Walla Walla City Council to address emergency well repair and cell tower moratorium
By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, July 8th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA — The Walla Walla City Council will consider a million-dollar contract amendment, an emergency water well repair, and an extension on a wireless facility moratorium during its meeting tonight (Wednesday) at 6:30 p.m.
Council members will vote on a resolution authorizing a professional services contract amendment with Anderson Perry and Associates not to exceed $1,028,920. The amendment covers construction engineering, inspection, and archaeological services for the Pine Street reconstruction project. City staff noted the contract is necessary due to a lack of internal staff availability and specialized expertise.
The project will reconstruct seven blocks of Pine Street from Second Avenue to Cayuse Street, adding buffered bike lanes, a roundabout at 9th Avenue, and utility replacements. Pine Street is currently the lowest-scoring arterial on the city’s Pavement Condition Index. Construction begins this month on the $4.6 million project and is slated for completion in summer 2027.
The council is also expected to ratify an emergency declaration for repairs to the Water Well No. 3 turbine motor, which failed June 30 and halted water production. City Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain authorized the declaration July 1 to meet summer water demands. Staff requested up to $40,000 for the repairs.
Additionally, the council will hold a public hearing on Ordinance 2026-11 to extend a moratorium on wireless communication facility applications in residential zones for an additional six months. The interim zoning regulations temporarily prohibit residential cell towers while staff continues to study the issue.
City staff and Chamberlain recommend approving all actions.
File photo of Walla Walla City Council
