Mason County Public Works requested commissioner authorization to issue a call for bids for "chip rock" operations in 2026 and updated the commission on sewer-pump and road projects, including a North Bay pump-station overflow caused by fats, oils and grease; a grant-supported inspection program for grinder pumps; and upcoming culvert replacements and chip-seal work.

Public Works told commissioners it would seek approval to go to bid on chip rock for 2026 and asked for the board
uthorization to place the call for bids. "Call for bids for Chip Rock, for 2026. So we're requesting the board to authorize public works to call for bids for Chipper Rock for next year," the public works presenter said. Commissioners indicated support for issuing the bid notice.

Operational updates included a small overflow at the North Bay Victor pump station attributed to fats, oils and grease that had crusted floats and impeded flow; staff said nothing reached the water and that the event underscores the need for public messaging about proper grease disposal. "It was a small spill ... it just points out the need to reinforce don't be dumping grease down the drain," Public Works said.

Public Works also described a pass-through grant from Pierce County to survey and inspect wet/grinder pump stations around North Bay. The team will perform site-by-site inspections to assess condition and retrofit opportunities to reduce contamination risk. "...to take a look at our what we call our wet grinders ... site by site, make inspections, see condition ... Can they be retrofit? ... convert those grinder stations and ... reduce the potential for contamination around the bay," staff explained.

Planned construction and maintenance items included: replacement of culverts at Bear Creek to Ottawa; G-1 pump station replacement on Old Belfair Highway (with traffic control and flaggers on Wednesday); conversion of some gravel roads to chip seal (including Yates Road and other island roads); and a striping and RPM (raised pavement marker) program on major roads. Staff said the county has converted about 15 miles of gravel roads to paved surfaces over the last five years.

No formal vote was recorded beyond the commission's informal approval to proceed with the bid call; staff will post the bid notice if the board's authorization is captured on the action agenda.

Ending: Public Works will present the call-for-bids item on the action agenda for formal authorization and will continue with pump-station work, grinder-pump inspections under the grant, and scheduled road projects.