[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6078614,"mediaKeyId","2959335-9a34ad4cc3eda3b968ac96efe477e270","parentId",2959335,"title","Council reviews HUD flood‑insurance rule; staff to draft ordinance raising freeboard to align with federal guidance","audioSeconds",496,"startMs",3843000,"endMs",4339000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959335-9a34ad4cc3eda3b968ac96efe477e270&start=3843&end=4339","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959335-9a34ad4cc3eda3b968ac96efe477e270/thumbnail_3843000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6078614/Washington/Council-reviews-HUD-floodinsurance-rule-staff-to-draft-ordinance-raising-freeboard-to-align-with-federal-guidance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6078614-1eb2be20f3f315f2c7cfeae3a8c31570/orig.mp4?Expires=1770417316&Signature=ArQdjG1xclHs5jwXQJ-~NdQuIEvb0H0e2k9RqLF~IywkHzrCOzsF5cEnOs0LqWjGnT8jda9g9i0Sa5a9EaxTE5-bRhV9mnkPPdWxY1Ex-nmQbt9PiRJADo4IbS~W8IY-62nhxD4gHr2xnO52lX6rhxF-sEYJBsVOMR2Jx2sJuGg0Ge2X77actEGCbVHpUxfhQVoJwiFkJ~bft4cjNZJLmoup0-ycO2Q6Iib-s8ZXnGZAHme2txKvG0wHLSohFM0Y-1ZW2Dx-sRAqtMQjNhZSK~OlpwC813EkkJsSw37ded4FnGI47TuZ31OJGrln3timluhVRQJLfDDFw2PcKVsWrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Chehalis City, WA","date","2025-03-24T00:00:00Z","article","Chehalis City Council on March 24 discussed a change to local elevation requirements after staff briefed the council on a HUD rule tied to federally backed mortgages for new construction in special flood hazard areas.

Celeste (community development staff) told the council HUD adopted a rule in April 2024 that effectively prevents federally backed loans for new single‑family homes in special flood hazard areas unless the structure is constructed at least two feet above base flood elevation. She explained Chehalis’ current code requires structures to be built one foot above base flood elevation or at the flood of record, whichever is higher. “HUD adopted this rule in, April 2024,” Celeste said during the presentation.

Staff noted Washington State standards already require one foot of freeboard and that nearby jurisdictions such as Centralia and Lewis County have adopted a two‑foot freeboard. The proposed change under discussion would amend the local ordinance to require a minimum of two feet of freeboard or the flood of record, whichever is higher, for new construction in the special flood hazard area. Celeste explained that where a particular parcel’s flood‑of‑record elevation exceeded two feet above base flood elevation, the higher elevation would control.

Why it matters: the change affects only new construction in mapped flood hazard areas and could influence whether buyers can obtain federally backed mortgages, which could in turn affect marketability and developer interest in buildable lots inside city limits. Council members raised both sides: the rule protects future homeowners and aligns with federal and nearby local standards, while tighter local standards could increase construction costs and complicate development of some parcels.

