Lind to begin interview process for engineering consultants

The Lind Town Council is a step closer to selecting an engineering firm for consultation services.

During the July 10 Town Council meeting, Mayor Paula Bell said the applicants for the engineering consultants were narrowed down to three businesses: Century West Engineering, TD&H Engineering and Keller Associates.

Both Century West and TD&H are located in Spokane, while Keller Associates has offices throughout the Inland Northwest.

At the May 22 meeting, the Council authorized staff to begin the advertising process of hiring an engineering consultant for the Town. The action was based on a recommendation from Century West Engineering’s Steve Nelson, who suggested the Town hire a consultant to assist them with the grant application process for street improvements.

Bell said the selection of the three finalists was based on feedback from the Council, who individually evaluated the proposals on their own time

She added she will notify each of the companies and schedule interviews during the week of July 16-20.

Bell requested two council members participate in the interview process. Council Members Richard Baldwin and Jim Dworshak volunteered to assist with the interviews.

Bell said she hopes to announce the selection of the Town’s engineering consultant at the July 24 meeting.

During the Mayor’s Report, Bell said the Town received a grant from the Washington State Military Department for $259,907.78.

She added the funds will go toward the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Street Improvement project.

Bell explained an official from the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board visited the Town and stated there is a growth of White Bryony vine in Lind.

The Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board describes White Bryony as a “vigorous perennial vine resembling Kudzu roots.”

The board wrote White Bryony is potentially destructive to native vegetation, forest communities and urban horticulture. The berries on the White Bryony are toxic to humans.

Bell said the weed is grows on trees and fence-rows, and recommended residents clean them. She added there is no sign of White Bryony in the Town Park.

In regards to the Lind Community Garden, Bell said Barbara DeVore will bring a lease agreement to the Council for the garden after she receives proof of insurance. She added residents can contact DeVore if they want to volunteer to help clean the garden or adopt a plot.

During presentations, Bell said youth volunteers who participated at the Lind Community Church’s vacation Bible School recently repainted the Town’s flower planters. Many of the volunteers are from the South Hill Christian Church in Puyallup.

Lind Community Church Pastor Rod Dennis said he appreciated the support from Lind and how the Town provided the kids with a community project of painting the flower planters.

Bell said several residents have complimented on how the planters look, as well the work of the kids.

Council Members Rose Elkington and Kathy Vedder also thanked the volunteers for their help.