MAYOR’S MONTHLY REPORT FOR 10-19-09 to 11-15-09
Submitted 11-16-09
Each year since July 2005, I have submitted a monthly report to the Council. Each year, the report format has evolved. In 2008, the report gave an update on actions taken to meet major goals and objectives adopted by the Council. I have done the same in 2009. This is my final Monthly Report to the Council, as Cathlamet will have elected a new Mayor by Election Day, 11-3-2009.
This Report is much shorter, because the issues and projects normally covered have been combined and expanded upon in two documents:
1. My 11-16-09 Report to the Council and People on Accomplishments of 2005-2009 and Challenges Ahead (3 pages), and
2. My 11-16-07 Report to the Council on Projects by Program (7 pages).
This report, and the two reports listed above, will be transmitted to the Council and The Eagle online. Copies will be included in the Council Members’ meeting packets. They will also be posted in the usual section of the Town’s Web Site.
My time during the last reporting period has concentrated on completing projects underway, helping the staff and Council Members plan work in progress or scheduled for the future, and providing information to both Mayoral candidates to ease the transition to the new administration.
I have spent considerable time communicating with out Congressional delegation and Washington State officials about the Town’s commitment to use State and Tribal Grant (STAG) awards for 2009 and 2010 to move forward with the new Waste Water Treatment Plant. This was probably the most important and “non-delegable” job facing me as my term draws to a close.
It has been an honor to serve with the volunteers, staff, and elected officials of the Town of Cathlamet over the past four and one-half years. I wish Godspeed to you all.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Richard A. Swart
Mayor
TOWN OF CATHLAMET, WASHINGTON
ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2005-2009 AND FUTURE CHALLENGES
A Report to the Council and People - November 16, 2009
Preface
This report is submitted to the Council and citizens of the Town of Cathlamet in lieu of the Mayor’s annual year-end report on the past year’s accomplishments and proposed list of goals and objectives for the following year. It is intended to acknowledge the hard work and achievements of the Town’s Council, staff, volunteers, and other leaders. It also points to issues that will challenge their resolve and skill in the years ahead.
Administration Focus of 2005-2009
My perception of the issues facing the Town was a need to help a very small, “full service” municipality meets the many mandates of state law with very limited assets, financing, staffing, and administrative systems. This required “looking outward” by reaching out to other public and private sector community partners, and increasing participation in functions that support overall services and life-quality for the people. Examples include the Wahkiakum County Chamber of Commerce, Wahkiakum County government, the Lower Columbia Economic Development Council, Wahkiakum School District #200, Wahkiakum Public Utilities District, service clubs, veterans’ groups, neighborhoods, Port District #1, and the faith community. It also required “looking inward” at the Town’s policies, procedures, fiscal systems, and physical properties.
Accomplishments of 2005-2009
Increased transparency in Town governmental processes, Internet access,
and communications to the public and the media.
Improved governance by providing better access and responsiveness for
citizens seeking solutions to problems.
Established and maintained effective communications with community partners.
Supported business growth and economic expansion initiatives of the
Chamber and the LCEDC.
Established improved communications and credibility with our
Congressional and state legislative delegations.
Increased the quality and performance of the Town’s relationships with state
regulatory and control agencies, particularly the Department of Health ,
the Department of Ecology, and the State Auditor’s Office.
Increased the Town’s presence and role in supporting broader community
programs, including emergency preparedness, law and justice, disease
prevention and epidemic response, education and culture, public health,
surface and water transportation, youth services, parks, and recreation.
Improved public policies by thoroughly updating major ordinances,
including Public Utilities, Personnel, Library, and Streets.
Met the revenue losses of the 2008-2009 Recession without serious service
cuts or staff layoffs through careful budgeting and management.
Improved Town roads with major paving, sidewalk, and lighting projects
on Broadway, Division, River, and Una Streets.
Improved Town water services with treatment plant technical upgrades and
water main transmission pipe replacements.
Improved Town sewer services with major repairs to the existing treatment
plant, outlying lift stations, and waste collection pipelines.
Opened a state-of the art Main Fire Station through a million-dollar gift
from Fire Chief Jerry and Mrs. Linda DeBriae.
Waged a difficult and, to date, successful campaign to obtain federal and
state financial, regulatory, and political support to replace the existing
at-capacity existing Waste Water Treatment Plant.
Challenges Ahead
1. The Town’s marginal capitalization and limited taxing potential will
Continue to constrain its ability to make new infrastructure investments.
