Staff reports: reservoir work paused for nesting birds; pump station, trail, bank stabilization and splash pad projects progress

Committee members received a multi‑item update from Public Works staff covering staffing vacancies and several capital projects.

Staffing: Ashley Gamble, Public Works staff, told the committee the city is awaiting approval to hire a new administrative employee and is advertising for a budgeted wastewater operator. "We're badly knee in need of more administrative help," Gamble said. She said the wastewater operator posting began in mid/late last week and that staff expect at least some applicants.

Reclaimed reservoir: Gamble reported the reservoir project has broken ground but is paused because of Ecology funding conditions regarding migratory birds. She said, "we have a flicker with a nest... The eggs have hatched, so they got little baby chicks. And the expectation is that they will be fledging and leaving the nest around the July 4 or thereabouts." Gamble said Ecology would not grant an…