[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6386332,"mediaKeyId","2118229-c4bdb6f23a0c51cb555f20499206908b","parentId",2118229,"title","Cowlitz County public works staff recommend bid awards, landfill monitoring contracts and seek FEMA BRIC study for frequent‑flood area","audioSeconds",410,"startMs",1435000,"endMs",1845000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2118229-c4bdb6f23a0c51cb555f20499206908b&start=1435&end=1845","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2118229-c4bdb6f23a0c51cb555f20499206908b/thumbnail_1435000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6386332/Cowlitz-County/Washington/Cowlitz-County-public-works-staff-recommend-bid-awards-landfill-monitoring-contracts-and-seek-FEMA-BRIC-study-for-frequentflood-area","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6386332-63509924b58354410e6c9dbc7471a947/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153469&Signature=VQ5B9yo~YPhdUMU4q6Sy6WBpo3YZfL42Drih78QGErDHFdwWyKDB-UJaYshp14EKYWFFeILbAr0SmonpZd5cvQIHOp4oqYPlSH9M3rpZ15QX2I8OYK5RtsZ8rv7-gB-AU9sNV1DFZJ7OuSTnqEONoYQkEtzoCAESmqfS5DzVpeyQFHE4UHgvlp83DBV6pJvRVVgSbLZ~hlTwSYGhLDDyDu-Jr3fmH3ZPsjbg5tgDnXYPR3bXhp~gbiUg-ZO8qzOxt69wpkBklyavtbvcTdGJEjnE7o4HBhLeSi19y5D17Ybivvfc4OBszZp26VHIrYWpAQNpy-YP3uNKHFRgovc9DA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cowlitz County Commissioners, Washington","date","2025-01-15T21:08:44Z","article","Public works staff briefed the Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners on a package of capital and operational items ahead of the board’s next business meeting, recommending a low bid award, professional services agreements for landfill monitoring, and submission of a FEMA BRIC grant pre‑application for a flood‑mitigation planning study.

Why it matters: The items affect capital spending, environmental compliance at county landfills, and flood‑mitigation planning for a repeatedly flooded residential area. Several items will appear on the board’s consent agenda if commissioners approve signatures and routine steps.

Low bid for water main and booster pump station

Susan Eugeneus, the county engineer, told the board the recent bid opening produced 11 bidders and that the low bidder was ROCE at $1,549,631.76 for the Tower Road water‑main and Juanita Way booster pump station work. Eugeneus said the second‑low bid was roughly $5,000 higher and that ROCE’s paperwork and debarment checks were in order. Staff recommended accepting the low bid and moving it forward for award.

Landfill monitoring contracts

Public Works also recommended two service contracts with PBS for environmental monitoring at the county’s Headquarters and Tenet Way landfills. Eugeneus described the surface emissions contract as a task‑order service “not to exceed $150,000” to develop monitoring plans and conduct quarterly sampling under approved unit rates. A second, fixed‑fee agreement for groundwater and surface‑water sampling — described as quarterly sampling, quarterly reporting and a year‑end report — was quoted at about $161,000.

Eugeneus explained the county must meet air‑permit and groundwater monitoring obligations. “We are reimbursed about $363,000 on that 2 years... We currently use those dollars to run our MRW facility... We also use those dollars to facilitate our rural recycling program,” staff said while discussing solid‑waste grant allocations used to support landfill operations.

FEMA BRIC planning study for Westover/Lomar flooding

Eugeneus described a proposed BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) planning study for the Westover/Lomar neighborhood, an area the county said floods frequently. The grant would fund a planning and benefit‑cost study to identify mitigation alternatives, which could include expanded storage, open channel work, or — as staff candidly noted — potential buyouts of repeatedly flooded properties. \"This grant application... would only allow us to apply for the study. But that would set us up, moving forward, to apply for the grant and actually fix it,\" Eugeneus said.

