City Council meeting summary

DATE: MAY 21, 2026 COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED: Empowered & Connected Community Growth & Economic Opportunity Community First Service Responsible & Honest Governance CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A SUMMARY STATEMENT: The City of Longview has undertaken a strategic brand uplift initiative intended to strengthen organizational consistency, improve public recognition, and present a more unified and professional identity across City departments and communication channels. This effort is not a full rebrand. Instead, the approach intentionally builds upon and modernizes existing City brand elements, including colors, typography, logos, and visual identity standards, in a way that is fiscally responsible and reflective of the City’s established identity. The purpose of the initiative is to support a more cohesive “branded house” approach, where departments and divisions are visually connected under a unified City identity while still maintaining operational distinctions where appropriate. A stronger and more consistent brand presence helps reinforce public trust, improve communication clarity, strengthen community recognition, and better position the City in recruitment, economic development, tourism, and community engagement efforts. Implementation of the updated brand standards will occur in phases and with a focus on minimizing costs. Initial rollout efforts will prioritize no-cost or low-cost updates such as email signatures, digital templates, presentation materials, and electronic communication assets. Physical materials and branded items, including business cards, apparel, signage, and printed materials, will transition over time as existing inventory is depleted or replacement becomes necessary through normal operational cycles. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Council Concurrence STAFF CONTACT: Jennifer Wills, City Manager | attachments=1 | reports=1

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Based upon the authentication and certification of claims and demands against the city, prepared and signed by the City’s auditing officer, and in full reliance thereon, it is moved and seconded as shown in the minutes of this meeting that the following vouchers/warrants are approved for payment: SECOND HALF MAY 2026 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: $4,995,413.43 SECOND HALF MAY 2026 PAYROLL: $488,705.53, checks $1,149,140.89, direct deposits $987,403.48, wire transfers $ 2,625,249.90 Total STAFF CONTACT: Lindy Kennedy, Accountant Sara Rios, Payroll Specialist | reports=1

COUNCIL 2026 GOALS AND PRIORITIES ADDRESSED: Investing in Infrastructure CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A SUMMARY STATEMENT: The project provides for the grinding and installation of new HMA pavement, across two lots, including striping new signage, curb stops tree wells, ADA ramp, a new lighting fixture, and a secondary driveway approach. And any other incidentals necessary to complete the specified work in accordance with the contract plans, contract provisions and standard specifications. On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, four bids were received as follows: $340,231.65 – TMC Contractors LLC, Ridgefield, WA $356,956.87 – JH Kelly LLC, Longview, WA $359,375.48 – Advanced Excavating Specialists, Kelso, WA Non Responsive – Great Werks, Battle Ground, WA $290,000.00 - Engineer’s Estimate The low bid received was determined to be regular and responsive. FINANCIAL SUMMARY: This project is funded through an interlocal agreement with Cowlitz County Public Facilities District and Columbia Theater Association for the Performing Arts. STAFF CONTACT: Timothy Schulz, Engineer | reports=1

COUNCIL INITIATIVE ADDRESSED: Ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term financial stability Investing in infrastructure CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A SUMMARY STATEMENT: In accordance with state law, staff selected WSP USA as the most qualified firm to perform the sewer pump station design work in 2020. The City Council approved the design contract on November 12, 2020. Due to budget constraints and limited Engineering staff availability, the project was delayed while previously approved design work was completed. The project is now scheduled to resume in 2026. This supplemental agreement will allow completion of the project design and preparation of the construction bid documents. The current schedule anticipates advertising the project for construction in late 2026. This design work will support the replacement of the existing sewer pump station located at 4014 Oak Street. Originally constructed in 1977, the facility has reached the end of its useful service life and requires replacement to maintain reliable wastewater system operations. FINANCIAL SUMMARY: The WSP USA contract amount for supplement 1 is $72,506. This work is funded from the sewer construction fund in the 2025/2026 approved budget. STAFF CONTACT: Tim Schulz, Project Engineer | attachments=1 | reports=1

COUNCIL INITIATIVE ADDRESSED: Ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term financial stability Investing in infrastructure CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A SUMMARY STATEMENT: This project is to construction of a 36-inch diameter dedicated transmission pipeline between the City’s Water Treatment Plant and the City’s Main Reservoir so that all treated water is conveyed to and held within the City’s main water storage system. It is anticipated this dedicated pipeline will allow for higher flows to be treated and conveyed from the Water Treatment Plant to the reservoir facility while allowing distribution system pressure to be decreased. In accordance with state law, staff selected Gibbs & Olson, Inc. as the most qualified firm to perform the Dedicate Fill Line Project work in 2022. The City Council approved the original design contract on April 28, 2022 and the first phase of this project was to evaluate two potential pipeline routes and determine which is the most feasible and cost-effective route for the proposed pipeline. The City received a FY 2026 Interior Appropriations earmark for this project through Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez in July 2026. This supplemental agreement will amend the original design contract to complete the final design of the first construction phase, obtain the necessary permits, and prepare construction bid documents. The current project schedule anticipates advertising the first phase for construction during the first quarter of 2027. FINANCIAL SUMMARY: The Gibbs & Olson, Inc. contract amount for supplement 1 is $266,000. This design work is funded with water construction fund and FY26 Interior Appropriation bill earmark $1,092,000. The first construction phase total project cost is estimated at $3,090,000. STAFF CONTACT: Levi Lindeman, Project Engineer | attachments=1 | reports=1

COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED: Improve transportation systems. SUMMARY STATEMENT: State law requires that each city update its Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) annually and file a copy of the adopted program with the Secretary of Transportation. Federal law also requires transit agencies receiving Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding to prepare a Program of Projects (POP) identifying the projects to be funded with FTA funding, and to conduct a public hearing and outreach process prior to adopting the POP. The TIP includes FTA funded projects and meets the requirements of the POP. After adoption, the TIP/POP can be subsequently amended to include new projects and funding sources. Copies of the draft TIP/POP will be distributed to the city council at least one week prior to the public hearing. STAFF CONTACT: Chris Collins, Public Works Director | reports=1

DATE: June 11, 2026 COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED: Community Safety Responsible & Honest Governance CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A SUMMARY STATEMENT: Hope Village ceased operations on October 1, 2025. At the time of closure, City Council directed staff to return with a six-month follow-up discussion regarding observations and impacts following the closure of the site. Discussion Staff provided Council (attached) with four summary reports intended to help inform future policy discussions, should Council wish to provide direction moving forward. The reports include: - Community and partner observations gathered during a May 7, 2026 stakeholder meeting involving housing providers, outreach organizations, behavioral health professionals, faith-based organizations, and service agencies - City operational observations and response efforts related to the Hope Village transition, including Behavioral Health Unit outreach and ongoing homelessness response efforts - Legal and regulatory considerations associated with the pallet shelter site, including operational limitations tied to current state law and building code considerations The purpose of this item is to provide Council with information and observations gathered since the closure of Hope Village and to allow Council the opportunity to discuss whether any future direction or next steps are desired. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Review the information and provide direction to staff if desired STAFF CONTACT: Jennifer Wills, City Manager | attachments=5 | reports=1

DATE: June 11, 2026 COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED: Growth & Economic Opportunity CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: REQUIRED SUMMARY STATEMENT: The City Council will review a proposed update to the City of Longview’s Lodging Tax Funding Policy. The proposed policy modernizes the City’s approach to distributing Lodging Tax revenues in alignment with RCW 67.28 and is intended to better support tourism-generating events while creating greater flexibility for both established and emerging community events. Historically, Lodging Tax funding was distributed through a biennial grant cycle focused primarily on marketing support for established events. While successful in supporting long-standing community traditions, the structure limited opportunities for new events and created challenges in addressing the increasing cost of required City services associated with hosting events. The proposed policy introduces several key changes, including: - Annual funding application opportunities rather than a biennial cycle - Creation of two funding categories: - Tourism Promotion Grants - Event Services Support Fund - Increased flexibility to support new and emerging tourism events - A structure to help offset required City service costs such as traffic control, police staffing, park support, and street closures - Recognition of “Heritage Community Events” that demonstrate long-standing community and tourism value The policy also establishes guiding principles for Lodging Tax investments focused on promoting tourism, supporting community traditions, lowering barriers for event organizers, encouraging new tourism opportunities, and ensuring responsible stewardship of public funds. The Lodging Tax Advisory Commission (LTAC) would continue reviewing and recommending Tourism Promotion Grant applications to the City Council, while the City would administer Event Services Support funding associated with operational City service costs. Staff is bringing forward this policy framework in advance of the 2027–2028 budget development process so that Council has an established policy direction in place as Lodging Tax funding decisions and budget priorities are considered during the upcoming biennial budget cycle. This discussion provides Council an opportunity to review the proposed policy direction and provide feedback prior to implementation within the City’s biennial budget and annual Lodging Tax application process. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to approve City of Longview Lodging Tax Funding Policy STAFF CONTACT: Jennifer Wills, City Manager | attachments=2 | reports=1

DATE: MAY 21, 2026 COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED: Growth & Economic Opportunity CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A SUMMARY STATEMENT: The City Council is being asked to consider the formation of a three-member Economic Development Committee to begin focused discussions on strategies that support thoughtful growth, economic opportunity, and long-term community vitality within the City of Longview. The intent of the committee would be to provide a collaborative forum for identifying opportunities, challenges, and policy considerations related to economic development and future investment within the community. The committee would serve in an advisory capacity and work alongside City staff and community partners to help shape a proactive and coordinated approach to economic development. Potential areas of focus for the committee may include: - Identifying barriers and opportunities related to economic growth and investment; - Exploring ways to improve the City’s readiness and responsiveness for future development opportunities; - Discussing infrastructure, permitting, land use, utility capacity, and policy considerations that may impact business attraction and expansion; - Engaging regional and local partners, including organizations such as the Cowlitz Economic Development Council, business leaders, educational institutions, utilities, ports, and other stakeholders; - Reviewing best practices and strategies used by comparable communities; - Evaluating how the City can better position itself to attract and retain businesses, industry, housing, and family-wage jobs; - Exploring opportunities to strengthen regional competitiveness and support redevelopment, industrial recruitment, and strategic investment; - Discussing potential legislative priorities and policy positions that support economic development efforts at the local, state, and federal levels; - Developing recommendations for a formal Economic Development Policy or framework for future Council consideration; and - Helping establish priorities that align with Council goals, infrastructure planning, legislative advocacy efforts, and the City’s long-term vision. The proposed committee would also provide an opportunity for early strategic conversations regarding emerging economic trends, economic resiliency, workforce development, infrastructure readiness, and partnership opportunities that may benefit the community over time. Staff is seeking Council direction regarding the formation of the committee, committee membership, and any additional priorities or areas of focus Council would like incorporated into the committee’s work moving forward. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to move forward with the economic development committee and determine which three council members STAFF CONTACT: Jennifer Wills, City Manager | reports=1

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