Agenda


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WALLA WALLA CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting Agenda January 14, 2026 - 6:30 p.m. Live stream of the meeting may be viewed on the City's website at https://www.wallawallawa.gov/government/city-council. Members of the public also may attend and participate in this regular meeting by using this Zoom meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84049047739 or by calling 253-215-8782 and entering meeting ID 840 4904 7739#. Individuals who need auxiliary aids for effective communication are encouraged to make their needs and preferences known by contacting the Human Resources Department at 509-527-4475. Mission: Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Walla Walla.


1.			CALL TO ORDER

2.			PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3.			SELECTION OF MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEM	Approved

4.			PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS

5.			PUBLIC COMMENTS: (3 Min. Time Limit) Persons making irrelevant, personal, impertinent, overly redundant, vulgar, or slanderous remarks that disrupt, disturb or otherwise render orderly conduct of the meeting unfeasible may be barred by the presiding officer from making further comments before the Council during the meeting. The public may comment at this time on matters of City business. To provide comments virtually, please use the Zoom meeting link, raise your virtual hand, wait to be recognized, and then unmute. If you are calling in, dial 9 to raise your virtual hand, wait to be recognized, and dial 6 to unmute the connection. Public comments may also be provided by emailing the City Clerk at CityClerk@wallawallawa.gov If you would like to request staff follow-up regarding your public comments, please email your contact information (email and phone number) to CouncilFollowup@wallawallawa.gov and please summarize the topic of your comment so it can be directed to the correct department.

6.			CONSENT AGENDA

	A.	Pgs. 4-5	Accepting the Resignation of Councilmember Tom Scribner - Position 6, At-Large	Approved

	B.	Pgs. 6-18	Resolution 2026-001: Acceptance of the University of Washington 2026-2027 BHCore Fire/EMS Innovation grant.	Approved

	C.	Pgs. 19-34	Resolution 2026-002: Authorize the City Manager to execute an Updated Interlocal Agreement with City of Sunnyside to Provide Back-up Correction Services	Approved

	D.	Pgs. 35-39	Resolution 2026-003: Authorizes renewal of an interlocal agreement with WSDOT for their use of the City's Decant Facility	Approved

	E.	Pgs. 40-44	Resolution 2026-004: Authorizes acceptance of a $120,000 Stormwater Capacity Grant from the Washington Department of Ecology	Approved

	F.	Pgs. 45-52	Approves the minutes of the December 15, 2025 Work Session and the December 17, 2025 Regular Meeting.	Approved

7.			ACTIVE AGENDA

	A.	Pgs. 53-58	Resolution 2026-005: Awards the bid for the Hobson-Division-Madison IRRP Project to Culbert Construction Inc. in the amount of $1,367,179.89.	Approved

	B.	Pgs. 56-160	Ordinance 2026-01: Approving Walla Walla Municipal Code Updates relating to the Hearing Examiner System	Approved

	C.	Pgs. 161-179	Approve December 2025 AP Register	Approved

	D.	Pgs. 180-182	Approve the December 2025 Payroll and Benefit Transactions	Approved

8.			COUNCIL MEMBER MEETING REPORTS

9.			UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS

	A.		City Council Vacancy Appointment Process

10.			EXECUTIVE SESSION

	A.		Executive Session Subject: RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) To discuss with legal counsel representing the agency matters relating to agency enforcement actions, or to discuss with legal counsel representing the agency litigation or potential litigation to which the agency, the governing body, or a member acting in an official capacity is, or is likely to become, a party, when public knowledge regarding the discussion is likely to result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the agency.

