Commissioners summary: Ferry shutting down March 11

Wahkiakum County commissioners breezed though a light agenda Tuesday before hearing a presentation from Health and Human Services Director Chris Bischoff on the spread of COVID-19 virus (see separate article in this edition).

Commissioners accepted bids from Naselle Rock and Asphalt and Lakeside Industries for a variety of rock and asphalt products needed for summertime road work. Road department personnel will purchase from the provider with the lowest price depending on product and location.

Public Works Director Chuck Beyer said the ferry Oscar B. will be out of service March 11-18 for the required five-year hull inspection.

The board received two bids for roadside mowing. Previous contractor Bush Whacker bid $90,916.43 for the work; C&R Tractor and Landscaping of Kelso entered a bid of $399,664.52. Beyer will review the bids and recommend an award at a subsequent meeting.

The board also authorized a call for bids for landscape maintenance at county properties; bids will be opened March 17.

Treasurer Tammy Peterson presented her annual report of tax refunds. The total for 2019 refunds was $20,081.90; of that, $16,575.00, 83 percent, went to senior citizens, she said.

Dian Cooper, executive director of the Family Health Center organization, said clinic staff are preparing protocols for dealing with COVID-19 patients. If a person is ill and feel they might have the virus, they should contact the clinic, or their health care provider, and when they arrive at the clinic, staff will meet them in the parking lot to assess the symptoms.