Lind Council approves streetlight conversion

The Lind Town Council approved the LED Streetlight Conversion Agreement with Avista Utilities during the regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Clerk/Treasurer Kim Michaels presented the document and stated the agreement allows Avista to convert the existing Avista owned streetlights to LED for better energy efficiency. Michaels said the town received funding through the Transportation Improvement Board for the conversion for the project, and it will be at no cost to the town.

Councilmember Paula Bell questioned the cost of the conversion without the funding. Michaels said the cost of the conversion is $450 per light. The town has an estimated 40 streetlights and Avista will begin converting the lights as soon as the agreement is approved, she explained.

The Council motioned to approve the agreement.

While reviewing the warrants, Councilperson Kathy White noticed the reimbursement for two employee lunches totaled $26. Due to the fact town’s limit for employee lunches is $12 per person, White requested only $24 be approved.

The Council then emphasized the importance of the employees providing a printed receipt from businesses for reimbursement.

Councilmember Tom Strohmeier stated some businesses only have handwritten receipts so the employees would be limited in their choices to eat if they are required to provide a printed receipt.

White said printed receipts are more accurate and allow the Council to avoid the doubt of the receipt being manipulated. The Council approved the warrants with corrections.

Michaels presented a pay request from Stantec totaling $5,843.88 regarding the design plans, specifications and environmental review for the Storm Water Project. The Council motioned to approve the pay request.

White announced three council positions and the mayor position will become open at the end of the year. Councilmember Jim Dworshack will be required to apply for position five, due to the fact he is currently only appointed to the position.

Bell requested an update on the cost of the Vactor Truck Services, which the town has contracted through Cowlitz Clean Sweep (CCS). Michaels said CCS began the services, but they will need to return to complete the project at a later time. They will provide the town with the charges after they know of any additional services needed, she added.

Lind Chamber of Commerce President PJ Jacobsen announced the chamber is hosting a bingo night on March 17 at the Lind Senior Center. The cards will cost 50 cents each and dinner will be served at the event.

The cost of the dinner will be $7 for adults and $5 for kids under the age of 12. Jacobsen said the chamber has decided to host multiple events with raffles instead of the auction, due to the attendance of the 2016 Lind Chamber Auction.