11.			MEETING ENDS

Values: Service, Integrity, Collaboration, Equity, Leadership, and Community

The City of Walla Walla complies with Title VI, ADA, and other applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex.


ar-5852		Pgs. 4-5
City Council - Regular Meeting
Meeting Date:	01/14/2026
Submitted For:	City Council, City Council
Add'l Contributors:

Information
ITEM TITLE:
Accepting the Resignation of Councilmember Tom Scribner - Position 6, At-Large

Attachments
Resignation email


ar-5844		Pgs. 6-18
City Council - Regular Meeting
Meeting Date:	01/14/2026
Item Title:	Acceptance of the University of Washington 2026-2027 BHCore Grant Fire/EMS Innovation Grant
Submitted For:	Fred Hector, Fire/Ambulance Department
Financial Comments: The University of Washington BHCore (Behavioral Health Crisis Outreach Response and Education) Fire/EMS Innovation grant will fund $270,000 over the next two years.
All Contracts: Yes
Federally funded contracts only: Not Applicable
Construction contracts only: Yes
Brief Summary of Requested Action: Acceptance of the University of Washington 2026-2027 BHCore Fire/EMS Innovation grant. This is a $270,000 grant over the next two years, with the intention of funding 24-hour CARES team coverage and starting/expanding a field-based medication administration program.

Information
HISTORY:
The City of Walla Walla and the Walla Walla Fire Department CARES team have prioritized the goal of achieving 24-hour Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) coverage. Currently, the CARES program employs four full-time equivalent staff members: one paramedic, one EMT, one registered nurse, and one community resource navigator. It is essential to maintain this daytime staffing to facilitate ongoing interactions with various social service organizations within our community. Additionally, we have observed missed opportunities to engage with individuals experiencing behavioral health issues during nights and weekends when behavioral health challenges often arise and when community resources are typically limited. This concern is particularly acute for community members requiring responses from crisis teams, highlighting the need for consistent coverage and outreach during these periods.
POLICY ISSUES:
Acceptance of a grant exceeding $50,000 requiring council approval. Contract is an interagency agreement pursuant to RCW 39.34 requiring City Council authorization.
PLAN COMPLIANCE:
STRATEGIC PLAN: Livability: what the City of Walla Walla focuses on to execute the organization’s mission of enhancing the quality of life in Walla Walla. Safe Community: Organizational readiness around emergency management, infrastructure stability (maintenance/ repair/multimodal), and overall community safety.
ALTERNATIVES:
Council could reject this grant opportunity, and we would not have 24-hour CARES team coverage. We would have to continue to look for other grant opportunities to reach that goal.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council accept the University of Washington 2026-2027 BHCore Grant.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
Concur with the staff recommendation and approved for City Council action.

Attachments
Res 2026-001
U of W BHCore Contract


ar-5773		Pgs. 19-34
City Council - Regular Meeting
Meeting Date:	01/14/2026
Item Title:	Updated Interlocal Agreement for Sunnyside to Provide Back-up Correction Services
Submitted For:	Deborah Minteer, Police Department
Financial Comments: Back in 2017, the City approved resolution 2017-75 and entered into an interlocal agreement with the City of Sunnyside to provide long-term correctional services as needed. This gave us a back-up provider for situations when the Walla Walla County jail reached capacity and could not take additional inmates. Additionally, this gave us the opportunity to house post-conviction City of Walla Walla inmates serving sentences in excess of seven days in Sunnyside in order to take advantage of cost savings. The daily rate charged by the City of Sunnyside is lower than the rate charged by Walla Walla County. The daily rate quoted by the City of Sunnyside includes transportation of inmates to and from Walla Walla and access to medical service providers in Sunnyside.
All Contracts: Not Applicable
Federally funded contracts only: Not Applicable
Construction contracts only: Not Applicable
Brief Summary of Requested Action: Request Council approve the new interlocal agreement to continue with this cost-effective correction service option.

