Regular City Council Meeting

Regular City Council MeetingAgenda April 28, 2025 at 6:00pm 500 E. Main St. Othello, WA 99344 Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83699898563?pwd=SVhvWlg2VUhjbmY5aTUxcWlLcStnZz09 Meeting ID: 836 9989 8563 Passcode: council Page 1. OPENING ITEMS A. Call to Order B. Invocation C. Pledge of Allegiance D. Public Input E. Roll Call 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 3. CONSENT AGENDA: The following items will be enacted by one motion. If separate discussion is desired, that item may be placed on the regular agenda, with concurrence of the Council. Requests to remove items should be made under Agenda Item 2: Approval of Agenda. A. Approve City Council Minutes March 24, 2025 and April 14, 4-6 2025 2025.03.24.Draft.pdf B. Approve Joint Special Meeting Minutes April 16, 2025 7-8 2025.04.16.Draft.Special.Meeting.pdf C. Approve Accounts Payables Page 1 of 42  D. Approve Payroll and Related Expenses E. Approve to Apply for the Paul Lauizer Charitable Foundation 9 Grant Agenda.Memo.2025.Paul.Lauizer.Charitable.Foundation.Grant.pdf 4. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Adopt Resolution 2025-07 Amending the Fee Scale for 10 - 11 addition of Futsal Court Fees Agenda.Memo.Amend.2025.Fee.Scale.pdf Resolution.2025-07.2025.Fee.Scale.pdf B. Adopt Resolution 2025-08 to Re-establish Petty Cash Fund 12 - 14 Agenda.Memo.Update.Petty.Cash.Fund.pdf Resolution.2024-08.Update.Petty.Cash.Fund.pdf C. Adopt Resolution 2025-09 Designating the City of Othello's 15 - 17 Agent to Receive Claims for Damages Agenda.Memo.Designate.Agent.to.Receive.Claims.pdf Resolution.2025-09.Designate.Agent.to.receive.claims.pdf D. Public Hearing - STEP Housing 18 - 34 Regular.public.hearing.script.STEP.pdf Agenda.Memo.STEP.Housing.PH.pdf ORDINANCE.1633.pdf RCW 35A.21.360.pdf RCW Definitions.pdf 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. NEW BUSINESS 7. COUNCIL WILL ALSO RECEIVE A. Othello Police Dept Monthly Report - March 35 March.2025.Monthly.Report.pdf Page 2 of 42 B. Planning Commission Minutes 36 - 39 2025.03.17.Minutes.PC.pdf C. Clerk Quarterly Report 40 - 42 Clerk.Report.2025.Quarter.1.pdf Page 3 of 42 MINUTES City Council Regular Meeting 6:00 PM – Monday, March 24, 2025 Chambers/Zoom CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Logan called the meeting of the Othello City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. and led a silent invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF PRESENT Tania Morelos, City Clerk Spencer Williams, Finance Officer Dave Rehaume, Police Chief Robin Adolphsen, Public Works Director/ City Engineer CITIZEN INPUT • Linda Bowers- positive comments on the Sand Hill Crane Festival. ROLL CALL Council members Present: Council members Absent: John Lallas Corey Everett Darryl Barnes Mark Snyder Genna Dorow Danae Valdez Angel Garza APPROVAL OF AGENDA Council carried a motion to APPROVE THE AGENDA. M/S Garza/Dorow Page 4 of 42 CONSENT OF AGENDA A. Approval of City Council Minutes March 10, 2025 B. Approval of Accounts Payable C. Adopt Ordinance 2025 Budget Amending Ordinance 1624- Amendment #1 D. Acceptance of Sand Hill #6 Infrastructure Council carried a motion to APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. M/S Everett/Lallas Accounts Payable was audited and certified by the Auditing Officer, as required by RCW 42.24.080; and those expense reimbursement claims certified and as required by RCW 42.24.090, have been recorded on a listing that has been reviewed by the Council audit committee and is available to the Council. Accounts Payable Check No. 61377 to No. 61426 in the amount of $359,513.83. Council carried a motion to WITHDRAW APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. M/S Barnes/ Dorow Council carried a motion to MOVE ITEM 3D TO CURRENT BUSINESS AS ITEM 4A.5. M/S Barnes/Valdez Council carried a motion to APPROVE THE AMENDED CONSENT AGENDA. M/S Barnes/Lallas CURRENT BUSINESS ACCEPT AGREEMENT WITH NAC ARCHITECTURE FOR AQUATIC FACILITY FEASIBILITY STUDY AND DESIGN SERVICES Robin Adolphsen, presented an agreement with NAC to conduct a feasibility study and design services for the Othello Community Pool. Council carried a motion to APPROVE THE AGREEMENT WITH NAC ARCHITECTURE. M/S Dorow/Barnes ACCEPTANCE OF SAND HILL #6 INFRASTRUCTURE Councilman Garza recused himself due to conflict of interest. Council carried a motion to ACCEPT THE SAND HILL #6 INFRASTRUCTURE. M/S Lallas/Dorow ADOPT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT FOR PROPERTY WITH AJ AND JODI OCHOA Mayor Logan present an the purchase and sale agreement for property where a new water treatment plant would be build. Council carried a MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2025-25 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF OTHELLO AND AJ & JODI OCHOA FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SURFACE WATER TREATMENT PLANT FOR $4,200,000 PLUS CLOSING COSTS AND THE BUY BACK PORTION BE AT $54,000 PER ACRE OR AT MARKET VALUE WHICHEVER IS HIGHER. M/S Barnes/Everett Page 5 of 42  UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was none. NEW BUSINESS • Reminder to File 2024 F-1 Financial Affairs Disclosure Statement by April 15, 2025 • Legislative Report- Week 10 • Spring Clean Up 2025 ADJOURNMENT With no further items to discuss, Mayor Shawn Logan adjourned the Council meeting at 6:36 pm. By: Shawn Logan, Mayor ATTEST: By: Tania Morelos, City Clerk Corrections- The City Clerk and codifiers of the minutes are authorized to make necessary corrections to this document including, but not limited to, the correction of scrivener/clerical errors, references, numbering, section/subsection numbers and any references thereto. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 03.10.2025 Page 6 of 42 MINUTES Special Joint Meeting 5:30 PM – Wednesday, April 16, 2025 903 Eagle Rd. Othello, WA CALL TO ORDER Mayor Logan called the meeting to order at 5:33pm when the City of Othello quorum arrived (Council Danae Valdez, Corey Everett, Darryl Barnes, Angel Garza). Mayor Logan announced he will be taking minutes. ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF PRESENT City of Othello: Othello School District: Mayor/Administrator, Shawn Logan Superintendent, Pete Perez Administrative Assistant, Marissa Garza ROLL CALL Council Members: School Board: John Lallas Linsy Prows Corey Everett Aaron Gerber Darryl Barnes Isauro Pruneda Mark Snyder Ken Johnson Genna Dorow Danae Valdez Angel Garza CURRENT BUSINESS A. SOCIAL HOUR B. DINNER C. DISCUSSION OF RECENT TRANSACTION • Mayor Logan shared a few words about how the transaction unfolded. • Superintendent, Pete Perez Shared about the process the parties went through. • AJ Ochoa discussed his role in the transaction. • Patt Boss talked about the future growth of Othello and how the two entities working together will help Othello’s image. • Jodi Ochoa thanked everyone for working together to make this transaction happen. SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 04.16.2025 Page 7 of 42 ADJOURNMENT With no further items to discuss, Mayor Shawn Logan adjourned the Special meeting at 7:51 pm. By: Shawn Logan, Mayor ATTEST: By: Tania Morelos, City Clerk SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 04.16.2025 Page 8 of 42 AGENDA MEMO Attachments: Council Meeting Date: April 28, 2025 1. Agenda Item: 2025 Paul Lauzier Charitable Foundation 2. 