MATTAWA - Mattawa Police Chief John Turley informed the city council at its last meeting, on Dec. 18, that he has offered the open police officer position to a former deputy U.S. marshal.

If Bob Doty takes the assignment, he'll take over the position Thomas Williams vacated when he moved to a police position in another community.

Doty is retiring as a special agent deputy marshal out of Spokane. The Washington State Training Commission has issued him a variance so that he won't have to attend the police academy the normal length of time. He'll be there only two weeks.

Meanwhile, Reserve Officer Tyler St. Onge will be serving full time until Doty arrives.

In other matters before the Council, there has been a change of plans for the Mellinger property adjacent to the north side of Hund Memorial Park.

Cecil Mellinger had asked for an annexation and received it in June of 2013. He planned multiple family housing on part of the property and commercial development on another part.

Since that time, the land has been sold to Taylor Orchards, which plans to plant an orchard, according to City Clerk Robin Newcomb. Taylor Orchards wants the property to be de-annexed.

City planner Darryl Piercy told the Council that it has been explained to Taylor Orchards there is a de-annexation process that needs to be done first. He said Taylor Orchards needs to make a written request to the city for this.

As of Dec. 18, there still has not been a request made to de-annex this property, which is 69 acres to the west and north of the city park. It is still part of the city.

Piercy also brought to the attention of the council potential development of 40 acres southwest of the roundabout at Highway 243 and Road 24 SW. The owners would like to build a commercial complex on 20 acres and build farm worker housing on the remaining 20 acres.

This property is zoned C2, which is multifamily, and the owners will have to follow the city's design standards, Piercy said.

In still another property plan, Piercy said the Catholic Church is interested in building housing on Department of Natural Resources land northeast of Boundary but within the city.

As of Dec. 18, the Council approved for payment 2014 payroll EFT and payroll checks Nos. 31208-31210 in the amount of $14,300 and 2014 claims EFT and claims checks Nos. 14076 - 14100 in the amount of $37,240.16.

Regarding the potential redevelopment of Government Road, the Council suggested some community names for the street committee to consider.