White Salmon council pauses on formal support for SR-141 speed reductions, requests more data

White Salmon City Council members on March 4 agreed to delay formally sending a city letter backing the Pucker Huddle Coalitionrequest to reduce speeds on State Route 141 so the group can provide data and documentation of prior outreach.

Councilmember Patty Fink, who proposed the citysupport, said the coalition has already contacted a county commissioner and believes additional municipal backing would strengthen the request. Fink described the corridor as having multiple driveways, curves, narrow shoulders and frequent bicycle or pedestrian activity that, in her experience as a transportation professional, often merits lower posted speeds.

"The coalition has spoken with their county commissioner, who expressed some support but indicated that additional backing would be helpful," Councilmember Patty Fink said.

Several council members and staff urged the city to be deliberate. Public Works Director Chris True said the council packet included the Regional Transportation Council(RTC) Safety Action Plan prepared by consultant DKS and noted the cityhad previously sought temporary speed reductions during construction that were denied without a traffic study. Mayor Marla Keethler and Police Chief Mike Hepner reminded the council the roadway is under county and state jurisdiction and cautioned about precedent and proper process for intervening in areas outside city authority.

Councilmember David Lindley suggested the letter include a clear call for a traffic study by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Councilmember Morella Mora agreed the request was reasonable from a safety perspective but emphasized including data or a formal study to strengthen the city's support.

Patty Fink moved that the council send a letter of support; Morella Mora initially seconded, but after procedural clarification from City Attorney Shawn MacPherson both the motion and the second were withdrawn. The council shifted to a consensus approach and asked the coalition to provide details of prior contacts with county commissioners, the data or rationale supporting any proposed speed reductions, and evidence of community support such as petitions or letters. Councilmember Morella Mora volunteered to work with the coalition and bring a revised proposal back to a future meeting.

The council did not adopt a formal motion or vote on the letter at the March 4 meeting. The item will return once the requested information is provided.