SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council moved through a full agenda Wednesday night, unanimously approving the creation of a new tourism committee, hiring two firms to jointly handle city planning duties, adopting a formal job description for the city’s RV park host and accepting funding for Phase II of the Daisy Street sidewalk improvement project. 

Tourism committee established 

Council members voted to establish a five‑member tourism committee responsible for reviewing lodging‑tax applications and making recommendations to the council. The resolution outlines membership requirements, duties, and annual reporting expectations. 

“This committee will help ensure tourism dollars are used responsibly and transparently,” Council Member Susan Carson said in a previous meeting.  

The council unanimously passed the establishment without any discussion.  

City planner contracts 

The council also unanimously approved contracts with Alex Kovach of Kovach Architects and Safe Built, formalizing a shared‑duties model for city planning.  

According to the agenda packet, Kovach will handle current planning, permits, and inspections, while Safe Built will manage long‑range planning, including the comprehensive plan and climate plan. 

“I'll just add some clarification, because the planners have good relationships and work together, and kind of went through the details,” City Attorney Julie Norton said. “So, with what will actually end up happening, which won't change the cost or anything that you should be worried about, but Kovach will probably still do more of the comp plan side as well, with support from Safe Built because he does have the lead in doing some of that from last year's update.”  

RV park host job description adopted  

Council members approved a new job description for the City of Soap Lake Camp Host, a position that includes on‑site monitoring, restroom cleaning, night and weekend registrations, and basic security. The host receives a designated RV site with full hookups as compensation. 

“This will take a lot off of City Hall,” Carson said. “We’re already seeing visitors arrive, and we need someone in place who can manage reservations and keep the park running smoothly.”