mall property where the K-Mart used to sit.
Flood-prone property purchased
The council approved the purchase of 23.85 acres of land adjacent to Charley Creek for $6,000 plus the compensating tax for removing the land from the forest land tax classification, another $8,142.28, well below the assessed value of $60,000. Charley Creek, which pours into the Chehalis River west of Grays Harbor College, is one of the problem flooding spots in the area, the purchase of the property will allow the city direct access for flood mitigation work.