Council direction: after discussion, councilmembers supported drafting an ordinance to update the local requirement to two feet or flood of record, whichever is higher, and asked staff to return with proposed language. Staff said they will prepare an amendment and bring it back for council consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Mar 24, 2025 | 5pm - 6pm Chehalis City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Chehalis City Council on March 24 discussed updating local flood‑elevation requirements after staff briefed the council on an April 2024 HUD rule affecting federally backed mortgages for new single‑family homes in flood hazard areas.","taxTitle","Chehalis City, Lewis County, Washington","taxId",54327,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6078623,"Chehalis council hears final design concepts for downtown rejuvenation; consultants seek feedback before formal adoption",1975,475000,2450000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959335-9a34ad4cc3eda3b968ac96efe477e270&start=475&end=2450","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959335-9a34ad4cc3eda3b968ac96efe477e270/thumbnail_475000.jpg","/articles/6078623/Washington/Chehalis-council-hears-final-design-concepts-for-downtown-rejuvenation-consultants-seek-feedback-before-formal-adoption","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6078623-058405226a80d90a386505949f2c49d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770417316&Signature=eqzN~iIkkqs~fQk2y-LgIrKV4fu4qAkcjOyJB4y6PFOHnGGTxpnShGG8DQKT7ulxI13WJrdoDFdQR-svfIimaEzpmMU4wPDe6vzf3L2GF1S-00HDGfoSLD92nUxojRNqSFIUbIUUAYGhF7H~43PfPohD0C8opRYavu3mNQld2yIGbMItZ5RaDg0pbLK4KwY2yLegMHIG0XTrh~-Hrxpw0zm-Z1Zr56quNKActc710yix1nX~tj644ZmPkMPd8wSl7wGIsrx0F5GlHElObJ~rkW~9qFdPK~3u3qql6pLa5SgLml9UDvNas0nT~cAJn2sWSL6qwmti8iTeWF-HpDN5Qg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chehalis City Council on March 24 received a detailed update on the downtown rejuvenation planning effort from HBB Architecture and Landscaping and city staff, who asked councilmembers for final feedback before the city releases a full implementation report and seeks formal adoption.

Consultant Aaron Loma of HBB told the council the team has completed three phases of public engagement and engineering analysis and is preparing a final report for the city. “We are getting really close to the finish line here,” Loma said, adding the presentation was intended to solicit council feedback rather than to ask for immediate approval. He described two buildable concepts—Concept A, which returns two‑way traffic to Washington with a tree‑lined boulevard and shifts most through traffic to Washington so Pacific can become calmer and more pedestrian‑oriented, and Concept B, which keeps existing traffic flows but narrows lanes to add trees and sidewalk space.

The plans include traffic engineering, turning‑movement studies and a topographical survey completed during the third engagement phase. Loma said both concepts were developed with engineers and traffic analysis and that the design team had worked with city staff on phasing, costs and grant opportunities. He said the team has prepared both an executive summary and a 200‑page master plan with graphics, cost estimates and a proposed implementation phasing schedule.

Why it matters: the design effort aims to improve safety, add pedestrian space and refresh downtown streetscapes while maintaining or increasing parking overall, a priority cited repeatedly by business owners and residents during engagement.

Council and staff questions focused on specific details the design will need to resolve in later phases. Topics raised during the presentation included:
- Parking layout: Loma said Concept A allows significant angled parking on Pacific because it reduces traffic to one lane there; angled parking on Washington is harder without converting lanes. He noted the concepts yield a net parking gain overall when combined with reorganized parking on Pacific, Washington and Division.
- Market and Boisvert (Boisvert) spaces: the plan shows a possible permanent closure of the south side of Boisvert to create a flexible farmers‑market and event space while maintaining loading access. Loma described terraced planting and seating on the east side of Market to provide family‑oriented gathering areas.
- ADA access and parklet design: staff and council asked about accessible routes in stepped or terraced areas. Loma said the design includes ramps and zig‑zag accessible routes where terraces and steps are proposed.
- Utilities and undergrounding: the cost estimates assume a wide range of work, including undergrounding overhead utilities in some segments. Loma said the Public Utility District (PUD) is not opposed but will require funding: “They’re not against it. They’re just…someone’s gotta pay for it,” he said.
- Trees and maintenance: the team proposed roughly 80 street trees in the concept plan but said species selection and final numbers would be set to minimize maintenance burdens for city crews; irrigation is included in cost line items as an option.

Implementation: Loma outlined a recommended phasing approach so the city can seek grants and build projects over time rather than completing all work at once. He emphasized intersections at the north and south ends of Market as high priorities to simplify movements and improve pedestrian safety. The team said several projects can be constructed independently; however, changes to Washington and Pacific are interdependent and would likely be implemented together.

Next steps and timing: the consultant said the final master plan and detailed cost breakdown will be delivered to the city next month; staff will incorporate council feedback and present a package when the city is ready to request formal adoption. Loma stressed the current request was feedback only: “We are not here asking you to adopt it tonight,” he said. Councilmembers said they want additional detail on tree species, irrigation, maintenance impacts and firm cost assumptions before adopting the conceptual plan.

