The Centralia City Council Monday night approved a zoning change to allow for the location of a cannabis bud testing facility to be built near the West McCord and James Street intersection. The change allows research laboratories and facilities as a special use in the B3 Highway/Arterial Business District. The Planning Commission had recommended the change and had already approved the special use permit for Parker Timmons to construct the cannabis testing facility along with moving his soil and water testing service from east of Centralia into town. He estimated the business could eventually have 10 to 12 employees. Timmons indicated after the council meeting he would be in for the building permits on Tuesday.
The council approved a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the patrolman’s union at the police department. The agreement is like the other three police union contracts already approved, with a four percent increase each of the four years.
The council approved a $19,456 bid from Ironhorse, Inc. for maintenance work on the City of Centralia’s rail spur in the Industrial Park. The council was told a broken rail could cause a derailment. As part of the project, Ironhorse will replace 120 feet of track.
The council recognized retiring Police Chief Greg Dodson for over 22 years of service and Public Works Maintenance Operator Michael Hardin for over 19 years of service. A proclamation was presented to Centralia High Student Kylie Gorman who is the state long jump champion.
After the council meeting, Acting Police Chief and Lieutenant Steve Whritenour confirmed he would not be a candidate for Police Chief. Whritenour says he prefers to go back to the Lieutenant’s position after a new chief is hired. During the meeting, City Manager Kory Smith indicated they welcomed local candidates for the job as well as searching nationally.