Recommend: Reconsider annexation and utility system customer
base expansion.
2. The Recession is emptying Main Street storefronts and businesses.
Recommend: Consider forming a Community Identity or “future identity” process to foster consensus on a long term economic revitalization strategy.
3. The new Waste Water Treatment Plant will be costly to finance.
Recommend: Stay the course. The federal 2009 STAG grant and Town
Match will pay for preparation of the facility’s plan in 2010. The federal and state agencies have heard the Town’s outcry against the fear of “$100 monthly sewer bills.” We have a good case for a Congressional 2010 STAG grant, ARRA federal grants, and USDA funding. The Department of Ecology understands the Town is making good-faith progress as fast as limited funding allows.
4. The Town’s key land use plan and Planning Ordinance is stuck at a crossroads.
Recommend: Council should hold a “state of the future” conversation
with the Planning commission and the public to try to reach some common vision on what we want Cathlamet’s land use policy to be.
5. The all-volunteer Fire Department and its First Aid Division (ambulance
and EMT services) faces expanding workload with an aging force.
Recommend: (1) Continue CFD’s successful program to recruit and train replacement responders; (2) Continue seeking Homeland Security and other grants and contracts to pay for specific services; (3) Consider an Emergency Services Summit to strategize the future role and resources of Cathlamet’s department in the county and regional contexts; (4) Develop a plan to transition from an all-volunteer to at least a partially paid force.
6. Several of the Town’s key people are nearing or beyond retirement age.
Their potential replacements may command higher salaries than the Town currently pays. Whether or not the tax-capping Initiative 1022 passes, the Town’s limited revenue potential blocks step or merit raises for existing staff, let alone recruiting incentives for future employees.
Recommend: Review options for revenue enhancement, cost reduction, interagency work-sharing, growth –related income, and other options.
Conclusion:
The people of Cathlamet can be proud of the Town’s stewardship of public processes and assets between 2005 and 2009. The hard work and devotion to duty of the Town’s volunteers, employees, and elected officials have accomplished a lot. The work never stops, and the only direction for the future is forward. It has been a privilege to serve as Mayor to help the Town we love during these challenging times. I thank everyone for their achievements and support. I call upon the citizens and the larger community to participate with the Council and the new Mayor in their future efforts to address the challenges facing us all.
Respectfully Submitted,
Richard A. Swart
Mayor
Note: A more detailed, seven-page report of notable Town projects is attached.
M E M O R A N D U M Town of Cathlamet, Washington
Date: 11-16-09
To: Council Members
From: Richard A. Swart, Mayor
Subject: FY 2009 Project Report
This report consolidates prior project and strategic reports into one update.
A. GOOD GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY
This is arguably the strongest area of Cathlamet’s governmental performance.
Major policies – some not updated for decades – have been examined and revised
to reflect current needs and harmonize with current state and federal law. The
public, the media, and other governmental entities have praised the Town of
Cathlamet’s accessibility, responsiveness, integrity, and transparency. The State
Auditor’s Office commended the Town for improving its financial accounting
performance from dismal in 2004-5 to excellent in 2006-7. The Town’s web site
has received recognition as an example of good use of technology to share
information and communicate with the world. Here are some examples:
1. Policy development – All completed or on track:
a. Personnel Ordinance: Passed 10-19-09
b. Utilities Ordinance: First Reading 11-16-09
c. Comprehensive Emergency Plan Resolution: Scheduled for 11-16-09
d. Fund Accounting Ordinance (494 cleanup): First Reading 11-16-09
e. Parking and Vehicle Storage Ordinance: Passed 9-21-09
f. Budget 2009 Ordinance Amendment: Passed 10-19-09
g. Budget 2010 Ordinance: Presented 10-19-09, First Reading 11-16-09.
h. Property Tax (1%) Resolution: Heard and Passed 10-19-09
i. Federal Census 2010: Staff and CWCOG are on track.
2. Financial Accountability – Implemented
a. Improved internal controls between payables and receivables: Done.
b. New procedures for quarterly and annual reports: Done.
c. Daily cash balance and bank deposits updated procedures: Done.
d. Training for new Clerk-Treasurer: On track.
e. A good report from the State Auditor for 2006-7: Achieved.
f. Franchise Agreement with Charter Communications: Completed.
g. Federal Red Flag Identity Theft safeguards: In place with office staff.
