Many items of concern were discussed and/or voted on at city council meetings throughout Grays Harbor County in recent weeks.

Aberdeen

City Administrator Ruth Clemens discussed House Bill 1380 that would, according to the Washington Policy Center, “allow a homeless person to sue a municipality that restricts the use of public land for a homeless camp. The legislation would redefine how a city or town may create rules and legislation for the use of public land with a vague and indefensible definition.”

Clemens also proposed an economic development strategic planning session, which was approved by the council. She discussed the Aberdeen City Hall elevator repairs as well.

Parks Director Stacie Barnum provided an update on the Aberdeen Museum project at 118 W. Wishkah Street. The project is in the final design phase, which is estimated to be complete on May 1.

Barnum also provided an update on the tree and sidewalk replacement project along Market Street.

Ward 5 Councilor and Public Works committee chairperson Joshua Francy discussed the upcoming decommissioning of select traffic lights in Aberdeen.

The council voted to replace authorize the purchase of a 2025 Ford F250 to replace the total loss of vehicle #707 in an amount of $8,854.

The council also voted to approve the deaccession of items from the Museum Collection.

Elma

Voted to enter into an interlocal agreement between the city of Forks and the city of Elma for prisoner confinement services as needed. This agreement is in addition to any other agreements the city of Elma has with other entities for such services.

The council voted to “release and hold harmless” the Weyerhaeuser Company, which provides property located between its Bay City Dock and its Veneer Plant, in Aberdeen for the purpose of pursuit driving training.

Montesano

The March 11 meeting was cancelled due to lack of agenda items.

Ocean Shores

Councilor Tom Taylor, who is also the animal control officer for the city of Hoquiam, moved to table the discussion and vote for an ordinance relating to a non-profit designee, licensing, impoundment, adoption procedures, fees and confinement of animals within the City, as well the approval of a lease agreement and memorandum of understanding between the City of Ocean Shores and Salty Dog Animal Rescue. The vote to table carried 6-1.

Ocean Shores Police Department Patrol Officer Westin Fruh and Administrative Assistant Molly Nesgoda were introduced and sworn in.

Library Director Keitha Owen and Library Board of Trustees Members Alex Suarez and Becky Moore presented a report about the Ocean Shores Public Library.

The Grays Harbor County annual report was presented by Grays Harbor District 3 County Commissioner Vickie Raines.

Voted to award a contract for $48,000 to Brumfield Construction of Aberdeen to repair the netting at the Ocean Shores Golf Course driving range.