Information
HISTORY:
Many years ago the Walla Walla Police Department (WWPD) discontinued operating a jail. Currently, the WWPD pays Walla Walla County for jail facilities. The first contract was executed in January 1986; a second was executed in March 1994; a third in March 204; and the current contract was signed in September 2014 through Resolution 2015-100. There are times the Walla Walla County Correctional Services has been full and could not take additional inmates. It is prudent to have a back-up provider available for correction services. In 2017, the City of Walla Walla entered into an agreement with the City of Sunnyside to provide correction services as needed. The City of Sunnyside is updating their contracts to be more uniform. Their contract proposal would go into effect in January 2026. While this option has primarily been utilized to house post-conviction inmates with longer stays, the Sunnyside jail also provides an important back-up option for correction services. At the end of the stay, the City of Sunnyside provides the released individual with a paid bus ticket back to Walla Walla.
POLICY ISSUES:
There are no policy issues with executing an updated interlocal agreement for correctional services with the City of Sunnyside.
PLAN COMPLIANCE:
STRATEGIC PLAN: Safe community and economic health
ALTERNATIVES:
There are two alteratives. We could use the local Walla Walla County jail to house post-conviction inmates and not have a back-up option. Or, we could pursue a different correction facility to provide back-up service. While there are other correctional facilities that accept post-conviction inmates from other counties, their daily rate is higher than the City of Sunnyside and provide no better service for the added cost.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends executing the updated interlocal agreement with the City of Sunnyside to provide back-up correction services.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
Concur with the staff recommendation and approved for City Council action.

Attachments
Res 2026-002
Sunnyside Agreement


ar-5834		Pgs. 35-39
City Council - Regular Meeting
Meeting Date:	01/14/2026
Item Title:	Interlocal Agreement with WSDOT for the Use of the Decant Facility
Submitted For:	Dara Osborne, Public Works Department, Engineering - Water
Project No: N/A
Financial Comments: NA (de minimis)
All Contracts: Not Applicable
Federally funded contracts only: Not Applicable
Construction contracts only: Not Applicable
Brief Summary of Requested Action: Authorizes renewal of an interlocal agreement with WSDOT for their (de minimis) use of the City’s decant facility.

Information
HISTORY:
In 2000, City Council authorized an interlocal agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to jointly construct a decant facility at the City Service Center (Resolution 2000-10). WSDOT paid for construction of the facility (approx. $150,000) with the City agreeing to own and maintain it while allowing WSDOT to use the facility. The agreement was documented in an interlocal agreement signed on April 24, 2000, which has now expired. This action authorizes renewing the agreement allowing de minimis use of the facility by WSDOT for an additional 20-year term. Waste, such as the type collected by street sweeping, is typically taken to a decant facility to separate liquids from solids, with the liquids going to wastewater treatment and the solids going to the landfill.
POLICY ISSUES:
Allows de minimis use of the City’s decant facility by WSDOT.
PLAN COMPLIANCE:
STRATEGIC PLAN: HIGH PERFORMING ORGANIZATION - The City will develop a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration with organizations and partners within the community, financial stability/sustainability, and a well trained and supported work force. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Environment and Natural Resources Goal 1 Water, air, and soil resources in Walla Walla are protected. • ENR Policy 1.1 Implement best management practices, where feasible, to ensure protection of surface and groundwater resources and ecosystems in locations where roadway and highway construction projects are occurring. • ENR Policy 1.7 Encourage cooperation and coordination among communities in the Walla Walla Basin to protect and enhance the environment and natural resources… Capital Facilities and Utilities Goal 3 The provision of capital facilities and utilities is coordinated through collaboration with neighboring governments and private providers. • CFU Policy 3.5 Coordinate and collaborate with public agencies to site essential public facilities and to ensure their impacts on adjacent uses at proposed or alternative locations have been anticipated. Capital Facilities and Utilities Goal 5 The sound fiscal management of government services and facilities promotes a transparent and collaborative relationship between government and residents. • CFU Policy 5.2 Encourage and pursue, whenever feasible, opportunities to share facilities and costs with different public or private agencies/entities.
ALTERNATIVES:
Council could request that staff negotiate different terms with WSDOT or deny WSDOT’s use.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize renewal of the interlocal agreement.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
Concur with the staff recommendation and approved for City Council action.

Attachments
Res 2026-003
Decant Facility


ar-5838		Pgs. 40-44
City Council - Regular Meeting
Meeting Date:	01/14/2026
Item Title:	2025-2027 Stormwater Capacity Grant Acceptance from the Washington Department of Ecology
Submitted For:	Dara Osborne, Public Works Department, Engineering - Water
Project No: N/A
Financial Comments: The City will receive a $120,000 grant with no city match requirement.
All Contracts: Not Applicable
Federally funded contracts only: Not Applicable
Construction contracts only: Not Applicable
Brief Summary of Requested Action: Authorizes acceptance of a Stormwater Capacity Grant from the Washington Department of Ecology.