The presentation included references to prior engagement events at Mint City Coffee and coordination with Experience Chehalis and the city’s historic preservation board and planning commission; Loma said both boards have met with the design team multiple times. The consultant also recommended pursuing state and federal grant sources that require evidence of council support when applications are submitted.

The council did not vote on the conceptual plan at the March 24 meeting; staff will return with the final report and a refined adoption package after incorporating council input.","Chehalis City Council on March 24 received a detailed update on the downtown rejuvenation planning effort from HBB Architecture and Landscaping and city staff, who asked councilmembers for final feedback before the city releases a full implementation report and seeks formal adoption.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6078619,"Chehalis council approves budget amendment, adopts six‑year transportation plan and accepts transportation district report",299,3216000,3515000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959335-9a34ad4cc3eda3b968ac96efe477e270&start=3216&end=3515","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959335-9a34ad4cc3eda3b968ac96efe477e270/thumbnail_3216000.jpg","/articles/6078619/Washington/Chehalis-council-approves-budget-amendment-adopts-sixyear-transportation-plan-and-accepts-transportation-district-report","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6078619-cd09f81b4306cafc9dc93670cdd9709a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770417316&Signature=PYWg5MUv~fkmSuMIGZdP~s5msOWChFKgg9zQLT-sxUwbNKi06rN6lGPhYr8k3-cnXEKkq3-s-4gGSYApjvQmk74Tj1DoCE3cmwDdWLekCFbYKKhGQs46P7p8ILarrmX1xtYTwDl5kgA72v51d8AiW0czluWbfaLUkbR2H5Ic~mXPm-eCXYzCQPLrva7zPJIL0cuR6fU9kiTmEI-vGHiGoQQBMbzL1i3hlP0sLLMzxm1VWuu11orRNLOcdloby2usWVrFUre2eNg22LzedR8hTV0H2PpevZ5M3gRfUHsQV-gO4TgIw74BEB2DGuBWZiNM7Sc7EmTQDraidqZK-1h2zA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chehalis City Council on March 24 approved multiple routine and legislative items, including a budget amendment, a six‑year transportation plan required by state law and the Transportation Benefit District annual report.

Key results at a glance:
- Ordinance No. 1111‑B (budget amendment): Council voted to pass Ordinance No. 1111‑B on second and final reading. The ordinance amends the fiscal year budget and revises budgeted amounts by a combined total of $3,830,222 across multiple funds including the general fund, street fund, transportation benefit district fund and several capital and utility funds. The council vote was taken after the ordinance was read into the record and a motion to pass carried.
- Resolution No. 2‑2025 (2026–2031 Six‑Year Transportation Improvement Program): After a public hearing, council approved Resolution No. 2‑2025 adopting the 2026–2031 six‑year transportation improvement program required for submission to the state. Staff noted typographical errors in the draft schedule and said those would be corrected before submission; council nonetheless adopted the program on the motion.
- Transportation Benefit District (TBD) annual report (2024): The council approved the TBD annual report, which summarized 2024 beginning cash ($4,627,000), revenues and expenditures and capital projects funded with TBD dollars. Projects listed included a $518,000 grind and inlay on North National Avenue and Thirteenth Street ADA sidewalk improvements; the report shows an ending TBD cash balance of $5,000,974.
- Consent calendar and routine approvals: The council approved the consent calendar, which included minutes from the March 10 meeting, vouchers and transfers totaling $474,301.88 and acceptance and closeout of multiple sidewalk improvement projects.

Why it matters: The budget amendment reallocates funds among operating and capital accounts and authorizes spending changes across a wide range of city funds. Adoption of the transportation plan satisfies a state reporting requirement and sets the city’s project priorities for grant applications and capital work over the next six years. The TBD report documents recent spending and projects eligible for that dedicated transportation funding source.

