Sidewalk to cost more than expected for City of Mattawa

MATTAWA — The City of Mattawa will contribute about $43,000 from its street fund toward the installation of new sidewalk on Williams Ave., the Mattawa City Council decided at its meeting of August 18.

According to City Clerk Robin Newcomb, the lowest bid for the project came in at $247,265. The city had anticipated to cover it with a 204,000 grant awarded by the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Newcomb said the Council considered rejecting all bids and starting over. But Council members want that sidewalk to be in as soon as possible. It’s been in the planning a long time, and it is a child safety issue.

Councilwoman Silvia Barajas moved and Councilwoman Betty Webster seconded that street fund money be used to make up the difference. The Council approved unanimously.

The sidewalk will be constructed by low bidder All Star Construction Group Inc. for $247,265.

The Council also voted to award the Columbia Ave./Ellice Ave. overlay project to W.M. Winkler Company in the amount of $396,064. The Washington State Transportation Improvement District (TIB), from which the grant for the project came, approved this bid also.

In other street business, Public Works Director Gary Crowder reported that cracks remain in the sidewalk at 505 Government Road. He will speak to the business owner.

The Council voted to approve the reinvestment of a $1 million bond into a 4-year bond. The Council also approved the lease of a new copy machine from Pacific Office Automation for $199.56 plus tax per month.

Police Chief John Turley reported that the Catholic Church needs to turn in a map along with its event permit application for its annual 16 de Septiembre Fiesta parade scheduled for September 11. The event permit application will be on the Sept. 1 agenda.

The Council approved a consent agenda that included the Council meeting minutes for August 4, a payroll of $9,900 and claims of $51,874.65.