Pavilion stairs and ramp bid accepted

DAYTON-Among the business the Columbia County Commissioners (BOCC) handled this week was acceptance of a bid for stairs and ramp for the Fairgrounds Pavilion. It was one of two bid award recommendations by Public Works Director and County Engineer Grant Morgan at the meeting on March 6.

Morgan recommended the BOCC accept the lowest bid for the Fairgrounds Pavilion stairs and ramp to Conframe Construction, LLC of Yacolt, Wash. The bid came in nearly half of the estimate at $48,473. Also recommended was the approval of the responsible bid for aggregate supply to Rock Hill Concrete, LLC.

Morgan also presented a Resolution for exclusive use of snowmobiles, ATVs and UTVs for a specific portion of Eckler Mountain Road. Public comment was heard for the latter.

The County Assessor requested approval of two new appointments to the Open Space Commission. Belinda Larsen from the Chamber of Commerce requested the hotel/motel excise tax funds to promote tourism. An agreement was approved for Columbia County's portion of the salary for the Court Administrator that is shared with Garfield and Asotin Counties. A date was set for interviews for the library board position currently held by Michele Smith.

Morgan presented an interlocal agreement to sell a 2021 Dodge Ram for $75,950 to Ferry County, as well as Resolution 2023-09 for the exclusive use of snowmobiles, ATVs and UTVs for the portion of Eckler Mountain Road of milepost 12.53 to the National Forest Boundary at milepost 16.08 from December 1 to April 1. All were approved by the Commission. Public Comment was heard regarding the Resolution.

Morgan then discussed the newly created facilities manager position with the focus around the interest of Clint Atteberry who is currently with Planning and Building. Morgan proposed they would explore the possibility of hiring Atteberry, The Commissioners agreed.

Dave Harty expressed an issue about recreationist coming up unpermitted and blocking the roads and riding under the influence. He said it is an enforcement and an educational issue. He suggested the road be closed to all wheeled traffic from the forest boundary to the Eckler Mountain snow park to prohibit unauthorized vehicles. He suggested they update old resolutions and to post rules only allowing tract vehicles.

The BOCC approved Assessor Tammy Ketterman recommendation of two new Open Space Committee members Zane Patton and Cody Chapman. Commissioner Marty Hall who also sits on the committee explained the group meets to verify expenses of crop production to keep the farms in open spaces taxes based on the ability to produce. He vouched for the diversity the new members would represent in both location and the used production system. They will be replacing Eric Thorn who will continue as an advisor.

Dayton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Belinda Larsen requested 90% of the allowed hotel/motel excise tax funds to promote tourism. She was directed to make an application for each event with estimated a cost.

The Commission approved the intergovernmental agreement with Garfield and Asotin counties to pay their portion of the salary and benefits of the shared court administrator in the amount of $18,500.

Interviews for the open board position, presently occupied by Michele Smith will held March 27. Columbia County Clerk Krissy Chapman indicated there are seven applications received to date. Smith was appointed at the same time as Chuck Beleny in December of 2021 after former board members June Riley and Heather Stearns stepped down. The position terms are staggered for all five board members with one term coming to an end every year. Michelle Smith is reapplying.