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White Salmon approves $38,000 engineering contract for Stauch & Snohomish water-line study; councilor recuses
Summary
The White Salmon City Council approved an engineering-services agreement with Anderson Perry & Associates, Inc. for up to $38,000 plus reimbursables to study the Stauch and Snohomish Water Line Replacement Project; one councilmember recused and residents urged the City for clearer maps and alley paving.
The White Salmon City Council on May 20 authorized a consulting agreement with Anderson Perry & Associates, Inc. for engineering services to define scope, timeline and milestones for the Stauch and Snohomish Water Line Replacement Project, approving the contract not to exceed $38,000 plus reimbursable expenses. Councilmember Doug Rainbolt recused from the discussion and did not vote; the motion carried 4-0.
The contract covers engineering study work only; staff told the Council the agreement will be used to determine the project route, scope and milestones and that additional project work could be handled in-house to limit cost. Staff said the agreement was reviewed by legal counsel and that total project funding was identified as $250,000.
Residents who spoke during public comment urged additional clarifications before the project advances. Tom Gibson, a Snohomish Place resident, asked whether private service lines would be replaced and raised concern about potential homeowner responsibility for future leaks, and he asked Council not to approve the engineering-services contract as written without addressing those concerns. Mayor Marla Keethler responded that the item before Council was for engineering services only and that, if the project moves forward, the City would provide advance notice and coordinate with affected residents.
Dorothy Toppercer, also from Snohomish Place, urged that alley paving be prioritized within the larger project scope and asked whether improvements would include a fire hydrant. Dana Scheffler requested a clear map showing the proposed route and work area as the project develops.
During the meeting Council discussed the scope of the consulting engagement and staffing contributions; staff said the contract cost was lower than some comparable water-project contracts because some work will be done by City staff. Councilmember Ben Giant said he supported projects addressing aging infrastructure and stated he did not need to recuse from the vote despite living on the street being improved. Giant, Fink, Mora and Lindley voted yes; Rainbolt recorded a recusal.
