WHITEHALL — The Whitehall City Council met Tuesday for both a work session and its regular meeting, tackling issues from deer management to short-term rental rules, elections, and city equipment purchases.
Work Session
Deer hunting lottery details
Council members finalized plans for implementing a new deer-management ordinance that will allow hunting on certain city-owned parcels. A lottery system will assign hunters to properties in two-week intervals.
Officials acknowledged that the first year may require flexibility as the lottery launches and as interest from hunters grows. Applications will be made available soon, though the ordinance will not formally take effect until October. Please see Council-Packet-9.9.25 for more information.
Short-term rental regulation
The council spent significant time reviewing how to regulate short-term rentals such as Airbnbs. Ideas under discussion included:
- Annual registration and inspections
- Occupancy and parking limits
- Requirements for local contact persons to handle complaints
- Caps on the number of short-term rentals permitted in the city
Members expressed interest in balancing housing affordability with the ability of homeowners to generate income. Some suggested limiting investor-owned full-home rentals, while others emphasized the need for stronger inspection standards. Please see Council-Packet-9.9.25 for more information.
Election cycle change
Council also discussed moving municipal elections from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years beginning in 2028. The change could save the city money by reducing the number of elections it administers and could increase turnout by aligning local contests with larger state and federal races. Please see Council-Packet-9.9.25 for more information.
Regular Meeting
Deer ordinance adopted
Council formally adopted the deer-management ordinance, which bans feeding deer and permits licensed hunting by lottery. Hunters will be restricted by safety setbacks and will be required to use elevated stands.
Snowblower purchase delayed
A proposed $50,000 purchase of a new sidewalk snowblower was tabled. Council members questioned whether the machine’s size fit city sidewalks and whether staffing levels could support its full use. Public works staff supported the equipment, but council asked for more details before voting.
Summer music closure renewed
The council approved continuing the Monday Night Fan Club program next summer, which closes part of Mears Avenue and an adjacent parking lot on Monday evenings for live music outside Fetch Brewing Company. The program will again run from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
While some concerns were raised about ADA accessibility and the use of public right-of-way, council members agreed the event has been a positive community draw.
Community concerns raised
During public comment, residents voiced concerns about:
- Motorcycle noise
- Recreational vehicles parked in rights-of-way
- Alleyway overgrowth and maintenance
- Conditions at the city marina
- Delayed public access at a waterfront conservation easement
Tommy Foster lightened the mood with a song thanking the city for supporting local musicians and community gatherings.
