Town of Lind selects Century West Engineering for consultant services

During the July 24 meeting, the Lind Town Council selected Century West Engineering for consultation services.

Based out of Spokane, Century West was one of three finalists, along with Keller Associates and TD&H Engineering.

Mayor Paula Bell and Council Members Jim Dworshak and Richard Baldwin conducted interviews with the three firms. Town Engineer Joe Pessutti and Rubben Labes were also involved in the interview process.

Century West’s Steve Nelson said he was honored the Town selected the company.

After the vote, Nelson informed the Council about potential grant opportunities, the first being the Washington Secretary of State grant.

Although the grant is not related to engineering, he explained the funds could can help the Town purchase supplies and software for the Town Hall office.

Nelson also presented information about the Safety and Loss Control Prevention grant program. He said the Town could use funds to purchase solar-powered speed limit signs.

Nelson also asked the Council to brainstorm potential projects to submit for the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board’s (TIB) Complete Streets grant program application.

The TIB website states municipalities are eligible for the program if they have adopted a Complete Streets ordinance, which Lind adopted in 2016.

He said potential projects for the grant could include a multi-use path in Town for pedestrians and bicyclists, or a path improvement for the John Wayne Pioneer Trail.

In regards to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) road improvement projects, Nelson explained there will be two parts to the project’s second phase.

He said most of Lind’s drainage issues were mitigated when the Town contracted vactor trucks to clean out culverts and catch basins. He noted the area of Third and I streets still has drainage programs. Nelson said the issue could be fixed by installing a catch basin and a connection to a storm drain.

The project will require funding, Nelson said, and TIB may be willing to provide the means to help the Town fix the issue.

For the Sixth Street project, Nelson explained the Town would have to apply for funding another source, such as a Community Development Block Grant or the Washington State Department of Health.

He added the funding cycles for both programs will open next spring, and the funding would be awarded in the fall. The project would not begin until summer 2020.

Nelson explained the waterline project will need to be completed before the road improvement work on Sixth Street can begin.

He said the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will notify the Town whether or not they received grant funding for airport improvements before the fall. If Lind receives funding, the project will be designed in the fall, and bid in late winter or spring.

At the Council’s request, Nelson said he could provide a monthly report for detailing the progress of the FEMA project and grant application processes.

In other action items, the Council adopted Ordinance 18-06, which establishes the time and place for Town Council meetings. The document designates the back room of Town Hall as council chambers.

During the Mayor’s report, Bell announced the Town needs 76 more responses for the Income Survey. She explained there will be a second mailing of surveys.

If the Town does not receive 150 responses, Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) will visit the Town to conduct personal interviews with residents.

Bell announced residents who pay the full amount of their utility bill by Aug. 20 will be entered into a drawing for a free movie from Jim’s Market.

She emphasized no Town funds were used to purchase movie tickets or the snacks.