The Centralia City Council approved an ordinance increasing the annual rental on six properties near Lake Centralia by 9.9% to $1188 dollars. These are long-term leases from before 2010 that allow a rate increase only once every five years. The 9.9% increase averages to a 1.98% increase per year. Newer leases have an annual rate increase based on the Consumer Price Index.
The council approved the purchase of a 2020 Ford explorer for $26,520 to replace a damaged car. The vehicle is paid for with a combination of insurance funds and DUI funds from the police department.
In public comment, Jennifer Price asked the council to consider placing a fence around the newly installed playground equipment at Fairview Park. She expressed concern that the equipment is close enough to a busy road that it creates a risk of a child running into traffic.
A public affairs specialist from the Small Business Administration commented to remind the public that the SBA is still accepting applications for low-interest disaster loans in the area for storm damage from the April 2-6 storms. The deadline for physical damage applications is July 14, and the deadline for economic injury loan applications is February 17 of next year.
Ray Young spoke to the council to complain about mistreatment of graves at Elmwood Cemetery. Young claims that flowers have been inappropriately removed from headstones and that headstones have been pushed out of place. Young called on the council to take action to clarify, communicate, and enforce the rules at the cemetery.
Council member and mayor pro tempore Rob Jackson thanked members of the public who made comments and said the council takes comments under advisement and discusses the issues raised.