Observing Government

Post History

Workshop: Performing Arts Center Evaluation Update

History, (part of strategic plan) Scope, (honoring the diverse cultures of Vancouver), process outline and recommendations. Not asking Council for any decision today – that will come in January or February

Need of performing space 400-600 seats, creating space for artists, and larger space for performing arts, 1200-1500 seats

Only city in Washington over 100,000 population without a performing arts space

Working on locating sites, estimates of capital costs, economic impact on downtown area

Work done: analysis of what is already available, arts groups in Vancouver, what size center do they need. How many days per year would the small/large spaces be useful.

Preferred site next to Convention Center proposed next to the Hilton downtown. Leaning towards small and large venue in same location

Break for one hour Executive Session dealing with personnel

Council Meeting

Council members In attendance; All

Public: Standing room only – room is filled

Oath of office for Mayor, Paulsen, Harless, Perez – presiding: Greg Kimsey, Clark County Auditor

Proclamations:

Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day (2025 has seen a 19% reduction in homeless deaths)

Portland Tower Staff Appreciation: at PDX airport. . in recognition of their vigilance and expertise regulating air traffic around Pearson air field during the recent government shutdown.

Consent Agenda Public Comment

**Supports #6: 22 (Preferred Land Use Alternative Map Approval

**Against #6: please give some consideration to preserving our historical neighborhoods. Mixed housing in these neighborhoods would destroy these neighborhoods

One speaker – powerful testimony about living in the Heights and then interacting with homeless people – changed her mind about the comp plan

And now supports it.

**Comment on public safety 12^th and Jefferson St (children subjected to a tent community hear their school)

** Question, is there enough sewer, water and power for all this developments, black vs white roofs? Renters vs homeowners

Do we have enough schools?

**Against #6, do need generational housing, preserve Walnut Grove neighborhood

Ms. Elbon was escorted out of room due to disrupting the proceedings!!

Boards & Commission Appointments part of consent agenda

#11: Kate Castenson (League Member) appointed to 4-yr position on the Vancouver Planning Commission

Pulled Items #4, #6

#6: Ty Stober: discusses “What the Comp Plan Means to Me.”

In his 20’s, he could not find enrichment on this side of the river, now he does and the Comp Plan assists in that

#6 PASSED

C. Fox question about #5: agreement on moving money from fund to fund

Solid Waste Escrow Fund. Two funds, one is public and one is private that the contractor is moving from their own fund to the escrow fund. Capital improvements at the transfer stations. City has some oversight on how this private money is used.

Kim Harless left the meeting, missed what exactly she was referring to – it could be the Lodging Tax Committee Grant Awards – the process or the grantees – either a conflict of interest or not in favor of decisions

Consent #4: Lodging Tax Grant Program - PASSED

Refer to PDF in the agenda to see all of the grant awards

Q - Why is one approved event in Hokinson – encourage lodging in Vancouver as no lodging in Hokinson (golf event)

Q – when will the debt to the Hilton be paid off? Lodging tax funds go towards this debt – did not have an answer – will get it

Q – another event outside city limits – do the participants stay within city limits

Public Hearings (see agenda for links to the ordinances)

Kim Harless returns at this point

#1: Telecommunications – re a system in and around Vancouver Hyper-Fiber

No wireless, City very limited in negotiations, as regulations set by FCC

PASSED

#2: Telecommunications – see above, Forged Fiber

PASSED

From the Council:

Ending Community Homelessness Organization (ECHO) Letter in Support of State Funding for Homelessness Response

The letter is about the legislative priorities for the homeless in light of the HUD funds withdrawn. Asking Council to approve the letter.

Kim Harless: talked for quite awhile about ICE activities and what the city can and cannot do. Important for community to support our residents and one idea is to support the businesses on the 4^th Plain corridor

Perez: Appreciate the Watershed Alliance

Fort Vancouver Regional Library Board under pressure to remove the word equitable and reference to equity in their language. Would even consider withholding some funding if they remove equity from their language. Did express the city’s opinion to the library board

Requests a collective statement from this Council regarding ICE activities

Council will craft a statement before the end of the year.

Stober: Thank you to Watershed Alliance. Columbia Land Trust took over the backyard program

Housing option: Project HomeShare

Hanson: Thank you to Mayor for speaking at Ctran. Molly Coston will be sorely missed (she was the chair of Ctran – died a short time ago)

Fox - 948 Wreathes across America

Jamie Spinelli: broad overview of homeless work in the city,

Will have a year-end report in January

Homeless situation report

November 2025 Situation Report

44 deaths this year, 53+ last year

Slight decline in request for service from law enforcement

(normal for wintertime)

12 tons of solid waste in major cleanups

Reversed one overdoes

5 moved into housing from the Safe Stays

A group of knitters are supplying scarves and hats to the Safe Stays

2 sites – 27 dogs.

Discussion with Chief of Police regarding issues with homeless and with ICE activities. The Policy Dept will be putting out a series of videos about who our officers are, what they wear, how they identify themselves, etc. (dual language)

Fourth Plain Corridor update: will be coming back to Council early in the year. Monies being put to work to aid small businesses ($1.2 M dedicated to 4^th Plain Cor for small businesses). Work through the Hispanic Chamber

Urged to get these programs, grants, awards to get going SOON. . Paulsen – needs have changed, please address this, maybe the original plans for these plans is now moot – new needs present at this time.

9:25 pm - adjourned

General Public Comment

This portion of the meeting will not be recorded.

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