Real estate acquisition discussed at Monday Commissioner meeting

DAYTON—The Columbia County Commissioners met Monday, February 7, for a regular meeting. Equipment use and acquisition, and real estate acquisition were a few of the topics covered.

The commissioners were presented with a real estate acquisition firm recommendation, signed by the County Engineer and the acting Public Works Director, for needs related to three projects; Bowman Grade, Barnes Smith Bridge, and Starbuck Bridge projects; for the necessary right of way acquisition.

Hiring a real estate acquisition firm would lighten the already-heavy workload that Columbia County Public Works is experiencing and provide more in-depth knowledge of the acquisition process. Two consultants responded to the bid request, Common Street Consulting, and Epic Consulting. Both firms submitted their statement of qualifications, with Epic Consulting scoring highest based on qualifications.

Following federal guidelines, both consulting firms were interviewed via phone, and it was reported that Common Street Consulting stood out. The commissioners awarded Common Street Consulting the contract.

A similar recommendation was presented for phase two of the Kellogg Hollow Project, which requires a land survey to move forward. PDS Engineering was the most qualified; however, the county could still choose Anderson Perry & Associates if the commissioners felt it was a better fit. The commissioners awarded the contract to PDS Engineering, per the received recommendation.

The commissioners discussed additional compensation for Amber Phinney, the acting Public Works Director, to cover her new position’s added duties and responsibilities. Before becoming the acting director, Phinney was the department’s business manager and will continue to keep those duties, as well. The commissioners approved a 25% increase. Phinney and the commissioners agreed to revisit the issue in March to give her time to determine how much extra time the new responsibilities add to her workload. Previously, the commissioners had offered a 10% increase (roughly $400 a month).

Jeff McCowen, who works in the Public Works Department for Columbia County and is qualified to operate the machinery, requested the use of the county’s roller to smooth out the softball and baseball fields for the upcoming season. McCowen reported that the ballfields on Cottonwood Street were in rough shape, and their conditions had quickly deteriorated over the past two years. McCowen said he would donate his time to do the work. Commissioner Hall added that he knew of a farm willing to donate diesel towards the project. County Prosecutor Dale Slack said since the use of the county-owned machinery is for a public function, it would not be considered “gifting funds” if they allowed McCowen to operate the machinery. The commissioners approved the request.

Per Resolution 2021-058, passed last year, the county commissioners considered the purchase of a new tilt trailer, priced at roughly $70,000. The original resolution had capped the price at $60,000, but the commissioners were presented with detailed pricing research. No decision was made.

After two executive sessions, the commissioners heard from Dayton Chamber of Commerce Director Belinda Larsen and board member Anne Walsh. Larsen presented the commissioners with a newsletter that provided a brief description of 2021’s events. The Chamber is currently preparing for the annual Brix and Brew event, scheduled for March 11. Walsh requested a reduction in fees, as parts of the fairgrounds will still be under construction, and there will be limited bathrooms as a result.

Walsh said that the Chamber board would like to request a total of $150 in reduced fees, bringing the rental amount down to $350.

The commissioners discussed miscellaneous topics, including the approval of the public health administrator job description, before they adjourned.