Wenatchee council approves ordinances, crossing agreements and funding resolutions; mayor signals $2,500 TNR match

The Wenatchee City Council approved a batch of consent and action items after an extended public‑comment period.

Council amended the agenda and approved routine consent items including vouchers, minutes, right‑of‑way transaction documents tied to the Millardale Avenue irrigation canal bridge project, and Resolution 2026‑11 reappointing two members to the local housing authority board.

On ordinances, the council adopted ordinance 2026‑08 updating fees and internal department naming for Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services and adding a refunds section to match city policy. The council also adopted ordinance 2026‑09 to amend cemetery hours and to generalize the list of city‑recognized holidays (to account for additions such as Juneteenth).

Infrastructure approvals included authorization for the mayor to execute crossing agreements with the Wenatchee Reclamation District for the Crawford Avenue water main replacement (project 2202) and for the Millardale Avenue irrigation canal bridge project (project 2213). Both motions carried.

On employee benefits, council adopted Resolution 2026‑12 authorizing the adoption of a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) plan administered by a VEBA trust; council also authorized the mayor to execute a memorandum of understanding with AFSCME to implement revisions to sick‑leave payout provisions for eligible employees.

Public Works and utilities items approved included a Public Works Board preconstruction funding agreement for a wastewater treatment digester and boiler upgrade (design funding, low‑interest loan at 0.85%) and authorization to amend a consultant contract for construction administration services on the 2026 pavement preservation project (project 2501). Council recorded 'Aye' votes and the motions carried in voice votes as recorded in the meeting transcript.

Budget and program notes: Wenatchee Valley Humane Society asked the council to match funds for a trap‑neuter‑return program; the society proposed a $2,500 city contribution to be matched by $2,500 from the society to fund up to 100 surgeries. The mayor said he could use mayoral discretionary funds to cover the match if consistent with budget rules; council members expressed support.

Ending: The council completed member reports and adjourned the meeting; specific contract executions and implementation steps were delegated to staff.