Information
HISTORY:
Capacity, or pass-through grants, are non-competitive grants offered by Ecology to assist municipalities in implementing and managing their stormwater programs to meet the requirements of their Eastern Washtington Phase II NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit. The City has received these funds since 2009. In July 2025, a grant application was submitted by staff for the 2025-2027 grant cycle. Notification of award for $120,000 in grant funding was received in September, 2025. This grant will provide reimbursement for various stormwater program activities required by the City's NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit, and does not require a local match.
POLICY ISSUES:
Contracts and agreements greater than $50,000 require Council approval.
PLAN COMPLIANCE:
STRATEGIC PLAN: HIGH PERFORMING ORGANIZATION - The City will develop a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration with organizations and partners within the community, financial stability/sustainability, and a well trained and supported work force. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Land Use Goal 4 Land use is sustainable and conserves natural resources. LU Policy 4.5 Ensure that landowners are educated regarding responsibilities of proper abutting or surrounding surface waters such as wetlands and other water bodies. Environmental and Natural Resources Goal 1 Water, air, and soil resources in Walla Walla are protected. ENR Policy 1.1 Implement best management practices, where feasible, to ensure protection of surface and groundwater resources and ecosystems in locations where roadway and highway construction projects are occurring. ENR Policy 1.8 Protect the community from hazards, including, but not limited to, earthquakes, severe storms, wildfires and flooding. Environmental and Natural Resources Goal 2 Residents of Walla Walla are aware of environmental issues and strategies. ENR Policy 2.1 Work with partners to develop public awareness and educational programs for the protection and enhancement of natural areas.
ALTERNATIVES:
Council could choose to reject the grant.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize acceptance of the grant.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
Concur with the staff recommendation and approved for City Council action.

Attachments
Res 2026-004


ar-5847		Pgs. 45-52
City Council - Regular Meeting
Meeting Date:	01/14/2026
Submitted For:	Lisa Neissl, Support Services, City Clerk
Add'l Contributors:

Information
ITEM TITLE:
Approves the minutes of the December 15, 2025 Work Session and the December 17, 2025 Regular Meeting.

Attachments
12-15-2025 Minutes
12-17-2025 Minutes


ar-5842		Pgs. 53-58
City Council - Regular Meeting
Meeting Date:	01/14/2026
Item Title:	Bid award for the Hobson-Division-Madison IRRP Project
Submitted For:	Lyndsy Crossman, Public Works Department, Engineering - Capital Programs
Project No: WA2401
Financial Comments: Construction bid award in the amount of $1,367,179.89. The engineer's estimate for the project was $1,750,000.
All Contracts: Yes
Federally funded contracts only: Not Applicable
Construction contracts only: Yes
Brief Summary of Requested Action: Awards the bid for the Hobson-Division-Madison IRRP Project.

