PUD board unhappy with slow pace of water negotiations

Commissioner Bob Jungers voiced his frustration at the ongoing negotiation with the Town of Cathlamet regarding their water contract at Tuesday's Wahkiakum County PUD Board of Commissioners meeting.

"The town and the PUD have been involved in a contract to essentially share water resources since 1947. Two years ago, the town resolved that at the end of the term of their contract in 2038, they will no longer sell water to the PUD," Jungers said. "This contract states that during its practice that the PUD shall buy 100 percent of their water from the Town of Cathlamet.

"It is my contention that in order for us to move forward in any renegotiation of details of this contract that we must insist that we be released from the must buy clause of this contract in order to free us up to pursue alternative sources of water. In 2038 we've got about 600 meters that are going to dry up and we need to be able to supply them with water.

"The attitude of the town is that they need to get rid of us," he continued. "What I'm saying is if you want to get rid of us so bad, if your resources are so stressed, then you should release us from the must buy clause so that we can afford to develop our own resources."

Commissioner Dennis Reid agreed.

Commissioner Gene Healy questioned whether the must buy clause was written by the Town of Cathlamet or if it had been a condition from their lender in order to secure income to pay off the loan.

Jungers will investigate the matter further.

General Manager Dave Tramblie gave an update on PUD matters and projects, including next year's budget.

"We have some computer issues down at the western Wahkiakum well site," Tramblie said. "There is a potential of having to put about $25,000 into a replacement of all that hardware. I'm still talking with different vendors about Automated Meter Readers (AMR) and the Grays River substation is kind of high on my agenda. I'm just letting you know September 1 we have a preliminary budget so we're going to get something out pretty quick."

Tramblie also shared that the PUD had replaced about 200 high pressure sodium streetlights with LEDs last year and that he wanted to "lean forward" to replace the rest.

Counsel Tim Hanigan presented the commissioners with some preliminary language for a policy to do so.

"There has been some concern from our customers," Healy said. "We ought to allow them an opportunity to come in and talk about it."

According to Auditor Erin Wilson, the PUD will soon add another option for electronic payments that will allow customers to make payments directly from their checking or savings account.

"I think it's an option we should have," Reid said.

The meeting was capped off with a trip to Grays River to check out the Shannon Road project where crews are replacing water and electrical lines.

The next PUD meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4 at 8:30 a.m. in the PUD meeting room.

"The PUD will be discussing the policy to replace everyone's security lights with LED lamps at the next meeting," Reid said, as an invitation for the public to attend.