Winlock approves new insurance, resolution for Smith development

Winlock Lions Club President Bob Giardina opened the public comments with a clarification regarding concerns of adversarial actions between his club and the American Legion following last meeting's early approval of community building room rental for 2014 fund raising.

"There is no animosity between the Lions Club and the American Legion," he declared, "and we are discussing collaborative projects in the near future."

Fire Commissioner Randy Pennington, with Chief Russ Larson, presented their synopsis of options to preserve ambulance service in District 15. Changes in costs, regulations and increased demand versus declining staffing pointed to tough decisions. In the end, the council moved to lease a parcel adjacent to the Winlock station for future placement of a bunkhouse facility, like a Park Model or mobile home.

Chehalis-based landowner Phil Smith requested the council pass Resolution 2013-12 in support of Grand Prairie Mountain View Estates, a planned development east of downtown. The public presentation offered residents an opportunity to address the promoter publicly after Smith had been called into question over his lack of payment of fines relating to a 2011 Department of Ecology violation at an unrelated development. No dissent was noted during the council meeting.

Council Member Denise Green asked if the currently-planned 202 single family residences were more than the original plan for the development. Smith said no.

The resolution passed unanimously and Smith said it will provide encouragement to his backers. Smith had acquired the property at the end of February and began the summer with hopes of completing as much of the development as possible during construction season.

Council members also approved the Cities Insurance Association of Washington (CIAW) to replace current provider, the Association of Washington Cities, with Council Member Dennis Korpi sharing his research on the actual costs and savings of the three original bidders.

"CIAW saves $11,000, plus savings in time spent on required training by the other two providers," he said.

Funding for auger screens and replacement pump for the water and sewer department required use of the contingency fund for $20,000, approved by the council as necessary to operations.

Police Chief Terry Williams updated the Fir St. debris removal, with only one bidder responding. The project is considered too labor-intensive for most, reducing the pool of applicants. Restrictions on working near the river further narrow the work to a 30-day window.

Next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 9 at 7:15 p.m. Those needing accommodations may contact City Hall at www.winlockwa.govoffice2.com or (360) 785-3811.