Information
HISTORY:
WHAT IS THIS CONTRACT FOR? Construction of the Hobson-Division-Madison IRRP Project. This project will replace water/sewer/stormwater utilities, curb, gutter, sidewalk, curb ramps, and roadway on Hobson Street between Clinton Street and Division Street, Madison Street between Alder Street and Hobson Street, and Division Street between Alder Street and the bridge at Mill Creek. BIDDING: On December 2, 2025 and December 9, 2025, a call for bids was published in the Walla Walla Union Bulletin. On December 22, 2025, 14 bids were received and opened. The low bidder was Culbert Construction Inc., with a bid of $1,367,179.89. The bid has been reviewed by staff and determined to be responsive and responsible. CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE: Construction is anticipated to begin in April and finish in August 2026.
POLICY ISSUES:
Contracts greater than $50,000 require Council authorization. PRIOR COUNCIL ACTIONS RELATED TO THIS ITEM: Ordinance 2024-34 - Adoption of the 2025-2030, 6-year Capital Facilities Plan.
PLAN COMPLIANCE:
STRATEGIC PLAN: SAFE COMMUNITY - Organizational readiness around emergency management, infrastructure stability (maintenance/repair/multimodal), and overall community safety. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOAL 2 - Walla Walla has high-quality infrastructure to support economic development. ED Policy 8.2 - Maintain and improve the built environment of sidewalks, parks, paths and other public amenities that visitors will enjoy and utilize. TRANSPORTATION GOAL 1 - Promote and develop transportation systems that support and enhance the movement of people and goods to ensure a prosperous economy. TP Policy 1.2 - Enhance existing and new crossings for pedestrians and bicyclists where appropriate. TP Policy 1.3 - Provide facilities for all modes of transportation. TRANSPORTATION GOAL 5 - Design and construct transportation facilities in a manner that enhances the livability of the City of Walla Walla and health of its residents. TP Policy 5.2 Create a well-connected network of streets, paths, and transit service to provide active transportation options. TP Policy 5.7 Promote and implement streetscapes that are aesthetically pleasing, safe, and comfortable to residents, visitors, businesses, and property owners. CAPITAL FACILITIES AND UTILITIES GOAL 1 - Walla Walla's capital facilities and utilities are well maintained and up-to-date to meet the demands of growth and economic development.
ALTERNATIVES:
Council may award the bid or direct staff to prepare a resolution rejecting all bids and re-bid the project at a later date.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve a resolution awarding the bid for the Hobson-Division-Madison IRRP Project to Culbert Construction Inc.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
Concur with the staff recommendation and approved for City Council action.

Attachments
Res 2026-005
Vicinity Map
Bid Summary


ar-5796		Pgs. 56-160
City Council - Regular Meeting
Meeting Date:	01/14/2026
Item Title:	Municipal Code Updates relating to the Hearing Examiner System
Submitted For:	Lisa Wasson-Seilo, Development Services Department
Financial Comments: N/A
All Contracts: Not Applicable
Federally funded contracts only: Not Applicable
Construction contracts only: Not Applicable
Brief Summary of Requested Action: An ordinance to approve the proposed amendments to the Walla Walla Municipal Code relating to the Hearing Examiner System as authorized by RCW 35A.63.170 and RCW 59.17.330

