Vancouver Reporter

City of Vancouver issued the following announcement.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Gov. Jay Inslee’s emergency orders related to social distancing, public gatherings and open public meetings, all Vancouver City Council meetings occurred remotely this month. Public participation was still accepted via written comments submitted in advance and live testimony by telephone during the meetings.

Highlights of the actions taken by the Vancouver City Council this month include:

2021-2022 City Operating & Capital Budget

After a public hearing, Vancouver City Council voted to approve an ordinance adopting the city’s operating and capital budget for 2021-2022. The $1.3 billion two-year budget is balanced, closing a $4 million gap resulting from the economic downtown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The budget continues to fund all core City services at existing levels, and includes increases in the programs of the highest importance to the community.

Learn more about the approved budget and what it will fund.

Annual Tax and Fee Changes

After a public hearing, Vancouver City Council voted to approve a variety of ordinances related to regular, annual changes to existing taxes and fees in 2021, as allowed by state law, to support the City’s 2021-2022 operating and capital budget:

• An ordinance fixing and levying the amount of ad valorem taxes necessary to balance the City’s two-year budget.
• An ordinance authorizing a 0.602% increase in the City’s regular annual property tax levy
• An ordinance making a finding of substantial need to increase the limit factor to 101% for the property tax levy in 2021. By state law, cities can only raise property taxes by 1% or the amount of inflation, whichever is less, each year. In the event the City can’t raise the tax a full 1% one year (like this year), the state also allows the City to essentially bank the difference between the rate of inflation and 1% for use in the future year. In order to bank that capacity, City Council first must pass a “substantial need” ordinance, which is what this action did.
• An ordinance authorizing no (0%) increase in the annual property tax level that supports the City’s Affordable Housing Fund.
• An ordinance related to incremental increases in the water, sewer and surface water utility user rates in 2021 and 2022 to cover the cost of inflation and capital/system reinvestment needs.
• An ordinance related to garbage, recycling and organics collection rate increases for 2021.
• An ordinance related to increasing the fire and life safety program fees in 2021 and 2022 to better cover actual administrative costs.
• An ordinance amending Vancouver Municipal Code 20.915 and the Park Impact Fee (PIF) technical document, allowing the per unit fee to be increased by 25% in 2021 and in 2022. The City’s PIF has not been increased since 2004. As costs steadily increase to develop and maintain parks, the City’s stagnant rates have resulted in a noticeable decline in the level of service in the park system.
• An ordinance that will rededicate 20% of the revenue from the existing Real Estate Excise Tax to funding public infrastructure projects that facilitate private investment that results in creation of new family-wage jobs.

New Sales Tax Increase for Affordable Housing

After a public hearing, Vancouver City Council voted to approve an ordinance imposing a sales and use tax increase of 0.01% for affordable housing and related services, as allowed by state law.

The tax would be effective Jan. 1, 2021 and is expected to provide an estimated $4.2-$4.5 million annually for construction of affordable housing for residents earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income, and for operation of mental and behavioral health treatment programs and services or housing assistance programs.

Broadband Feasibility Study

Vancouver City Council voted to adopt a resolution requesting that Clark Public Utilities conduct a feasibility study for quality, affordable and equitable high-speed broadband in Clark County.

Interstate Bridge Replacement

Vancouver City Council reviewed a draft charter for the Executive Steering Committee for the Interstate Bridge Replacement program. Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle represents the City of Vancouver on the committee and requested feedback from City Council on the draft charter, which outlines the charge and operating protocols for the group and clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the group throughout the project development process.

Learn more.

Zoning Change

After a public hearing, Vancouver City Council voted to approve an ordinance changing the zoning map designation for two adjacent properties at 501 N.E. 112th Ave. and 11312 N.E. Fourth St. from R-30 to R-35, per the owners’ request. This will slightly increase the size of a potential future apartment development on the site from 46 units to 53-54 units. The approval is dependent on the property owners entering into a Development Agreement with the City to limit future building heights.

Burton Park Property Disposition and Sale

After a public hearing, Vancouver City Council voted to adopt a resolution approving disposition of a portion of undeveloped Burton park property owned by the City at N.E. 28th Street and N.E. 145th Avenue through direct sale to the Evergreen School District; and authorized the City Manager or his designee to execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the specified property with the Evergreen School District.

Two acres on the north side of the property will continue to be used by the City for stormwater infiltration. The remaining 4.76 acres, which have been programmed and minimally maintained by the school district for decades, will be sold to the school district for the appraised value of $950,223 for use as future sports fields for Evergreen High School.

Changes to City Financial Policies

Vancouver City Council voted to adopt a resolution amending the City’s existing financial polices as follows:

• Added revenue recovery targets for land use fees
• Added goals of advancing social justice, environmental sustainability and community safety, which will be used in making budget decisions. Progress towards the goals will be measured and reported regularly to City Council

Contracts and Professional Services Agreements

Vancouver City Council voted to award, extend or amend the following contracts and professional services agreements:

• Award a five-year elevator maintenance services contract to George Elevator Service, LLC, of Vancouver, valued at $71,977.60 per year, not to exceed $450,000 in five years.
• Award multiple five-year professional services agreements for on-call architecture and engineering services to LSW Architects of Vancouver, EL, Architects of Vancouver, Scott Edwards Architecture of Portland, Oregon, FFA Architecture + Interiors of Portland, Oregon, SERA Architects of Portland, Oregon, and Ankron Moisan of Portland, Oregon. The value of each contract shall not exceed $500,000 in five years.
• Extend by two years the City’s existing contract with The Historic Trust for planning, coordination and funding of the Celebrate Freedom events (Veterans Day Parade, Flag Day, Independence Day at the fort, and the Marshall lecture and adult and youth leadership awards), and reduce the contract amount from $200,000 per year to $170,000 per year.

Original source can be found here.