Columbia Fifth to Sixth Street project complete

POMEROY–City Council approved the 2021 Budget, final payments of $67,002.31 to TD&H Engineering and Nelson Construction for the Columbia Fifth to Sixth Street project, and attorney rate increase. They also approved an increase in pool rates, property taxes and water over usage rates for 2021. In addition, the City received a $45,295 grant from the Harold and Helen Shepherd Foundation.

TD&H Engineering submitted a final bill for the Columbia Fifth to Sixth Street Project in the amount of $5,583.25 and so did Nelson Construction, in the amount of $61,419.06, which included retainage which was approved for payment by the Council.

Ashley Probart of TIB Engineering sent a letter of congratulations to the City regarding the completion of the Columbia Fifth to Sixth Project. The project is all done and accepted, retainage has been released, and the $55,293.00 increase approved.

The Council received a proposed rate increase letter from Ogden Murphy Wallace, the attorney group for the City of Pomeroy. Legal rates for 2021 will be $290 per hour and $95 per hour for paralegal work. Harris noted, “I don’t think we have any leeway,” and moved to authorize the mayor to sign and return the letter. Hodges asked if the city paid a retainage fee per year or only on an as-needed basis. Mayor Miller responded it was only as-needed.

Resolution 20-4, increasing pool rates for 2021 was approved after City Clerk Shaun Martin told the council that last summer’s profit level was almost negligible due to COVID-19 and employee costs for swimming lessons. Resolution 20-4 raises the rates from $110 to $150 for one-person lessons, and from $70 to $80 for semi-private lessons. Hodges said he was “not opposed to raising rates, but if it keeps kids or families from coming, it needs to be looked at.”

The Council approved Resolution 20-3 for a property tax increase of 1.01 percent for 2021.

In addition, the Council approved Ordinance 916 which dealt with increasing the city’s water rates to $117 and sewer rates to $103. Water overage rates will also increase from $1.60 to $1.70 per thousand in 2021. Martin pointed out that a major source of lost revenue to the city was Columbia Pulp not operating for most of the year, resulting in an approximate loss of $25,000 on the sewer side and $12,000 on the water side. She said the city has not had an increase in rates since 2017.

The city was awarded a grant in the amount of $45,295 for 2021 from the Harold and Helen Shepherd Foundation. Cassetto stated he was very “thankful for the money received,” and some discussion followed regarding future funding from other foundations.

In other business the City Council approved relief of $78.88 to Shane Severs for water overage charge of $157.73. A standpipe broke in the yard at a family-owned property which caused to overage. The Council also approved Budget Amendment Ordinance 915, the transfer of $8,027 from the General Fund to the Cemetery Fund which will cover the decrease in revenue due to COVID and a cash-out for Kenny Landkammer’s upcoming retirement.

Adoption of the Federal Awards Standards was approved and adopted by the Council. The City has had state and local standards in place but not federal, and Martin emphasized if the city wants to contract with the government, these standards must be in place.

Several other items in the overall budget were discussed, including funding sources for the gazebo restoration project at the city park, a walking path at the golf course, and clean-up of the billboard property at the end of town recently acquired by the city. Also in the budget is a two percent increase in wages for employees and four percent increase for health care. The 2021 budget was approved.

Sheriff Drew Hyer said there were two fewer citations issued the prior month, but criminal citations were up by ten. Verbal warnings were down by nine while written warnings rose by five. There were no DUI, domestic violence or juvenile arrests. Total mileage driven was 2,417 miles and a total of 129 citizen contacts. Hyer said things were relatively calm and peaceful over the Thanksgiving holiday and people were doing well with social distancing guidelines.

Martin informed the council that she has sent information advertising the position of Public Works Director to the East Washingtonian, Lewiston Morning Tribune and Spokesman-Review, as well as posting it on the city’s website. Hodges told council members that Jim and Cecilia Cochran, who live in the house on Arlington Street just west of the golf course, have an issue with the bright light at the golf course shining into their living room. Mayor Miller recommended that they come to the next meeting and talk to the council. Hodges said he would ask them to do that.

Pomeroy City Council met on December 8, 2020, via teleconference for its regular monthly meeting. In attendance were Mayor Paul Miller and council members Adam Hodges, Susie Bowles, James Fuchs, Mike Cassetto and James Harris, City Clerk Shaun Martin, and several visitors.

Councilman Cassetto was wished a happy birthday prior to adjournment of the meeting. Next month’s regular meeting will be on January 5, 2021, at 7 p.m.