Council approves park, beautification

Members of the Cathlamet Town Council approved Monday a new method of amending their budgets and also some budget amendments to accomplish beautification and park repair work.

The council took final action to amend its budget ordinance, allowing amendments to be made at one meeting. Under an ordinance going back to the early 1900s, amendments needed three readings in at least two meetings. Council members said this process was too slow for contemporary needs.

The council was able to use the new process to transfer money to fund work not anticipated in last fall's budgeting process.

Unexpended funds from the demolition of the old parsonage at 135 Columbia Street were transferred to the Erickson Park budget to aid in grounds work and placing safety material at the swing set, which is to be replaced this year.

Other funds were transferred to support the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce street beautification work. The chamber is going to plant and water the street planters and install planters and metal benches on Broadway Street.

In other business:

--The council authorized Mayor Dick Swart to request proposals from Gray and Osborne Engineers for work on water rights and finding a well source for the town water system;

--The council voted to use the 2007 admission rates and policies for 2008 municipal pool operations. The pool advisory committee will meet next Monday, 5 p.m., at the new fire hall meeting room.

--At the request of Councilmember Wally Wright, the council met in executive session to consider purchase of real estate; no action was announced after the session.

--Nahcotta resident Keith Staurum asked the council to consider, as part of its franchise power, allowing him to use the public access cable channel supported by the local cable company. Staurum said he would publicize community events and the programing would be seen in the Astoria and Long Beach areas served by the cable company. Staurum and town Attorney Tom Doumit will present more information at the council's May 19 meeting.