Information
HISTORY:
Executive Summary: Before the City Council is an Ordinance that would adopt Walla Walla Municipal Code (WWMC) text amendments relating to the hearing examiner system as authorized by RCW 35A.63.170 and RCW 58.17.330. Under current WWMC, preliminary plat subdivisions are reviewed by the Hearing Examiner and approved by the City Council. Planned unit developments are currently reviewed by the Planning Commission and approved by the City Council. Proposed WWMC amendments provide that for preliminary plat subdivisions and planned unit development preliminary plats (PUDs) the Hearing Examiner would be charged with conducting a public hearing and issuing a decision on the preliminary plat. The decision of the Hearing Examiner on a subdivision preliminary plat is given the effect of a final decision of the City Council. The decision of the Hearing Examiner on a PUD is given the effect of a recommendation for City Council consideration in making its final decision. Other proposed WWMC changes are ancillary to this primary change to ensure code language is consistent and compatible with other regulations. The proposed code amendments would apply City-wide. Hearing Examiner System: In the proposed Hearing Examiner system code amendments, a professional examiner conducts public hearings, builds a project record, takes public testimony, written comment, reviews the record, makes findings of facts, issues conclusions of law, and issues a decision based on the record. The decision of the Hearing Examiner on a subdivision preliminary plat is given the effect of a final decision of the City Council. The decision of the Hearing Examiner on a PUD is given the effect of a recommendation for City Council consideration in making its final decision. This approach ensures that land use decisions are made by or with help professionals with legal backgrounds in land use and provides for objective decision-making. By shifting final decisions on preliminary plat subdivisions and recommendation decisions on PUDs to a Hearing Examiner, the City reduces the risk of potential legal liability for arbitrary and capricious decisions by City Council. For subdivision preliminary plats, shifting to the Hearing Examiner system could lessen City Council’s perceived accountability to voters, as the City Council would no longer make final decisions. However, if City Council was no longer the final decision maker for these land use actions, then council members could freely communicate with residents on pending subdivision preliminary plat projects without the risk of ex parte communication issues. Ex parte means “one sided”. And in quasi judicial matters, it is prejudicial for someone acting in a quasi-judicial role to have ex party communications. The prohibition on ex parte communications is especially strict in "quasi-judicial" land use proceedings In these cases, decision-makers act like judges, applying specific facts to established legal standards, requiring an impartial tribunal. Under the current system for subdivision preliminary plats, project proponents/ opponents may not speak with City Council members as they serve in a quasi-judicial position, thereby frustrating their constituents. Allowing the public to freely discuss subdivision preliminary plat projects allows Council members to more thoughtfully assist in the adoption of development regulations, which such plats are evaluated against by the Hearing Examiner. The Hearing Examiner system also aids in eliminating confusion for Council and constituents when they can speak to each other about project permits, because council members remain legislators and policy makers rather than being required to act in quasi-judicial roles. The City Council would continue to serve in a quasi-judicial role for PUD project permits and must adhere to quasi-judicial principles and not have ex-parte communication. The Walla Walla Municipal Code already provides that the Hearing Examiner conduct public hearings and make final land use decision on Conditional Use Permits, Variances, Special Use Permits, Appeals of Administrative Decisions, and Code Enforcement Orders. These code amendments strengthen the city’s use of the hearing examiner in land use decisions. Amendment Descriptions: Amendments to the following Municipal Code Chapters include: 2.94.020 Schedule of fees and charges: Removes “Development Authorization” from Cable Communications Franchises and telecommunications right-of-way use. This is a clean-up of outdated code language that was deleted in other parts of the code over five years ago. 19.06.020 Definitions: Repeals this section and re-codifies it as Sections 19.06.020.A-B, 19.06.020.C-D, 19.06.020.G-L, 19.06.020.M-R, and 19.06.020.S-Z. 19.10.015 Approving authority: Previously titled “reviewing body”, this section title changes to “approving authority” and clarifies that the approving authority for preliminary plat subdivisions is the hearing examiner and for planned unit developments it is the city council. 19.14.010 Application requirements: Amends the level of review for subdivision preliminary plats from a Level IV to a Level III review. 19.14.020 Administrative review: Strikes "to the reviewing body." 19.14.030 Hearing examiner review: Previously titled “reviewing body”, this section title changes to “hearing examiner review” and amends “reviewing body” to “hearing examiner." Additionally, changes to the public hearing and decision from Council to the hearing examiner for subdivision preliminary plats, and provides that a hearing examiner decision on a PUD serves as a recommendation to the City Council. 19.14.040 Preliminary plat approval — Council consideration: This section is repealed, as the approving authority for preliminary plats would become the hearing examiner and no longer considered by the Council. 