Cooper casts tie-breaking vote on proposal
MEDICAL LAKE – The City Council gathered May 7 to deliberate on a proposal aimed at amending the Medical Lake Municipal Code concerning the usage of shipping containers within city limits. The decision, teetering between the planning commission’s recommendation, a straightforward denial, or approvals with either existing or revised language, culminated in a motion for approval with new language. With a narrow margin, the motion carried, securing a four to three vote.
The public hearing on LU 2022-04 TA sought to amend Section 17.42.030 of the Medical Lake Municipal Code pertaining to the use of shipping containers. Larry Stoker, owner of Monark Self Storage, proposed the amendment to allow shipping containers under specific conditions. The proposed changes aimed to address the economic challenges faced by businesses due to increased construction costs.
Elisa Rodriguez, a member of the planning commission, presented the commission’s recommendation to deny Stoker’s application based on concerns about the visual impact of shipping containers on the city’s aesthetics. The commission emphasized the importance of maintaining an attractive community as outlined in the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
During the council’s deliberation, there was a motion to approve the proposal, which initially faced resistance from members who leaned towards denial. Eventually, a compromise was reached with a revised motion that addressed both the aesthetic concerns and the economic realities raised by Stoker and Councilman Don Kennedy.
Larry Stoker made a compelling case for the proposed amendments. “We’ve spent the last two years improving the front of our lot,” Stoker stressed.
Stoker defended his proposal, highlighting the security benefits of shipping containers and arguing that storage facilities prioritize functionality over aesthetics. He emphasized the economic viability of using shipping containers as a cost-effective storage solution for businesses in Medical Lake.
Council members faced a critical decision amidst a backdrop of procedural history dating back to October 26, 2022. From the initial submission of the application to the Planning Commission workshops, public hearings, and City Council deliberations, each step played a role in shaping the eventual outcome.
Larry Stoker’s application, submitted on October 26, 2022, set the wheels in motion for a lengthy process of review and debate. After being deemed complete on November 22, 2022, the proposal underwent investigation, including workshops with the Planning Commission and City Council.
On March 23, 2023, a moment arrived with a public hearing at the Planning Commission, where concerns about the visual impact of shipping containers clashed with arguments for their economic benefits. This tension persisted through subsequent public hearings and workshops, with stakeholders on both sides passionately advocating for their positions.
Fast forward to May 7, when the council was faced with a defining vote. With tensions high and the outcome uncertain, Mayor Terri Cooper emerged as the decisive voice, breaking a tie and paving the way for the approval of the proposal with new language. The decision reflected a delicate balance between addressing aesthetic concerns and supporting local businesses, marking the culmination of a lengthy and intricate process that shaped the future of shipping container usage in Medical Lake.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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