The Aberdeen City Council discussed a number of issues at its Wednesday meeting. They included giving the mayor authority to bid on tax title auction properties, traffic concerns in east Aberdeen and the safety of the city’s police officers and firefighters.

Mayor’s report

Aberdeen Mayor Erik Larson reported that “consumer spending is up” in Aberdeen. The city’s latest financial report showed a rise in home improvements and the city about a million dollars better off as of July than budgeted for. “This could give us some flexibility to take some projects off the shelf and address them,” said Larson.

East Aberdeen mobility project

The traffic in east Aberdeen is becoming more and more of a problem, not just for locals, said Councilman Tim Alstrom. Tourism numbers are up this summer, compounding the traffic problem, and with proposed expansion projects from Renewable Energy Group and Contanda bulk liquid storage and shipping facilities at the Port of Grays Harbor there is the potential for heavier train traffic in the area. Alstrom said at the latest Council of Governments meeting the East Aberdeen Mobility project was a major topic of discussion. One version of that project would include an elevated roadway over the train tracks near the Burger King and a roundabout on Heron Street.

Tax title auction

The council approved a motion giving Mayor Larson the authority to bid on properties in Aberdeen included in the Grays Harbor County tax title auction Sept. 15. Larson called for an executive session, apparently to discuss which, if any, of the 17 Aberdeen properties on the block he was considering. These properties are scattered throughout the city and include the old Saginaw Mill site.

Public safety

Councilman Denny Lawrence, chairman of the public safety committee, reported that the Aberdeen Police Department is currently working two major cases, including an embezzlement and a shooting involving two brothers, the latter incident happening “a block away from my residence.” He said the police department’s “Pro-Act” team, a group of officers who actively target crimes downtown, is getting results, and “they’re getting lots of hugs and thank yous from business owners” who have seen the difference in problems with vagrancy and other issues.

Assaults on emergency services personnel

Lawrence added there have been two assaults on police officers as they clocked out and headed to their personal vehicles in the station parking lot. One resulted in a Taser deployment on the attacker, the other ended in an arrest for an outstanding warrant. He said assaults on police and fire personnel seem to be on the rise and his committee and the department are looking at ways to protect police. Mayor Larson said a television monitor has been placed inside the exit to the parking lot that shows a live feed of the lot so exiting officers can check for anyone lurking about, and added the city is looking into more in-depth protection for police and fire personnel.

Landlord issues

During the public comment session at the end of Wednesday’s meeting, a young man named Josh told of his problems with his landlord. He said he and a few others in his apartment building have complained to their landlords about major plumbing and other problems, which fell on deaf ears. As he and other residents continued to complain about their inadequate living situations they were all served with eviction notices, despite the fact they were all current on their rent, he told the council. Mayor Larson said the city is still working on hiring another property inspector who could focus on such matters. He added that, under current law, the city cannot take action against a landlord based on a renter’s complaints and any issue between a renter and the landlord can only be settled between the two of them in court.

Solar energy tour and fair

Councilman Alan Richrod reminded the council and public the Aberdeen Solar Home Tour and Energy Fair is Aug. 26. This family friendly event kicks off at 10 a.m., when participants meet in the Tesla charging station parking lot to be shuttled to four local homes that use solar power. Along with the tour there will be tips on how to harness the sun for power and a number of electric vehicles and tools to explore.