Othello — Two recently graduated police officers were sworn in during a regular Othello City Council meeting on Monday, Sept. 23.

Rafael Vargas and Fernando Lopez graduated from the police academy in September. Vargas is a graduate of Othello High School. Lopez was raised in Royal City, and graduated from Mount Vernon. He is a veteran and has served as a corrections officer.

“We are proud that they’re done and grateful that they’re back,” said Phil Schenck, Othello Police Chief.

In other business, the council approved a bid from T Bailey, Inc., of Anacortes, to build a 3.5 million gallon water storage tank. The cost for the project is estimated at $2,652,974.65. This number falls below the city estimate of $3,450,000 to build the tank. The tank will be paid for by a Community Development Block Grant of $750,000. The rest will be covered by a loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.

The council voted on assigning their agreement with Noel Communications to Wholesail Networks. Wholesail Networks recently acquired Noel Communications. Council approved the new agreement with some modifications to the agreement.

The council revisited the proposed zoning changes. As not all council members were present, it was decided that no decisions would be made. The subject will be revisited at the next council meeting on Monday, Oct. 7.