2018-06-13 BOCC PW Individual Update MinutesLewis County Board of County Commissioners
Public Works Update
June 13, 2018
Present: Commissioner Bobby Jackson, Commissioner Edna Fund,
Commissioner Gary Stamper, Erik Martin, Director; Tim Fife, County Engineer;
Betsy Dillin, Engineer; James Ciborowski, citizen; Lara McRea, recorder
Start 10:02 am
Flooding concerns regarding James Ciborowski’s property on Ferrier Rd.-
Erik reported that Public Works plans to construct a new culvert and regrade the stream
on Mr. Ciborowski’s property pending FEMA funding. The water would flow into the
creek and will alleviate flooding. The project may not be done until 2020 or later as
Public Works needs to secure this as a FEMA alternate project. If the benefit cost ratio
is large enough then FEMA will fund the project.
Mr. Ciborowski expressed why he is not pleased with the current drainage configuration.
He feels it will block the water off and it will flow back to where it was before. He
described a different option he thinks will help in the interim before the FEMA project.
He plans to create a berm on his property to block the flow of water across his property.
He does not want to lose any more trees on his property due to a saturated ground.
Erik felt his option would cause water to run on the roadway and is unclear of the result.
Commissioner Stamper entered the meeting at 10:11 am
Erik noted that the county has a right to release water to a natural draining location and
feels they have not done anything illegal.
Mr. Ciborowski claims the county doesn’t clean the ditches and the run off comes into
his property.
The topography has a low spot and the water flows onto his property. Tim noted that
the ditches are not for drainage purposes. The county puts them in to drain off water for
road surfaces only. Water will naturally go to the lowest spot.
Commissioner Jackson noted that the county will do what it can but trusts the
department heads. Erik said he would let DEM know that this is a priority project.
Discussion was held regarding weed abatement. Mr. Ciborowski would like to know the
name of the chemical that was sprayed near his property last month. Erik noted it was
an herbicide but will provide him with the contacts for John Link and Bill Wamsley.
Mr. Ciborowski left the meeting at 10:23 am.
ADMINISTRATION
Budget-
The department has started to develop budgets for 2019. Erik had a meeting with the
management team last week to discuss budgets. He noted that Coal Creek may be a
drain on the roads budget until FEMA funds are received.
The 2019 ER&R rates have been submitted to the budget department.
Surplus Property-Charges for Legal Notices-
Erik noted he will put together a final policy on charging for legal notices.
Funding for feasibility & scoping document for a future Comp Flood Hazard
Mgmt. Planning Effort (CFHMP)-
Discussion was held about utilizing Fund 125 for work on the CFHMP. This way the
board could transfer money in to this fund from current expense for cash flow purposes.
Funding will come from RCO but the fund needs some cash to initially pay the bills
before reimbursement payment are received. Erik will work with the budget department
on this.
Packwood River Access-Park-
Commissioner Stamper feels the county should develop this property as a place to
access the river. The property would become a parking lot, have trail access and
vaulted toilets. The estimated construction cost will be around $350k but could grow to
over $450k when finished. Erik said that RCO is offering some funding and Tacoma
Power has a grant that should be out soon that could be up to $85k for the project if it
were received.
Discussion was held regarding long term maintenance issues. Commissioner Stamper
said the Packwood Business Community may volunteer to manage the maintenance.
Commissioner Fund asked if an agreement should be drafted and Tim said RCO would
require one.
All three board members noted they are in support of the project and Erik will tell Ann to
go forward with project.
Commissioner Jackson will speak to CFP group at their next meeting.
Commissioner Stamper made a motion to move forward with the Cowlitz River Public
Access project. Commissioner Jackson seconded the motion.
Motion passed.
County Manager transition-meetings-
Erik noted he met with the management team regarding the County Manager transition.
The team would prefer to move faster on recruiting a Public Works Director. Further
discussion was held.
VADER WATER
Reservoir Project-BOCC decision to award-
Erik reported that the reservoir project is over budget by $800k and the price of steel is
the main factor. Betsy has been speaking with USDA to see if they have any more
grant funds available for the project. USDA noted they could potentially give Vader an
$800k grant and a $280k loan. This is a preliminary estimate and nothing has been
finalized yet.
The project went to bid over 60 days ago and the contractor will need to know by Friday
or the project will need to be re-bid a year from now. Betsy also noted the contractor
did not want to extend the bid.
Commissioner Stamper asked if there was a way to ensure the county receives the
grant funding. Betsy said she will try to get approval from USDA before the expiration of
the bid. Erik said if USDA does grant the county funding rates would still need to be
increased approximately $10 per month/per customer. If the county does not receive
the additional grant funding the customer’s bill would increase about $20 per month/per
customer. This increase would just cover the yearly cost of the loan. Rates may still
need to be increased for other increasing operational and labor costs. Erik has spoken
to Mayor Smith about the situation and Erik and Betsy will meet with the City Council on
June 14th.
Commissioner Stamper made a motion to accept the bid. Commissioner Jackson
seconded the motion. Motion passed.
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING & OPERATIONS
Borst Ave Pedestrian Safety Project-
There will be a meeting soon to review 30% plans.
North Lewis County Industrial Access-
Jack Niehuser has a meeting with the Centralia City Council in two weeks to discuss the
project. Further discussion was held regarding the progression of the project.
WATV’s East/West-
Discussion was held regarding WATVs on the west side of county.
Road Standards-
No discussion.
MAINTENANCE
Coal Creek Drive-
Bill Vander Hoeff will be going to Packwood on June 23rd to meet with homeowners and
have them sign ROW documents. Erik noted that the Department of Emergency
Management said this project went fast due to Ann Weckback and her work on the
permitting.
Area 5 Shop Addition-
Tim said Malcolm and the consultant made a site visit last Monday. The final report will
be out soon and the county will reject the contractor’s latest offer. The contractor’s
insurance is now involved and they intend to send out an adjuster to the shop.
No Spray Agreements-
Erik met with the Farm Bureau last week regarding no spray agreements. He has given
Kevin feedback from the bureaus comments.
REAL ESTATE
North Fork-
Mr. Cgraagen called and spoke with Malcolm and asked why the county needed so
much land. He believes the county needs to reevaluate the project. Mr. Cgraagen
needs 10 ft. Further discussion was held.
PSE Jackson Prairie-
This item was discussed at the directors update.
Skookumchuck Wind Energy-
Discussion was held regarding poles being installed outside of the county ROW and if
there is an option to modify the franchise agreement. Public Works is working with the
prosecutor’s office on a possible modified franchise agreement.
ENGINEERING/CONSTRUCTION
Project Updates
3R (resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation)-
Jackson-brief discussion
Paradise Estates-the project will start on June 18th.
GOOD OF THE ORDER
Meeting ended 11:37 a.m.
To do List
Invite Ross to be at meeting on Monday to discuss PSE Franchise.