3. Grant Presented by: Sarah Montemayor, Grant Administrator ACTION REQUIRED: Informational Motion Ordinance Resolution Why is it a legislative issue? The City Council is the approving authority for grant application submissions. Explanation of issue: The City continues to pursue a long-term solution for its animal services facility. With the recent acquisition of a new property, the City plans to construct the new facility at this location. However, relocating and developing the facility at this site entails additional costs that exceed the current budget. To help offset these expenses, the City intends to apply for the 2025 Paul Lauzier Charitable Foundation Grant in the amount of $400,000. Grant funds would be used to support construction of the facility, as well as essential infrastructure including fencing, animal kennels, outdoor animal accommodations, and security systems. Budget: To date, Council has approved $340,000 for the Animal Facility project, along with an additional $70,000 allocated for the Hands and Paws contract. The City is now seeking $400,000 through the Paul Lauzier Charitable Foundation Grant to support the remaining project costs. Staff/Committee Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Council approve the 2025 Paul Lauizer Charitable Foundation Grant application submission. Form of Motion: This item is listed in the Consent Agenda. When the Council approves the Consent Agenda, they will be approving authorization to apply for the 2025 Paul Lauizer Charitable Foundation Grant . Page 9 of 42 AGENDA MEMO Attachments: 1. Resolution 2025-07 Council Meeting Date: 4/28/2025 Agenda Item: Facility Use Fee Schedule Presented by: Valerie Hernandez ACTION REQUIRED: ☐ Informational ☒ Motion ☐ Ordinance ☒ Resolution Why is it a legislative issue? The council is the authority to approve resolutions. Explanation of issue: The following changes are being presented to amend Resolution 2024-05 for Parks and Recreation Fees. The proposed chart is an addition to the fee scale. These fees are a result of the decision the Parks & Recreation Committee made to ensure a positive experience for all users and fair pricing that is comparable to other sports facility rentals on the council-approved City fee scale • Updates include the addition of a rental fee for the futsal court. ITEM 2025 2026 2027 UNIT Futsal Court w/lights $ 30.00 $ 30.50 $ 31.25 Per Court/Per Hour Budget: NA Staff Recommendation: Council Committee recommends the City Council approve Resolution 2025-07 Adopting the changes to the Parks and Recreation Fee Schedule Form of Motion: Motion to repeal and replace resolution 2025-05 with resolution 2025-07 Parks and Recreation Fee Schedule. Page 10 of 42  CITY OF OTHELLO Washington Resolution No.2025-07 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF OTHELLO, WASHINGTON, REPEALING AND REPLACING RESOLUTION 2024-05 WHICH ESTABLISHES A PARKS AND RECREATION FEE SCHEDULE WHEREAS, the City previously adopted Resolution No. 2024-05 adopting a Parks and Recreation Fee Schedule; and WHEREAS, City Staff and Administration have reviewed the existing fee schedule and recommended updates, including the addition of a rental fee for the futsal court. and WHEREAS, the City Council finds it is in the City’s best interest to adopt said changes to the Parks and Recreation Fee Schedule; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OTHELLO, WASHINGTON, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Repealing and Replacing a Parks and Recreation Fee Schedule. The City’s Parks and Recreation Schedule is hereby repealed and replaced by the fee schedule as set forth in Exhibit A, attached hereto. Section 2. Effective Date. The fee schedules herein shall take effect and be in force upon adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 28th DAY OF APRIL 2025. By: _____________________________________________________ Shawn Logan, Mayor ATTEST: By:_____________________________________________________ Page 11 of 42 Tania Morelos, City Clerk AGENDA MEMO Attachments: Council Meeting Date: April 28, 2025 1. Resolution 2025-08– petty cash/ Agenda Item: Resolution Petty Cash change funds 2. Presented by: Spencer Williams, Finance Officer 3. ACTION REQUIRED: Informational Motion Ordinance Resolution Why is it a legislative issue? City Council is the legislative authority to approve resolutions. Explanation of issue: The City of Othello has petty cash/change fund amounts of $2,850 for the City Hall, Police, Court and the City swimming pool, to provide change for cash transactions and cover extra- ordinary expenses. It has come time to also establish two cash receipting locations at the Parks & Rec building. We are a growing city and our needs keep changing. We now have so many activities run through the Park & Rec department that it makes more sense to have a cash receipting location at that building. This will make more sense for the community paying for activities and rentals and will help with our workflow internally. We propose establishing two $200 change funds at the Park & Rec building. Our new petty cash change fund total for all City locations will now be $3,250. Budget: $400 (from existing budget) Staff/Committee Recommendation: It’s our recommendation that the City Council adopt the attached petty cash and change fund resolution, creating two new Park & Recreation change funds of $200 each. Form of Motion: Move to adopt the attached petty cash and change fund resolution 2025-08, creating two new Park & Recreation change funds of $200 each. Page 12 of 42  City of Othello Washington Resolution No. 2025-08 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OTHELLO, WASHINGTON, TO RE-ESTABLISH PETTY CASH/CHANGE FUNDS RECITALS: WHEREAS, the City of Othello has petty cash/change fund amounts for City Hall, Police, Parks & Recreation and the City swimming pool to aid in providing cash transactions for receipting purposes and cover extraordinary expenses. WHEREAS, the combined petty cash/change fund amounts have been established at $3,250. These funds are in various locations and amounts to help with customer transactions. IT IS RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS: The City of Othello has re-established the following amounts in petty cash/change funds: City Hall……………………………. $300.00 Petty Cash Fund - Front Counter Receipting $200.00 Change Fund Drawer #1 - Front Counter Receipting $200.00 Change Fund Drawer #2 - Front Counter Receipting $200.00 Change Fund Drawer #3 - Front Counter Receipting $200.00 Change Fund Drawer #4 Park & Recreation………………….. $ 0 Petty Cash Fund - Pool Admissions $100.00 Change Fund - Pool Admissions $100.00 Change Fund - Pool Concessions $100.00 Change Fund - Ball Field Concessions $150.00 Change Fund - Park & Rec Receipting $200.00 Change Fund - Park & Rec Receipting $200.00 Change Fund Police Department…………………..$ 100.00 Change Fund Police Department…………………..$1,000.00 Drug Buy Fund Othello Municipal Court…………….$200.00 Change Fund Total $3,250.00 Resolution No. 2025-08 Page 13 of 42 ADOPTED by the City Council of Othello, Washington this 28th day of April 2025. By: Shawn Logan, Mayor ATTEST: By: Tania Morelos, City Clerk Resolution No. 2025-08 Page 14 of 42 AGENDA MEMO Attachments: Council Meeting Date: April 28, 2025 1. Resolution 2025-09 Designate the Agenda Item: Resolution to Designate the City Clerk as City Clerk as the City of Othello’s Agent to receive claims City of Othello’s Agent to Receive Claims 2. Presented by: Tania Morelos, City Clerk ACTION REQUIRED: Informational Motion Ordinance Resolution Why is it a legislative issue? City Council is the legislative authority to approve resolutions. Explanation of issue: RCW 4.96.020(2) requires that the “governing body of each local governmental entity” appoint a designated claims agent to receive claims for damages. The proposed Resolution appoints the City Clerk, as the City of Othello’s designated agent. Once adopted, a copy of the Resolution will be recorded with Adams County auditor as required by RCW 4.96.020(2). The prior Resolution 2001-28 which was recorded with the Adams County Auditor appointing the City Administrator as the designated agent will be repealed. Resolution 2025-09 shall take effect and be in full force immediately upon passage by the City Council Budget: n/a Staff/Committee Recommendation: It’s our recommendation that the City Council adopt the attached resolution designation of the City Clerk to be City of Othello’s Agent to receive claims resolution. Form of Motion: Move to repeal and replace resolution 2001-28 with Resolution 2025-09, Designating the City Clerk the City of Othello’s Agent to receive claims. Page 15 of 42  City of Othello Washington Resolution No. 2025-09 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OTHELLO, WASHINGTON, DESIGNATING THE CITY OF OTHELLO’S AGENT TO RECEIVE CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES PURSUANT TO RCW 4.96.020(2) RECITALS: WHEREAS, RCW 4.96.020(2) requires the City to designate an agent to receive claims for damages pursuant to RCW Chapter 4.96 during normal business hours. IT IS RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS: 1. Designated Agent. The City Clerk is hereby designated as the agent of the City of Othello to receive claims for damages pursuant to RCW 4.96.020.