Columbia County staff seek easement modification for Holst Trailhead improvements; April 7 public hearing set

Melissa Enright, general services project lead, told the Columbia County Board of Commissioners Wednesday that the Holst Trailhead Improvements Project needs an easement modification after the prior design was found to partially encroach on a city right of way.

Enright said the county met with the landowner, Randy Holz of Holz Logging Company, who gave written permission to shift the easement 15 feet south to avoid the city right of way, and that the city of Rainier has signed off. Enright said the county has a grant extension that allows the project to be completed this year if the easement is approved.

"Randy has signed off on this. The city of Rainier has signed off on this, and we have a public hearing on April 7 that would then give us the ability, assuming no other opposition to this, to move forward with the project and get it completed," Enright said.

Enright described planned amenities for the Holst Trailhead: an ADA-accessible vault toilet, a covered picnic area and interpretive signage.

The presiding officer noted that board orders are required to accept the easements and that the board does not need to take action at this meeting. Enright requested that commissioners authorize the two easements — one construction easement and one easement modification for the 15-foot move — so staff can prepare the board orders for placement on next week's consent agenda.

Commissioner Garrett asked whether a bathroom would be included; Enright confirmed the vault toilet and accessibility features. After brief discussion and expressions of thanks, the board did not take a final vote; staff will place easement-acceptance board orders on the consent agenda for the next meeting.

Discussion and next steps

- Staff will prepare board orders to accept the two easements and place those orders on next week's consent agenda for formal acceptance. - A public hearing on April 7 is scheduled; Enright said approval at or following that hearing, assuming no opposition, would allow project completion within the grant timeline.

No timeline for construction beyond the grant-year intent was given in the meeting transcript, and no construction contract or cost estimates were provided.