BOCC approves job openings, road work, and funding

DAYTON-The Columbia County Commissioners (BOCC) heard The Club program request for $5,000; approved job descriptions for facilities manager and Internet Technology Support Technician as well as 2023 Public Works Organization Chart; held a public hearing to amend the Solid Waste Fee Schedule; and departmental reports during the February 21 meeting. The Commissioners changed the meeting format for work sessions.

The Director of The Club Jim Pearson told the Commissioners about the increase in membership and staffing they have seen since this time last year when they made their annual request for $5,000 of Juvenile Justice funds. He explained the programming they offer for their after-school club. The Dayton School Counselor comes in a couple days a week with an informal activity and will also address the needs of specific children using restorative conversation. This is based in the social emotional learning that both The Club and school uses to positively affect students' success. Pearson spoke about the strong relationship they are building with the school especially under the leadership of Interim Superintendent Rich Stewart. The Commission responded favorably to his report and authorized the request for the funds.

The Commissioners approved the 2023 Public Works Organizational Chart and a job description for the newly created position of Facilities Manager. They also approved the job description for an Internet Technology Support Technology Assistant.

A public hearing was held before the Board authorized the amendments to the solid waste fee schedule. No public input was given.

Public Works Director Grant Morgan said they plan to start interviewing several applicants for the maintenance position. He updated that he and Engineering Tech Jeff McCowen had a meeting with DOT regarding the Tucannon River Road and recommended they do a full-depth repair which will be less expensive. Dena Martin from Planning and Building said they are finishing the Shoreline Master Plan for the Department of Commerce to review. They are working to re-permit the replacement of the Vernon Street Bridge since the permitting lapsed. They are also meeting with the city for a zoning variance for minimum lot size for the 262 East Main Street building. They finished the application for the grant for the flood hazard mitigation plan to submit with letters of support. They received plans for the childcare wing at the hospital to be called Touchet Valley Childcare.

During the Department Head portion of the meeting, Human Resources Manager Kristi Zinn told the Commission she is recruiting for open positions including auditor and deputy auditor, as well as working on employee relations.

Naedene Shearer from the WSU Extension and Weed Board reported that they currently have about 90 kids enrolled in the 4-H program. They just closed registration for the Yellow Star Thistle Program with over 5,300 acres enrolled.

In other business, Sheriff Joe Helm said they will be having another Citizens Academy in April. Also, the department received a small grant for forensics equipment.

The meeting format for work sessions will no longer be offered by Zoom unless requested, the Commission decided. All meetings are streamed on the county website, and most are recorded, but this mode does not allow for chat, questions, or comments unless someone calls in to the office. The regular and special meetings will continue to be offered on Zoom.