Council works on library issues

Members of the Cathlamet Town Council worked on a lot of issues pertaining to the town library when they met Tuesday.

The good news is that new Mayor George Wehrfritz has arranged for Architects Without Borders to undertake a project to create a long-range development concept for the library and adjacent town facilities. The pro bono work would cost the town little or nothing.

The group will select a team and come to Cathlamet in early February for a public meeting to explain the project and gather input.

The bad news is that because projects are already underway, there are a variety of needs that can get in the way of the start of a long-range planning process.

A contractor is now working on a project that will reinforce the walls and foundation of the City Hall Building. One corner is settling and has settled two inches. Beams are sagging, and an engineer has said the building could collapse in an earthquake.

As part of the work, the town library in the second floor is expanding.

The council and people attending the Tuesday meeting spent much time discussing a proposal from Councilor David Goodroe to apply for a US Department of Agriculture grant to cover construction costs.

Goodroe said the grant would cover 35 percent of project expenses. The town can use expenses it has already made as part of its matching share. Conceivably, the town's contribution could total $189,000, creating a $66,000 grant.

He asked the town to act quickly, for the application period opened January 4, and funds will probably be allocated by the end of the month.

He suggested the grant application could focus on items that likely wouldn't be affected by changes stemming from an architect-guided master planning process.

Wehrfritz disagreed. He wanted to get the architects' opinion and advice and suggested the application be delayed until February.

"We're getting ahead of ourselves," he said, "for a project that is a small part of what we want to do."

Goodroe moved to authorize the grant application, but when the motion came to a vote, it failed 2-3, leaving officials needing to seek the advice of Architects Without Borders.

In other business:

--The council approved a change order for leveling the second floor in the town hall by raising a wall two inches and rebuilding the footing, $4,796.

However, they didn't approve a change order for removing a portion of a makeshift wall in the library, $1,879. Staff said the plywood wall can collapse and is unsafe.

Librarian Connie Christopher said the wall is part of her office area, and she and staff at times need a work space that they can close off.

Councilors and staff discussed the wall and other areas where Christopher could set up office.

After discussion, a motion to approve the change order failed, leaving Christopher with the make-shift office.

--Local social program workers unveiled a proposal to set up a community garden largely using students and youth for labor and management.

Chris Holmes of Wahkiakum Health and Human Services proposed the community garden would be along the northwestern edge of Erickson Park between the parking lot and the skate park area.

Students and youth would set up the garden which would also be open to the public. A variety of youth programs, such as 4-H, and tobacco use prevention groups, would be involved.

Council members were receptive to the proposal, and Holmes said the group would return with a written proposal.