19.14.050 Preliminary plat approval — Expiration: This section becomes 19.14.040 and clarifies the expiration process. 19.18.010 Final plat procedure: Clarifies the final plat procedure. 19.26.015 Application requirements: Clarification changes relating to planned unit developments. 20.06.030.S S definitions: Adds a definition for "shoreline permits". 20.10.030 Development Services Department: Removes “development authorizations” and clarifies that staff reports shall be prepared for preliminary plats and PUDs and provided for the hearing examiner’s review. The removal of “development authorizations” is a cleanup of outdated code language that was deleted in other parts of the code over five years ago. 20.10.070 Hearing examiner: Clarifies the addition of “subdivision preliminary plat requests as a hearing examiner decision. Also clarifies that hearing examiner decisions on planned unit developments serve as recommendations to city council. 20.10.080 City Council: Removes “preliminary and final subdivision plans” and “shoreline substantial development permits” from a Council decision. The removal of the shoreline references is a clean up from previous code amendments from years ago that were inadvertently missed. Also adds planned unit developments as a city council decision. 20.14.030 Permit assistance – Consolidated project permit review – Concurrent non-project review – Pre-application process: Removes the planning commission from applicable recommendations. 20.14.065 Notice of Application/ Proposal: Amends the Level III notice provided from 300-feet of the project site boundaries to 400-feet and moves footnote 3 regarding preliminary plats from Level IV to Level III. 20.14.085 Notice of hearing: Amends the Level III notice provided from 300-feet of the project site boundaries to 400-feet. 20.18.020, 20.22.020, 20.26.020, and 20.27.010 Adds clarification regarding shoreline permits. 20.27.020 When required: Adds planned unit developments to the list of Level IV applications and adds clarification to shoreline substantial developments. 20.27.040 Review procedures, decision — Level IV: Clarifies the review procedures for Level IV applications, including removing planning commission and adding hearing examiner as a decision maker. 20.38.020 Appellate body for appeals: Clarifies the appellate body for Level III and Level IV decisions. Process History: July 8, 2024: City Council held a work session, which included a presentation on quasi-judicial decisions. During this work session, the City Council provided direction to staff to move forward with drafting code amendments and initiating the review process relating to the hearing examiner system, to allow the City Council to consider adopting at a later date. February 4, 2025: The Hearing Examiner system was discussed by the City's Housing Ad Hoc Committee, which provided encouragement and support for such code changes. June 2, 2025: The proposed code amendments were discussed at the June 2 Planning Commission work session. The Planning Commission reviewed and discussed the merits of the proposed code amendments. August 23, 2025: City Council held a retreat. The agenda items included a presentation by the Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA), a discussion on the content of staff reports, and other items. During this retreat, the topic of having a hearing examiner make final decisions and potential code amendments was discussed amongst Councilmembers as a way to reduce issues with appearance of fairness doctrine and eliminate many arbitrary and capricious decision allegations. Staff reminded the Council that draft code amendments would be forthcoming. October 13, 2025: The 60-day notice was submitted to Washington State Department of Commerce on October 13, 2025, and the acknowledgement letter was received on October 14, 2025. November 4, 2025: A Notice of Application/ Notice of Public Hearing was published in the Union Bulletin newspaper on November 4, 2025, and posted on the City of Walla Walla website on November 4, 2025, as required by WWMC 20.14.065. November 19, 2025: Notice of application/ notice of public hearing and SEPA comments due. No public comments were received. December 1, 2025: Planning Commission held a public hearing and recommended approval of the code amendments as written. December 2025: After the Planning Commission meeting, the proposed code amendments were reviewed by the City Attorney, who recommended additional changes to ensure that all code cross-references are consistent and compatible with existing development regulations. January 14, 2026: City Council shall hold a regular meeting and act on the ordinance to approve Walla Walla Municipal Code Updates relating to the Hearing Examiner System as Authorized by RCW 35A.63.170 and RCW 58.17.330
POLICY ISSUES:
Pursuant to WWMC Section 20.28.030(C), the City Council is the decision authority on amendments to the municipal code.
PLAN COMPLIANCE:
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: The proposed code amendments are supported by the Walla Walla Comprehensive Plan – Walla Walla 2040 Goals and Policies, as follows: Land Use Policy 1.4: Review new development proposals to ensure they support the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan such as land use, transportation, community character, historic preservation, and sustainability. Economic Development Policy 5.1: Regularly review development regulations, evaluate the impact of regulations and needs of local businesses.
ALTERNATIVES:
Approve, deny, or approve with modifications to the proposed code amendments.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of the proposed ordinance approving the code amendments relating to the hearing examiner system.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
Concur with the staff recommendation and approved for City Council action.

