Survey will open grant doors

POMEROY–Jack Peasley of the Southeastern Washington Economic Development Association (SEWEDA) told the council he met with Michelle Bly of TD&H Engineering regarding an earlier Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) survey. According to that survey, the city is currently ineligible to receive a wide variety of grants. The city did a multiple question survey using computer-generated random house numbers and did not notify people ahead of time. Peasley offered to have SEWEDA conduct another LMI survey. He said if he can get it done by mid-April, it will make the city eligible for more grants, adding “We need a genuine assessment,” and, “It will remain completely anonymous.” Cassetto moved to authorize SEWEDA to conduct the survey, Harris seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

A letter from Dawn Smith on SEWEDA activities was given to all council members.

Luke Antonich of TD&H Engineering was unable to attend the meeting due to weather conditions and sent an e-mail requesting a continuance of the regular meeting so he could be present to discuss Columbia Fifth to Sixth Street project.

Mayor Miller, Fuchs, Harris and Landkammer had reviewed plans of project bids with Jen Blood and Antonich earlier in the day. Antonich relayed that the State said they are seeing lower bids come through their office. If the bids come in high, then more engineering funds would be allocated to this phase rather than the actual construction of the project. Grant Morgan told the council that lot of projects have been coming in under limit lately, and while explaining several points in the plans he added, “I don’t think the project estimate is unreasonable.” It was pointed out that the city would save money if it does not have to pay the engineer to revise the plans before putting the project out for bids. Miller told the council, “We need to be prepared to deal with whatever we encounter,” referring to the continuance next week, and “My initial thought is it’s going to cost us one way or another.” Council decided to continue the meeting to Wednesday, February 12.

County Engineer Grant Morgan presented an estimate from Knox Concrete for repairs to the gazebo at the city park. The gazebo was built in 1903 and is historically significant. Morgan passed out copies showing how the concrete floor could be reconstructed. He said he is working with Peasley on obtaining private funding for the repairs.

Morgan also discussed the Water System Improvements Booster Station at the east end of town and how to fund it. He has prepared a new application in the amount of $15,862.00 for Representative Mary Dye’s office. “Let’s get the project fully funded for design,” he said, “You want to have a shovel-ready project.” Morgan included letters of support from SEWEDA and the Garfield County Commissioners. Martin will send the application and letters to Dye’s office via e-mail. Among other benefits, Peasley noted a booster station would solve the problem of fire suppression in the east end of town.

The Department of Health (DOH) sent a letter indicating it has begun reviewing the Water System Plan and there will be a fee to the city for the review.

Sheriff Drew Hyer reported service calls were equal to last month, criminal citations were up, and arrests almost doubled with thirty-three. The department has an ongoing investigation, while an earlier reported burglary has been dismissed as unfounded. The average daily jail population was ten. A rookie in training should be ready about the end of March; however, another deputy has relocated to Clarkston. Several applications for that open position have been received and Hyer is hoping to get more before the application period closes next month.

City Supervisor Landkammer reported that PocketINet has started locating utilities for its project in the city. They will begin with the underground work and address the overhead lines next.

Martin discussed the monthly cash flow reports, utility billing analysis reports, and 2019 budget amendments that need to be done to comply with a state-required adjustment. Fuchs moved to adopt Ordinance 913, amending Ordinance 906, the 2019 budget. Bowles seconded and the motion passed unanimously, as did a motion to pass the consent agenda.

The Council was provided with a copy of Pomeroy Municipal Code, 16.24.250. Landkammer referred to the penalty section concerning code compliance, stating that owners of buildings not in compliance with the zoning designation could be guilty of a misdemeanor. The question arose as to what would be considered “not in compliance”, to which the response was “empty buildings or ones used in an illegal manner.” A more detailed definition of what constitutes a violation was requested. Buildings not in compliance need to be identified first, after which letters of notification would be sent to owners stating what is wrong and how to correct the problem. Cassetto observed, “I have a bad feeling about this,” referring to how to enforce the code.

The next regular meeting will be on March 10, 2020.