B. PUBLIC SAFETY
Protection of the public’s safety is a first-order priority for any government.
Cathlamet can be proud and grateful that it enjoys one of the finest fire and
ambulance service programs in the State of Washington and the region. The
all-volunteer Cathlamet Fire Department and First Aid (ambulance) Division
ably led, enjoy high quality volunteers, and are recognized by Wahkiakum County, regional public safety agencies, and the Department of Homeland Security as integral parts of the public safety network.
The Town values its ongoing contractual partnership with Wahkiakum County, which provides law enforcement, prosecuting attorney, public defender, jail, courts, and probation services. The Town participates on
The County’s Law and Justice Council to promote public safety. The Town works closely with the courts, prosecuting attorney, and Sheriff to provide
Community service and work-crew opportunities for inmates and offenders on probation. The latter made major contributions to Public Works projects during the Summer of 2009. Some current projects include:
1. Dept. of Homeland Security Safety: 6-30-10 (B. Renfro: Contract is
in place and performance is on track.
2. DNR Wild land Fire Fighting: 8-1-09 (M. Beaulaurier): Truck purchased
and the CFD wild lands team has deployed as called by the state.
3. Controlled burn of brush and stumps on new WWTP land: “12-31-09” Council decided to do in 2010 as part of WWTP construction.
4. Major training of new Fire and EMS recruits: 8-1-09 (F. Johnson and B. Faubion): Done. Follow up training continues.
5. Clean and paint fire hydrants: 11-30-09 (D.Vik) Public Works purchased a needle scaler and supplies, but did not get to the work during the 2009 dry season due to other projects. Do in 2010.
6. Sheriff Contract with Wahkiakum County is in place. Consultation with Undersheriff Jon Dearmore resulted in adoption of the 2009 Vehicle Parking and Storage ordinance. Occasional dog complaints deserve a
conference with the Prosecuting Attorney and Sheriff over policy and
enforcement challenges faced by the Council.
C. COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
This seems to be the softest area of Cathlamet’s governmental performance.
Bad economic times, the loss of several key area leaders, and a financial
hunkering-down mentality amongst the Town and its community partners have
combined to undermine cooperative visioning and forward-thinking. The Town
cannot be expected to carry this area alone, nor would its partners stand for it.
We look forward to better times and new people in Town government look ahead
and set some realistic goals and measurable objectives. Some key issues:
1. Support revitalization of Main Street and Town Businesses: (S.
McNicholas) No goals or deadliness established by Council. Support
was given to LCEDC grant application for business park land site. This is
an ongoing effort to cope with bad economic times and set the stage for
future growth.
2. Wind-Generation Project: 8-31-09 (D. Goodroe) On hold.
Council voted 6-22-09 not to buy an anemometer. Council to inspect
Town forest land site 7-2-09 for possible reconsideration. WDFW may
block access due to protected species. Report to Council 11-16-09.
3. Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Visioning: 12-31-08. Overdue.
The Planning Commission has been unable to agree on a proposed
ordinance to submit to the Council. The Council did not accept a proposal
in mid-2008. Council established higher priorities to work on in 2009,
given no growth in the current economic downturn. Recommend re-
examining overall land use priorities in January 2010.
4. Columbia Ridge Estates problems: 1-31-20 (R. Swart and new Mayor)
Investigation underway on Town’s options to secure developers’
compliance with conditions of their permits. The Fire Marshal is
reviewing enforcement options.
D. PUBLIC WORKS
Safe and clean water, proper sewage collection and treatment, and maintained
infrastructure are basic requirements of any town. Much of the Town’s budget, and a big portion of staff time and Council attention, are of necessity focused on the myriad of policy and procedural issues involved with water, sewer, and other public works services. Given Cathlamet’s very small staff, the major mandates and public expectations can be overwhelming. Nonetheless, Cathlamet’s public works services are good for a town of its size. Notable projects include, but are not limited to:
7. Water Program Services
a. Water quality test and 2009 customer satisfaction report: Done.
b. Water Main Replacements, SR 4 & Columbia: 1-31-10 (D.Vik)
Gray & Osborne is on track.
c. Greenwood Tank warranty repairs: 8-31-09: (D.Vik) Done.
d. Water Plan Projects:
(1) T-1 Scada Telemetering at Water Treatment Plant: On
Track: nearing completion.
(2) D-1 TOC/PUD Inter-tie Meter: Done.