Dike Road reconstruction and Army Corps 408 process

Staff provided an update on the Dyke (Dike) Road reconstruction project, a two‑mile stretch that requires U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 408 approval because the road sits on an older federal levy. Eugeneus said the 408 review was underway and typically takes 9 months to 18 months; the county has been about 10 months into the process and hopes to bid the project in spring so construction can occur this summer.

International Way emergency repair update

Public Works reported that an emergency repair contract with AES addressed a 15‑inch storm pipe damaged by boring on International Way. Crews installed bypass pumps, removed sand, repaired a pipe hole and ran a camera inspection between manholes for roughly a 450‑foot section; county staff said the line was “95%” clear and the cold patch was being placed at the time of the briefing.

Other items

Staff noted a recorded possession and use agreement for the Shadow Mountain Reservoir project, an annual Title VI public‑outreach compliance report for signature (required because the county receives federal funding), and a temporary construction easement request for Dike Road driveway reconstruction. Staff also previewed building projects: an investment‑grade audit and upcoming briefing on HVAC and electrical upgrades at the Hall of Justice, progress on annex remediation and tenant improvements, and new office space for the Office of Public Defense.

Quotes and context

• \"That was the bid we opened... The low bid was from ROCE in an amount of $1,549,631.76,\" Eugeneus said of the water‑main project.

• \"For the surface emissions, it's a not to exceed $150,000,\" Eugeneus said, describing the task‑order contract for surface air monitoring at the landfills.

Next steps

Staff requested that Commissioner Dahl sign the Local Solid Waste Financial Assistance (LSWIFA) grant amendment and will place the signed documents on next week’s consent agenda. Staff will return with formal contract documents for the low bid award and monitoring contracts and will proceed with BRIC application submittal via the state if the board approves the applicant‑agent resolution.

Ending

County engineers and public works staff said the projects collectively support regulatory compliance, infrastructure rehabilitation and flood‑mitigation planning. Several items will appear on the board’s next consent or action agenda for formal approval.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cowlitz County Commissioner Open Public Meetings","oneSentenceSummary","Public works staff recommended accepting a low bid of $1,549,631.76 for Tower Road water‑main work, awarding environmental monitoring contracts for county landfills, and applying for a FEMA BRIC planning study to address frequent flooding in the Westover/Lomar neighborhood.","taxTitle","Cowlitz County, Washington","taxId",5122,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6386340,"Cowlitz County weighs options as Humane Society seeks higher fees and control of county facility",2113,4557000,6670000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2118229-c4bdb6f23a0c51cb555f20499206908b&start=4557&end=6670","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2118229-c4bdb6f23a0c51cb555f20499206908b/thumbnail_4557000.jpg","/articles/6386340/Cowlitz-County/Washington/Cowlitz-County-weighs-options-as-Humane-Society-seeks-higher-fees-and-control-of-county-facility","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6386340-8934f1b1a0161422e127971120ce1150/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153469&Signature=dez7r~P4TcviW-GgU4ixC1gBmtBAgfw9h~nQvDU-HIqq8fe4lJaNGl0liNWgvRW0JCBU2ueacrO96-M-0yCOeu6uOJJTjkyvklKBblGrKJPpum6A-FHxxgTNCTzeq07X474pnI1azeJN1yYTp0D0KkNz68gbAkF7~6By-t0EWkRNhCfAuHFMXq4ZZYmB3h0geyL0IZ1RC3thUdVJLiRDBoLkVlnIQRfBjK9k0-AwbnXIw9US~Q0jMSwf~WGNII3PtuA-suOjwHSnxgXj9ddu6Zc0K5GjbCCZVC7VflV1tabes9PVQNXAH3a5Y4CM354Pjws4BbSyCbWIGK0IuTR8mg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cowlitz County commissioners heard a report this week that negotiations with the Humane Society of Southwest Washington could raise the county’s animal‑sheltering costs sharply and would require the county to stop using a temporary holding facility at the jail.

