WASHINGTON CITY — The Washington City Council tabled several items on its latest agenda, much to the dismay of many residents who showed up to attend the meeting.
The council told those in attendance that due to the overwhelming response, the items on the agenda pertaining to Washington City’s Culinary Water Master Plan and Impact Fee Facilities Plan would be tabled.
Although citizens did not get to voice their concerns, they did get to meet the city’s newest firefighters and some Washington City teenagers who have been creating quite the commotion.
The first band of brawlers to be paraded in front of the council for commendation was the 2023 Utah State Little League Softball Junior Champions, as introduced by Mayor Kress Staheli.
The softball team made up of girls ages 14 and under is coached by Vicki Litherland, Nicole Brooks and Dannette Sullivan.
“We don’t have a lot of junior teams here in Washington,” head coach Litherland said. “We had two teams so we brought the best of the best together. It was fun because they had to learn to play together instead of against each other, which was a little twist.”
Then, the Washington City Little League U14 baseball team took their turn facing the council, those watching from their seats and those watching from their homes online.
Head coach Josh Probst told the council of a thrilling 2-1 victory in a rematch against Enterprise for the Utah state championship to advance to the Little League World Series regionals.
“We’re kind of establishing a pattern of franchise here in Washington,” he said.
Coaches Kurt Rindlisbacher and Bill Dudleston were also present for the council’s recognition. Both teams lost their matches to qualify for the national championships during the recent regional tournaments, the boys played in Oregon and the girls in Arizona.
Those in the filled-to-capacity room met the city’s newest employees, introduced by Washington City Fire Chief Matt Evans. Firefighter/paramedic Tyler Christian told the council he brings experience from past employment.
“The whole process — super life-changing for me to be able to transfer. … And so feel like I’m at home, I am part of the family now,” he said.
His wife, Abby Christian, noted a change in her husband since the change in departments.
“I feel like he’s a lot happier, like all happy — a lot happier here,” she said.
Firefighter and advanced emergency medical technician Maddie Gehrke introduced herself as not only the newest smoke jumper on the block but also the latest in a line of emergency responders in her family.
“I chose my dad to pin my badge,” she said. “He’s been a firefighter for West Valley City for 25 years and it’s really special, you know. … It is really special to have that with my dad.”
Gehrke’s grandfather was a firefighter too, as well as her brother, who attended the oath of office ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 23.
Firefighter and advanced emergency medical technician Quinn Pincock was also a new hire but could not attend the presentation. The new hires bring the fire department staff to 24 full-time and 25 part-time firefighters and supporting staff that work for Washington City, Evans noted.
The next Washington City Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 13, in Washington City Hall. Those who can’t attend in person can stream all Washington City Council meetings on YouTube at the WashTV channel at their leisure.
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