Observer: Julie Koepp
Agenda https://vancouverwa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1466/files/agenda/2590
Workshops earlier that afternoon:
1. First Supplemental Budget
https://vancouverwa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1466/files/attachment/3770
2. Engagement and Access Department Update
https://vancouverwa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1466/files/attachment/3745
3. Council Policy update
https://vancouverwa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1466/files/attachment/3741
Council attendance: Mayor McEnerny-Ogle, Fox, Harless, Paulsen, Hansen; Stober
(online); Perez: absent
VCC meeting 6:30
Proclamations:
1. World Kidney Day/Kidney Awareness Month
Read by Fox (she is a living kidney donor). Accepted by Adrian Miller(Board member
of the Dialysis Patients Citizens) who highlighted the prevalence of kidney
undiagnosed kidney disease in the population
2. Music in Our Schools Month
Ready by McEnerny-Ogle. Accepted by Jessica Wager, SW Wind Symphony
President and Russ ?
Community Communication (on agenda items):
1. Support for consent item #6: Resolution Establishing a Small Business Revolving
Loan Fund. Will provide funds for small businesses that typically have trouble
securing financing/loans for business expansion projects and meet cash flow
issues.
2. Natasha Ramras (Executive Director, Downtown Redevelopment Authority; former
Vancouver City Chief Financial OƯicer; is suing the City over her firing): spoke
against the revolving loan program (item 6) because funds for it will come only from
the General Fund and claims it is not constitutional to loan or gift money from GF
and will be challenged by WA AG. Wants a pause for city to seek guidance from WA
AG.
3. Bruce Barnes against item #6.
Consent Agenda:
- Items pulled: 4,5,6
- Items approved: 1,2,3, 7 and 8.
- Fox recused herself from room for items 4 and 5 due to her work on Commerce.
- 4 and 5 approved by remainder of council
- #6 Small Business Revolving Loan Fund
https://vancouverwa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1466/files/attachment/3691
Chris Harder (deputy economic development director): discussed revolving loan
fund; already sought guidance from various entities regarding the program,
including WA AG oƯice. Program has clear purpose and benefit, eligibility
requirements defined.
City Atty, Nina Cook--Program thoroughly vetted
Approved by council
Public Hearings
#9 Ordinance for the 58th St. Rezone Reapplication—removed by originator-- and
that motion approved by Council .
10. Amendment to Downtown Redevelopment Authority Bylaws
https://vancouverwa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1466/files/attachment/3812
Purpose: to clarify the employment status of the Executive Director.
Info presented by JeƯ Towery, Deputy City Manager
Q: Should the Executive Director be appointed by the City Manager (with input from
the DRA board) or directly by the DRA board of directors (composed of business people.
Public testimony on this:
1. Natasha Ramras: Don’t pass the ordinance, maintain independence of the DRA
2. Bronson Potter: former City Atty. Don’t pass ordinance
Discussion by Councilors proceeded with back and forth . Fox and Paulson
highlighted current adversarial relationship between City and DRA (Ramras is suing the
City) and lack of trust between City and the DRA board
Decision: 3/16 for first reading of amended amendment; 3/23 public hearing
Communications from Council—
Police Chief Troy Price: retiring in 2027
Community Forum—no video