City interviews 3 for police posts

MATTAWA — The City of Mattawa Civil Service Commission has interviewed three persons for the officer position vacated at the police department by the retirement of Tony Valdivia, the City Council learned at its Feb. 2 meeting.

According to Police Chief Joe Harris, two entry level applicants were interviewed, and they passed their tests. The CCS also interviewed one lateral applicant (officer elsewhere) who had taken the tests. Another other lateral who applied backed out.

Harris reported that a lost radio was found, and a new radio will not need to be purchased. He said the Dodge Charger patrol car’s transmission blew and will need to be repaired at a cost of $3,200. The Council approved the expenditure.

There is a recall regarding the Ford Interceptor patrol vehicles. The department will adhere, Harris said.

Harris told the Council that he has requested personnel from the Grant County Sheriff to cover MPD shifts for which he has no officers.

Public Works Director Gary Crowder informed the Council that the city’s dog kennel needs upgrades. The Council authorized him to use HVAC funds.

City Planner Darryl Piercy told the Council that the city’s comprehensive plan update is due in June. He said it comes in two parts.

The first one is the numerical values, such as change in population. The second part is the vision/strategic planning.

Harris, Piercy and Lars Leland of the Government Road Improvements Committee met to discuss the vision on city goals and the capital facilities plan. They will continue to meet in the future, along with anyone else interested.

Piercy informed the Council that a public hearing will be held on Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. regarding the building of a Jehovah’s Witness church near the intersection of Highway 243 and Road 24 SW.

Piercy said Grant County Fire District No. 8 has requested an additional fire hydrant as part of the building project. The project will include street improvements, he said.

The administrative review has been completed on the Selkirk Short Plat, Piercy said. The applicant is requesting a deferral on the road improvements. This will be dealt with at the Feb. 16 Council meeting.

Also set for hearing on Feb. 16 is the annexation of Our Lady of the Desert Catholic Church and its property. The application has been received by the city.

The applicant has asked the city to extend services to the church’s rectory prior to the annexation. City Attorney Katherine Kennison advised that the hookups should be deferred until after the public hearing.

The Council approved the Union 76 Gas Station as the sole supplier of fuel for city vehicles. The station will provide a 25-cent discount and an in-house account, which the Shell Station can’t do.

In community input, Leland said the Wahluke School District supports the community center project. He said the Lions Club or Chamber of Commerce will either purchase or lease land at Boundary and Road 24 from the school district.

The plans include a soccer field near the community center. Washington State University’s Rural Community Design Initiative and Gray & Osborne Engineering are helping in the planning of this project.

The Council approved a consent agenda that includes the Council meeting minutes of Jan. 19, a payroll of $76,696.31 and claims totaling $51,961.89.