Details and context: The budget ordinance (No. 1111‑B) was presented and read at the meeting; council moved to adopt it on second and final reading. The ordinance text as read listed the funds affected and the total amount of the amendment, $3,830,222. The TIP presentation and public hearing clarified project timing, noted several typographical errors in the draft document (which staff said will be corrected before the state submission) and described planned projects for 2025 through 2031 including South Louisiana realignment, Thirteenth Street ADA improvements and one large engineering project—Chamber Way realignment and bridge work—projected in later years. Council members asked whether the Safe Routes to School grant was secured; staff said the city had applied and expected notice around July.

Votes recorded: The meeting used voice votes for the routine motions; roll‑call tallies by individual councilmember names were not entered in the meeting transcript. The motions were announced as approved by voice: “Aye” carried for each listed motion.","At its March 24 meeting the Chehalis City Council passed an ordinance amending the 2025 budget, adopted the 2026–2031 six‑year transportation improvement program and approved the 2024 Transportation Benefit District annual report. The consent calendar and other routine motions also passed.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6078604,"Chehalis unveils draft capital improvement plan; city honors staff promotions and certifications",808,5052000,5860000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959335-9a34ad4cc3eda3b968ac96efe477e270&start=5052&end=5860","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959335-9a34ad4cc3eda3b968ac96efe477e270/thumbnail_5052000.jpg","/articles/6078604/Washington/Chehalis-unveils-draft-capital-improvement-plan-city-honors-staff-promotions-and-certifications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6078604-938dd582567be80fc9902ab1eb01372d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770417316&Signature=fiyZTJCla2I8SA~Df6-2shl4iIhA92DFURemrmC1Gc6DsKsh2uwcdAIeusrD9NuKPi~atfnfwTgouGeKQrCCmZhQuTb1WBnD-~22qHsbXfxTad8qyxLhmes1emrtd6d29TJRDzc-w9lGPvf0030sWlJZeNawwyVZfFXS4wycaWUBGifOiZVtmXX4Pvw4TaufM2r1G8fwGgC~3sNBy3CDcDAw2My32LJFhN22AvkwvcNyROCxrsrMsva4uITMXerA0E6O0YapeAQwW-g9rD8YHBTa-eVK64bOFNiZ~T6rMgOc9Rv08FOPG1Lp-cWQRQvxf-zk~pY-BSyzG20GfZZg-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chehalis city staff presented a draft capital improvement plan (CIP) to the council on March 24 that maps multi‑year capital and maintenance needs across departments and sets priorities for grants and budgeting. Staff also used the meeting to recognize several employees for professional certifications.

Sheena Woods, the city’s capital improvement project manager, walked the council through the CIP structure and priorities. The plan divides projects into departmental spreadsheets (wastewater, water, streets, stormwater, parks and facilities, police, airport and fire) and lists project descriptions, funding sources, fiscal‑year phasing and line‑item estimates. Woods said the document is a “living” planning tool intended to be updated as funding opportunities and project priorities change.

Highlights from the presentation included:
- Spending profile: Woods presented a multi‑year spending projection that aggregates proposed projects; staff said the 2025 column contained an earlier typographical error that would be corrected. Much of the heavier spending in the draft CIP occurs in 2027–2028, driven in part by a major Chamber Way bridge replacement and associated engineering costs the staff expects to phase across years.
- Prioritization criteria: Projects were ranked by safety implications, asset condition, departmental demand, funding availability, stakeholder input and results of inspections such as biannual bridge inspections.
- Funding: The CIP assumes a mix of general fund contributions, grants, bonds for larger projects and special funds (utilities, TBD); staff emphasized the document will be used to target grants and coordinate with finance.

Staff recognitions: The meeting included three personnel recognitions delivered by department managers: wastewater lead operator Adrian Franks was recognized for achieving a Level 4 wastewater operator certification (the highest state license level); Annie Feldman earned the International Code Council permit technician certification after cross‑training from the police department into community development; and Josh (last name not stated) completed the International Code Council certified building official certification. City staff noted the certifications increase in‑house capacity and reduce reliance on external providers.

