Summer recreation program to be reincarnated this July

At Monday night’s meeting, Odessa’s town council heard a report from Dr. Linda Powell and Griffey Powell regarding the proposed reinstatement of a summer recreation project. Dr. Powell spoke as a representative of the Odessa Healthcare Foundation, which is sponsoring the program, and her son Griffey spoke as the program coordinator. He has selected the summer rec program as his senior project for Odessa High School.

As presented by the Powells, the 2013 program will be focusing on coordinating existing events, such as programs at the aquatic center and library, providing a calendar that lists all the events, and then facilitating new events to “fill in the gaps.” Some events or classes that are under consideration include water Olympics, water aerobics, and movie night at the park, among others.

The council was assured that there would be no budgetary concerns for the town, but that the younger Powell might need the assistance of the town with permission for the use of public venues. For the kickoff year, events will be taking place from just after Independence Day through the end of July. The Healthcare Foundation, according to Dr. Powell, is hoping that seniors will continue to select the summer recreation program as their senior projects, and that it will continue to expand.

At the end of the presentation, which was met with general approvel, Mayor Doug Plinski assured the Powells that the public works department would work with them to facilitate the program.

Building inspector Dave Edens expressed his concern that some construction and remodeling was being carried out without the proper permit. He also reported that he believed some work had been done in the past that might have compromised the safety of existing structures, due to a lack of proper oversight.

Edens also expressed some frustration at a lack of follow-through by the planning commission. He also felt that homeowners needed to be aware of when permits are required and that it is their responsibility to make sure that their contractor is licensed and bonded.

Plinski responded with a request that Edens get a list of guidelines from the town clerk’s office. Each town, he said, has its own requirements for the permitting process. He also said that variances were allowed based on recommendations from Edens and the planning commission as well as neighborhood input.

Plinski suggested that Edens review the existing permitting guidelines and redraft those that he believes need improvement.

Plinski requested that council approve final payment to the contractor who repaired the roofs at the cemetery chapel and structures at the tourist park. The payment had been held up pending receipt of an affidavit stating that the contractor had paid the prevailing wage to workers. Plinski said that the affidavit was supposed to have arrived prior to the council meeting, but had not. He asked that payment not in excess of the final bill of $8,601.51 be issued, and council members approved.

Plinski requested that public hearings be set for the 6-year street plan and two variances. Both hearings were scheduled for June 24 at the public library, with the street plan hearing to be held at 7 p.m. and the variances to follow.

In the course of committee reports, two council members and the town clerk reported that live plants used to decorate family gravesites for Memorial Day had been stolen. Plinski asked if the town should post signs, and Chief of Police Helen Coubra offered additional attention at the cemetery. Both councilwomen commented that the person who stole the plants should “feel bad - real bad.”

Police

Coubra reported that there had been a lot of dog complaints in the past two weeks. Warnings have been issued, and she has prepared a letter to send out to offenders. The next step, she added, would be enforcement.

Coubra also said she will be attending an executive management training session offered by WASPIC (Washington Association of Sheriff's and Police Chiefs) and Homeland Security for rural counties and cities of less than 25,000 population.

Coubra is in need of volunteers to assist with National Night Out on August 6. There will be a barbecue and activities for children, with a focus on family safety.

Finally, Coubra reported that the department will be receiving one vehicle mount for a laptop from Lincoln County and 2 barcode scanners, 2 printers and 2 vehicle mounts for printers from the state via the SECTOR (Statewide Electronic Collision and Ticket Online Records) program. That means significant cost savings to the town, as it will only have to acquire 1 laptop, 1 vehicle mount and 2 aircards to implement the program.

SECTOR is an automated data-collection system that provides law enforcement officers the ability to create and submit tickets and reports electronically from their patrol cars.

Public works

Rod Webster reported that he has adjusted the flow from the Hopp Road well so that it will blend better with other sources, reducing the soft water feel and odor. He added that there are ongoing telemetry problems with the Hopp Road well, which will be reviewed with an expert on June 11.

Council members

Councilman Frank White will be attending an upcoming QuadCo meeting in Ephrata, and councilwomen Lois Harp and Lois Hubbard will be attending the AWC (Association of Washington Cities) annual conference in the Tri-Cities, along with Plinski.

Mayor’s report

Plinski reported that there have been 8 inquiries regarding the engineering contract for the 5th Avenue project. Transportation is the only area being considered as there are ongoing projects in both the water system and the airport.

As to the airport project, Plinski said, the town has received preliminary approval from the FAA to proceed with moving a road at the airport, which would clear the way for the expansion project. Construction should take place from August 15 to October, and the job will go to bid this Friday.

Plinski also reported that management at Wilbur-Ellis has requested that the town provide water to the airport. Plinski and Webster have reviewed the request and believe that the town’s system could handle an 8” pipe to the property. A request has been made to include the airport in the 6-year water plan. Various possibilities for funding the project are being explored.

Wilbur-Ellis is also hoping to add a building to store chemicals. Plinski said that Wilbur-Ellis will consult with USKH to come up with a long term plan.