New docks in for APJ Pateros City Council approves well house conceptual design

ATEROS – Following a public informational session, city council members approved the conceptual design for the downtown dual-purpose well house No. 4 at their regular monthly meeting last Monday, July 16. The design, prepared by city architect/engineer Varela  Associates of Spokane, is the first of what principal Ben Varela described as a three-step plan that will appear in its final form during a 30-60-90 phase-in process.

In her report to the council, Mayor Carlene Anders said the city is reviewing its water shut-off notices generated automatically when an account becomes past due to see if Pateros can come up with a friendlier “softened” version of the notice.

Anders also reported on her solo trip to the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) conference on June 26-29, where she served on a Small Cities Advisory Committee Public Works Board and was appointed to the board of North Central Accountable Community of Health (NCACH), whose mission is to address the access, quality, and cost of health care in the North Central region’s communities.

Anders also noted the Rising from the Ashes Recovery Reunion organized by the Okanogan County Long Term Recovery Group that runs from Wednesday, July 18, through Sunday, July 22. (see separate story) More information on events, locations, times, and registrations are online at okanogancountyrecovery.com.

Council members approved two resolutions; one a water reservoir change order in the amount of $112,477.63 for contractor Tapani, Inc., and the other an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan for accessibility in public rights-of-way and facilities in the city. The latter ADA plan is a requirement for the city when applying for certain grants.

City Administrator Jord Wilson said despite some financial issues the Douglas PUD had with a sub-contractor for installation of the new docks, the components are in place and the new docks should be ready for this weekend’s Apple Pie Jamboree activities.

Wilson said General Industries is scheduled to begin sewer line installation work on July 23. Pearl Street from Watson Draw Road to Edna will be closed during the excavation of Pearl Street. Watson Draw Road will be narrowed to one lane for a least a week while work is ongoing.