2017-07-26 BOCC PW Individual Update MinutesLewis County Board of County Commissioners Public Works Update
July 26, 2017 Present: Commissioner Bobby Jackson, Commissioner Gary Stamper, Commissioner Edna Fund (conference phone), Erik Martin, Lara Seiler, recorder
Start 10:35 am ADMINISTRATION
Budget- Erik noted that we are working on the 2018 budget for the Public Works funds. We are also working on implementing the board approved organizational chart with the new positions. A few funded positions will be removed from the budget which will be a cost
savings to the roads fund. Mike Kroll is working on maintenance project plan and
timeline. This will show how we utilize the fund balance over time. Erik said that he would like more time for his budget meeting in September to discuss details of the budget. As an example, he would like to show how a levy shift would affect the roads fund and the projects.
Commissioner Jackson would like to focus on the items that the board should know about or anything controversial and then they can discuss it. Erik said he would also like to speak with the board regarding the city of Vader taking
back the water utility. Commissioner Stamper noted that he will probably bring up the
issues at the next Vader City Council Meeting.
Position Adjustments-
Erik reminded the board that there are 4 current positions that need to be reviewed. Archie will be reviewing the pay and job duties associated with each. Erik plans to discuss these positions with the board after the budget cycle. The positions up for discussion are the Water Utility Operator, Recycling Coordinator, Engineer Tech IV for
Real Estate and the Mechanic Journeyman II. Erik will work with Archie and let the
board know how these changes would affect the budget. Traffic Control openings and recruitment-
Traffic Operations Specialist interviews were held last week and testing is today. This
position will be filled internally soon. Erik plans to fill the supervisor position but is waiting until striping season is over.
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING & OPERATIONS Area 5 Shop Addition- Erik noted that this project is moving along yet there is no resolution to the concrete
issue. Public Works is currently working with the contractor to get it resolved.
WATV-
There is a meeting set for August 9th 3:00, with Sheriff Snaza, Glenn Carter, Commissioner Stamper and Erik to discuss WATV’s on county roads. Erik would like to run through the list of roads, discuss the next steps and then work on an ordinance to get WATV’s on county roads. Safety and enforcement are issues and then there is the
cost of signage for the roads. Grants are available and Erik is optimistic that we will get
money for this.
ENGINEERING/CONSTRUCTION Project Updates Hwy 603- This project is back on track after having dealt with CenturyLink issues. The contractor
threatened to leave the job unless CenturyLink got in and finished their work.
CenturyLink is currently on the job and has moved the copper and is working on the fiber lines. CenturyLink said there was a 911 line in the fiber which caused the delay. Glenn Carter was a big help in the effort. He called CenturyLink’s corporate office in Oklahoma City.
Borst Ave- Erik met with SCJ, Kahle Jennings and Jan Stemkowski to review the prelim design on Tuesday, July 25th. Erik gave his comments to the team and noted the project looks
good. SCJ will present the design to the Centralia City Council on August 8th. Planning
on taking to city council on August 8th. The board noted they would go to the council meeting and see the presentation. Construction will likely occur in 2019 as the city needs to replace water sewer lines in
Borst Avenue. The estimated cost is still being developed but Erik noted it could be
more than originally anticipated. CTB and Chip Seal-
The project is going well but there have been some citizen complaints about the dust on
Middle Fork Rd and Keasling Rd. Erik said Public Works may not do as many miles in the future depending on the price of oil. He also noted that Blue Line is the new oil supplier.
Hwy Safety Grant Project- Erik said that we are still dealing with CenturyLink on this project as well as Hwy 603. Locations for safety improvements are based on accident data collected by Public Works.
North Fork Open House- There is an open house scheduled for Tuesday, August 1st. Erik said he hasn’t reviewed all of the designs but said they are much less impactful for property owners.
The cost has been lowered and there are no storm ponds in the design. There is less
realignment of the actual road. He noted that Malcolm Bowie is doing a great job on the design and the citizens will like the changes. This project will be constructed in 2019
and it will take a year to complete the right of way purchases. We will be out to bid in
late 2018.
VADER WATER Reservoir Project- The reservoir project is back on track. Discussion was held regarding the running of the utility and the expense involved.
Rates- Erik recommended that we review the rates annually. Further discussion was held regarding rates.
GOOD OF THE ORDER Discussion was held regarding the CVO deputy that Public Works had been previously assigned.
Edna left the meeting at 11:14 am Erik said he is looking at a Paths and Trails project and Mike Kroll is looking into what
we can do on Swofford Pond.
Ended 11:20 am