Jim Harris retires after 10 years on City Council

POMEROY-The Pomeroy City Council announced Jim Harris's retirement, heard a proposal regarding a bus stop on Hwy 12, and discussed a nuisance notification position at their meeting on Oct. 8.

Jim Harris, having served on the City Council for 10 years and eight months, announced his retirement. "I've enjoyed every bit of it," Harris said. He received a plaque commemorating his years of service at the meeting.

The council heard a proposal from Jim McKeirnan about the creation of a bus stop on Dan Slaybaugh's property along Highway 12 on the east end of Pomeroy. McKeirnan stated that approximately 12 kids wait for the bus on a corner there and he wants to provide a shelter for them. The proposed bus stop would likely be six feet by 12 feet, and include a bench inside. McKeirnan stated he has spoken with the landowner and with the Washington State Department of Transportation and both are on board with the project. The shelter is expected to cost between $11,000 and $12,000, and McKeirnan is looking for a grant to cover the cost. The council responded favorably to the project.

In further business, the council discussed a nuisance notification position, to be created in the 2025 budget. The position is to administrate notifications of nuisance properties and keep track of due and overdue notices.

The council also authorized Mayor Jack Peasley to sign a contract with the Washington State Department of Health for funding of the booster pump station project. The DOH will provide a $900,000 loan and a grant that brings the total funding up to 1.2 million dollars. Also authorized was a contract amendment with Keller Associates for management services of the booster pump project. Keller Associates with help with bidding and construction administration. The contract is for $317,300, and is already figured into the total project cost. The council also heard a monthly report on law enforcement activities from Garfield County Sheriff Drew Hyer, who discussed a traffic safety grant he has applied for that may provide up to $3,000 for a lighted speed sign.

During the October 7 Board of County Commissioner meeting, Peasley discussed with Commissioners details regarding the law enforcement contract between the City of Pomeroy and Garfield County.

Peasley and commissioners considered the proposed $25,853 monthly fee, which may include a cost-of-living increase indexed to the Consumer Price Index in 2025, plus the need for speed-reduction signs at both ends of Pomeroy.

Peasley recommended consideration of an officer being designated to work directly with the City, focusing on nuisance ordinances. He suggested possibly that the same officer could work for three months, then another officer shift into the spot, giving different deputies the opportunity to work with the City.

He recommended forestalling the CPI increase and using the funds to purchase the illuminated speed limit signs.

The next time this topic will be considered will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21, in the BOCC meeting, discussion indicated.