Development News for Battle Ground, Washington

City Council Delays Decision on Allowing Apartments in R7 Zones for Further Review

During a public hearing on proposed zoning code amendments, Council Member Ferrer made a motion to remove the permitting of apartments in R7 zones from the ordinance to allow for further council review and exploration of alternative options. This motion was seconded and passed 4-2. The discussion highlighted concerns that allowing apartments outright in R7 zones could streamline development but potentially bypass neighborhood input typically associated with conditional use permits. Staff indicated this change was part of a generalized approach to reduce red tape and create a more builder-friendly environment to meet housing targets, but acknowledged the need for further analysis on its impact on density assessments and potential alternatives.

City Council Approves $50,000 for Independent Departmental Audit

Council Member Mson proposed a budget amendment of $50,000 to hire an independent auditor to review city departments. The purpose of this audit is to identify deviations needing correction and address past issues that resulted in legal actions against the city. Council Member Kypers expressed concern about the budget impact and suggested exploring alternative solutions like reviewing existing goals and expectations through strategic planning, and noted that state auditors already conduct financial and accountability audits. Council Member Mson stated the audit would focus on internal functions to find areas for improvement, and that the motion was not meant to assume wrongdoing but to ensure thoroughness. The motion to allocate $50,000 for this independent review passed with a 4-2 vote. The final approval will require a formal ordinance and budget amendment.

City Council Votes to Include Invocations Before Meetings

The city council voted to direct staff to draft a resolution to amend the governance manual, including an invocation at the beginning of every council meeting, occurring immediately after convening and prior to the pledge of allegiance. This decision followed extensive discussion on the legality and appropriateness of legislative prayer. Legal counsel confirmed that such invocations are constitutionally permissible under certain guidelines, emphasizing non-discrimination and voluntary participation. Council Member McCoy voiced concerns about the potential for a wide variety of prayers and the impact on the city's legal budget. Council Member Kypers suggested a moment of silence as an alternative. The motion to draft the resolution passed 4-3. Deputy Mayor Vale read a historical prayer from the First Continental Congress as an example of appropriate invocation.

Council Approves Funding for Independent Departmental Audit Amidst Budget Concerns

Council Member Mson proposed a motion to hire an independent auditor for $50,000 to review city departments, aiming to identify deviations needing correction and address past legal issues. Council Member Kypers raised concerns about budget impact and suggested alternative solutions, questioning the necessity of an independent audit given existing state audits. Council Member Bowman stated they would not support the motion, seeking more specific clarification on the audit's scope and expressing concern about broad formats potentially diluting strategic goals. The motion passed 4-2, with the understanding that a formal ordinance and budget amendment will be forthcoming. Mayor Overholzer extended the meeting time to accommodate further discussion.