"I remember before Forrie Smith had the Blue Top Jim Nelson had The Inn in the Blue Top Building.  When the new highway went in Jim Nelson moved The Inn to Hwy 101 and Kendrick St."  - Ray Hicks

"One of my favorite memories is the amazing oysters at Claire's party." - Ryan Jacquay 

Submit your memory HERE or drop it by City Hall.

The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Councilor Buchanan, Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis, Councilor Little, Police Chief Eastham, City Supervisor Houk. Assistant Fire Chief McGee and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts. Councilor Williams was absent (excused).

A motion was made by Councilor Neve to approve the Agenda, Consent Agenda and the minutes of the May 13, 2019 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Little.

Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-1

Vendors – Check #45048 thru Check #45079 - $32,525.20 Including EFT Payments

None

Mayor Struck opened the public hearing at 5:33 pm. Mayor Struck noted that there were CDBG handouts in the back of the room in English and Spanish as well as a Spanish interpreter available if anyone in the audience needed assistance.

Gray & Osborne, Inc. representative Dominic Miller briefly explaining the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) General Purpose Grant which is a $750,000 grant application to help offset the cost of the current water treatment plant improvements that the city currently has a $3,000,000 loan through U.S. Dept of Agriculture-Rural Development (USDA-RD) for. If the grant is approved it would reduce the amount of the USDA RD loan.

There was little public input and those that did speak did not identify themselves for the record. The public hearing was closed at 5:49 pm.

Dominic Miller explained the bid results for the First Street & Kendrick Street Reconstruction / Willapa Avenue Sidewalk Project. The Engineers Estimate was $635,000 to $695,000 and the lowest bidder was $804,560.00 / $850,710.00.

This project is being funded through the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB). With Mr. Millers assistance the City approached TIB to see if they would be able to provide any additional funds for the project and they agreed to add an additional $125,510 to the project which left a shortfall of $25,000 and no additional money for overruns. Following discussion Councilor Neve made a motion to accept the bid results and award the project as presented to Rognlin’s, Inc. ($804,560) with the understanding that the city would be responsible for the $25,000 shortfall and any cost overruns. The motion was seconded by Councilor Buchanan.
Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-1

Prior to the vote Councilor Little recused himself due to a conflict of interest.

Councilor Neve made a motion to accept the Pacific Sunset Final Plat as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Davis. Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-1  (Vote: Ayes-Councilor Buchanan, Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis; Absent-Councilor Williams; Abstention-Councilor Little)

Councilor Neve made a motion to accept Resolution #2019-03 – July 5, 2019 Additional Holiday as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Davis. Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-1

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• City Supervisor Houk explained that there had been a couple of issues at the Water Treatment Plant – the chlorinator value went out which shut the plant down until a contractor was able to come in and get it fixed and the raw water pump broke down and had to be shipped out for repair. The plant was down for about 24 hours and the city had to purchase water from Raymond during that time.
• The circuit panel for the Steve Russell Crossing (flashing crosswalk) was sent in and it is not repairable. To replace the panel is approximately $7,000. At this time the city does not have a plan for replacement, but will explore what funding options might be available.

Mayor Struck announced that the city had been awarded $30,000 for the library through the Pacific Council of Government’s .09 monies funding program. She advised that with the money from the Friends of the Library and this money this should be able to take care of the repairs that were identified during the inspection by Gray & Osborne, Inc. last year.

• Councilor Davis asked if fireworks would be banned this year due to the drought. Police Chief Eastham advised that he didn’t know yet, but he did point out that he would be ticketing anyone that was CAUGHT setting off illegal fireworks this year. The fine will be $500.00.
• Regarding fireworks, Councilor Buchanan noted that he would like to see smaller fines and it enforced more often.
• Councilor Buchanan mentioned that the Steve Russell Crossing crosswalk needed to be repainted. City Supervisor Houk advised he would contact the Washington Dept of Transportation as that is their responsibility.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:11 PM to meet again on Monday, June 10, 2019 for the next regularly scheduled meeting at South Bend City Hall.

4th Street Reconstruction

We are currently in the draft phase of the design for the $710,650 CDBG General Purpose Grant to reconstruct 4th Street between Pacific and Willapa Avenues. It is also slated for construction this summer. The project will result in improved vehicle and pedestrian safety and water service reliability. Major components of the project include reconstructing approximately 680 linear feet of roadway; adding an American Disabilities Act compliant sidewalk; and replacing the existing water main. The CDBG project will link to the completed Transportation Improvement Board project located on Willapa Avenue.

Adams Street

As of now, the  $762,710 TIB (Transportation Improvement Board) Adams Street Project is still in the design phase of the project and is expected to go to constructions this summer. The project will provide a safe corridor for pedestrians to get from Hwy 101 to the South Bend school facilities.  Simultaneously, the roadway (with the averaged PCR score of 29 for the two segments to be replaced) will receive Cement Treated Base similar to that on the TIB funded First Street and Kendrick Street project. The project will include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and crossing bars, curb and gutters plus a 5’ sidewalk on the west side of Adams Street.

