Ins and Outs - September

The Shelton City Commissioners at their August 3rd meeting delayed taking action on the interlocal agreement with Mason County. It proved to be a wise decision since the Mason County Commissioners at their next meeting tabled the agreement until some future date.

The commissioners approved action on the proposed renovation/rebuilding of the old Public Safety Building and building a new fire station. The commissioners awarded the $3.1M con-tract to Johns & Roberts Co, Olympia. The contract is contingent upon approval of a loan from the US Dept. of Agriculture Rural Development Office for approximately $2.8M. At the August 10th meeting, it was announced the cost for the total project was actually $4.6M. The commissioners agreed to increase the loan request to the Department of Agriculture by an additional $1.1.

The commissioners also heard from staff members regarding the cost for use of park facilities and city services for special events. For some of the special events, such as the Forest Festival, the pancake breakfast and baseball tournaments, the costs quoted in the current agreement with the sponsoring organizations are not covering the actual costs. The commissioners expressed their concern about public perception if costs are raised, but acknowledged that the city cannot afford to pick up the costs for overtime, trash hauling and other similar expenses. The commissioners punted again and did nothing.

In a news release on July 29th the US Justice Dept under the Community Oriented Policy Services (COPS) program announced an award of Federal stimulus dollars totaling $261,748. This grant is for one police officer. The Shelton City Police Chief, Terry Davenport, told the city commissioners at the August 24th meeting that the funds would cover the salary and related expenses to retain an officer for three years. The city must agree to pay the officer’s salary for an additional 12 months. Chief Davenport said he had requested funds for three officers and is still looking for other funding sources for the two positions.

The city is also looking for grant money to improve the sidewalks in front of the old Armory. This is a joint project with the Mason Transit Authority but the city appears to completing and submitting the grant applications.

Also this month the commissioners approved an agreement with PUD #3 to extend water and sewer lines on John’s Prairie Rd. It is anticipated the sewer lines and required annexation of property in the area will not be realized for over 20 years, if ever.

The commissioners earlier in the month held a public hearing on the proposed rebuilding of the wastewater treatment plant. I said I had a hard time justifying a 40 year loan on equipment that might only last 20 years. The commissioners also passed a revised land use ordinance that generally updated current subdivision law.