Clark County Council Time 04/29/26
Link to materials: Clark County Council Meetings | Clark County
Observer: Jackie Lane
Council attendees: Sue Marshall, Glen Yung, Wil Fuentes, Matt Little, Michelle Belkot – all in person
(They had to open the doors to the back room due to the number to people who showed up. Fireworks is on the agenda)
Public Comment: too many to count. Non-profits and churches about the funds they need. People who like to go boom. Some anti-fireworks want Public Fireworks, e.g. Vancouver fireworks, back. Sue attempts to maintain decorum so they can get through this. Talk of accountability, but there are not enough cops on the planet to catch and prosecute people who are irresponsible. A large number of people testifying own or work at fireworks stands. One person evidently was made to come in favor of fireworks by her boss? Don Benton made an appearance, bashed light rail on his way to his rant in support of fireworks.
Michelle was evidently offended by comments mentioning Veterans and PTSD, and believes fireworks are safe. Matt said safe and sane is a marketing ploy, and rattles off other not-so-safe activities residents are trusted to do. “there will not be a ban on my watch if I can do anything about it”. Glen talked his childhood. Then talked about being in a ride-along and saw the aftermath of a fire caused by a family setting off fireworks in their back yard. Talks about increasing fire risk. Eventually gets around to willing to consider safe and sane or some compromise. Audience is hollering (including Don Benton). Wil talks about what he has been hearing from his constituents which is mostly against fireworks. Supports getting more information. Sue wonders what can be done re: enforcement, education. Receives more emails wanting to curb fireworks than anything else in her district.
Any discussion would be noticed and the public will have a chance to chime in. Michelle mentions an earlier advisory vote that was 60-odd percent in favor of fireworks. She also mentions that today's testimony was way in favor of fireworks (she fails to mention that most of those who were in favor have some financial skin in the game). Then goes off topic to talk about light rail advisory votes before getting shut down. Matt talks about being evacuated during the fireworks-caused major fire a few years back, but still wants to leave it alone. Asks if thinking of the entire county or just Vancouver Urban Growth Area. Concerned about what revisiting will look like. Sue says she doesn’t know, yet. Ditto Glen. Glen corrects Michelle on her info on the advisory votes, which wasn’t yes or no but about date restrictions. 60% for restrictions on dates used and sold. Can’t hear her response.
Sue – lets get more info from fire marshal and Jordon Boege (policy advisor). More yelling from the audience ‘have more information”. Sue tells them “you can submit it online” and shuts it down. Says if 2 councilors want to bring it back up, they can and another discussion will be scheduled.
Proclamation request: Therapeutic court month. Approved.
Councilor reports:
- Wil – interview and selection for director of AAADSW - Area Agency on Aging and Disability, SW Washington. Joe Votario (?) selected. Praises Joe. Will let council know if any celebration for outgoing director.
- Glen – Attended Charter review meeting. Attended accessibility advisory committee. Next month they will get the fairgrounds plan presentation. Talks about work to preserve the closed fish hatchery.
- Sue – got a letter from Identity Clark County thanking April Furth for engaging re: permit issues.
Work session requests:
- Clark Conservation District: conservation activities, priorities, and funding landscape. Approved.
- Public works, solid waste & recycling division: update on regional solid waste system study. Approved.
Policy updates: none
Executive session: allow council to select venue in the Insulin MFL matter on behalf of Clark county. (I looked it up, I think it refers to a lawsuit re: insulin pricing).