Then and Now
The City of Chewelah had its first City Council meeting on February 7, 1903. Mayor W.W. Dickson presided over the meeting. There were five Councilmembers.
Now, 115+ years later, the City Council consists of seven members. The Mayor presides over the meetings or, in his/her absence, the Mayor Pro-Tem. The City Attorney, and Deputy Clerk are also in attendance.
Regular meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month, at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at 301 E. Clay. This is the Legislative branch of city government, whose primary duty is to set policy and pass ordinances (laws) and resolutions.
The meetings are subject to the Open Public Meetings Act (RCW 42.30), which means that the meetings are open to members of the public, who have the right to observe the manner in which the City conducts its business. An audience comment period is allowed at the start of the meeting for citizens to be heard at that time.
