East Washingtonian - Your Hometown News Source

POMEROY–The City Council approved the use of the City Park for the Farmer’s Market. Danielle Evans spoke to the Council regarding a Farmer’s Market at the city park. She has been working with the Chamber of Commerce and plans are to have the market open from 4–7 p.m. on days that are still to be determined.

Expectations are to have the market run for eight weeks, from mid-June to mid-August, when business usually drops off due to harvest. Vendors will be approved by the health department and must follow its requirements. Mayor Paul Miller told the C ouncil a signed agreement granting permission for the group would be needed, i.e. a “hold harmless” contract, so that use of the city park does not obligate the city in case of injury. Councilman James Fuchs moved to allow the Farmer’s Market to use the city park, Councilman Mike Cassetto seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

The City voted to approve the paint colors of green and white for the gazebo in the City Park. The question of what color to paint the gazebo in the City Park was revisited from a previous meeting. Following a brief discussion, Harris moved to pick green and white, the current colors. Bowles seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The Council approved reducing water overage charges to fifty percent for Pat McGreevy because of valve issue. McGreevy requested relief from water overage charges of $1,241.58 saying he “shut off the valve” when he discovered the water leak. He also said repairs to stop the leak have been done. Councilman James Harris moved to grant relief of fifty percent, reducing the charge to $620.79. Bowles seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Richard Lyon put in a request for relief from water overage charges, but asked for relief of the entire amount rather than just half. The ensuing conversation involved issue with reading the meter and grew increasingly heated, up to the point where Mayor Miller finally stopped the discussion, saying, “Seems we are not getting anywhere.” The mayor told Lydon if he did not wish to pay the water bill he could go through normal processed in court, adding, “The point is, the bill exists now,” ending with, “We’re done here.” No further action was taken on the matter at the meeting.

Natalie Howell also made a request for relief from water overage charges. She had been instructed to call in to the council meeting to present her case, but was not available by phone.

The City passed the renewal of the golf course lease agreement between the City and Scott Williams. It has been twenty years since the last agreement was signed and the new one has been shortened to five years. Some modification to the payment were also made. Harris made a motion authorizing the mayor to sign the new lease agreement with Scott Williams, Fuchs seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

City Superintendent Lockard got a new mower for the golf course and described it as “used but a big one,” and said it has cut mowing time in half. Bennie Keller is mowing at the cemetery and “doing a fine job.” Weed-eating at the cemetery is being done by Braydon Mings. Bowles commented she had been taken “on a tour” of the cemetery with some other people in the community, examining the condition of headstones. Lockard said an asphalt company will be in town to make repairs to city streets sometime in the next two weeks. The city crew is contending with several water leaks around town right now and he has already purchased extra chlorine for the water since supplies are reportedly going to be tight this year. Several issues concerning PeeWee Park were addressed.

Sheriff Drew Hyer told the council the two new recruits are doing well and are scheduled to graduate from the academy in June. He said he hopes to hire one more deputy by the end of May. He would also “like to see where we’re at with the contract,” referring to the law enforcement agreement between the city and sheriff’s department.

In other City business, Larry Ledgerwood advised the council of an opening on the Garfield County planning and zoning commission and said anyone interested in serving on the commission should submit a letter of interest to the group by May11, 2021.

Grant Morgan forwarded an email to the city from Diana Ruchert regarding federal funding grants that are available for the construction phase of the city’s current water project. Morgan is writing the grant request and will be in contact with John Culton, the Eastern Washington Director for Senator Patty Murray’s office.

Bid result for the surplus equipment sale were given to the council. One item, a 1973 water truck, did not sell.

An ordinance amending Chapter 5.04 of the Pomeroy Municipal Code as required by the State Model Business License under Chapter 35.90 RCW was explained. Cassetto moved to authorize the mayor to sign Ordinance No. 921, Harris seconded and it passed unanimously.

Invoice No. 210914 was received from Keller Associates in the amount of $750.00 for March 2020 for the Booster Pump Station. Bowles moved to authorize the mayor be able to sign the reimbursement request to the Department of Commerce. Hodges seconded and it passed unanimously.

Mayor Miller confirmed the following swimming pool employees for the summer 2021 season: Leslie Schmidt, Manager, assisted by lifeguard Raelyn Borley, Crystal Gordon, Katie Boyer, Jayden Slusser, Jordan Tucker and Kyler Denny.

Martin went over the monthly cash, expenditure and revenue, and age analysis reports to the council. Harris stated he found no problems with the consent agenda and moved to approve it. Fuchs seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The contract with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Department was brought up and Cassetto asked other members of the council to contact Mayor Miller, Harris or him with recommendations for revisions to the contract.

Pomeroy City Council met at city hall for its regular monthly meeting on May 4, 2021. Attending in person as well as via teleconference were Mayor Paul Miller, council members Adam Hodges, Susie Bowles, James Fuchs, Mike Cassetto and James Harris, plus City Superintendent Mike Lockard, City Clerk Shaun Martin and guests.

The next regular meeting will be on June 8, 2021, at 7 p.m.