Lind Council approves to pursue grant for airport maintenance

The Lind Town Council discussed improvements to the town’s airport during the regular meeting on Tuesday, April 25.

Mayor Jamie Schmunk said she received an email from the town’s airport engineer stating the facility is scheduled for runway maintenance at the estimated cost of $125,000.

She said they are currently applying for a 95 percent grant through the Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation, which needs to be submitted by May 12.

The town would be responsible to match five percent of the project costs, which would total around $6,500, she explained. The repairs include a crack seal and seal coating on the main runway and taxiway.

The town currently has several thousand dollars in an account to fund the repairs, but they may need to request additional monies from the Current Expense fund for the project, said Schmunk.

The town has also not sold the wheat harvested last year, which could assist in accumulating the funds as well, she added.

The town receives 30 percent crop share of the wheat harvested on the town’s land next to the airport, said Schmunk. The money has assisted them in funding previous upgrades to the airport.

The airport has been professionally graded and judged by an assessment through the state in order to report the repairs and upgrades needed at the facility, stated Schmunk.

The repairs would take place during the airport’s off-season and the facility would be closed during the construction, she explained.

The council approved to allow the town to pursue applying for the grant with four votes supporting the motion and one opposed.

Schmunk informed the council Clerk-Treasurer Kim Michaels attended a training class through Bias Software in Yakima to learn how to correctly complete the town’s annual report.

She said the report would be completed soon for the council to review.

The town is currently seeking an office substitute after Kylie Buell announced her resignation. They will be accepting applications for the position through May 5, said Schmunk.

They are also seeking to fill the Class Two Waste Water Operator position. Michaels said they would begin advertising for the position and are currently accepting applications. Applicants must have a minimum of class two certification to qualify for the position, Schmunk added.

Councilmember Paula Bell suggested the council begin discussing the town’s rules and regulations for marijuana businesses. Michaels said the town has received multiple inquiries from individuals involved in the marijuana industry about beginning operations in the area.

Schmunk said she would contact Adams County Commissioner John Marshall about informing the community on what the county is doing to address the issue.