Washougal hires a new city attorney

The city attorney for White Salmon, Stevenson and North Bonneville now serves in the same capacity for Washougal.

Ken Woodrich has succeeded Don English, who retired Wednesday, after serving as the city attorney for 24 years. English is a partner at English & Marshall PLLC, in Vancouver.

After a reception was held for English Aug. 22 in the Washougal Community Center, the City Council approved a resolution that expressed appreciation for his years of service. He was presented with a key to the city, a Washougal bronze medallion and his name plate in a shadowbox frame.

Woodrich, 59, serves as general counsel to the Port of Skamania County, as well as Oregon local counsel to General Growth Properties and Rouse Properties, Clackamas Town Center, Pioneer Place and other malls and shopping centers.

He previously served as general counsel to Skamania County PUD No. 1.

Woodrich, of Vancouver, earned a Juris Doctor degree in 1983, and a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1978, both at the University of Oregon. He has practiced municipal law since 1996.

In his cover letter, he said he has dealt with public records and labor issues, as well as land use, whistleblower litigation, water rights and job creation.

During the Aug. 8 Washougal City Council meeting, council members authorized Mayor Sean Guard to sign a legal services agreement with Woodrich. The vote was 5-0. Council members Joyce Lindsay and Dan Coursey had excused absences.

The city will pay a monthly retainer of $960 to Woodrich. That includes up to four hours, plus $180 per hour for additional time.

Woodrich’s father, George J. Woodrich, served as a Lane County, Oregon Circuit Court judge.

Scott Russon will continue to serve as the Washougal city prosecutor and assistant city attorney. The city will pay $5,000 per month for city prosecutor services, plus $150 per hour for assistant city attorney services as needed.