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By Beka Compton
The Times 

Waitsburg City Council November report

 

November 26, 2020

Beka Compton

Crews from Harry Johnson Plumbing and Excavation used concrete barriers to divert water flow while repairing a damaged sewer siphon earlier this month. The siphon was damaged by heavy flood debris this February.

WAITSBURG-The Waitsburg City Council met Wednesday, November 18, via conference call.

The council heard from City Administrator Randy Hinchliffe as he led a public hearing regarding property taxes. There is no recommendation to raise property taxes within the City of Waitsburg; however, due to the increase in the district's assessed value, partly based on nearly $1 million in new construction, the levy per thousand will be raised from $2.05 to $2.07/.08. An in-depth view of the levy calculations can be found at http://www.cityofwaitsburg.org/government, in the November 18 meeting agenda. The council approved Resolution 2020-710 Property Taxes.

A brief hearing of the 2021 City Budget was held, and the council discussed the budget items. The City received a roughly $220,000 assessed value increase. Residents should expect a $5.00/month raise in the utility tax in 2021.

Hinchliffe shared that there have been limited infrastructure failures this year, but many components threaten to fail or cause issues. In meetings past, Hinchliffe discussed the limited 'emergency' funds and again asked that the council consider establishing a reserve fund to offset costs instead of relying on borrowed money.

"Normally, I would recommend a higher utility rate," Hinchliffe said. "But due to the unknowns of the COVID-19 pandemic, it doesn't make sense to impose higher rates on our utility users."

Budget priorities still focus on flood control and repair. There are areas along the Coppei River that sustained extreme bank erosion and vegetation encroachment on the dike. Hinchliffe reported several log jams located downstream that the City does not have access to or the authority to remove the debris.

Improvements are planned for Preston Park, anticipating a new pickleball or basketball court to use as another recreational operation within the City. Crews have been working on trimming trees, and Hinchliffe hopes that work will continue as several trees are still in need.

The City Council continued discussion on a plan to repair the building housing City Hall. Hinchliffe provided a brief update on the project's engineering and design portion, reporting the City received estimates totaling $150,000 with additional bids still outstanding.

The City has a pending grant from Washington State for $66,000 to cover one-third of the project's engineering and design costs. It is unclear if this funding will still be available should the State adjust its budget due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There are currently efforts to lobby Washington State to keep capital budget projects in the State's budget.

Should the funding remain available, the City of Waitsburg will then have to decide how to fund the remaining two-thirds of the project's engineering costs. The evening's discussion focused solely on the engineering and design phase of the City Hall Project. According to Hinchliffe, the total cost of repairs to City Hall could be more than $1-million.

The council reviewed the application for the third payment of the Taggart Road Extension/ Waterline project and approved the payment. There was a $3,588.00 increase to the original contract to address striping removal.

The council approved the second payment of $129,794.30 for the City's sidewalk improvement project. Hinchliffe said he expected the project, which includes work in multiple locations, to be finished by November 27.

A payment of $44,861 was approved for a sewer siphon and tree removal bid awarded to Harry Johnson Plumbing and Excavation. A siphon was damaged by flood debris near the Preston Ave/Highway 12 bridge. The cost includes the removal of nine trees that had fallen into the river.

Work on the Millrace Grade Crossing project continues; however, construction has been pushed back until 2021. To complete the project's design, the City must get the necessary certifications and environmental determinations before securing the Department of Transportation (DOT) funding. These steps add $30,000 in costs. Both Councilman Jim Romine and Mayor Marty Dunn expressed that the grade in question is dangerous, especially during harvest with increased large vehicle traffic. The City estimates the project's total cost at $480,000, which is to be funded by grants if funds are available.

Waitsburg will be transitioning to a new business license system, as required by the State. This system will allow the State to administer the City's business licenses. This program creates a centralized platform for businesses to get all the necessary permits. The council approved the presented agreement.

City Council members discussed the COVID-19 situation in Waitsburg and Walla Walla County. Councilwoman Karen Gregutt extended a thank you to all City employees, businesses, and residents wearing masks and complying with social distancing recommendations.

Councilman Jim Romine said that half of the fire hydrants in town had been tested, and six hydrants need repairs. One hydrant needs to be replaced in its entirety, and a hydrant on W. 2nd is inoperable. Repairs ranged from total replacement to gasket repair. One hydrant needs to be turned around so that fire trucks can hook up to it if needed.

Romine also noted that he is waiting for crime-free housing information from the Walla Walla County Sheriff's Office, and he will share that information when it is received.

 

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