Government Road Committee meeting visited by Murray aide

MATTAWA - At the May 21 meeting of the Mattawa City Council, Government Road Improvements Committee President Lars Leland reported a visit that could become a shot in the arm for improvement plans.

Leland said Rebecca Thornton, an aide for Senator Patty Murray, attended the last meeting for the Government Road Committee. She had some advice for the members and would like to be kept updated throughout the stages of development.

Leland said traffic counts on Government Way will not be completed until fall, after school is back in session.

Leland said Washington State University has students who will help with the planning of this project. He said also that an economic development class is available.

In other business, the Council approved a project by the Morris Schott Elementary School in Hund Memorial Park. Students will put up a kiosk on which community information may be displayed.

The council approved a Christmas decorations project proposed by resident Gloria Garcia. Garcia will collect donations for decorations that city staff will put up. They will become property of the city.

Mayor Scott Hyndman presented Wahluke High School senior Bianca Ramirez a certificate from the city that thanks her for community service performed.

Police Chief John Turley reported that his officers trained recently on the Moses Lake Emergency Vehicle Course. He said there will be another later this year.

"It's a course that tests your ability to respond to a call when you are faced with obstacles," Turley said.

Turley said the police department is preparing two 2005 Impalas for auction. The council will need to surplus the autos first, he said.

Turley added that the 2013 Impala has had multiple driveline problems. Fixes have been done several times, paid by the warranty.

"I don't think those front wheel drive axles were made for high speed police work," he said

Turley reported that newly assigned reserve officer Maybel Pantaleon, supervised by Field Training Officer Cpl. Tony Valdivia, has written her first ticket.

Valdivia told the Council that the police department needs the community's help in reporting crimes. Prostitution and tagging have been reported. So have school kids walking through town during school hours.

According to City Clerk Robin Newcomb, the proposed Mattawa Farmers Market still needs a nonprofit group to commit to manage it and turn it into reality.

Newcomb reported that a Paul Lauzier grant has been awarded to the city for the purchase of children's park toys. The amount is not yet known.

Newcomb also reported that the Council will vote at the next meeting on whether to form a Transportation Benefit District. A TBD has the authority to raise taxes for the benefit of streets.

The Council approved a consent agenda that included payroll checks 31254-31255 in the amount of $11,300 and claims 14391-14430 in the amount of $85,589.62.