Next steps: Staff will continue grant searches and adjust the CIP as urgent needs are identified or as funding is secured. Woods said the CIP will accompany the comprehensive plan and be reviewed annually.","City staff presented a draft capital improvement plan covering wastewater, water, streets, stormwater, parks, facilities, police, airport and fire projects with proposed spending across fiscal years through 2031. The council also recognized several employees for professional certifications and achievements.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6078609,"Chehalis staff to draft food‑truck ordinance after council raises permitting, placement and enforcement concerns",670,4346000,5016000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959335-9a34ad4cc3eda3b968ac96efe477e270&start=4346&end=5016","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959335-9a34ad4cc3eda3b968ac96efe477e270/thumbnail_4346000.jpg","/articles/6078609/Washington/Chehalis-staff-to-draft-foodtruck-ordinance-after-council-raises-permitting-placement-and-enforcement-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6078609-a565cab935cbf68fe74a11c42c6ce4f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770417316&Signature=VAqF3lnwfLG72Qm61nKT0JtQ5kVItguwqhPDAhIltgfTLXURG0zhWhXqu1hd3tF5v8YQRN~KpZDKTRZJau495vWjIKheJvda9hBn1TWiTpyn5nnoLmKqlx8wW-2UBcvYzfrvV38KcJpZRG5w9e3MbMU5pz6D5IHsUgNc6x-O9826KSIdHFSNZzxZ3XZC6wDXf1HFa8eXLU6DppisTj5Jbps8q~DBpG4p2QAVSnB2~HbM3uzVfptZxqzlxURhJnTBuwalBuF9aXSmx442feayunIlJ~z03xL0-ncErwVUTn2dCFxYzyfu6u7mkial7E4HqAd6~aCK2IBvI96XCiLNFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chehalis City Council on March 24 directed staff to craft a citywide food‑truck ordinance after community development staff described growing numbers of mobile vendors and a gap in local code.

Community development staff told the council the city’s code is currently silent on food trucks, which has left staff uncertain about where and how to permit vendors. “The community development department is getting in more and more applications for food trucks in town, and our code’s silent on them,” Celeste said, asking whether the council wanted staff to draft a tailored ordinance. City staff advised the council that, while food trucks must still meet state health and labor requirements, the city can add local permitting, spacing, hours, insurance and location rules and may coordinate with the parks department for events on city property.

Council concerns and direction included:
- Permitting and enforcement: staff said vendors operating without a city permit create enforcement and liability issues; staff will design a permitting process that checks health certificates, insurance and local requirements.
- Private property vs. city property: staff noted trucks located on private property with hard‑piped utilities (examples cited in the transcript) differ from short‑term on‑street or park operations and may be treated differently in the ordinance. The council asked staff to evaluate that distinction.
- Time and place limits: councilmembers suggested limiting how many days a week a food truck can occupy the same public spot and discussed time windows appropriate for afternoon and evening events; exceptions for permitted special events were proposed.
- Proximity to brick‑and‑mortar businesses: councilmembers asked whether the ordinance should restrict vending within a set distance of existing restaurants to protect fixed businesses; staff said that is a common option and can be included in a draft.

Next steps: staff will convene outreach with local vendor operators and relevant departments, draft model language (including permitting, insurance, spacing and hours), and return with an ordinance for council review. Staff estimated a summer timeline for a draft ordinance and said they would coordinate with parks and other city departments.","Community development staff will draft an ordinance to regulate food trucks in Chehalis following council discussion about gaps in current municipal code, enforcement of health and permitting rules, private‑property operations and possible restrictions near brick‑and‑mortar restaurants and parks.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council reviews HUD flood‑insurance rule; staff to draft ordinance raising freeboard to align with federal guidance

Chehalis council hears final design concepts for downtown rejuvenation; consultants seek feedback before formal adoption

Chehalis council approves budget amendment, adopts six‑year transportation plan and accepts transportation district report

Chehalis unveils draft capital improvement plan; city honors staff promotions and certifications

Chehalis staff to draft food‑truck ordinance after council raises permitting, placement and enforcement concerns