Mattawa police grows one woman stronger
Maybel Pantaleon is congratulated by her husband and son after taking the oath of office at the Mattawa City Council meeting last week as the newest reserve officer.
MATTAWA - Maybel Pantaleon accomplished another of the milestones she has sought last week at the Mattawa City Council meeting. She was sworn in as a Mattawa Reserve Police Officer.
"I've wanted to be a police officer for a long time," Pantaleon said during an interview a couple of years ago.
But Pantaleon, 26, couldn't be one until now. She became an American citizen last Sept. 9 and completed the Reserve Police Academy in Moses Lake in April.
At last week's Mattawa City Council meeting, Pantaleon was sworn to her office by Mayor Scott Hyndman. As a reserve officer, she will carry out the duties of a regular officer when she's called to serve.
It's likely most residents will recognize the new police officer. She was raised in Mattawa and attended Wahluke schools through graduation.
Since last fall, Pantaleon has been serving as the MPD clerk. She worked in the city clerk's office before that. She signed up for the academy at the earliest opportunity.
Pantaleon is also on the Wahluke School Board. She was sworn to that position on Sept. 10, one day after becoming a citizen.
In another police matter, Officer Jordan Miers presented Mattawa resident Junior Olivares a certificate of commendation for helping at the fatal car collision at R Road SW and Road 24 SW on Sunday, May 3.
The MPD reported that some gang members, who are migrant workers living at the Esperanza complex, sprayed areas of the city with graffiti. The Department of Corrections will have two work release inmates help with the painting. Paint was donated by local businesses.
City Attorney Katherine Kennison slowed down the city's plans for a city-operated farmers market. She explained that other cities usually have a non-profit organization manage farmers markets.
Kennison said that if the city decides to manage it, the city will need to consider having someone on site supervising.
The Council will check with some local area non-profit organizations and the school to see if they are interested. Discussion will continue at the next council meeting.
The Council approved the hiring of Stripe Rite for $7,955, before sales tax, to do the striping on several streets.
It authorized the mayor to sign the contract once the attorney has it prepared.
City Planner Darryl Piercy reported he contacted nine contractors to bid the city hall remodeling project. Only one bid was received.
The Council approved the hiring of Navarette Construction and authorized the Mayor to sign the contract once the attorney has it prepared. The bid was $66,427, including sales tax.
The Committee for Government Road Improvements reported that it is moving forward, using the SIP Grant the city received, to prepare a formal plan for Government Road improvements.
According to City Clerk Robin Newcomb, the Council would like to form a Transportation Benefit District to help with revenue for street improvements.
A TBD can approve an additional vehicle license fee up to $20 for non-voter approval or 2/10 of 1% sales tax increase which would need voter approval.
This TBD would be a positive aspect when applying for grants, Newcomb said. Granting agencies like to see cities seeking other funding opportunities, Newcomb said.
The Council will get an estimate on the number of vehicles licensed within the city limits from Department of Licensing before making a decision.
The Council approved for payment 2015 payroll EFT and payroll checks #31247-31253 in the amount of $65,805.63 and 2015 claims EFT and claims checks #14360 - 14390 in the amount of 33,239.04.