Cheney Ballfield Lighting

The City of South Bend was awarded a RCO Grant (Recreation and Conservation Office) for the amount of $330,000. With that, the very generous Cheney Foundation picked up a good portion of the match in the amount of $35,000 and the city put $25,000 with in-kind labor. The city of South Bend will use this grant to install LED lights at the newly renovated Cheney Field in downtown South Bend. The scope of this project is to install LED field lighting along with electrical upgrades and related work at the field. The primary recreational opportunity provided by this project is increased lighted baseball and softball use. Progress is happening on this project as well. The first week in March PanGeo will be on site for some soils engineering along with Cultural Resource Consultants (CRC), they will also be onsite during this exploratory drilling and monitor the activity. The on-site monitoring is an RCO requirement. Following approval of the Purchase Order from Musco, it will take Musco 45 days to factory construct the lighting and ship to the site.  Depending on the soil conditions, they expect it could take up to a week to install. We are hoping to have the Cheney Lighting Project complete this Spring.

Mary Rogers Pioneer Park

Click HERE for more details

Water Treatment Plant 

The City of South Bend was awarded a $3,000,000 US Department of Agriculture Rural Development loan and $750,000 Community Development Block Grant to help offset loan. The loan and grant will be used to upgrade and expand the City’s filter membrane water treatment plant. The plant, originally constructed 2000, produced approximately 864,000 gallons per day in 2018. Plant capacity will be expanded with the addition of a new filter rack, allowing for production to increase to 1.29 million gallons per day. The plant will also undergo a series of upgrades designed to improve plant efficiency and resiliency. Upgrades include but are not limited to pump replacements, membrane retrofits, and the integration of emergency backup power. Upon completion, the water treatment plant upgrades and expansion will allow the City to better meet the City’s municipal water needs in an effective and dependable manner.

The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Councilor Buchanan, Councilor Williams, Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis, Councilor Little, Police Chief Eastham and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts. City Supervisor Houk was absent.

A motion was made by Councilor Neve to approve the Agenda, Consent Agenda and the minutes of the April 8, 2019 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Williams.

Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Vendors – Check #44998 thru Check #45047 - $308,173.64 Including EFT Payments
Check #44973 thru #44997 VOIDED

Payroll - Check #24605 thru Check #24621 - $97,005.30 Including Direct Deposit

None

Councilor Neve made a motion to accept the Pacific County Communications (PACCOM) Interlocal Agreement as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Davis. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Clerk/Treasurer Roberts gave the council a brief overview of past spring cleanup numbers. Using an average from the last three years – 2016, 2017 and 2018 – 104 people took advantage of spring cleanup for a total overage of 60,077 lbs. which equaled 30.04 tons of garbage for an average cost of $3,151.83. Following a brief discussion Councilor Williams made a motion to continue spring cleanup with the expense covered by the City. The motion was seconded by Councilor Davis. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Spring cleanup will be held the week of June 10th. Clerk/Treasurer Roberts will advise Kim Porter to get the information out to the citizens.

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Mayor Struck advised she would be out of the office from May 14th – May 17th as she will be attending the National League of Cities Annual Conference in Florida. The Association of Washington Cities is paying for her to attend.

• Councilor Buchanan asked his fellow councilors to think about ways to get more use of the city dock and about parking. Police Chief Eastham noted that the docks are full in the summer, during boating season.
• Councilor Buchanan asked that if the Steve Russell Crossing isn’t fixed if there could be a sign put up that says it isn’t working properly.
• Councilor Williams noted that he hasn’t seen any mosquitos so far this year which is very unusual, but also a good thing.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:51 PM to meet again on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 for the next regularly scheduled meeting at South Bend City Hall.

Share a memory HERE!

The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Councilor Buchanan, Councilor Williams, Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis, Councilor Little, Police Chief Eastham, City Supervisor Houk and Administrative Assistant Porter. Clerk/Treasurer Roberts was absent.

A motion was made by Councilor Neve to approve the Agenda, Consent Agenda and the minutes of the April 8, 2019 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Williams.

Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Vendors – Check #44939 thru Check #44972 - $52,541.67 Including EFT Payments

None

Councilor Neve made a motion to accept Ordinance #1544 – 2019 Budget Amendments as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Davis. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Councilor Neve made a motion to accept Resolution #2019-2 – Payment of Claims Prior to Council Meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Williams. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

None

• Chief Eastham advised that a civil service list will be conducted for a new police officer. A brief discussion followed.
• City Supervisor Houk advised that the TIB projects for First/Kendrick and Willapa Sidewalk will be going out for bid within the next couple weeks.
• City Supervisor Houk advised that the Central St. Sewer Project will go out for bids probably in August.
• City Supervisor Houk announced that he was going to be meeting with Gray & Osborne, Inc. tomorrow morning regarding Pacific Sunset’s final plat submittal.