(2). If the City Clerk is not available during normal business hours, the City Clerk’s designee is appointed as agent to receive claims for damages. 2. Address. All claims for damages filed against the City of Othello shall be presented to the designated agent between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the address below: City of Othello Attn: City Clerk 500 E Main St. Othello, WA 99344 3. Filing a Claim. All claims for damages against the City made pursuant to RCW 4.96 shall be presented to the designated agent(s) within the applicable time period of limitations within which an action must be commenced. Said claims shall not be effective unless delivered to the agent(s) specified in this resolution. 4. Repealed. City Resolution 2001-28 is hereby repealed. 5. Recording. The City Clerk is hereby directed to record a copy of this Resolution with the Office of the Adams County Auditor. Resolution No. 2025-09 Page 16 of 42  6. Effective Date. This resolution shall take effect and be in full force immediately upon passage by the City Council. ADOPTED by the City Council of Othello, Washington this 28th day of April 2025. By: Shawn Logan, Mayor ATTEST: By: Tania Morelos, City Clerk Resolution No. 2025-09 Page 17 of 42  PUBLIC HEARING STEPS 1. Open the Public Hearing on STEP Housing. (by reading the project description into the record) 2. Staff presentation to the Council. • Staff presents a neutral overview of the project and analysis. • Council asks staff questions and for clarifications. 3. OPEN public testimony. (add time limit as necessary) • Those in support. (council can ask questions and clarify issues) • Those neutral to the proposal. (council can ask questions and clarify issues) • Those in opposition. (council can ask questions and clarify issues) 4. Staff response. 5. CLOSE public testimony 6. Deliberation. • Council members may ask for additional information. 7. Motion for: • Approval • Approval with conditions • Denial • Continued (to a date/time certain…or until additional information is added to the record and a new hearing can be scheduled) 8. CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING PROCEED TO THE NEXT ITEM ON THE AGENDA Page 18 of 42 AGENDA MEMO Attachments: 1. Public Hearing script Council Meeting Date: April 28, 2025 2. Ord. 1633 Regulating Agenda Item: STEP Housing - Public Hearing Emergency Shelters and Housing Presented by: Anne Henning, Community Development Director 3. RCW STEP housing definitions 4. RCW 35A.21.360 Hosting the Homeless by Religious Orgs ACTION REQUIRED: Public Hearing Motion Ordinance Resolution Why is it a legislative issue? The City Council adopts amendments to the Municipal Code. Explanation of issue: “STEP” Housing is an acronym for Emergency Shelters, Transitional Housing, Emergency Housing, and Permanent Supportive Housing. House Bill 1220, adopted in 2021, added requirements related to supportive and emergency housing. RCW 35A.21.430 and 35.21.683 require code cities (RCW 35A) and all cities (RCW 35) to not prohibit transitional housing or permanent supportive housing in any zones where dwelling units or hotels are allowed, and to not prohibit emergency shelters and emergency housing in any zones in which hotels are allowed. Therefore, we must update our municipal code. The required changes are: 1. To define the 4 types of STEP housing as stated in the law. 2. To allow these housing types in the required zones with only the minimum of conditions needed to protect public health and safety. 3. To not impose requirements on an affordable housing development that are different than the requirements for housing developments generally. (Affordable housing includes permanent supportive housing and other types of subsidized and leased housing). 4. To not place limits on religious organizations which host encampments, safe parking, overnight shelters, and temporary small houses on property owned or controlled by the religious organization, other than specific limits listed in the RCW that a city may adopt by ordinance. 5. To not limit the number of unrelated persons who occupy a dwelling unit, except by building code limits for occupancy. This affects the existing OMC definition of “family”, which has a numerical limit. The Department of Commerce provided a model ordinance. We also reviewed language from several other codes suggested by Commerce (Covington, Ellensburg, Maple Valley, and Port Townsend). The attached draft ordinance was created starting from the model and suggested codes. It has been modified after several reviews by the Planning Commission, City Attorney’s office, and Department of Commerce. Summary • Zoning definition of “family” is amended to remove the limitation on the number of unrelated individuals. • Zoning definitions of “temporary” and “temporary shelter” are deleted. The building code already defines “temporary” for structures, with a shorter time frame, and “temporary 1 Page 19 of 42  shelter” is no longer a useful definition, now that we are adopting the STEP housing definitions. It was also only used in the OMC in the definition of “hotel or motel” as something that a hotel or motel is not. • The required definitions of the 4 types of STEP housing is done by referring to the RCW definitions. This change was suggested by the City Attorney’s office and supported by Commerce. The RCW definitions are attached to this agenda memo for reference. • The allowed locations for the types of housing are listed in 17.80.030. • 17.80.040(a) requires the STEP housing to appear and function the same as any other housing units allowed in each zone. • 17.80.040(b) sets the standards allowed to us by the RCW for hosting by religious organizations. The state already allows religious organizations to host homeless encampments, shelters, etc. If Othello wants to set additional standards (within what is allowed by the RCW), we must do it by ordinance, which is what this section is for. The RCW section is attached to this agenda memo for reference. • 17.80.040(c) & (d) set additional allowed requirements on the various types of housing. Note that this proposed ordinance is not a commitment for the City to build any of these types of housing, only changing the zoning to allow them to be built, as required by state law, if an organization would like to build them. It also sets some standards for hosting by a religious organization, which we must adopt if we want them to adhere to these standards. Discussion Items The attached ordinance is what was recommended by the Planning Commission, but there are several items the Council should discuss: 1. The City Attorney recommended considering notice provisions similar to Olympia 18.50.050 for emergency shelters and emergency housing. These provisions are included in the draft, see 17.80.040(d)(8) (p.7). Commerce is reviewing and may give feedback. 2. Commerce recommends allowing a religious organization to host longer than 190 days per year. See 17.80.040(b)(4) on p.5. The comment was: “If there is support to extend this timeframe, that would help religious organizations provide this housing/shelter to residents. It is often quite intensive to stand up these services and therefore the longer they can remain supported, the more likely religious organizations may be to embark on this work.” The Planning Commission discussed this comment but didn’t want to allow this type of use to continue too long. They felt that if a religious organization thought this provision was a serious barrier to them, they could apply to the Council for a change to the ordinance. Procedural Actions: Action Date Initial discussion by Planning Commission March 17, 2025 DNS issued (SEPA review) April 3, 2025 Submitted to Commerce for 60-day review Not required (Othello is partially-planning under the Growth Management Act. We have notified our Commerce planner and have been keeping her in the loop) Introduced to City Council April 14, 2025 Reviewed by City Attorney’s Office April 9, 16, & 18, 2025 2 Page 20 of 42  Action Date Planning Commission public hearing & April 21, 2025 recommendation to City Council City Council public hearing Scheduled for April 28, 2025 Budget: Minimal impacts. Staff/Committee Recommendation: The Planning Commission held a public hearing April 21 to receive testimony from the public, and recommends that the Council adopt the attached ordinance to amended OMC 17.09 Definitions and create a new chapter OMC 17.80 Emergency Shelters and Housing. The City Attorney’s office has reviewed the ordinance. Action: 1. Hold a public hearing to take testimony on the proposed ordinance. 