One third of town doesn't meet future growth requirements; Dollar General granted utilities access

POMEROY–The City of Pomeroy’s water supply may present a problem to future expansion of residential inventory, the City Council heard at the conclusion of a continued meeting on September 20. In other business, the Council unanimously approved allowing retailer Dollar General to connect to city water and sewer.

Nearly one-third of the city does not meet requirements for future growth, reported Jack Peasley, of Southeastern Washington Economic Development Association (SEWEDA), who recently attended the Department of Commerce annual meeting.

Improving the water supply and residential expansion were the key items in a detailed report Peasley gathered while at the meeting.

The high-pressure zone water system does not meet the current fire suppression or supply needs or redundancy, according to information presented. At present, there is a recommendation to implement a temporary moratorium on water connections in the high-pressure zone until the water system can be adequately designed and constructed to handle daily consumption and fire flow needs in the areas of concern.

Councilman James Harris made a motion to authorize Dollar General to connect to the city’s water and sewer lines as the company has a significantly reduced requirement for water usage (estimated to be 75 gallons per day). Councilman Mike Cassetto seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Council held discussion of a Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration Grant Opportunity. County Engineer Grant Morgan said these funds usually pass through other existing agencies. Peasley said over the next two years, the grant amount will be increasing and the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) will sponsor employment improvement in the community. The tourism, travel, and outdoor activities grant will be available for application in February of 2022 and awards will be made in June, 2023. Morgan has been working on a lighting plan with Pacific Power. Additionally, Clay Barr and Kelly McKeirnan all have ideas for renovating the tennis courts in the city park.

Council members were given information regarding the recipients of $11.4 million in Commerce awards to twenty rural communities.

The City does not qualify for Community Development Block Grant Funds, according to the results of the latest survey.

Under old business, Peasley reported he was in touch with Jeff Wade with the Department of Fish & Wildlife (DWFW) regarding the problem of deer on the golf course. Wade suggests that the city think about paintball guns or the application of deer repellent, and noted that he would be happy to assist. Skunks are considered pest and would need to be handled in a different manner such as trapping and relocating.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 5 at 7 p.m.