Pateros eyes grant boost for Commercial Avenue revamp

PATEROS – The city received notice to resubmit its Commercial Avenue project to the state Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) for additional funding that has become available for TIB’s Complete Streets program. 

City Administrator Jord Wilson reported to the regular monthly meeting of the city council on Feb. 20 that the funding is available for city projects that can be completed by the end of 2024. 

“If funded this would be a 100 percent grant funded project,” said Wilson. “Good planning allows us to take advantage of unexpected grants. Great opportunities that we should not pass up.”

Wilson conferred with Ben Varela, Kurt Holland, and Ken Van Vorhees of city engineer Varela & Associates to quickly review the Commercial Avenue project and redraft a concept plan that can meet the 2024 completion deadline Holland explained to council members.

 The proposed $970,000 project will get $100,000 in design funds from the city.

“Those are ARPA (America Rescue Plan Act) funds originally earmarked for the construction of landscapes along Commercial Avenue,” Wilson said.

Following Holland’s presentation, the council voted to approve the TIB application and the dispersion of ARPA funds. 

In other business, the council: 

• Amended the solar grant with the state Department of Commerce (DOC) to allow one full year of measurement and verification data and apply for the tax rebate through the IRS.
• Accepted a contract with the Public Works Board for a $100,000 grant award to assist the city with updating its water system plan. The city is responsible for 50 percent of the cost.
• Approved an application to the Water Environment Federation for a grant to replace the city’s sewer autosampler and flowmeter. The grant would replace both with a zero match from the city. It would also allow- but not require – the Department of Health to test the effluent for diseases.
• Applied for a $565,000 grant through the state Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) to repair large cracks in the city tennis courts.
• Adopted a Professional Services Agreement with Okanogan County for building inspection services. The county will assist the city building inspector during commercial construction projects.
• Accepted a $23,837.70 quote from Dick’s Heating & Air Conditioning in East Wenatchee for installation of a new HVAC system for the city library. The library’s system failed, prompting the city to request replacement quotes from five vendors. Dick’s was the lowest.
• Awarded the project to purchase and install doors on the winter barn to Door Tech of Wenatchee. Door Tech’s quote of $21,545.24 was the lowest of three vendors.
• Accepted a $100,000 grant from Okanogan County .09 funds for the design phase of the Pateros Mall Improvement project.
• Amended the professional services agreement with city planner Highlands Associates of Okanogan to include an update to the city park and recreation plan.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media