MATTAWA - The Mattawa City Council heard at its meeting last Thursday that the city is contemplating operating a weekend flea market again at Hund Memorial Park.

The Public Works Department made a brief mention of the possibility but told the council there is no plan yet. Public Works will present further information at a future meeting.

Hund Park was the site of a flea market before and around 2010. It was closed after then-Mayor Judy Esser and the city's attorney questioned whether it was wise for the city to mix public property and private business.

After that, Jerry Fox made property about a mile below Highway 243, off Road 24 SW, available. Surrounded by orchards, it wasn't visible from the road, but it was successful.

That flea market closed and a new one sprang up on Boundary Road, just outside the city limits of Mattawa. It has been going strong, attracting vendors from all over.

The reason the city is considering opening the park is money. According to City Clerk Robin Newcomb, space rentals in 2009 generated $53,000 for the city treasury. The Fox flea market and the Boundary flea market have not benefitted the city at all.

In other matters before the council, Police Chief John Turley announced some shuffling at the police department. One police officer has been lost, and one has been added.

Turley said Nick Trejo has given up his reserve officer position. He has moved to Eltopia and has found the travel too much.

Turley added that Jordan Miers of Moses Lake has been brought on to the full-time force. His hiring brings the department to the budgeted four officers. Turley is still seeking a funding source for a fifth officer.

Miers will start working for the City of Mattawa on March 2. He will attend the Basic Law Enforcement Academy in September or October but has had enough training to serve the city now.

"We need his help during the summer," Turley said.

Lars Leland, chairman of the Committee for Government Road Update, told the council the group has arrived at a consensus on three goals - sidewalks, a third lane and a parking lot.

In a patriotic aside, Mattawa resident Tony Acosta donated a flag to the city for use outdoors at city hall. Newcomb said a flag pole has been suggested for the parking lot rose garden.