At a glance: Council amends study-session agenda; authorizes emergency wastewater digester repair application

Two formal votes took place at the April 7 Sunnyside City Council study session: (1) the council approved an amended agenda that added an item on Cinco de Mayo safety planning; (2) the council approved a resolution authorizing submission of a Public Works Trust Board application for emergency repairs to the city's wastewater digester.

Agenda amendment: Councilor Vasquez moved and Councilor Hart seconded to approve the agenda amended to add a Cinco de Mayo Festival safety plan. Councilor Hancock, Councilor Ripley, Councilor Vasquez, Councilor Hart, Deputy Mayor Galvan and the mayor voted "yes." The motion passed.

Wastewater digester emergency repairs: Staff described a corroded methane-flaring pipe on the wastewater digester that compliance staff said constitutes an emergency requiring prompt remediation; estimates cited in discussion ranged from approximately $150,000 to $250,000 for immediate repairs and noted a larger reconstruction project scheduled later in the year. The council moved to approve a resolution authorizing the city manager to submit an application to the Washington State Public Works Trust Board for emergency repairs and to execute related documents. Motion by Councilor Hart, second by Councilor Hancock. The council voted: Councilor Hancock yes; Councilor Vasquez yes; Councilor Ripley yes; Councilor Hart yes; Deputy Mayor Galvan yes; Mayor yes. The motion passed.

Council members noted the project's urgency, public-works staff described compliance reporting to Ecology and cautioned about methanerelease and non-sparking tool requirements during repairs. Staff will submit the Public Works Trust Board application and follow up with the council on funding status.