Serving Franklin County, WA
Serving Franklin County, WA
LIND – Councilman Jim Dworshak presented information on quiet zones at the March 23 Town Council meeting.
Dworshak said for a quiet zone to be in place, the town would have to accept full accountability, and insurance would be $150,000 per track. In the event of an emergency on the track, the horn would still sound. The funds to cover the insurance would have to come out of the water, sewer and garbage accounts, causing an increase of $88 per month per utility user to cover the cost. The quiet zone would have to be placed on the ballot and pass unanimously.
Dworshak said there was a petition signed previously with approximately 60 signatures. Councilperson Myra Horton questioned how many of the signatures were registered voters.
Council Richarman Richard Baldwin said he did some research and discovered the town could not place barricades at the railroad crossings because the roads are not wide enough. In conclusion, Dworshak said the town could not feasibly support a quiet zone.
Under unfinished business, Mayor Paula Bell provided a list of surplus items, with Joe Pessutti and Chris Miller still looking for items to add. Baldwin reminded those present that anything valued over $1,000 has to be approved by council, and items under $1,000 are at the mayor's discretion. Mayor Bell said she would contact the Lion's Club to see if their lot could be used for an auction of the items. Bell said she would provide a resolution of the surplus items at an upcoming meeting.
Under Mayor's report, council heard
— Bell and Steve Nelson attended a Community Development Block Grant webinar March 17, as required to receive future funding.
— Bell, Nelson and Pessutti met via phone to discuss the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan.
— Bell received a quote from JRCC in the amount of $23,005 for repairs to the interior of the Town Hall garage, which was approved by the insurance company. Electrical work will be done separately and paid for by the town.
— The John Wayne Trail Riders will be coming through on May 27.
— The Lion's Club Easter Egg Hunt will be at 11 a.m. Sunday, April 3 in the Town Park.
In other business, council
— Approved a resolution regarding the completion of the Vulcan Street Water Mainline Project, as required by USDA.
— Approved warrants from March 9-22 with one EFT totaling $46,295 and pending invoices.
Katie Teachout is the editor of the Ritzville Adams County Journal. She has more than a decade experience covering Eastern Washington, including the Upper Kittitas Valley, the Methow Valley and Okanogan and Ferry counties.
Reader Comments(0)