Public hearings for water plan and efficiency goals and measures held

POMEROY–The Pomeroy City Council held public hearings on Water Use Efficiency Goals and Measures and an updated Water System Plan, discussed donations for the Tennis Court Retrofit project, and discussed a possible Low and Moderate Income (LMI) survey, according to the minutes from their January 10 meeting.

No public comment was received for the hearing on the Water Use Efficiency Goals and Measures, presented by Stillman Norton of Keller Associates. The goals and measures are a part of the updated Water System Plan, and were adopted by the Council's approval of resolution 23-01.

The updated Water System Plan also received no public comment at the hearing. It will be submitted to the Washington State Department of Health for approval before coming before the Council again.

The City of Pomeroy has received two donations for the Tennis Court Retrofit project: a $7,000 donation from Blue Mountain Community Foundation and a $5,000 donation from Puget Sound Energy.

Jack Peasley of Southeast Washington Economic Development Association (SEWEDA) sent the Council his proposition of running another LMI survey in early March. The survey would determine if Pomeroy qualifies for Community Development Block Grants through the Unites States Department of Housing and Urban Development. SEWEDA is offering to cover $3,000 of the survey's estimated $6,000 cost. A previous LMI survey was conducted in June of 2021 and concluded that Pomeroy did not qualify. The Council decided to ask whether Garfield County and the Port of Garfield County would be interested in helping to fund the survey. The proposed survey will be revisited at the Council's next meeting.

City Superintendent Mike Lockard reported on damage to the City Park caused by a falling tree limb. One of the light poles has been damaged, and the Park's power will be out until it is fixed. One of the swings at the park has been dismantled and removed for painting.