Chewelah City Council Hears Public Concerns, Approves Banking Change and Fire Grant Application

During public comment, a resident urged council members to delay any future ordinances related to pet ownership until additional data on rabies risk and dog bites can be reviewed.

“Animals are being over-vaccinated,” the resident said.

The speaker argued that state data showed no recorded rabies cases in Washington since 2015 and requested time on a future agenda to present research gathered from county and city public health sources. 

“The city council should have this data when voting on ordinances regarding pet ownership because it mandates a narrative primarily based on fear-mongering campaigns that only profit veterinarians and vaccine manufacturers,” the resident said. “And many pet owners are now dealing with cancer.”

Also addressing the council was Chewelah High School student Olivia Navarez, who spoke about the lack of accessible medical career opportunities for students in small and underfunded school districts. Navarez encouraged the city to consider partnerships with local clinics, hospitals, and emergency services to help students gain exposure to health care careers, saying such efforts could strengthen the local workforce and address long-term health care shortages in rural communities 

“Students in larger towns often have access to hospital partnerships, job shadowing, internships, medical academies, and specialized courses,” Navarez said. “These opportunities give them an upper hand when applying to colleges, scholarships, and competitive health care programs. Meanwhile, students here are just as motivated and capable, but we often have to work twice as hard to find the fraction of the same resources.”

Council members unanimously approved the consent agenda following discussion about the temporary absence of financial reports. City staff explained that year-end accounting procedures and the absence of a finance committee delayed the reports, which are expected to return to the agenda once review is completed.

Chewelah Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tiffany Cox gave a presentation outlining several initiatives, including new welcome signs in production and a $30,000 total commitment to the Performing Arts Center’s building remodel project, funded through an initial $10,000 donation and $5,000 annual pledges over four years.

“We really believe in the arts community,” Cox said. “We'll build Chewelah and build tourism and support our collective goals.”

The chamber has also revived its downtown revitalization committee, now renamed TRED (Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development), aimed at better coordination between the city, Chamber of Commerce, and other organizations. Monthly “Chill with the Chamber” networking events continue on the second Wednesday of each month at Fired Up Pizza, according to Cox.

Council members viewed a promotional video produced as part of the chamber’s “Shop Local” campaign, which seeks to highlight Chewelah business owners and artists, and will be used for ongoing tourism and marketing efforts, Cox said. 

In his report, Mayor Lindsay Baxter announced that the city has completed its transition to FirstNet, a priority communications network designed for first and second responders. The system is intended to ensure reliable communication during emergencies and is expected to reduce city telecommunications costs by roughly half.

The mayor also reported the resignation of the airport manager, Tyrone Bryant, who will work through the end of the month while the city implements interim management plans.

City officials said they are preparing to seek renewed federal funding for water main replacement, with the mayor and a city representative planning to travel to Washington, D.C., to pursue a grant previously approved before expiring due to federal administration changes.

The council said the city will restart its police chief recruitment process after a finalist withdrew to pursue another opportunity.

The council unanimously approved Resolution 26-01, authorizing a change in the city’s cash depository arrangement. The change closes a local STCU account used for cash deposits due to increased fees, while maintaining Banner Bank as the city’s primary financial institution.

The council also unanimously approved Resolution 26-02, authorizing submission of a Washington Department of Natural Resources fire grant application for up to $6,000. The grant requires up to a 50% match and would be used for wildland fire safety equipment, such as fire shelters. According to the council, the department applies for the grant annually and has previously used it for safety gear and communications equipment.

The next Chewelah city council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.