Washington’s City Council took care of some end-of-the-year business and heard a report on proposals for the Downtown Washington Revitalization Plan. In regular business, Council members approved end-of-the-year fund transfers in the fire department and park department budgets. The fire department funds will be used to purchase radios compatible with the new county-wide emergency radio system. The funds transfer for the Parks Department will be used to purchase a sound system for the Commons when ownership is transferred to the City of Washington. The Council also heard the first reading of an ordinance changing a portion of the Employees Handbook. Currently, Washington City employees are required to live in Daviess or an adjoining county. The change would allow city employees to live in other counties on a case-by-case basis, with the discretion of the mayor and the employee’s department head. The proposal will be voted on at the next meeting.
In other business the Council heard a request from Jeremy Allen with Youth First. Allen said Youth First provides mental health services at the Washington and Washington Catholic schools and asked to be included on the city’s annual contract with non-profit organizations. Council members discussed the possibility of using funds received from the opioid settlement.
Mayor Rhoads also asked the Council to approve a deed from The Economic Development Commission for the right of way for a public road by M and C Tech. The Council voted to approve receiving the right of way pending receipt of a survey report.
At the end of the meeting, the Council heard a report on the Downtown Washington Revitalization plan. Representatives from HWC Engineering reviewed the plan, looking at items like promotions, family-friendly activities, parking, public space use, pedestrian circulation, and potential reuse of vacant buildings. They presented both short-term and long-term proposals. Council members said the report was a good road map for the future.
At the end of the Mayor’s speech, Rhoads reminded everyone of the final Christmas in the Park.
