Thursday, March 28, 2024

Rep. Goehner addresses council on well permit

Police chief resigns

Posted

BREWSTER – It was a full night for the city council during its regular meeting last Wednesday, August 14, as members heard from 12th District state representative Keith Goehner, chamber secretary Mike Mauk, and police chief Nattalie Cariker, among other business.

Rep. Goehner dropped in after city officials contacted him for help expediting a state permit so the city can drill its newest water well. The Department of Ecology who issues those permits, had the city on a four-month hold, a typical delay while the agency processed the transfer of water rights from one party to another.

“We can understand that,” said city clerk/treasurer Misty Ruiz of the DOE decision, “but we only have until 2020 to use the money we have so we can’t afford a four-month delay.”

Goehner briefly addressed the council during his visit to Brewster.  

Mauk, secretary of the Brewster Chamber asked the council if picnic tables could be added to the power-only overflow sites. 

“I checked it out and for $130-150 you can buy a cheap picnic table and you only need five,” said Mauk who added that he had been told that old Forest Service tables might be available.

Mauk said the Brewster school shop might be another option to build tables. He also suggested that local businesses might sponsor or purchase the tables.

Another issue Mauk raised was the prices Brewster charges for its RV spaces in comparison with spaces in Pateros and Bridgeport. Brewster has 29 spaces and five overflow (power only) sites and while the spaces were booked for the recent Brewster Salmon Derby, Mauk said there was not a single camper on the site when he drove by it prior to the council meeting.

The Bridgeport and Pateros spaces are $10 to $15 cheaper than their Brewster counterparts so Mauk suggested that the city might want to reconsider its rate schedule to be more in line with its closest competitors.

Council member John Housden said he was on the Parks and Recreation Committee and would welcome an opportunity to pursue both issues further with Mauk.

Police chief Nattalie Cariker advised the council that she is resigning her position effective August 31 to take a position as an investigator for DSHS in Omak. Cariker spent all 17 years of her law enforcement career at Brewster, the last three as chief.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here