Deer Park’s first in-person city council meeting since the COVID-19 shutdowns commenced on July 7th. Spokane County Sheriff was appointed as the chief law enforcement of Deer Park by a unanimous vote. This is important because when Deer Park stopped having their own police force entity a couple of decades ago, the city council at the time was supposed to appoint another entity as the chief law enforcement. Spokane County Sheriff has acted as Deer Park’s chief law enforcement; however, the city council never appointed them as such. As a result, the city was not in compliance with Washington State laws. 

It was also decided unanimously to use money obtained from the American Rescue Plan Act to add a new sewage pond in Deer Park. The current pond was created in 1985 and had a 15-year life expectancy.

City Council Member Stapp made a motion to authorize the city attorney to draft a resolution which would end Mayor Verzal’s emergency powers. These powers were put in place under COVID-19, and have been in place for a little over a year. Stapp stated that he believes emergency powers should be as short as possible. Stapp’s motion lost in a 2:3 vote, in which Stapp and Schut voted yes. 

To watch the city council meetings, please visit the Deer Park Gazette’s YouTube channel: DPGazette.com/dpcc7721