Mattawa wastewater system needs upgrades

MATTAWA — The City of Mattawa is looking to make about $2 million in upgrades to its wastewater system, but it lacks the resources to do so and will need to secure funding to get the job done.

But city officials are being told by the Environmental Protection Agency the median household income — roughly $40,000 — exceeds the limit for community grants.

“We’re not sure where they’re getting their figures, but we don’t believe the median income here is near $40,000,” City Clerk Robin Newcomb said.

Without a grant, the City would be forced to raise water-sewer rates about $80 a month to pay for the upgrades.

At its April 6 meeting, Council members voted to authorize Evergreen Rural Water of Washington to conduct a survey to determine the actual community median income.

In an unrelated wastewater issue, Public Works Director Gary Crowder asked the Council to approve the cost of a video inspection of 8,000 linear feet of sewer lines. The $1,251 expenditure received the thumbs-up.

Vacancy

The Council position that opened up earlier this year when a former member moved out of town remains open. Tony Acosta and Darryl Hudson have thrown their hats into the ring, but Mayor Scott Hyndman has yet to make up his mind regarding two applicants.

Soccer players to blame?

Public Works Director Gary Crowder informed the Council that his staff believes soccer players are doing damage to trees in Hund Memorial Park. The telltale signs: trees are being uprooted or broken off and being used as goal posts.

Police Chief Joe Harris said he spoke with a representative one of the leagues and was assured the damage to the trees were not inflicted by its players.

Mayor Hyndman said league soccer play should not be allowed in the park if the vandalism continues.

Officer applicants sought

Chief Harris said he is still trying to fill an entry-level and a lateral position at the Mattawa Police Department. He reported that background checks are being conducted on two entry-level applicants. He has no applicants for the lateral level position.