Public Health and Social Services requested and the commissioners approved a professional-services contract on Jan. 7 delegating management authority for a septic-replacement project in the Lost Lake community to the Lost Lake Resort Condominium Association.

Season Long, Environmental Health Division Director, told the board the board previously executed two grant agreements with the Washington State Department of Ecology to replace 55 septic connections in the Lost Lake community. The professional-services contract delegates project-management responsibilities to the Lost Lake Resort Condominium Association or its subcontractors to oversee public bidding, hire and manage the septic installer, and ensure compliance with grant terms.

Staff asked the board to authorize the director of Public Health and Social Services to execute the contract and amendments not to exceed 10% and to approve payments to contractors and vendors up to the total amount of Washington State Department of Ecology grant funding: $957,965.70. Commissioners moved and seconded the motion and approved the item by voice vote.

The contract delegates operational responsibility for grant administration and project delivery to the homeowners association while the county retains oversight to ensure compliance with the Ecology grant terms.