Why it matters: Commissioners and county legal staff said the Humane Society’s proposed terms would place the county in a weaker bargaining position by making the nonprofit the only long‑term shelter option in the area. That, officials said, could drive further price increases and reduce the county’s ability to control sheltering policy and operations.

Jason Loreen, a prosecutor with the county, told commissioners the Humane Society’s negotiators have “made clear that they want the county to end all use and function of the current facility that was created by the board,” and that the group has proposed large fee increases for municipal partners. Loreen said the society initially sought what he characterized as a steep increase and later offered a reduced figure; the most recent number discussed in the meeting was $111,000 for the county’s contract for the upcoming year, down from an earlier figure Loreen cited of about $170,000.

Sheriff’s office and legal staff described the negotiation as complex and said the Humane Society’s position — including closing the county’s temporary jail holding facility — would leave the county dependent on a single outside provider. That dependence, they said, would weaken the county’s ability to negotiate rates and terms in future years.

Commissioners and staff reviewed options raised in the meeting: continuing a short‑term contract with the Humane Society while exploring other models; developing a county‑run shelter (either solo or together with nearby municipalities); or issuing a request for proposals for a private operator. Prosecutor Loreen noted that operating a county shelter could be structured as a government‑owned service or as a county‑run facility that charges fees, giving the county more control over costs and services.

County staff and elected officials discussed the budgetary impact of the Humane Society proposal. One staff member noted budgeted animal control and sheltering funds for the year are approximately $420,000 and said under normal circumstances the latest offer would likely fit within that appropriation unless the county experienced unusually high veterinary or large‑livestock costs.

Several commissioners expressed frustration with the Humane Society’s pricing method and with what they called inconsistent pricing across municipalities. Commissioners also said the Humane Society’s proposed requirement to halt use of the county jail facility — which the county and some cities helped equip and operate — effectively eliminates an option the county could use to avoid certain per‑animal charges.

At the meeting’s close commissioners instructed county counsel and the sheriff to ask the Humane Society for one more concession or clarification on the facility requirement and pricing. The board members said they would be prepared to accept a one‑year extension of the current arrangements if no better terms are attainable, while they pursue alternatives for the medium and long term.

Quotes and context

• \"They wanted to negotiate away a facility and the sheriff is not able to negotiate away a facility that is for the board to determine,\" Jason Loreen, prosecutor, said describing the Humane Society's demands.

• \"Once they're into you, they're gonna really wanna raise that,\" one commissioner said of the risk of becoming dependent on a single shelter vendor. (paraphrased from discussion)

Next steps

County counsel and the sheriff will seek further clarification or concessions from the Humane Society and report back to the board. Commissioners also asked staff to explore alternatives, including a county‑run shelter or a regional multi‑jurisdiction arrangement, and to consult with nearby counties about their approaches.

Ending

County leaders said they see little immediate alternative to keeping short‑term coverage while working on longer‑term options. The board previously extended the county’s interim arrangement through Jan. 31 to preserve sheltering services while discussions continue; commissioners said they will use that breathing room to seek clarity from the Humane Society and to develop contingency plans.","Cowlitz County commissioners heard a report this week that negotiations with the Humane Society of Southwest Washington could raise the county’s animal‑sheltering costs sharply and would require the county to stop using a county‑operated temporary holding facility.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6386336,"Cowlitz County moves to create dangerous‑animal review board; commissioners seek training and procedural limits",3157,6783000,9940000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2118229-c4bdb6f23a0c51cb555f20499206908b&start=6783&end=9940","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2118229-c4bdb6f23a0c51cb555f20499206908b/thumbnail_6783000.jpg","/articles/6386336/Cowlitz-County/Washington/Cowlitz-County-moves-to-create-dangerousanimal-review-board-commissioners-seek-training-and-procedural-limits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6386336-c665d457e1e1064488dee551d69c19c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153469&Signature=A2Dq~IOHrgQPCqmqxgoiU2I3Ozhb6f06vF0IP25gM-3Rrl45uuKdh86j4VYbiFYjx7LnRW8bWnN89tNjZPm5Uxjt7vxFAnyxPRDMRMo9BzLBX4not4ylG5LDxp6JmCwL3YsB~LUZat0dI0Rjfg2~L8XN3fqOMImU1q-NuPF33X6yedvwGRxteCY4gPUsZpnljKu77foVg7-HkZtiDXujRR6eb3nrFu~uelXg8COMdxSVFZpCRhb4LO20cq1NOrkX1VJ17HfwTlI5cfPsJXr7M-QOiXewFHrqMgR-E1x1EvD1nexdfAXYVQ1BAfOSOX5Jl0Cu7Axa--U90t2HLpRogQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cowlitz County commissioners agreed to begin forming a five‑member dangerous‑animal review board this week after presentations from the sheriff's office and county prosecutor about a recently adopted code governing dangerous and potentially dangerous animals.

