Pavilion bathrooms stalled

DAYTON–County Engineer Jeremy Weiland updated the Columbia County Commissions about the lack of progress on the fairgrounds pavilion bathrooms at the recent meeting April 18. In addition, a public hearing was set for May 2 for the speed reduction proposed past milepost one on South Touchet Road.

Public Works Engineer Jeremy Weiland updated the Commissioners about the fairgrounds pavilion restrooms and the lack of progress on the project. The sewer and water lines have been constructed, the indoor wall framing has been done, and materials for plumbing and electrical have been mostly secured. Bid requests have required the project be completed by a spring deadline, but no viable bids have been received. Weiland said the issue seems to be that contractors are very busy and the spring deadline has been problematic.

He proposed they push the deadline back to the fall though it would impact several events at the fairgrounds. The Commissioners agreed and bids will be sought with the updated deadline. Weiland said that the other options for completing the work besides by a licensed and bonded contractor is by County employees. But he said they lack the expertise as they are mainly County Road workers.

The other option is to use skilled volunteers–or a combination of the two. Until the completion of the project, portable restrooms are available for use including those in compliance with the ADA.

County Planning Manager Dena Martin presented a renewal of the temporary contract with the City of Dayton for the planning services for up to one year. The Commissioners approved the contract.

Martin also discussed the planning needs of the town of Starbuck. The County has an interlocal agreement (ILA) with Starbuck for services, but not with a paid hourly fee as with Dayton because they don’t have the budget for it. She proposed they revise the ILA and apply the County fee schedule for planning services to Starbuck.

The Commissioners agreed they would consult with Slack on the matter. Martin said they have hired a consultant for the Shoreline Master Program and letters of interest are being sought to fill the vacancy for the planning commissioner for District No. 1 and can be given to the planning office. Those interested can call the auditor’s office to determine which district they reside.

An amended job description was presented for a part-time 4-H coordinator by Interim WSU Extension Director for the County Stephen Van Vleet. The position is offered through the Extension program and the job description included requirements as a WSU employee to be fully vaccinated and to ensure volunteers are fully vaccinated unless given an approved accommodation.

Also, the contract added a change that a portion of the work could be approved for telework by the County Extension Coordinator. Commissioners Marty Hall and Ryan Rundell approved the job description. Commissioner Charles Amerein voted against the amendment based on the principle of not supporting the vaccine mandate.

Sheriff Helm reported a new lateral deputy Blake Ahlers started that day and two other candidates are being screened and if cleared to hire, will have to go through the academy. He said the department is working through a few investigations and issuing arrest warrants. As a resource for Search and Rescue and for patrolling events, the department will be receiving a free side-by-side off-highway vehicle (OHV) issued through the Yamaha program for law enforcement. The only cost is to insure and maintain the vehicle. Under the program, the department will trade in the used OHV for a new one to use each year.

Auditor Anne Higgins said she is writing a contract to be reviewed by County Attorney Dale Slack and be approved by the Commissioners issuing that approved portion of the County’s American Rescue Plan Act Funds to the Port of Columbia for the broadband project. It will be on the agenda as an action item for the April 25 work session.