Attachments
Ord 2026-01
Hearing Examiner Code Amendments - Planning Commission Packet


ar-5853		Pgs. 161-179
City Council - Regular Meeting
Meeting Date:	01/14/2026
Item Title:	Approve the December 2025 AP Register
Submitted For:	Elizabeth Moeller, Finance Department
Financial Comments: Printed Transactions: 34845-34924, 34936-35035, 35051-35146, 35156-35214 = $1,987,816.00 ACH Transactions: 34821-34844, 34925-35050, 35147-35155, 35215-35220 = $2,721,709.70 Wire Transactions: 1147-1151, 1153, 1155-1175 = $3,100,502.37 Total Check Register: $7,810,028.07
All Contracts: Not Applicable
Federally funded contracts only: Not Applicable
Construction contracts only: Not Applicable
Brief Summary of Requested Action: Approve December 2025 AP Register

Information
HISTORY:
Ordinance 2016-05 appointed the Finance Director as the auditing officer for the City of Walla Walla.
POLICY ISSUES:
The City's internal controls include certifying the validity of all hours by the appropriate department before the payment submission. City Departments and Divisions review all claim payments, and a Finance Department staff member performs a final review before issuing payments. RCW42.24.080 requires that all claims presented against the City by a person furnishing materials, rendering services, or performing labor must be certified by the appropriate official to ensure that the materials have been furnished, the services rendered, or the labor performed as described and that the claims are just, due, and unpaid obligations against the City, before payments can be made. RCW 42.24.180 allows expedited processing of the payment of claims when certain conditions have been met. The statute allows the issuance of warrants or checks in payment of claims before the legislative body has acted to approve the claims when: 1 the appropriate officers have furnish official bonds, 2 the legislative body has adopted policies that implement effective internal controls; 3 the legislative body has provided for review of the documentation supporting the claims within a month of issuance; and 4 that if claims are disapproved, they shall be recognized as receivables and diligently pursued. WWMC 2.17.025 grants the Finance Director's duties, including keeping a full and accurate account of all money disbursed on behalf of the City.
PLAN COMPLIANCE:
STRATEGIC PLAN: All areas of the Strategic Plan
ALTERNATIVES:
Not to approve the December 2025 AP register and direct staff to pursue repayment to the City diligently.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve December 2025 AP Register
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
Concur with the staff recommendation and approved for City Council action.

Attachments
Council Check Register December 2025


ar-5854		Pgs. 180-182
City Council - Regular Meeting
Meeting Date:	01/14/2026
Item Title:	Approve the December 2025 Payroll and Benefit Transactions
Submitted For:	Elizabeth Moeller, Finance Department
Financial Comments: Fiscal Impact: Payroll and benefit direct deposit transactions of $1,768,715.78 Payroll and benefit telephone and wire transfers of $1,079,374.34 Payroll and benefit check transactions of $30,239.97 Total December 2025 payroll and benefits: $2,878,330.09 These payments were budgeted, and sufficient funds are available in the 2025 budget to cover these payments.
All Contracts: Not Applicable
Federally funded contracts only: Not Applicable
Construction contracts only: Not Applicable
Brief Summary of Requested Action: Approve the December 2025 Payroll and Benefit Transactions

Information
HISTORY:
Ordinance 2016-05 appointed the Finance Director as the auditing officer for the City of Walla Walla. All payments made during this period were valid claims against the City. The Finance Department has details. The City's internal controls include certifying the validity of all hours by the appropriate department before the payment submission. Finance Department staff review all claim payments, and Payroll performs system validation and exception reviews to validate payroll records. The Finance Director, Accounting Supervisor, Accountant, and Payroll Accountant perform a detailed review of the batch report to ensure that the hours employees reported are correct, and the payment amounts are accurate.
POLICY ISSUES:
RCW 42.24.080 requires that all claims presented against the City by persons furnishing materials, rendering services, or performing labor must be certified by the appropriate official to ensure that the materials have been furnished, the services rendered, or the labor performed as described and that the claims are just, due, and unpaid obligations against the City, before payments can be made. RCW 42.24.180 allows expedited processing of the payment of claims when certain conditions have been met. The statute allows the issuance of warrants or checks in payment of claims before the legislative body has acted to approve the claims when: The appropriate officers have furnished official bonds, The legislative body has adopted policies that implement effective internal controls; The legislative body has provided for review of the documentation supporting the claims within a month of issuance; and 4 that if claims are disapproved, they shall be recognized as receivables and diligently pursued. WWMC 2.17.025 grants the Finance Director's duties, including paying city employees upon presentation of the property-certified payroll.
PLAN COMPLIANCE:
STRATEGIC PLAN: All areas of the strategic plan.
ALTERNATIVES:
Not approve the December 2025 Payroll and Benefit Transactions
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approving the December 2025 Payroll and Benefit Transactions
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
Concur with the staff recommendation and approved for City Council action.

Attachments
December 2025 Payroll Certification