Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife buffer change sparks comment at Bingen City Council meeting

As a reminder, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) requires cities to update their Critical Areas Ordinances using “best available science,” which WDFW provides. This science says that the buffer zone for Dry Creek, a seasonal, non-fish bearing creek in Bingen, must update its 50-foot buffer to 120 feet, and Jewett Creek from 100 feet to 195 feet.

All potentially affected landowners were contacted about the update and the public hearing by City Administrator Krista Loney and her staff.

Public comments were offered in person, via email, and online, and they shared a single message: We value riparian zones, but the buffer is onerous for landowners.

One resident appeared to blame the council for suggesting this increased buffer zone, but the rule comes from WDFW and is based on best available science, commonly used to guide environmental regulation.

The council has previously discussed its two choices: request a deviation for the city from this specific requirement in general, or require landowners to individually request a variance, which includes a $425 permit fee for each request.

After the comments, the council voted unanimously to request WDFW to allow them to deviate from the required buffers.

Pool update

Steve Harris and Ben Briggs presented the council with an update on the efforts of the White Salmon Valley Pool Metropolitan Park District (WSVPMPD), created to fund and build a seasonal pool for the area. The news was good, as the group is nearing 80% of funding, which allows the building process to begin. They were also pleased to share that if Trout Lake voted to opt in to the Park District, that would add funding and users.

Though the cost estimate of the pool has doubled since they started the process, so have their efforts, and at this time, the pool could open in the summer of 2027.

The fundraising need is still great, and the two reminded everyone to continue to support this community asset.

Sales tax and other news

The council continues to discuss the state-offered sales tax levy of 0.1%. Following concerns about the requirements on local law enforcement, Loney and Mayor Catherine Kiewit met with the grant sponsor, the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC), to discuss mitigating the criteria that concerned local law enforcement. CJTC, which sponsors and oversees the funding, was extremely flexible and welcomed the negotiation.

Kiewit also reminded the council that the house bill that provides for this criminal just sales tax also offers grant funds with great flexibility for cities. The council will continue to negotiate with the grant sponsors, police Chief Mike Hepner and Sergeant Garique Clifford to make levying the tax more palatable.

Mayor Kiewit’s report on planting new trees on Maple Street revealed a cost savings for the city. The mayor recommends the Autumn Blaze Maple for the street, and because of the size of the trees, only five will need to be purchased to fill the space. After hearing the mayor’s updated cost estimate, saving the city several thousand dollars, the council agreed to purchase the trees this fall.

Observers and local candidates Clinton Deo, Maya Deo, and Dale Grinstead-Mayle were all on hand to hear Loney’s project status updates. The 2024 federal audit is completed and a report is forthcoming, and the numerous infrastructure projects are all on track. The next regular meeting of the Bingen City Council is set for election day: Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 6 p.m.