Brewster council hears thanks, proposals for hydro regatta

BREWSTER – Lisa Malmo, Pateros, appeared before the regular monthly meeting of the Brewster City Council last Thursday, Oct. 20, on behalf of the Tacoma Inboard Racing Association (TIRA) to thank the city for allowing the Tony Newton Memorial Regatta to run at Columbia Cove Park on Sept. 10-11.

“We really hope to come back,” said Malmo and asked for a date change that does not conflict with the Okanogan County Fair. Malmo also asked the city to consider supplementing the advertising budget for next year’s race to cover banners, posters, and artwork.

Malmo said she hopes next year’s event can be more of a festival like Issaquah’s Tastin’ n Racin’ with vendors, live music, beer garden, and car show along with the boat races. She even had some clever names to suggest: Brewstertails, Brewstertails & Ales, for example.

Mayor Art Smyth recommended TIRA work with Chamber of Commerce president Mike Mauk for an expanded event.

Council member John Housden wanted to revisit the canine parvo problem that is also affecting Bridgeport dogs. The only action Housden recommended is a newsletter in two languages included with the city’s water bills to remind residents of the issue.

In other business the council:

• Accepted a Memorandum of Understanding between Okanogan County and the city regarding the Brewster Ballot Box Placement Agreement.

• Approved signing the sign the agreement to apply for a USDA Rural Development wastewater system grant.

• Approved the annual North Central Washington Narcotics Task Force Agreement.

• Approved the annual North Central Washington Swat Response Team Interlocal Agreement.

• Heard a J-U-B Engineers virtual project update from company representative Michelle Johnson and approved a $66,000 change order for additional concrete for the Canyon Creek well waterline.