2. Motion to adopt Ordinance 1633 amending OMC 17.09 Definitions and creating 17.80 Emergency Shelters and Housing. 3 Page 21 of 42  City of Othello Washington Ordinance No. 1633 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OTHELLO, WASHINGTON REGULATING THE SITING AND DEVELOPMENT OF EMERGENCY SHELTERS, TRANSITIONAL HOUSING, EMERGENCY HOUSING, AND PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING; AMENDING OTHELLO MUNCIPAL CODE SECTION 17.09.300 TITLED “FAMILY”; REPEALING OMC SECTIONS 17.09.840, DEFINING THE TERM “TEMPORARY”, AND 17.09.845, DEFINING THE TERM “TEMPORARY SHELTER”; ADOPTING A NEW OMC CHAPTER 17.80 TITLED “EMERGENCY SHELTERS AND HOUSING”; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE WHEREAS, RCW 35.21.683 and RCW 35A.21.430 prohibit all code cities from restricting transitional housing or permanent supportive housing in any zones in which residential dwelling units or hotels are allowed, and restrict code cities from prohibiting indoor emergency shelters and indoor emergency housing in any zones in which hotels are allowed. Reasonable occupancy, spacing, and intensity of use requirements may be imposed by ordinance on permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, and indoor emergency shelters to protect public health and safety. Any such requirements of occupancy, spacing, and intensity of use may not prevent the siting of a sufficient number of permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, or indoor emergency shelters necessary to accommodate the city’s projected need for such housing and shelter; and WHEREAS, RCW 35.21.682 and RCW 35A.21.314 prohibit all code cities from limiting the number of unrelated persons who may occupy a household or dwelling unit except for lawful limits on occupant load per square foot or building code limits; and WHEREAS, some of the existing zoning definitions in Othello Municipal Code (“OMC”) Chapter 17.09 titled “Definitions” conflict with the new required state definitions and must be repealed; and WHEREAS, any restrictions and requirements imposed on the siting and operations of emergency shelters, transitional housing, emergency housing, and permanent supportive housing must not violate civil rights protections provided by the Washington Law Against Discrimination, the federal Fair Housing Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act; and Ordinance No.1633 1 Page 22 of 42 WHEREAS, a city is prohibited by RCW 36.130.020 from imposing different requirements on affordable housing developments (including permanent supportive housing, transitional housing or emergency housing with a lease) than those imposed on housing developments generally. However, exceptions are allowed for preferential treatment towards affordable housing developments aimed at specific groups such as individuals experiencing homelessness, farmworkers, persons with disabilities, seniors, or low-income households. Preferential treatment may include fee reductions or waivers, adjustments to architectural or site development standards, or other measures aimed at reducing development or operating costs; and WHEREAS, if a city, county, or other local government entity is a funder of the project, the city may place regulations or restrictions on operators of affordable housing; and WHEREAS, RCW 35.21.915 and 35A.21.360 set limits on the city’s authority to regulate outdoor encampments, safe parking efforts, indoor overnight shelters, and temporary small houses on property owned or controlled by religious organizations; and WHEREAS, the City has performed environmental review in compliance with Chapter 43.21C RCW, Chapter 197-11 WAC, and Chapter 13.04 OMC, and issued a Determination of Non- Significance on April 3, 2025; and WHEREAS, the City’s Planning Commission considered an amendment to OMC Section 17.09.300 to revise the definition of the term “family” consistent with the changes to state law, repeal of OMC Sections 17.09.840 and 17.09.845, respectively defining the terms “temporary” and “temporary shelter” (collectively “OMC Chapter 17.09 Amendments”), and adoption of a proposed new OMC Chapter 17.80 titled “Emergency Housing and Shelters” on March 18, 2025, then held a duly noticed public hearing on April 21, 2025, ultimately voting to recommend City Council approval of said OMC amendments; and WHEREAS, the City Council considered the OMC 17.09 Amendments and the new proposed Chapter 17.80 OMC on April 28, 2025 after a duly noticed public hearing; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined it is in the best interest of the City to adopt the OMC Chapter 17.09 Amendments and create a new OMC Chapter 17.80 related to siting and development of emergency shelters, transitional housing, emergency housing, and permanent supportive housing; and WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that, in the interest of public health and safety, it is necessary to create standards that will regulate the siting and safe operation of transitional housing and permanent supportive housing facilities within the City of Othello consistent with Chapter 35.21 RCW; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OTHELLO, WASHINGTON ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS: Ordinance No.1633 2 Page 23 of 42 Section 1. OMC Section 17.09.300 (Family), Amended. Othello Municipal Code Section 17.09.300 (Family) is hereby amended as follows. 17.09.300 Family. “Family” means one person living alone; or two or more persons related by blood, marriage, or legal adoption; or a group not exceeding five persons living as a single housekeeping unit. Section 2. OMC Section 17.09.840 (Temporary), Repealed. Othello Municipal Code Section 17.08.840 (Temporary) is hereby repealed in its entirety. Section 3. OMC Section 17.09.845 (Temporary Shelter), Repealed. Othello Municipal Code Section 17.08.845 (Temporary shelter) is hereby repealed in its entirety. Section 4. New OMC Chapter 17.80 (Emergency Shelters and Housing), Adopted. A new Othello Municipal Code Chapter 17.80 titled “Emergency Shelters and Housing”, is hereby adopted to read as follows. Chapter 17.80 EMERGENCY SHELTERS AND HOUSING Sections: 17.80.010 Purpose. 17.80.020 Definitions. 17.80.030 Location. 17.80.040 Additional Regulations. 17.80.010 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to: (a) Ensure compliance with chapter 36.70A RCW, RCW 35A.21.314, 35A.21.360, 35A.21.430, 35.21.682, 35.21.683, 35.21.915, and 36.130.020 and other applicable laws as adopted or hereafter amended. (b) Support the implementation of the Othello Comprehensive Plan. (c) Encourage the development of emergency shelters, transitional housing, emergency housing, and permanent supportive housing consistent with best practices for these development types to help address local housing needs. (d) Direct emergency shelters, transitional housing, emergency housing, and permanent supportive housing to areas with existing amenities, such as jobs, services, and access to transportation, to ensure occupants have access to opportunities. (e) Protect the health, safety and welfare of the individuals served by these development types and the broader community. 