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Consortium delays Westland engineering RFP, authorizes SEP funding request amid resident concerns over costs
Summary
Board agreed to hold off on a Westland engineering RFP pending city negotiations and clarity on funding sources; it authorized staff to pursue Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) funds for Westland planning/engineering/construction and scheduled follow‑ups after meetings with Boardman city and residents, who urged they not "pay twice."
The Clean Water Consortium voted to delay issuing an RFP for full engineering of the Westland (West Glenn) project until consortium staff receive clarifying answers from the City of Boardman and state funding administrators, while authorizing staff to pursue supplemental environmental project (SEP) funds for Westland planning, engineering and possible construction.
During discussion, staff said RFP work would build on earlier feasibility work and make it possible to present residents with concrete options, costs and the likely connection approach with Boardman. Staff described three broad connection options under negotiation with Boardman: a county‑managed service with a master valve, direct service as city customers, or an intermediate IGA/contract arrangement. Staff emphasized that city decisions on connection types, rate structures and any council vote will affect engineering scope and procurement choices.
On funding, members reviewed options including state lottery bond proceeds (not available until 2027 unless reimbursable arrangements are agreed), consortium reserves (previously considered at roughly $500,000) and SEP funds (available immediately). Questions about whether SEP or consortium funds can be used up front and later reimbursed through Business Oregon or lottery funding were raised; staff said they would confirm rules with Business Oregon and the state Department of Administrative Services and seek DAZ guidance on preaward reimbursements.
After the RFP timing discussion, a motion authorizing staff (identified in the meeting as Matt and Jared) to move forward with obtaining SEP/SCP funds and to use those funds for planning, engineering, design and/or construction for the Westland community was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The board also recorded consensus not to proceed immediately with an RFP until the city conversations and funding clarifications occur.
Public comment from West Glenn residents reiterated expectations that residents should not be asked to "pay twice" for water—citizens said they have already borne costs in health impacts, deeper wells, maintenance and property‑value loss and expect restored access to safe drinking water without duplicative charges. Kristen, speaking for West Glenn United, said the neighborhood has five representatives prepared to meet with consortium decision‑makers and requested a direct meeting. Consortium staff committed to schedule follow‑up outreach and a possible special meeting to meet residents at a time outside standard work hours.
Why it matters: moving from feasibility to engineering commits funding and narrows options for how Westland would be integrated with Boardman’s system; residents face potential changes to costs and long‑term rate structures. The board’s decision to pause the RFP and seek SEP funds reflects a cautious approach while attempting to secure immediate funds for design work.
Next steps: staff will meet with Boardman leadership (Mayor Keeper and staff), consult Business Oregon/DAZ about reimbursement rules for using state lottery/SEP funds, finalize a short SEP summary for the agency, and schedule a meeting with West Glenn representatives. The board expected a city work session on March 21 and a city council meeting on April 7 where Boardman rates and related items may be discussed.
