City Briefs

Three appointments to advisory boards

The Shelton City Council on Tuesday evening approved appointing three residents to two city advisory groups.

The city filled one of three openings on the Shelton Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. Kathy McDowell, a former member of the Shelton City Commission and the Shelton City Council, was fulfilling a partial term on the group. She submitted a letter volunteering for another three-year term. Two other positions remain open.

At the end of 2024, the Shelton Arts Commission had two openings. Stan Yantis and Robin Bishop submitted letters of interest to be reappointed to four-year terms. Both had a half term and a full term on the group. Their appointments can become eofficial at the Feb. 4 meeting.

Mason County residents are eligible to apply for the two openings on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. The group meets monthly to assist the city in providing parks and recreation services to residents and visitors. The group provides recommendations, including park planning and recreation programs.

To apply, submit a letter of interest to Parks and Recreation Supervisor at [email protected] or by mail to the Shelton Civic Center at 525 West Cota St.

City supports downtown Creative Arts District

The Shelton City Council on Tuesday evening gave final approval to a resolution of support to establish a Creative Arts District.

The council gave preliminary approval at its Jan. 7 meeting.

Towns that want to celebrate art and artisans, and draw tourists and locals, can apply for Washington State Arts Commission certification for a creative district.

The certification comes with a $10,000 startup operating grant and up to $50,000 in capital project funding for small-scale projects, technical assistance, training and networking,

Jae Hill, the city's community and economic development director, at the Jan. 7 meeting said the city is completing its application for certification and asked the council to approve a resolution in support and to establish the boundaries of the district.

"We're trying to make this a welcoming place for the arts all over the county because we're the only incorporated city where people might want to come to experience that art," he said.

The borders of the district are "essentially what we recognize as downtown Shelton," Hill said. The borders are Park Street on the south, Front Street on the east, and "zigzagging" between Pine and Birch streets, he said.

An Art Stroll will be hosted Feb. 22.

City passes new Catalyst Garden contract

The Shelton City Council on Tuesday evening gave final agreement to a revised memorandum of agreement with the WSU Cooperative Extension of Mason County on its Catalyst Garden.

The council gave preliminary approval at its Jan. 7 meeting.

In its report, the city states that the revised MOA "is to clearly state the responsibilities of both parties regarding use of the property and operations."

The proposed agreement would stay in effect "until terminated by either party."

The WSU Cooperative Extension of Mason County has hosted a demonstration and food bank gardens at 909 S. 8th St. since 2010.

The proposed agreement states that WSU Extension will be paying for its utilities such as water and electricity, and maintaining current and new structures, garden beds, irrigation and volunteers. The city would oversee general maintenance outside the Demonstration Garden, including mowing and weed eating, and also oversee the porta-potty on site.