17.80.020 Definitions. The following definitions apply to this chapter. Words in the singular number shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular. Any reference to state law (RCW) or the Othello Ordinance No.1633 3 Page 24 of 42 Municipal Code (OMC) in this chapter incorporates the statute or code section as it exists and as it may be amended in the future. (a) “Affordable housing” means, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, residential housing whose monthly costs, including utilities other than telephone, do not exceed 30% of the monthly income of a household whose income is: (1) For rental housing, 60% of the median household income adjusted for household size for Adams County, as reported by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development; or (2) For owner-occupied housing, 80% of the median household income adjusted for household size for Adams County, as reported by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (b) “Affordable housing development” means, with respect to RCW 36.130.020, a housing development in which at least 25% of the dwelling units within the development are set aside for or are occupied by low-income households at a sales price or rent amount that is considered affordable by a federal, state or local government housing program. Indoor emergency housing or transitional housing that is administered through a lease or occupancy agreement and permanent supportive housing are all determined to be affordable housing under RCW 36.130.020. (c) “Emergency housing” shall be as defined in RCW 36.70A. (d) “Emergency shelter” shall be as defined in RCW 36.70A.030. (e) “Permanent supportive housing” shall be as defined in RCW 36.70A.030. (f) “Religious organization” means the federally protected practice of a recognized religious assembly, school, or institution that owns or controls real property. (g) Transitional housing” shall be as defined in RCW 84.36.043. 17.80.030 Location. (a) As required by RCW 35.21.683 and RCW 35A.21.430 as adopted or hereafter amended, indoor emergency shelters and indoor emergency housing are permitted in any zone in which hotels are allowed, which includes the C-2 and C-3 Commercial Zones in the city of Othello, as provided in OMC 17.30.030. (b) As required by RCW 35.21.683 and RCW 35A.21.430 as adopted or hereafter amended, permanent supportive housing and transitional housing are permitted in any zone in which residential dwelling units or hotels are allowed, which is all Residential and Commercial Zones. In Residential Zones, permanent supportive housing and transitional housing must be within the type, scale, density, and intensity of residential use(s) allowed in that zone. See OMC 17.20.030 and 17.30.030. 17.80.040 Additional Regulations. (a) Indoor emergency shelters, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, and permanent supportive housing must meet the same development and operating regulations as permitted residential dwellings, including adhering to building and fire codes (see OMC Chapter 14.04), to ensure consistency in health and safety for all residents. (b) Hosting of unhoused people by religious organizations must meet the following requirements: (1) The requirements set forth in RCW 35A.21.360 as adopted or hereafter amended; Ordinance No.1633 4 Page 25 of 42  (2) A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the city and the religious organization is required to detail the working relationship between and city and the religious organization and additional requirements and expectations. The religious organization shall provide a draft of the MOU which addresses the criteria in RCW 35A.21.360, including fire safety plans and public health and safety impacts; (3) Fire and life safety requirements in accordance with RCW 35A.21.360 may be required by the city on a case-by-case basis; (4) One location may not be used more than 190 days within a calendar year; (5) Only parking spaces that are in excess of the minimum required by the zoning code for the religious organization use may be used for hosting unhoused people, unless using more spaces is allowed by the MOU; (6) The religious organization shall provide restroom access, consistent with the requirements of RCW 35A.21.360 and the Othello Municipal Code; (7) If recreational vehicles are hosted, the religious organization must ensure proper disposal of all waste; (8) If the hosting is located outside of a building, the hosting area shall be fenced and screened; and (9) Concurrent hosting of an outdoor encampment is not allowed within 1000’ of another outdoor encampment hosted by a religious organization. (c) Permanent supportive housing and transitional housing facilities are subject to the following public health and safety conditions and requirements: (1) The number of units allowed on a given property shall be no more than the number of standard dwelling units that would be allowed under the zoning of the property; (2) Each unit of permanent supportive housing or transitional housing shall be limited to occupancy by individual occupant load per square foot regardless of occupants’ relation; and (3) On-site services, such as laundry, hygiene, meals, case management, and social programs are limited to the residents of the permanent supportive housing and transitional housing facilities. (d) Emergency housing or emergency shelters shall be regulated the same as hotels and motels, with the following additional requirements necessary for public health and safety: (1) The density of emergency housing or emergency shelter within a facility shall not exceed the requirements of the underlying zone. No occupied structures may exceed occupancy limits set by the currently adopted building code; (2) On-site services such as laundry, hygiene, meals, case management, and social programs are limited to the residents of the facility; Ordinance No.1633 5 Page 26 of 42  (3) No emergency housing or emergency shelter may also be used as a designated supervised/safer consumption site, supervised/safer injection facility, or supervised/safer injection service. (4) The organization managing and operating the emergency housing or emergency shelter facility shall be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the facility itself, and the conduct of the residents of the facility, regardless of whether the organization contracts with a third party for the provision of any services related to the facility itself or its residents; (5) The organization managing and operating the emergency housing or emergency shelter facility shall be responsible for the safety of residents of the facility and shall establish a plan to remove individuals who present a threat to other residents, the property of other residents, or the residents or property of adjacent property; (6) The organization managing and operating the emergency housing or emergency shelter facilities shall provide sanitation and basic safety measures including the following: (i) If on-site food preparation takes place, a kitchen area separated from sleeping areas, with handwashing and dishwashing stations stocked with soap; (ii) Two large first-aid kits that include emergency eye wash bottles and naloxone (Narcan) kits; (iii) Cleaning supplies including gloves, trash-grabber tool, disinfectant, hand sanitizer, masks, buckets, paper towels, etc.; (iv) Refuse receptacles and trash service; and (v) Storage of personal belongings; and (7) Prior to receiving any permits, or prior to beginning operation if no permits are required, the organization managing and operating the emergency housing or emergency shelter facilities shall provide a plan to the city that includes the following information. (i) Emergency contact information; (ii) Proposed population to be served; and (iii) Confirmation of sanitation and basic safety measures required for emergency housing and emergency shelters. (8) Notification (i) Advance Notice Required. The organization managing and operating the emergency housing or emergency shelter facility shall notify the City of the proposed emergency housing or emergency shelter facility a minimum of thirty (30) days in advance of the proposed date of establishment of the facility. The advance notification shall contain the following information: (a) The date the facility will commence; Ordinance No.1633 6 Page 27 of 42  (b) The length of time the facility will continue; (c) The maximum number of residents proposed for the facility; (d) The host location; (e) The names of the organization(s) managing and operating the facility; and (f) The manner in which the facility will comply with the requirements of this Chapter. (ii) Informational Meeting Required. The organization managing and operating the emergency housing or emergency shelter facility shall conduct at least one (1) informational meeting within, or as close to, the location where the proposed facility will be located, a minimum of two (2) weeks prior to beginning