ILWACO Potholes, sinkholes, drainage issues, deteriorating sidewalks and gravel roads surfaced to the top of the Ilwaco City Councils to-do list last week as councilors unanimously approved a six-year transportation improvement program June 27.

Prepared by the Washington State Department of Transportation, the plan consists of 16 projects listed in priority of importance that span from 2012 through 2017. At the top of the list are: sink hole and road repairs on Robert Gray Drive between Second Street and Klahanee Drive; road reconstruction and resurfacing of School Road; and paving sections of Advent Avenue and Hemlock Street.

Other plans include: a citywide sidewalk improvement project; paving sections of Adelia and Spruce streets; replacing the sewer line and performing the associated road repairs on First Street; paving Elizabeth Street; paving the shoulder and adding a new sidewalk along Lake Street; paving sections of Pearl and Myrtle streets; paving Whealdon Street; paving Reservoir Road; and rebuilding the often hazardous Cooks Hill intersection.

In the Vandalia development, proposed improvements include: paving Captain Robert Gray Drive and the Chattam, Rochelle, Delta, Glemorag and Ortelius cul-de-sacs; resurfacing and adding a storm drain along Scarboro Lane; and resurfacing and adding storm drains along Ortelius Drive.

The grand total cost for the projects is estimated to total around $4.2 million, with more than $4 million coming from state funds.

 

While on the topic of the citys roadways, the council was also faced with a decision to accept or reject a $35,000 estimate to chip seal areas of Vandalia.

Mayor Mike Cassinelli recommended that the council wait out the project until the citys finances are more stable, Were burning money fairly fast, and what were burning money on is storm water repair so until a storm water district is formed  

Councilman David Jensen explained that the citys streets fund currently maintains the storm water infrastructure, and if a storm water district is formed to fund improvements, there would be more money available for street improvement projects.

Noting that Vandalia has suffered with poor roads for some time, Councilor Butch Smith suggested using a deferred payment plan in order to get the work done.

Vandalia has been out of sight and out of the mind of past councils, said Smith. We need to think outside of the box to get this done.

Councilor Don Berger described the proposed project as being a patch for the problem, rather than a solution. He said the project would only benefit about 12 Vandalia residents compared to the 600 people who live in Ilwaco. 

I think your priorities are wrong, by benefitting a few and not all, he explained.

Berger suggested that the city make improvements to Vandalias Captain Robert Gray Drive, which he felt would benefit the entire development. Councilman Gary Forner noted that there are other problem areas in Vandalia that are included in the citys six-year transportation improvement program.

Councilor Fred Marshall made a motion to authorize the mayor to negotiate a chip sealing contract not to exceed $14,000. The motion passed four votes to one.

Councilors also reviewed a request from the Ilwaco Charter Association for $1,000 in lodging tax funds to advertise for the Ilwaco fishing derby.

Berger said he was reluctant to support the request because he felt it could appear that the expenditure could directly benefit some individuals on the council, such as Cassinelli and Smith, both charter business owners.

He also felt that the expenditure wouldnt be in the citizens best interest, I was in business for 25 years and no one paid for my advertising.

I find it disheartening that this council would speak against this, said Smith, who chose to abstain from voting. Smith said people dont fall out of the sky each summer to fill up hotel rooms, and said the funds would go towards recruiting all types of fishermen to the area. 

Marshall, a member of the councils finance committee, noted that the purpose of lodging tax funds is to promote tourism, which is required by state law. The request was approved three votes to one. 

The council also agreed to amend the citys overweight vehicle ordinance to exclude boat trailers.

Among staff reports, treasurer Elaine McMillan said that the city will be audited in July, and the cost for the audit will increase by about 6 percent. The city had originally budgeted $17,000 to pay for the audit process.

During council reports, Don Berger stated that he will not accept any emails or phone calls regarding upcoming council agenda items prior to the council meeting. He asked that if citizens have input to provide that they do so by attending the council meetings.

Smith thanked the mayor and city attorney for helping to move the RV parked at a downtown bait shop.

Ive achieved my goal as a councilman, so I guess I can resign, he joked.