Council approves engineering contracts for waterline replacement and park design using grant funds

On Aug. 19 the Goldendale City Council authorized two consultant agreements tied to capital work. First, the council approved a professional services proposal with Pioneer Surveying and Engineering for design and construction‑phase engineering on the 2023 waterline replacement project (phases 1 and 2), with a not‑to‑exceed amount of $597,314. Staff said the project budget anticipates engineering at roughly 15% of construction costs and that cultural resource study and monitoring were included in the scope where excavation occurs.

Second, the council authorized a site‑plan contract to support an RCO planning grant for improvements at Econy (Little League) fields and adjacent park areas. Staff said the city received an RCO grant of $85,000 to develop a plan that would make the site permit‑ready for future funding; consultant tasks include cultural resource work, irrigation planning, picnic areas, concrete pads and parking considerations. The contract amount discussed in the record was about $43,055 and the motion passed 6–1.

Staff noted phase 1 of the waterline project went to bid earlier in the year and construction was to begin shortly; phase 2 will follow. The council asked about typical engineering percentages and staff explained the 15% figure is an estimate and can vary with project complexity.

Next steps: execute the Pioneer contracts, monitor construction and cultural resource requirements during excavation, and develop the park plan so future sponsors can move to implementation when funding is available.