City Council will consider Farrell House application Sept. 19

In just more than a month, the Camas City Council will consider whether to approve a permit application that would lay the groundwork for special events to be held at the historic Farrell House.

Last night the City Council set Monday, Sept. 19, as the date for the deliberation, and were hand-delivered copies of the entire written record pertaining to the Farrell House issue. The meeting is currently scheduled to be held at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

“Your job is to read the record and be ready to make your decision on it,” instructed Mayor Scott Higgins.

Because it is a quasi-judicial matter, state law dictates that City Council members cannot discuss the issue with each other, or with members of the public. It will be a closed record deliberation, meaning that additional public comments, either written or verbal, will no longer be accepted.

On Aug. 2, the Camas Planning Commission forwarded a recommendation for approval on the application for an unclassified use permit from Farrell House owner Heidi Curley. She hopes to hold catered special events such as weddings and receptions, anniversary celebrations and tea parties on her property located at 416 N.E. Ione St.

The Planning Commission voted 3 to 1, in favor of forwarding a recommendation for approval, with conditions. The conditions include not allowing noise levels to exceed 55 decibels during special events.

Outdoor events must be concluded by 9 p.m., and indoor events must end by 10 p.m. Installation of temporary tents and other equipment must be installed no sooner than 24 hours before the event and removed no later than 24 hours after the festivities.

If the City Council approves the Planning Commission’s recommendation, there would be a limit of four outdoor events per month at the Farrell House from June through August. That could include one major event (not exceeding 80 guests). There would be an overall limit of 36 hours of commercial activity per month.

The Planning Commission’s decision came following more than three hours of testimony, primarily from those opposed to the project, on July 28.

Curley currently lives in Washougal while the Farrell House is undergoing an interior and exterior remodel. She has plans to move in this month with her three daughters.