County works on biosolids ordinance

The Wahkiakum County Board of Commissioners started Tuesday’s meeting by approving their minutes and invoices.

The board accepted the resignation of Wahkiakum Fair Board Manager Bill Coons and moved on to new business.

The board recertified the liquor license of Duffy’s Irish Pub in Grays River and The Oasis Tavern in Skamokawa. The approval required no action and the Board approved recertifying the licenses.

A decision was made on the distribution of the PUD privilege tax. As the name indicates the tax applies to PUDs for the privilege of operating in their communities.

“I move to accept the funds for distribution as follows,” said Commissioner Dan Cothren. “To the town of Cathlamet, $4,800 and current expense $27,696.”

The board received an update and authorized a second phase, repair design contract to complete repairs on East Valley Road. Public Works Director Pete Ringen said he is waiting to hear from FEMA about matching funds.

Ringen also told the board he had received indirect information about the State’s Transportation Enhancement Fund. The fund is part of a grant system to deal with streets, lights and utilities.

“It’s pretty good news,” said Ringen. “It says that $1,468,000 is available to us.”

The board authorized the Public Works Department to act as grant administrator for the proposed Transportation grant.

The board heard from Commissioner Lisa Marsyla that she had negotiated a contract change with the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots Union.

“We negotiated the date of their contract to match our other union contract so they’ll be running at the same time,” said Marsyla.

The board approved the memorandum of understanding between the county and union.

Last Tuesday Cothren said he attended a Timber conference meeting. He said they talked about the timber the county was unable to harvest because of the Endangered Species Act. He said they picked a figure of $10 million to compensate the county for its lost revenue

“I think everyone at the conference pretty much agreed Wahkiakum was hurt the most,” Cothren said. “Half the money would go to compensate the county for the timber not being cut, the other half would go to purchase land to replace what we’ve lost.”

Prosecuting Attorney Dan Bigelow introduced an ordinance regarding the use of all biosolids in Wahkiakum County. The new regulation would become part of the county’s Title 70 administrative code and restrict the use of biosolids anywhere in the county.

Commissioner Marsyla objected to Bigelow’s definition of biosolids restricting the use of Class A biosolids throughout the county.

“I want to wait to hear from Duane Leaf (from Northwest Biosolids Management Assocation),” said Marsyla. “I don’t know much about the issue and want to hear from someone who makes the stuff.”

Commissioners Blair Brady and Cothren agreed to wait.

Commissioners also presented 16 Employee Recognition Awards for years of service. Department heads were asked to speak first.

“I just want my employees to know that I’m proud of the hard work they do,” said Public Works Director Ringen. He said it doesn’t matter if its rain or snow, his crew is out there doing their best.

All the employees receiving awards weren’t present. “These awards are for service to the community,” said Brady.

The first to receive her award for 30 years of service was Kathleen A. Durrah. Dean Seaberg and Russ Legler. Michael Balch received the 25 year service award.

In the 20 year category, Kim Tracy, Rebecca Thacker, Raymond Blain and LaMar Blix all received awards.

Vernon Barton, Jon Dearmore and Kim Nielson all received awards for 15 years of service.

In the 10 year to five year category, Janelle Kerstetter, Jo Ann Liab, Terry Tarabochia, Josh Tallman and Chris Weiler all received recognition awards.