PUD talks vehicles, other issues

The Wahkiakum PUD and administrators discussed vehicle improvement and other issues in the bi-monthly Tuesday morning meeting.

Questions arose regarding possible towing for disabled PUD vehicles and whether or not towing is included in the already existing insurance package. Commissioners indicated it would be looked into.

The administration questioned whether or not a consultant was required for installation of new software for PUD employee computers. PUD Attorney Tim Hanigan said that it was best to do so from the recommendation of the staff.

Pipe replacement on Puget Island from the fire station to the intersection of Sunny Sands and SR 409 was re-visited. Manager David Tramblie told the commission that he planned to report in the future a final estimate of the project cost. Commissioners told Tramblie that he would need to solidify the plans to submit to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval.

Tramblie suggested that a new PUD vehicle is needed because of the hiring of two new employees in the water department. The money used for the new vehicle, the commission said, would come out of PUD reserves. The board decided that more research is needed before a vehicle purchase is made.

Commissioner Esther Gregg discussed Energy Northwest‘s (ENW) Wind Project at White Creek and whether it would be beneficial to bring a wind project to Wahkiakum County.

Tramblie said that ENW was looking for expressions of interest. President Robert Jungers joked with Gregg that that was his report. The commission thought that it would be best for the county to have public feedback on the issue, but ultimately decided that the plan would not work because of a general lack of knowledge of wind power issues.

A 2008 budget workshop date has been set for October 16 at 1 p.m.

Commissioners recessed for a short break before rejoining for a short executive session to discuss possible litigation then adjourned the meeting early so as to witness the steel bridge removal on the Elochoman Valley Road.