Longview City Council approved a $80,000 settlement to resolve a lawsuit related to the Open Public Meetings Act, ending a dispute involving former city manager Kris Swanson. The settlement, announced July 15, follows Swanson's termination after he was fired for violating public meeting protocols.
The city also updated online access to meeting videos and documents through KLTV, expanding public transparency. This includes archived recordings of council sessions and agendas for review, effective immediately.
On July 15, the Council will discuss waste management as part of its regular meeting, alongside water maintenance and sewer repair plans for July 14-15. These repairs affect several neighborhoods, with public notices issued for impacted areas.
The city's Health & Human Services office hours were updated to 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 1952 9th Ave. Fingerprinting fees at City Hall also took effect July 13, with new resident and non-resident pricing tiers.
Longview Schools recognized Mr. Kloke as a 'Star Polisher' for his mentorship, with students Mac, Daisy, and Olivia highlighting his impact on education and personal growth. RiverCities Transit honored two employees, Jerry Robeson and Cheryl Grindle-Spain, for community service and exceptional transit work.
Public safety updates include the confirmation of Lori Moore's identity in a missing person case found in Arkansas Creek, and a Cowlitz County burn ban effective July 15 through September 30. The city also announced new ADA bus stops at 12th & Maple, replacing the old location at 12th & Broadway.
What to watch next: The Council's July 15 meeting on waste management will include discussions on water maintenance and sewer repairs, with residents advised to monitor public notices for service disruptions.