SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council unanimously appointed former council member Karen Woodhouse to fill a vacant council seat during its regular meeting Sept. 2. 

The vacancy was created when Judith Gorman resigned from Position 1 during the council's Aug. 5 meeting, citing personal reasons. 

Mayor Pro Tem Kayleen Bryson said the city advertised the opening and sought applicants who met the qualifications required to serve on the council. 

"We've had a vacancy for the last couple weeks, maybe a month, when our council member resigned from position number one," Bryson said. "We put out the word, and we advertised for a city council member. The requirements being you have to be a registered voter, and you have to have lived in the city of Soap Lake for at least a year." 

Bryson said the city received an application for the position. 

"Fortunately, that application was someone who has vast experience and is very qualified, and that person is Karen Woodhouse," she said. 

Woodhouse previously served one term on the city council before the city's downsizing of council positions prevented her from seeking reelection to the same seat. She later ran as a write-in candidate for mayor in the 2025 general election. 

Following the appointment, Woodhouse said she was pleased to return to public service. 

"Well, I'm glad to be back," she said. "I think there are things that we need to accomplish. It's been a little bit weird sitting on the other side of the table. I want to say things or do things, so I'm hoping that we can accomplish a few things by the end of the year." 

Woodhouse said one of her priorities is helping move city projects forward and maintaining momentum on issues facing the community. 

"We have lots of goals," she said. "I think it's about time we need to start putting things into action." 

Woodhouse said her top priority is finding and hiring a city administrator for Soap Lake.  

“I want to hire a city administrator,” Woodhouse said. “I want to make that happen and help just get the place back on track.”  

The appointment takes effect immediately, allowing Woodhouse to participate in council business for the remainder of Gorman's unexpired term. 

In other business, the council approved an amendment to the city's fence regulations, allowing certain residential properties to install 6-foot fences within front-yard setback areas. The change followed a public hearing, during which one resident expressed support for the taller fences provided visibility for motorists is maintained at street corners. The amendment was approved unanimously. 

Police Chief Patrick Canady reported the department responded to 141 calls for service during August, including 12 arrests, one DUI arrest and one reported traffic accident. Officers conducted 63 traffic stops, issued 28 infractions and assisted the Grant County Sheriff's Office 22 times. Canady also reported that all officers recently completed their annual firearms qualifications. 

Code Enforcement Officer Harold Ross said 13 code enforcement cases remain open, and 13 have been closed this year. He reminded residents that complaints must be submitted through the city's official complaint process before investigations can begin. Ross said common violations include overgrown vegetation, abandoned vehicles and trees obstructing sidewalks and roadways. 

Public Works Director Eli Olson reported the city recently hired a new person to fill a vacant Public Works position. Olson said crews are completing drainage improvements near Second Street, performing maintenance on wastewater treatment equipment and preparing city infrastructure for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. 

The council also unanimously approved a letter of support for a Recreation and Conservation Office grant application that would help fund an update to Soap Lake's parks and recreation plan. 

Grant County Fire District 7 Chief Erick Brittain told council the district responded to 86 calls for service in August. He highlighted the department's participation in a state wildfire mobilization deployment and reported that a new fire science program launched in partnership with the Soap Lake School District has enrolled 26 students with a waiting list. Brittain also reminded residents that the countywide burn ban remains in effect through Sept. 30. 

The council received a presentation from Grant County Health District Administrator Theresa Adkinson, who provided an overview of the district's services and funding. Adkinson said the district will once again ask cities, including Soap Lake, to contribute $3 per resident to help support core public health functions such as communicable disease response, food safety inspections and tuberculosis prevention programs. 

During public comment, residents raised concerns about code enforcement, abandoned properties, and the city's approach to attracting new businesses and development. One resident urged the city to improve enforcement of property maintenance standards, while another encouraged city leaders to be supportive of new business owners and economic growth efforts.