operation. The time and location of the meeting shall be agreed upon between the City and the organization managing and operating the facility. All property owners within five hundred (500) feet of the proposed facility shall be notified by mail ten (10) days in advance of the meeting. In lieu of notice by mail, an alternative means of notice may be provided that is reasonably calculated to notify the neighboring property owners within five hundred (500) feet of the proposed facility. (iii) Signs Required. The applicant shall also provide notice of the facility and the meeting within the same timeframe as the mailed notice by posting two signs on the site or in a location immediately adjacent to the site that provides visibility of the signs to motorists using adjacent streets. The Community Development Director or designee shall establish standards for size, color, layout, design, and placement for installation and removal of the signs. Section 5. Corrections. The City Clerk and codifiers of the ordinance are authorized to make necessary corrections to this ordinance including, but not limited to, the correction of scrivener/ clerical errors, references, ordinance numbering, section/subsection numbers and any references thereto. Section 6. Severability. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, such invalidity shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. Section 7. Summary, Publication, and Effective Date. This Ordinance or a summary thereof consisting of the title, shall be published in the official newspaper of the City, and shall take effect and be in full force five (5) days after its adoption and publication as required by law. PASSED by the City Council of Othello, Washington this ___ day of ___________ 2025. By: ________________________________ Shawn Logan, Mayor ATTEST: Ordinance No.1633 7 Page 28 of 42 By: ______________________________ Tania Morelos, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: By: ______________________________ Hillary Evans, City Attorney PASSED the ___ day of ____________ 2025 APPROVED the ___ day of ____________ 2025 PUBLISHED the ___ day of ____________ 2025 Ordinance No.1633 8 Page 29 of 42 4/17/25, 4:57 PM RCW 35A.21.360: Hosting the homeless by religious organizations—When authorized—Requirements—Prohibitions on local actions. RCW 35A.21.360 Hosting the homeless by religious organizations—When authorized—Requirements— Prohibitions on local actions. (1) A religious organization may host the homeless on property owned or controlled by the religious organization whether within buildings located on the property or elsewhere on the property outside of buildings. (2) Except as provided in subsection (7) of this section, a code city may not enact an ordinance or regulation or take any other action that: (a) Imposes conditions other than those necessary to protect public health and safety and that do not substantially burden the decisions or actions of a religious organization regarding the location of housing or shelter, such as an outdoor encampment, indoor overnight shelter, temporary small house on-site, or vehicle resident safe parking, for homeless persons on property owned or controlled by the religious organization; (b) Requires a religious organization to obtain insurance pertaining to the liability of a municipality with respect to homeless persons housed on property owned by a religious organization or otherwise requires the religious organization to indemnify the municipality against such liability; (c) Imposes permit fees in excess of the actual costs associated with the review and approval of permit applications. A code city has discretion to reduce or waive permit fees for a religious organization that is hosting the homeless; (d) Specifically limits a religious organization's availability to host an outdoor encampment on its property or property controlled by the religious organization to fewer than six months during any calendar year. However, a code city may enact an ordinance or regulation that requires a separation of time of no more than three months between subsequent or established outdoor encampments at a particular site; (e) Specifically limits a religious organization's outdoor encampment hosting term to fewer than four consecutive months; (f) Limits the number of simultaneous religious organization outdoor encampment hostings within the same municipality during any given period of time. Simultaneous and adjacent hostings of outdoor encampments by religious organizations may be limited if located within one thousand feet of another outdoor encampment concurrently hosted by a religious organization; (g) Limits a religious organization's availability to host safe parking efforts at its on-site parking lot, including limitations on any other congregationally sponsored uses and the parking available to support such uses during the hosting, except for limitations that are in accord with the following criteria that would govern if enacted by local ordinance or memorandum of understanding between the host religious organization and the jurisdiction: (i) No less than one space may be devoted to safe parking per ten on-site parking spaces; (ii) Restroom access must be provided either within the buildings on the property or through use of portable facilities, with the provision for proper disposal of waste if recreational vehicles are hosted; and (iii) Religious organizations providing spaces for safe parking must continue to abide by any existing on-site parking minimum requirement so that the provision of safe parking spaces does not reduce the total number of available parking spaces below the minimum number of spaces required by the code city, but a code city may enter into a memorandum of understanding with a religious organization that reduces the minimum number of on-site parking spaces required; (h) Limits a religious organization's availability to host an indoor overnight shelter in spaces with at least two accessible exits due to lack of sprinklers or other fire-related concerns, except that: (i) If a code city fire official finds that fire-related concerns associated with an indoor overnight shelter pose an imminent danger to persons within the shelter, the code city may take action to limit the religious organization's availability to host the indoor overnight shelter; and (ii) A code city may require a host religious organization to enter into a memorandum of understanding for fire safety that includes local fire district inspections, an outline for appropriate emergency procedures, a https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=35A.21.360 Page 30 of1/442 4/17/25, 4:57 PM RCW 35A.21.360: Hosting the homeless by religious organizations—When authorized—Requirements—Prohibitions on local actions. determination of the most viable means to evacuate occupants from inside the host site with appropriate illuminated exit signage, panic bar exit doors, and a completed fire watch agreement indicating: (A) Posted safe means of egress; (B) Operable smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors as necessary, and fire extinguishers; (C) A plan for monitors who spend the night awake and are familiar with emergency protocols, who have suitable communication devices, and who know how to contact the local fire department; or (i) Limits a religious organization's ability to host temporary small houses on land owned or controlled by the religious organization, except for recommendations that are in accord with the following criteria: (i) A renewable one-year duration agreed to by the host religious organization and local jurisdiction via a memorandum of understanding; (ii) Maintaining a maximum unit square footage of one hundred twenty square feet, with units set at least six feet apart; (iii) Electricity and heat, if provided, must be inspected by the local jurisdiction; (iv) Space heaters, if provided, must be approved by the local fire authority; (v) Doors and windows must be included and be lockable, with a recommendation that the managing agency and host religious organization also possess keys; (vi) Each unit must have a fire extinguisher; (vii) Adequate restrooms must be provided, including restrooms solely for families if present, along with handwashing and potable running