PUD OK's substation bid, electricity for radios

At the May 15 meeting of the Board of Commissioners of Wahkiakum PUD, Manager Dave Tramblie reported that the PUD is working with the County Emergency Services and Public Works to install new antennas for the radio system on Radar Ridge, KM Mountain and the JA Wendt Elementary School.

“The PUD pays for the electricity consumed at the KM site even though the county, sheriff’s office, and Public Works use that location as well,” explained Tramblie. “The county takes care of all of the maintenance and equipment though.

"I think that it’s a fair tradeoff. The county has asked if we would do a similar function at the grade school site.”

Commissioners, meeting in the Rosburg Hall, were in agreement that the deal was fair.

Commissioner Robert Jungers moved to adopt Resolution No. 1162: A Resolution Authorizing a Loan from the District’s Electrical Department to the District’s Western Wahkiakum Water System.

Commissioners made the unanimous decision to approve the motion.

“There are no reserves for this system,” said Commissioner Dennis Reid, “The PUD has a requirement that there be a certain amount of reserves available.”

Tramblie provided background information on the Western Wahkiakum Water System (WWWS). “It was installed in the mid to late 1970’s. The infrastructure is starting to have situations where the pipe is separating and causing leaks which can be difficult to find, Tramblie said.

“The Puget Island Water System has had similar issues, and water crews have been pretty aggressive replacing the crossings,” he added.

The PUD board of commissioners voted nearly a year ago to fund a comprehensive plan for the Western Wahkiakum Water System as required by the state Department of Health.

In action items, Commissioner Jungers’ motion to ratify the pre-qualifications of certain bidders for the Wahkiakum Substation project as provided by the district’s firm, Brown & Kysar passed 3-0.

Commissioners also approved the bid for construction of the Wahkiakum Substation to JH Kelly, the apparent low bidder at $858,483.00. Tramblie, the district’s attorney and the engineering firm will negotiate a contract.

“The engineer’s estimate was $1.2 million,” said Reid, “Actual bids came out lower at around 60 percent of the estimate.”

“In the body of the contract, there will need to be a couple of items dealing with the material. Additional charges could be embedded because material costs are estimates as well,” Tramblie commented.

The bid for fabrication and supply of the Wahkiakum Substation steel structures was awarded to Truline Steel, the lowest bidder at $44, 053.00.

Bob Larson, of Grays River, who attended the board meeting for public comment, asked, "Will Trueline Steel use American steel?”

“I asked the same question,” said Jungers, “and the answer is yes. Trueline will use American steel.”