Public works reports water-system surveys, generator hookup and phone-line savings; residents press for pothole fixes

City public works staff reported that consultants have completed surveys for the Water System Improvements project and that preliminary plans and an engineering letter report are underway. Staff said water-main design layout is scheduled to start at the end of the month and that they aim to advertise a Fourth Street project for bid by early April.

Public works also reported several operational items completed this winter: retirement of legacy phone lines (some associated with the old SCADA system) that reduces annual costs by roughly $2,000; installation of a generator receptacle capable of powering a booster pump station; and a motion light installed on the northwest corner of City Hall. Staff asked the council to report whether the new motion light position is sufficient.

During public comment, residents from the North End asked the council to address a rough logging-road connector used to reach Highway 101; speakers described deep ruts and damage from logging trucks and requested either a short-term gravel fill with assistance from a nearby landowner or placement on the city’s priority street list for repair. Councilors suggested applying for the Small Cities grant program and asked staff to get cost estimates and place the location on a prioritized list of repairs.

City staff also discussed sand supplies for sandbags (noting current stock and monitoring) and said the SCADA replacement allowed retirement of old phone lines, clarifying previous constraints that prevented earlier line retirement.