Kettle Falls City Council Focuses on Community Events and Projects

Kettle Falls City Council members covered a wide range of community projects and summer preparations during their May 5 meeting, with discussions focused on local businesses, public safety, infrastructure improvements, and upcoming events. Local business owner Jennifer Nolan asked the council for permission to operate her food cart at Happy Dell Park. Nolan explained that she has worked festivals, parks, and community events for several years and hoped to bring additional food options to residents and visitors during the warmer months. She said her cart serves wraps, smoothies, sandwiches, and other quick meals, and the setup is fully self-contained with its own water and waste systems. Council members discussed possible locations within the park so that the cart would be visible and accessible without interfering with parking during busy sports and recreation seasons. After reviewing several possible locations near the tennis courts and camping area, the council unanimously approved Nolan’s request. Members welcomed the new business opportunity and wished her success as she prepares to serve customers at the park. The council then approved the city’s April vouchers and payroll before moving into staff and department updates. Police Chief Brandon Hoover shared that officers are already preparing for Town and Country Days, with expanded staffing planned throughout the celebration weekend to help keep events running smoothly. He also updated the council on the department’s continued search for additional officers, noting that many agencies across the region are competing for qualified applicants. Several entry-level candidates are under consideration while the city continues advertising open positions. Hoover also introduced the department’s new administrative assistant, Jaya Solwer, who recently began training. He added that the department hopes to fully resume in-office fingerprinting services soon after temporarily directing residents to the sheriff ’s office during staffing transitions. Fire department representatives reported that crews recently responded to both a mutual aid structure fire and a river rescue involving an overturned boat. Officials warned that conditions are already unusually dry and that forecasts suggest this wildfire season could be severe, potentially worse than the difficult 2015 season. Council members briefly discussed the possibility of fireworks restrictions later this summer depending on how conditions develop. Public Works Director Dave Willey shared updates on several ongoing projects throughout town. Work continues on the new playground equipment, where crews are finishing slide supports, landscaping, and additional safety features. Community partners and local businesses have also contributed materials to the project, Willey said, including large amounts of wood chips and bark for the playground area. Crews installed a new sprinkler system near city hall and continue working to maintain the city’s wells as summer water demand increases. Willey also discussed maintaining the city’s river water rights and possible future options for emergency water access during fire season if wildfire activity becomes heavy. Infrastructure improvements remained another major focus of the meeting. The council awarded the 6th Avenue sidewalk project contract to Colville Construction, pending final approval from the Transportation Improvement Board. The project will install sidewalks connecting the library to the senior center and is within the city’s projected budget. Council members also unanimously approved signing an agreement for the city’s water meter project, which includes upgraded meters, remote reading technology, software, and staff training. Officials noted the project came in under budget, allowing the city to purchase additional meters while staying within funding limits. Council members and engineers also discussed future street and sidewalk improvements throughout Kettle Falls. Engineers are encouraging the city to consider a larger citywide chip seal project rather than continuing smaller street repairs one section at a time, while additional sidewalk replacement projects are also being reviewed for future grant applications. The meeting closed with additional reminders about Town and Country Days planning, Rotary projects, beautification efforts, and volunteer opportunities taking place throughout the community in the coming weeks. The next Kettle Falls City Council meeting is scheduled for May 19 at 7 p.m.