TheDuvall City Council met on August 26. Themeeting began with public comments from Kass Holdeman who thanked the city for their support of Summer Stage, noting that it was a great success this year.

Erick Haakenson of Carnation also spoke during the public comment period. He discussed flooding in the Snoqualmie Valley. He informed the Council that he is suing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is asking the Council to have someone from the city (Duvall) talk to his attorney about flooding issues in the valley.

Laurie Gilbertson of the Duvall Farmer’s Market reported to the Council that the market has been doing exceedingly well this year. The market is making a profit and last year, all of the profits were donated to charity. The market’s last day will be September 30.

Evergreen Medical Group will be at the Farmer’s Market on September 9 with their mobile mammogram trailer.

Council member Dianne Brudnicki gave a short report of her trip to South Korea. She went with a group of people from Duvall. Brudnicki showed photos as she talked about the trip. She shared a story about catching a fish with her bare hands.

Brandi Schaffer, a student at Cedarcrest High School, was one of three students who traveled with the group to South Korea. She gave a presentation about the trip and shared her experiences with the Council.

The Economic Development Committee noted that it has chosen council member Brudnicki as their new chairperson. Brudnicki replaces council member Elizabeth Walker, as committee chair.

Mayor Will Ibershof announced that Finance Director, Harry Oestreich, has retired. The city is currently interviewing someone to fill the position on a temporary basis. The city will look for a permanent replacement.

Council member Gerard Cattin reported that the State Auditor found three items that were of concern in the city’s finances. These items have been addressed and the necessary policy changes have been made.

The Council restored a section of the Duvall Municipal Code (DMC) that had been removed accidentally. This passed unanimously.

The Council also passed a resolution allowing the Mayor to sign a contract with Murray, Smith and Associates, to update the Water Comprehensive Plan Update. The total amount of this contract is just over $111,000. It passed unanimously.

The city essentially passed an ordinance that would tax the utility and then pay for the hydrant maintenance out of the general fund. This was described as a transfer of funds from one account to another. There will be no increase in the amount of the utility bill that citizens receive and it will not result in any additional revenue for the city. This change was specifically made in order to be in compliance with a new ruling from the Supreme Court. The ordinance passed unanimously.

For more information contact City Hall at (425) 788-1185.