Upcoming Public Hearings At City Council

Important changes to the way laws are made will be one of the subjects at the next Deer Park City Council meeting. The public hearing is one of the more important opportunities to make your voice heard.

The three reading process has been under debate for some time. The Mayor’s proposal would remove the three reading process, while Councilmember Stapp has commented that the law should be updated to include better communication and strengthened.

Current Law

As it stands, new laws are set in place over a span of time at three different meetings. At the first meeting, the new law is announced by reading the title. At the second meeting, there is a public hearing to allow interested people a chance to provide their point of view to the council. At the third meeting, the council members debate the law, can make amendments, and then vote. The current law also requires a 72 hour notice period for public hearings. 

The three reading process can be waived by a simple majority vote. The law also states that if the three reading process is not followed that it will not impact the final results of the council actions.

Mayor’s Proposal

The Mayor has created a proposal that would remove the three reading process. It would also change the notice period from 72 hours to 10 days. The proposal includes formalizing how items are placed on the city council agenda. It also adds that everything in this new law, including the notice of public hearing, is not required for the council actions to be valid. 

As a result, the public hearing, council debate, amendments, and vote on new laws could take place all at one meeting. Notice of the public hearing would only be required if state or federal laws applied.

To Summarize New Changes would:

  • Remove the three reading process.
  • Lengthen notice period from 72 hours to 10 days.
  • Publication of public hearing would not be required.

 

Next steps

  • January 19th at 7pm – During the  council meeting there will be a public hearing.
  • February 2nd at 7pm – Council will debate and propose changes to the ordinance, then vote. 

Meetings may be canceled or rescheduled on short notice. Please confirm the date and times with Deer Park City Hall by calling 509-276-8801.

Save The Date!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Related Articles

Young Voices Shine Home Link Writing Contest

Home Link recently held their annual short story writing competition. More than twenty 3rd-12th grade kids participated this year. In a competition that encourages six-trait story telling, but welcomes writers of all experience levels to tell a tale.

Read More »

Library Campaigns Feed Minds and Fight Hunger

This April, the Spokane County Library District is turning the page on two pressing issues, literacy and hunger, by launching Library Giving Day and the Bites & Books food drive. These twin campaigns aim to nourish both minds and bodies, ensuring every child in the community has access to books and basic nutrition.

Read More »

Gerald Ray “Jerry” Knight, 1933-2025

Gerald Ray “Jerry” Knight, born November 23, 1933, in Spokane, Washington, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and love. Jerry was the beloved son of Albert James Knight and Nora Marie Mack Knight. He spent his formative years in Dover, Idaho, and Usk, Washington, alongside his little sister, Chrystal, to whom he was a life-long protector.

Read More »

April 16 Open House: City Of Deer Park Seeks Input

The City of Deer Park is inviting residents to an open house to provide input on long-term plans for growth, transportation, housing, small agricultural animals, and land use. The event is part of a periodic update to the city’s Comprehensive Plan as state law requires.

Read More »

Ronald R Baird

Ronald Ray Baird was born September 9, 1946 to Thomas and Laverne (Brown) Baird in Newton, KS. He passed away January 22, 2025 at his beloved home on the Pend Oreille River, near Usk, WA. Ron grew up in a rough and tumble home, the 4th of 5 brothers, Dick, Steve, Herb, Ron, and Mike. Ron attended and graduated from Remington High School in 1965. While there, he lettered in football (#60) and was selected as an all-league lineman.

Read More »

Gallery: Miss Deer Park 2025 Elegance & Achievement

The Miss Deer Park Scholarship Association chose their 71st representatives. The program was rich with poise and promise as six talented young ladies took to the stage. From fitness to composure, they held nothing back while competing to be the face of Deer Park. An image gallery awaits because what’s a royal moment without a little paparazzi?

Read More »

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Read more news.

April 16 Open House: City Of Deer Park Seeks Input

The City of Deer Park is inviting residents to an open house to provide input on long-term plans for growth, transportation, housing, small agricultural animals, and land use. The event is part of a periodic update to the city’s Comprehensive Plan as state law requires.

Read More »

A Chicken & Egg Problem

Due to a nationwide egg shortage, Brooke Rollins, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture appointed by President Trump, suggested on Fox News that one solution could be for some families to raise backyard chickens. This marks the second major egg shortage in the past five years. The first, during the COVID-19 pandemic, was driven by hoarding and delivery disruptions, while the current shortage is primarily due to Bird Flu and industrial farming practice

Read More »

Subscribe to our emails

Use the form below to sign up to receive news via email at no cost to you.

Read & Support The

Local news to keep you informed and entertained. The Deer Park Gazette is locally owned and operated. When you support the Deer Park Gazette, you support local writers and photographers.