water to be available if not provided within the individual units, including accommodating black water; (viii) A recommendation for the host religious organization to partner with regional homeless service providers to develop pathways to permanent housing. (3)(a) A code city may enact an ordinance or regulation or take any other action that requires a host religious organization and a distinct managing agency using the religious organization's property, owned or controlled by the religious organization, for hostings to include outdoor encampments, temporary small houses on-site, indoor overnight shelters, or vehicle resident safe parking to enter into a memorandum of understanding to protect the public health and safety of both the residents of the particular hosting and the residents of the code city. (b) At a minimum, the agreement must include information regarding: The right of a resident in an outdoor encampment, vehicle resident safe parking, temporary small house on-site, or indoor overnight shelter to seek public health and safety assistance, the resident's ability to access social services on-site, and the resident's ability to directly interact with the host religious organization, including the ability to express any concerns regarding the managing agency to the religious organization; a written code of conduct agreed to by the managing agency, if any, host religious organization, and all volunteers working with residents of the outdoor encampment, temporary small house on-site, indoor overnight shelter, or vehicle resident safe parking; and when a publicly funded managing agency exists, the ability for the host religious organization to interact with residents of the outdoor encampment, indoor overnight shelter, temporary small house on-site, or vehicle resident safe parking using a release of information. (4) If required to do so by a code city, any host religious organization performing any hosting of an outdoor encampment, vehicle resident safe parking, or indoor overnight shelter, or the host religious organization's managing agency, must ensure that the code city or local law enforcement agency has completed sex offender checks of all adult residents and guests. The host religious organization retains the authority to allow such offenders to remain on the property. A host religious organization or host religious organization's managing agency performing any hosting of vehicle resident safe parking must inform vehicle residents how to comply with laws regarding the legal status of vehicles and drivers, and provide a written code of conduct consistent with area standards. (5) Any host religious organization performing any hosting of an outdoor encampment, vehicle resident safe parking, temporary small house on-site, or indoor overnight shelter, with a publicly funded managing agency, must work with the code city to utilize Washington's homeless client management information system, as provided for in RCW 43.185C.180. When the religious organization does not partner with a managing agency, the religious organization is encouraged to partner with a local homeless services https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=35A.21.360 Page 31 of2/442 4/17/25, 4:57 PM RCW 35A.21.360: Hosting the homeless by religious organizations—When authorized—Requirements—Prohibitions on local actions. provider using the Washington homeless client managing information system. Any managing agency receiving any funding from local continuum of care programs must utilize the homeless client management information system. Temporary, overnight, extreme weather shelter provided in religious organization buildings does not need to meet this requirement. (6) For the purposes of this section: (a) "Managing agency" means an organization such as a religious organization or other organized entity that has the capacity to organize and manage a homeless outdoor encampment, temporary small houses on-site, indoor overnight shelter, and a vehicle resident safe parking program. (b) "Outdoor encampment" means any temporary tent or structure encampment, or both. (c) "Religious organization" means the federally protected practice of a recognized religious assembly, school, or institution that owns or controls real property. (d) "Temporary" means not affixed to land permanently and not using underground utilities. (7)(a) Subsection (2) of this section does not affect a code city policy, ordinance, memorandum of understanding, or applicable consent decree that regulates religious organizations' hosting of the homeless if such policies, ordinances, memoranda of understanding, or consent decrees: (i) Exist prior to June 11, 2020; (ii) Do not categorically prohibit the hosting of the homeless by religious organizations; and (iii) Have not been previously ruled by a court to violate the religious land use and institutionalized persons act, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 2000cc. (b) If such policies, ordinances, memoranda of understanding, and consent decrees are amended after June 11, 2020, those amendments are not affected by subsection (2) of this section if those amendments satisfy (a)(ii) and (iii) of this subsection. (8) An appointed or elected public official, public employee, or public agency as defined in RCW 4.24.470 is immune from civil liability for (a) damages arising from the permitting decisions for a temporary encampment for the homeless as provided in this section and (b) any conduct or unlawful activity that may occur as a result of the temporary encampment for the homeless as provided in this section. (9) A religious organization hosting outdoor encampments, vehicle resident safe parking, or indoor overnight shelters for the homeless that receives funds from any government agency may not refuse to host any resident or prospective resident because of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, as these terms are defined in RCW 49.60.040. (10)(a) Prior to the opening of an outdoor encampment, indoor overnight shelter, temporary small house on-site, or vehicle resident safe parking, a religious organization hosting the homeless on property owned or controlled by the religious organization must host a meeting open to the public for the purpose of providing a forum for discussion of related neighborhood concerns, unless the use is in response to a declared emergency. The religious organization must provide written notice of the meeting to the code city legislative authority at least one week if possible but no later than ninety-six hours prior to the meeting. The notice must specify the time, place, and purpose of the meeting. (b) A code city must provide community notice of the meeting described in (a) of this subsection by taking at least two of the following actions at any time prior to the time of the meeting: (i) Delivering to each local newspaper of general circulation and local radio or television station that has on file with the governing body a written request to be notified of special meetings; (ii) Posting on the code city's website. A code city is not required to post a special meeting notice on its website if it: (A) Does not have a website; (B) employs fewer than ten full-time equivalent employees; or (C) does not employ personnel whose duty, as defined by a job description or existing contract, is to maintain or update the website; (iii) Prominently displaying, on signage at least two feet in height and two feet in width, one or more meeting notices that can be placed on or adjacent to the main arterials in proximity to the location of the meeting; or (iv) Prominently displaying the notice at the meeting site. https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=35A.21.360 Page 32 of3/442 4/17/25, 4:57 PM RCW 35A.21.360: Hosting the homeless by religious organizations—When authorized—Requirements—Prohibitions on local actions. [ 2020 c 223 s 4; 2010 c 175 s 4.] NOTES: Findings—Intent—2020 c 223: See note following RCW 36.01.290. Findings—Intent—Construction—Prior consent decrees and negotiated settlements for temporary encampments for the homeless not superseded—2010 c 175: See notes following RCW 36.01.290. https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=35A.21.360 Page 33 of4/442 RCW 36.70A.030 Definitions. