Nearing the deadline, the Deer Park City Council has made an appointment to fill the vacancy left by Ron Scholz. Originally ten residents applied for the open position. The council opted to interview only three candidates, James Scholz, Nicholas Minzghor, and Naomi Diaz.
During the last Deer Park City Council meeting, several issues were addressed briefly. These issues regarded pedestrian ramps, COVID emergency powers, inflation regarding the annual fireworks budget, and repairs completed in parks.
Recently a survey was distributed to Deer Park civilians primarily through the mail with water and sewer bills. The topic was communication with the city. Councilmember Caleb Stapp pointed out that the delivery method may have skewed the results as it targets a specific demographic.
Filling the vacancy left by Ron Scholz and the process to be used has been decided by the Deer Park City Council. The City of Deer Park will accept applications for just a short time in order to meet the legal deadline. With Councilmember Ron Scholz’s resignation, a short window of ninety days exists for the council to appoint a replacement.
Councilmember Ron Scholz has resigned due to job relocation. The Council was given short notice to decide to spend extra money to paint a mural on the new 6th Street Water Tower.
Arguments regarding a resolution about Governor Inslee’s emergency powers were heard from city council members during the last Deer Park council meeting. However, ultimately the fear of retribution was the deciding factor in the vote.
Chickens and how the city communicates about creating new laws were the major topics of the evening at the last city council meeting. Ron Scholz attended via phone due to illness.
Passionate speeches were given by a number of city residents about how the City Council makes new laws. They spoke about communication and retaining the system the city currently has now.
How the City of Deer Park communicates with residents was one of the most discussed issues at the last Deer Park City Council meeting. A number of committees are in the works for the future of Deer Park including the city pool and the City Hall building. There was also a moment of silence for Don Stevens.
Under debate was increasing property tax and adhering to state laws for public meetings. There was also a discussion about continuing the city’s emergency powers during the pandemic.