Why it matters: The review board will give animal owners a quasi‑judicial hearing if an animal control officer alleges an animal is dangerous or potentially dangerous. County leaders said the board is intended to provide due process, reduce liability and make decisions based on facts rather than a single officer’s determination.

Chief Spencer of the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office summarized the new process and asked the board to recruit five community members (at least three representing the county’s three commissioner districts). \"The idea, would be for us to, find, 5 individuals within the county, at least 3 representing each of your 3, districts,\" Spencer said. He described the board's role in hearing contested determinations and making decisions under the code.

Under the adopted code, an animal control officer who determines there is probable cause to allege a dangerous or potentially dangerous animal must notify the owner; owners then may accept the designation and comply with stipulations, or request a hearing within 10 days. If a hearing is requested, the board serves as a quasi‑judicial panel; decisions may be appealed through the county hearing process and, ultimately, to superior court.

Commissioners and staff also debated an annual \"certificate of compliance\" requirement for owners who keep animals designated dangerous. Some members said they worried the recurring certification could become an enforcement burden or expand into broader registration requirements. \"I have concerns with it,\" one commissioner said, noting the potential for regulatory creep and enforcement strain on staff.

Staff and WSU Extension representatives said training should be required for board members so they understand animal behavior, due‑process obligations, and the narrow circumstances that justify dangerous‑animal findings. A WSU Extension speaker recommended including animal behavior training and suggested the county consider existing programs such as obedience or canine good‑citizen certification as potential mitigating evidence owners could present.

Commissioners asked staff to publish a request for qualifications for board candidates and suggested staggered terms to avoid turnover. Board staff will work with county administration to post an application and return candidates for appointment; the county clerk or another office will provide a meeting clerk to record hearings.

Quotes and context

• \"It is a quasi judicial where the animal owner could... call witnesses to the event and present information to the board,\" Chief Spencer said, describing the hearing process.

• \"I don't want a neighbor coming in and say, 'my neighbor's dog nipped my child' — I don't wanna get somebody in trouble,'\" Commissioner Farrell said, arguing for care in how probable cause is used.

Next steps

County administration will prepare an RFQ or application packet for the board and publish it for public applicants; staff also will assemble candidate selection criteria and training materials. Commissioners suggested one member from each commissioner district plus two members with animal‑related experience.

Ending

The county code is already adopted; commissioners directed staff to start recruiting board members and to require training information as part of the application process. A schedule for appointments will return to the board once candidates are identified.","County sheriff and prosecutor asked the board to form a five‑member dangerous‑animal review board under recently adopted county code. Commissioners supported appointing members but expressed concerns about an annual \"certificate of compliance\" requirement and asked for training for board members.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Cowlitz County public works staff recommend bid awards, landfill monitoring contracts and seek FEMA BRIC study for frequent‑flood area

Cowlitz County weighs options as Humane Society seeks higher fees and control of county facility

Cowlitz County moves to create dangerous‑animal review board; commissioners seek training and procedural limits