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter. (14) "Emergency housing" means temporary indoor accommodations for individuals or families who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless that is intended to address the basic health, food, clothing, and personal hygiene needs of individuals or families. Emergency housing may or may not require occupants to enter into a lease or an occupancy agreement. (15) "Emergency shelter" means a facility that provides a temporary shelter for individuals or families who are currently homeless. Emergency shelter may not require occupants to enter into a lease or an occupancy agreement. Emergency shelter facilities may include day and warming centers that do not provide overnight accommodations. (31) "Permanent supportive housing" is subsidized, leased housing with no limit on length of stay that prioritizes people who need comprehensive support services to retain tenancy and utilizes admissions practices designed to use lower barriers to entry than would be typical for other subsidized or unsubsidized rental housing, especially related to rental history, criminal history, and personal behaviors. Permanent supportive housing is paired with on-site or off-site voluntary services designed to support a person living with a complex and disabling behavioral health or physical health condition who was experiencing homelessness or was at imminent risk of homelessness prior to moving into housing to retain their housing and be a successful tenant in a housing arrangement, improve the resident's health status, and connect the resident of the housing with community-based health care, treatment, or employment services. Permanent supportive housing is subject to all of the rights and responsibilities defined in chapter 59.18 RCW. RCW 84.36.043 Nonprofit organization property used in providing emergency or transitional housing to low-income homeless persons or victims of domestic violence—Recovery residences. (c) "Transitional housing" means a project that provides housing and supportive services to homeless persons or families for up to two years and that has as its purpose facilitating the movement of homeless persons and families into independent living. Page 34 of 42  OTHELLO POLICE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT TO: Mayor Logan, City Council FROM: Chief Rehaume REFERENCE: Monthly Department Report, March 2025 Mission Statement: “We Serve to Protect”. Vision Statement: “To improve the quality of life for every resident, business and visitor by proactively delivering effective, equitable, and responsive police services.” The Othello Police Department provided law enforcement services during March of 2025, here are some highlights: Calls for Service OPD documented 420 calls for service in March 2025. This compares to 503 in 2024. The calls for service include those generated by citizens as well as Officer initiated activity. 87 citations and infractions were issued that list a total of 136 charges. OPD documented 119 traffic stops during the reporting period. Our holding cells housed 47 arrestees (for various reasons) in March 2025. Notable Calls for Service 25-O00954 On 03/18/25 Patrol responded to a home on Scootney Street where a male was reported not breathing and unresponsive. Patrol quickly acted and began CPR before EMS arrived. This is an example of how the Department joins in the efforts to serve the community. 25-O01034 On 03/24/25 members of the Department began investigating gang related graffiti that had been found in the 800 block of Spruce Street. The investigation continued that included neighbors providing security camera footage. The investigation resulted in the arrest of a 15-year-old female for malicious mischief. 25-O01083 This case number is one of a few that documented dogs at large in the 600 block of Scootney Street and in Kiwanis Park. After being cited for dog at large, the owner realized that the menacing dogs needed to be re-homed. Personnel Patrol: Officer Cox resigned, his last day as an OPD team member was March 14th. Dispatch: Dispatch is full. Other Information SRO Vargas celebrated Scoontey Spring Elementary School DARE students during a graduation ceremony this month. The 10 week program is taught in every elementary school in the District. Sgt. McFarlane and Det. Perez were guest speakers for the Moses Lake Soroptimist International group. The group supports our efforts to fight human trafficking. The group donated $1,000 via Blue Bridge to assist in these efforts. Page 35 of 42 Page 36 of 42 Page 37 of 42 Page 38 of 42 Page 39 of 42 City Clerk Quarterly Report First Quarter (January – March 2025) Summary: This quarter was focused heavily on modernizing technology platforms, improving records management processes, and supporting major hiring initiatives for city operations. Significant achievements included the implementation of NexRequest, the internal launch of GoGov, and ongoing transition to Diligent Community, positioning the Clerk’s Office for greater efficiency and better service delivery moving forward. In addition, an extensive amount of time has been dedicated by the clerk to public relations and social media outreach on behalf of the City. This effort has been essential to maintaining transparency, ensuring consistent communication, and keeping the community informed about the many projects, events, and developments occurring simultaneously across departments. While these public outreach efforts have required a substantial investment of time, they have proven necessary to support the City's commitment to openness and engagement with its residents. January 2025 Technology and Process Improvements: • Initiated migration from BoardDocs to Diligent Community • Continued development and implementation of NexRequest records request system • Launched GoGov internal setup phase Records Management: • Volunteer assistance received for scanning archived records • Significant progress in vault cleanup and organization • Continued work on digitizing official records • Scheduled annual records destruction process • Made appointment with Washington State Archives for permanent records appraisal. Training and Certification: • Registered to become a Certified Public Records Officer (CPRO). Page 40 of 42 Community Engagement: • Promoted the AWC Scholarship to local applicants Support Services: • Assisted the Othello Police Department with a records request Operations: • Water Shutoffs: 5 • Records Requests Received: 2 February 2025 City Meetings and Governance: • Recommendation to Council to amend City Council meetings schedule from three to two meetings per month • Held a Special Civil Service Meeting to approve creation of an Entry-Level Police Officer List Technology and Process Improvements: • Successfully went LIVE internally with GoGov platform • Assisted the Parks and Recreation Department with records management and destruction Recruitment and Hiring: • Advertised for Entry-Level Police Officer positions and prepared for testing process • Attended a hiring event at SkillSource to promote job openings • Recorded 1 L&I (Labor and Industries) claim Operations: • Water Shutoffs: 4 • Records Requests Received: 0 March 2025 Recruitment and Hiring: • Advertised for Seasonal Maintenance Worker positions • Closed applications for Entry-Level Police Officers on 3/5/25 • Conducted Entry-Level Officer written and physical tests on 3/26/25 • Held oral board interviews on 3/28/25 Page 41 of 42 Claims and Legal: • Closed a claim for damages against the city — no payout issued — city not at fault • Assisted in closing and recording the land purchase between the Ochoa’s and the City Technology and Community Engagement: • Began migration and training process from BoardDocs to Diligent Community • Completed public launch of NexRequest for processing public records requests • Mailed inserts with utility bills encouraging public download of the OthelloGo app • Sent first public notification through OthelloGo regarding water shut-off dates and payment arrangements — achieved a record of 500 online payments in a single day Committees and Meetings: • Participated in Safety Committee meeting • Participated in Aquatics Task Force meeting Operations: • Water Shutoffs: 1 • Records Requests Received: 0 Page 42 of 42