Pateros city council amends city parks, motor vehicle codes

PATEROS – Former Twisp Police Chief and current candidate for Okanogan County Sheriff Paul Budrow was among the speakers at the regular monthly meeting of the Pateros City Council on Monday, August 15. Budrow addressed the council about the changes he would like to make to the department if elected.

The official Primary Election results issued by the Okanogan County Auditor’s Office on August 16, show Budrow finishing second behind incumbent Sheriff Tony Hawley by 306 votes. Both advance to the Nov. 8 General Election. Challenger Kevin Newport finished with 20.42 percent of the vote and is out of the running.

Mayor Pro Tem George Brady presided over two public hearings concerned with amendments to Pateros Municipal Code (PMC) ordinances. One amending Chapter 12.12 of the PMC to revise certain sections to require a Facility Use Agreement, delete the reference to fireworks in Section 12.12.040 and revise the regulations regarding camping areas.

The other amending Chapter 10.04 Motor Vehicle Code of the PMC to revise the procedures for impoundment of vehicles in accordance with RCW 46.55 (towing and impoundment) and to designate restricted parking zones and provisions for street closures.

In other business:

• Vendor Angela VanEysinga delivered a brief update about low turnout at this year’s Pateros Community Market. Changes are planned for next year’s event.

• Two property owners bordering the north side of Warren Avenue where the city recently completed the installation of a sidewalk and buffer zone addressed the council over concerns that space for vehicle parking has been lost.

• Fire Chief Kerry Heen reported that his department has 15 volunteers but would prefer having 25 for the department to run smoothly.

• The city is considering fall and winter movie nights.

• Water manganese levels at pump station 3 was the lowest ever recorded.

• Transportation Benefit District tax through the end of June was $10,005.17.

The next regular city council meeting will be at 6 p.m., Sept. 19.