(3) D-13 Junction Valve replacement: Postponed to 2010.
e. New Ground Water Source Search: $105K grant not awarded
in 2009. Seek grants again in 2010.
f. Town-PUD Interlocal Water Agreement renewal: Due 12-1-09.
8. Waste Water (Sewer) Program Services
a. New WWTP Plans and Specifications: 9-30-10 (D.Vik) Mayor
will sign contract amendment with G&O as soon as EPA releases the STAG 2009 funds. On track.
b. New WWTP FFY 2010 STAG application: 2-28-10 (D.Vik)
G&O will advise when application package is to go to
Congressional delegation. On hold pending input from Sens.
Murray and Cantwell, and Rep. Baird.
c. New WWTP access road easement: 12-21-09 (D. Vik): On
hold, pending negotiations between School Board and Council.
d. Paint, clean up lab, lagoon areas: (K.Patching): Done.
3. Streets and Dock
a. Town Dock Booms: 11-20-09 (B. Olsen and D. Vik);
Olsen is arranging for transport of the 43 and 33 foot booms to
the PublicWorks Yard by 7-15-09. DFW permit needed to
place booms in the Columbia after 11-1-09. Council approved
funds for Olsen 6-15-09. Vik is prepared to install the booms.
b. Clean out and repair water collection boxes (K. Patching) Done.
c. Clean and paint curbs no-parking yellow (K, Patching): Done.
d. Torch-down Street Strips (various): 8-31-09 (D. Vik) Done.
e. Street Lighting, Main Street to SR 4: Grant did not make the
cut. Try again next year (2010).
f. Repave 2nd and 3rd streets: (D.Vik) 9-30-09 Grant did not make
The cut. Try again next year (2010).
g. Remove unsafe trees at 135 Columbia: 7-16-09 (J. Hoven)
Done.
E. RECREATION AND CULTURE
1. Swimming Pool
a. System start up, lifeguard hiring, safety inspection. Done.
b. Safety inspection drains and new gate. Done.
c. Purchase and install new solar water heater. Done.
d. Safe and popular Pool seasonal operation. Done.
e. Seasonal shutdown 11-30-09 On track.
2. Library
a. Policy ordinance, new Board of Trustees, procedures: Done.
b. Conversion to Dewey Decimal System: Done.
c. Recruitment of new volunteers: Successful and ongoing.
d. Removal of unnecessary furniture and surplus books: Done
e. Repairs to doors, windows, interior hardware: Done.
f. State Heritage Preservation Grant: Awarded and on track.
g. Reorganization of space and multi-purpose room: Done.
h. Upgrading computer network for patrons and volunteers: Started.
i. Experiment with Saturday afternoon added hours: Test underway.
j. Long Range Cooperative Funding Strategy, new 10-09:
(C. Christopher, R. Rendler, S. McNicholas): Conference
scheduled for 11-17-09 with Wahkiakum County Board of Commissioners, Cathlamet Blanche Bradley Public Library Board of Trustees, and the private Blanche Bradley Memorial Foundation Board of Directors.
9. Parks
a. Erickson Park Refurbishing: 8-31-09 (K. Patching) Done.
b. Bark chips bids, front of Erickson Park: 7-15-09 (Volunteers)
Done.
c. Park Rules signs: 7-31-09 (D.Vik) Overdue. 1 out of 4 done.
d. No major projects are scheduled for Erickson or Strong Parks in
FY 2010 budget. Erickson Park restroom vandalism and decaying features in Stong Park have become public concerns. Recommend conferring with the Sheriff on vandalism prevention strategies, and seeking grants to repair and improve Strong Park features.
4. Town Hall & Library Building
a. Seismic Stabilization Project: Town Hall/Library: 3-31-10 (D.
Vik, D. Goodroe): Underway and on track.
b. Town Hall security electronics: 11-30-09 (K, McNally) On
track.
c. Town Hall metal railings on Columbia: 6-30-09 (R. Swart)
Done.
d. Wooden railings at Town Hall & Library: 8-31-09 (D.Vik) Do
in 2010.
e. Town Hall Library Energy Conservation: (D.Goodroe) 9-30-
09 Grant did not make the cut. Try again next year (2010).
f. Master key conversion Town Hall/Library: 11-30-09 (D.Vik).
Underway.
f. Town Hall Office Refurbishing: 11-30-09 (K. McNally) Almost
done. The front customer counter cabinetry is contracted out.
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