Wahkiakum County Commissioners

The Wahkiakum County Commissioners held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday Dec. 17. During the Commissioner’s reports, Commissioner Lee Tischer reported that the Town of Cathlamet will be raising sewer rates for the courthouse by nearly 17,000 dollars next year. Commissioner Gene Strong reported that the VFW requested permission to place a solar light at the new veteran’s memorial in front of the courthouse.

Commissioners approved the appointment and re-appointment of several Marine Resource Center committee members: Bret Deaton, Sam Shogren, Todd Souvenier, Jeanne Hendrickson, David Olson, and Austin Burkhalter. Shelly Parker of the MRC requested approval to give recognition to Carol Everest for 15 years of volunteer service with the MRC, the request was unanimously approved. The Public Works Department was approved for an agreement with Otak, Inc. for continued design and permitting on projects for several roads where a significant storm event caused road failure.

The Commissioners approved the signing of a meal site agreement with Lower Columbia Cap for the Senior Congregate Meal Program. Senior lunches would take place on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. It was approved unanimously. Commissioner Lee Tischer said, “It’s a very good program not only to feed the seniors but it gives them a chance to meet in person.”

The Fair Board was awarded two state grants for new animal pens and to renovate the horse arena and the fairgrounds. The Commissioners unanimously approved the Fair Board’s request to accept the quote for new pens and the bid for Thompson Bros. Excavating, Inc. for the horse arena.