Citizens of La Center,
The attendance at last evening’s city council meeting was beyond comprehendible. I am grateful for those who attended and provided their feedback regarding the future of La Center.
What I did notice during last night’s public comment was an abundance of comments that lacked the correct information. Upon further research, it appears most of these comments stem from posts being made on the La Center Families Facebook page. I hear your concerns, and I appreciate your feedback and understand the need to protect the future of our quaint town. I share the same understanding. What I will not stand for is the misinformation being shared and encouraged between residents. It is causing unnecessary concern and panic over issues that do not exist.
The intersection of La Center Road and Timmen Road has been in evaluation since 2018, and the level of service continues to decline. This intersection is projected to be at a failing level of service in the future. As the city continues to grow, it will have an impact on this intersection. The anticipated growth impact is not only a result of growth within the city, but also from growth outside of La Center. The city has included the installation of a signal or a roundabout at this intersection as a possible solution to the expected effects of growth on our road infrastructure. All proposed possibilities for a failing intersection will be evaluated.
The roundabout is not a guarantee; it is a suggestion. Our city staff will be taking feedback into consideration about other possibilities at the intersection of La Center and Timmen Road.
I also recognize many residents have concerns regarding a lack of notification for the subarea plan. The planning of the subarea plan has taken place over the past two years. Throughout this, the city has maintained complete transparency surrounding the project and engaged in a variety of community engagement activities. These activities include open public houses, Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings, focus groups, mailed notices, and tabling sessions.
All information and notices are posted in a timely manner across a variety of platforms. By using multiple platforms including the official City of La Center Facebook and webpage, local newspapers, billing messages, reader boards and bulletin boards, we try to reach as many residents as possible. Notices are also placed in frequented areas such as the La Center Library, the Post Office, and even the Wheel Club Community Center.
If you have feedback for platforms and outreach methods you would like to see, please let us know. You can visit us at City Hall, send an email to clerk@ci.lacenter.wa.us or call us at 360-263-8950.
The city council meetings on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month are open and available to all citizens. Not just those living within city limits. We want to hear from you. Our council and staff truly appreciate the citizens who show up to each meeting to stay informed and provide feedback. We encourage all residents of La Center to apply for an open city council position and if you live outside of city limits, consider applying for a position on the Clark County council as we work very closely with the county to follow all state regulations.
The City complies with all Open Public Meetings Act (RCW 42.30) and Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) rules and regulations. If there is a specific topic or project you would like more information on, I strongly welcome you to speak with our staff at La Center City Hall to request the most up-to-date and accurate information.
The City of La Center is also required to comply with all yearly audits from the Washington State Auditor’s Office. There have been no reports of fraud or embezzlement.
The City of La Center takes claims of embezzlement and fraud very seriously. I encourage anyone with evidence to support these claims to please visit the La Center Clark County Sherriff’s Office or the Washington State Auditor’s Office so they can further investigate these claims.
I hope this message finds you well, and moving forward, all concerns or questions regarding city matters are brought to us at City Hall directly. I understand it can feel difficult to maintain a trustworthy relationship between residents and their locally elected officials in a sea of misinformation, which is why I encourage you to engage with us directly.
If you still have questions after reading this message, please visit City Hall at 210 E. 4th St., or call us 360-263-2782.
Thank you for making La Center a better place to live every day.
Sincerely,
La Center Mayor Thomas Strobehn
