🏛️ Stevenson City Council Meeting Highlights - April 17, 2025
A heated public comment session, draft sewer ordinance, and outgoing public works director shaped this month’s council meeting.
A heated public comment session, draft sewer ordinance, and outgoing public works director shaped this month’s council meeting.
📄 View the full meeting packet →
📝 View the agenda →
🗣️ Public Comment: Community Division Over Protest
Public comment was dominated by reactions to Councilmember Lucy Lauser’s participation in a Trans Day of Visibility protest at the county courthouse, where she appeared topless in a symbolic act of protest against anti-trans legislation.
- Critics raised concerns about public decency and requested formal censure or resignation.
- Supporters praised Lauser’s courage and contextualized the act as free speech in defense of civil rights.
- Councilmember Lauser issued a statement defending the protest and condemning harassment and misinformation online.
Mayor Anderson emphasized the need for respectful discourse and reminded residents the council was not voting on the matter.
âś… Council Business and Ordinances
- Consent Agenda Approved
Council approved all items with a minor clarification in the Personnel Policy regarding CDL license timelines. - Sewer & Pretreatment Ordinance Discussed
A draft ordinance was reviewed, with no vote taken yet. It includes:- Clearer sewer connection requirements.
- Financial assistance and hardship provisions.
- A phased, 7-year implementation cycle.
Public comment was mixed, with both support and concern voiced—especially from households with existing septic systems.
- Vouchers for city expenses were reviewed and approved.
🏗️ Department Updates
- Public Works Director Resigning
Carolyn Sourek confirmed her mid-May departure and updated council on upcoming projects. - Staff emphasized a need for clearer engineering standards and future planning as Stevenson grows.
📬 Stay Engaged
City council meetings are open to the public in person, via Zoom, or livestreamed on YouTube. To provide public comment in advance, email cityhall@ci.stevenson.wa.us.
Thank you for staying informed and active in your local community government.