Public Works updates: filters, reservoirs, curb painting; council previews sale of Public Works building and comprehensive plan update

Woodland — The city’s Public Works and mayor’s reports at Monday’s meeting reviewed several ongoing infrastructure and planning items, including work at the water treatment plant, a three-year curb repainting cycle, a proposed sale of the Public Works building and the start of a comprehensive plan update process.

Public Works reported that Filter No. 2 at the water treatment plant has been sandblasted, had structural repairs completed, and is receiving new filter components to improve water quality. Staff said reservoir storage work is planned: a 1.5 million-gallon reservoir (referred to as number 4) is expected to begin in about 60 days with completion anticipated by late summer. The department also noted trucks have been fitted for plows and de-icer is stocked.

Public Works staff described a recently constructed garbage containment enclosure at the park to handle increased waste; the enclosure was completed in-house using about $2,000 in materials versus a low external bid of $15,000. The department also outlined a rework of a road (Gun Club Road) with ADA ramp upgrades and a new bike lane and sidewalk planned ahead of repaving.

In the mayor’s report, Mayor Todd Deinhardt said staff are working with Woodland Real Estate to market the Public Works building. The mayor reported estimated gross proceeds of about $430,000 with an outstanding debt of about $325,000, leaving an estimated net near $100,000; he said selling the building would reduce maintenance obligations and pay down roughly $320,000 of debt.

The mayor and planning staff also previewed an 2025 comprehensive plan periodic update. The city has budgeted $60,000 in the current year (and had $60,000 in the prior year) for an outside consultant to assist with the update. Staff said more than 100 policies and items need review and a schedule includes four open houses, four planning commission meetings and three council hearings with a draft due by June. A survey on the city website had about 25 responses at the meeting; staff said they hope to reach 400 responses by June and will promote the survey via utility bills.

Council briefly noted community events including a citizenship workshop scheduled for Feb. 22 and a March 15 spring-fling bingo fundraiser to support the class of 2025 grad night.

No formal council actions were taken on these reports; items are proceeding through staff implementation and future meetings.