Waitsburg City Council update

WAITSBURG—The Waitsburg City Council met July 15, via conference call. The council discussed two resolutions and held a public hearing regarding flood control funding.

City Administrator Randy Hinchliffe started the discussion on Resolution 2020-704, which awarded the Taggart Road Extension project contract to Sharpe and Preszler Construction of Kennewick, WA. The contracting company presented the City with the most affordable bid to finish the ongoing project, coming in at $623,000. The company has a history of performing satisfactory work for the City, having worked previously on updates along 7th Street. The council approved the resolution.

The Taggart Road extension includes updates to the existing water lines, to provide both quality and quantity to residents on the east end of Waitsburg. The project has been primarily funded by grant money. The public hearing saw no comments, but there was some discussion amongst the councilmembers.

The City of Waitsburg has been in discussions with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) concerning levee repair and flood control efforts after the February flood. USACE would like to repair the corner along Willard Street, behind LC Applicators and Jim Wilson’s property. The dirt bank sustained significant damages earlier this year.

The cost for the repairs and improvements along Willard Street is roughly $1.3 million, with the City responsible for 20% of the cost, approximately $450,000. The City is facing many repair and improvement projects throughout its levees, as well, with an estimated total cost of roughly $1 million.

The Flood Control committee met to discuss ways to fund the City’s share of the cost. Three options were presented, which included a $2 million general obligation bond, an imposition of a utility tax, and the use of banked capacity. The committee ultimately agreed that a utility tax would be the best option. Under the proposed plan, a $5 increase would go into effect immediately, with another $5 increase implemented in January 2021. The tax revenue is anticipated to reach $15,000 in 2020 and up to $72,000 in 2021 and years beyond.

The council agreed that the increase in utilities was the best solution offered, with the least impact on residents. After hearing no public comment, the council approved the increase, effective immediately.

Councilmember Karl Newell asked if he could take his equipment and trim trees along Main Street, expressing concern about the branches rubbing on buildings and blocking parking. Hinchliffe encouraged the trim, stating that the public works department usually trims the trees in the fall and that if Councilmember Newell gave the office a heads up, a public works employee would be there to help with the branch removal.

Councilmember Karen Gregutt said that there had been reports of a man going door to door soliciting. He was selling items to people, and Councilmember wanted to clarify the legalities of door-to-door solicitation. Councilmember Gregutt said she had received a lot of texts and calls from concerned citizens, and she was worried about the elderly residents being taken advantage of.

Councilmember Jim Romine said that there are still issues with ATV’s being ridden through town unsafely. He said he has been talking with the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s office, and they are aware of the situation. Romine also mentioned that there had been many reports with billing issues through Basin Disposal. Councilmember Romine said that his family had experienced issues themselves, and Hinchliffe said he would investigate the matter.