Mayor Struck asked the council members if any of them were planning on attending the Small City Connector Event Wednesday night. None of the council members said they were going.

• Councilor Little asked about diagonal parking problems in front of Pioneer Grocery and the Post Office. A brief discussion followed.
Councilor Williams asked about the garbage Spring Clean Up. A brief discussion followed.
• Councilor Buchanan inquired about the lack of parking when Mary Lou Rogers’ Park goes in. A brief discussion followed.
• Councilor Buchanan asked if the Willapa Sidewalk Project was going to be using most or all of the city’s right of way and if there was going to be places for parking. City Supervisor Houk advised yes on both.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 PM to meet again on Monday, May 13, 2019 for the next regularly scheduled meeting at South Bend City Hall.

The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Councilor Buchanan, Councilor Williams, Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis, Councilor Little, Police Chief Eastham, City Supervisor Houk and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts.

Prior to approval of the agenda Clerk/Treasurer Roberts requested an amendment to the agenda: adding Item #4A – Ordinance #1544 – 2019 Budget Amendments (First Reading).

A motion was made by Councilor Neve to approve the amended Agenda, Consent Agenda and the minutes of the March 25, 2019 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Williams.

Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Vendors – Check #44894 thru Check #44938 - $70,997.70

Payroll - Check #24589 thru Check #24604 - $111,764.49 Including Direct Deposit

None

Councilor Neve made a motion to move Ordinance #1544 – 2019 Budget Amendments to a second reading. The motion was seconded by Councilor Davis. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Ezra McCampbell from 331 1st Street, Raymond, WA spoke briefly regarding the Willapa River Development Project located on Island Way in Raymond and his personal concerns regarding water runoff and how it could affect the City of South Bend’s businesses that utilize the river.

• Police Chief Eastham advised that things were “business as usual” in his department. He did point out that it appears to be “scam season”! His department is receiving many reports of people getting scam phone calls and unfortunately some people are falling for them. Remember – if it sounds too good to be true, it is and if you have to send money to get money it is a SCAM!
• City Supervisor Houk announced that the public works position has been filled and the new hire, Jake Gerow, started on April 8th. He is fitting in nicely and the crew is happy to be fully staffed again.
• Clerk/Treasurer Roberts explained that the city’s 2018 Annual Report has been completed and submitted to the State of Washington as required by RCW 43.09.230. A copy was provided to the council and staff. The 2019 first quarter report was also completed and a copy was provided to council and staff as well.

Mayor Struck gave kudo’s to those involved in the Kids Fishing Derby that was held April 6th at the Mill Pond. There was a great turnout, everything was well organized and it appeared that everyone had a great time. Dave Williams did a great job spearheading the event.

Councilor Buchanan inquired about the grant for the field lighting at Cheney Park. A brief discussion followed.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:58 PM to meet again on Monday, April 22, 2019 for the next regularly scheduled meeting at South Bend City Hall.

The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Councilor Buchanan, Councilor Williams, Councilor Neve, Councilor Little, Police Chief Eastham, City Supervisor Houk and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts. Councilor Davis was absent. (Excused)

A motion was made by Councilor Neve to approve the Agenda, Consent Agenda and the minutes of the March 11, 2019 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Williams.

Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-1

Vendors – Check #44873 thru Check #44893 - $53,176.87

None

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• Police Chief Eastham gave a brief update on his department since the last council meeting including a minor officer involved accident that was not the officer’s fault.
• City Supervisor Houk announced that the Light Creek Dam Project will be finished this week. The majority of work that is left is work that will have to be done by hand, but the crew did a great job and it is a huge improvement.
• City Supervisor Houk explained that with each weather change it brings along with it water leaks. The crew has been busy making those repairs.
• City Supervisor Houk noted that the city would be interviewing eight potential candidates for the vacant public works position on March 26th. The city received 20 applications for the position.

• Mayor Struck gave an overview of the information she gathered at the Association of Washington Cities Lobby Day in Olympia which included some potential problems for cities down the road with fish culverts. She also touched on what she had heard about the capital budget. Additional information can be found at leap.leg.wa.gov
• Mayor Struck explained that she had recently met with Bryan Stebbins who is a representative from U.S. State Senator Patty Murray’s office. She felt like they had a great conversation and that the issues and concerns that she expressed to him would make it back to Patty Murray.

• Councilor Williams thanked the city crew for the gravel at First St off of Jackson Street. It was appreciated.
• Councilor Buchanan wished City Supervisor Houk good luck on the employee search.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:54 PM to meet again on Monday, April 8, 2019 for the next regularly scheduled meeting at South Bend City Hall.

The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Councilor Buchanan, Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis, Councilor Little, Police Chief Eastham, City Supervisor Houk and Administrative Assistant Porter. Clerk/Treasurer Roberts and Councilor Williams were absent (Excused).

A motion was made by Councilor Neve to approve the Agenda, Consent Agenda and the minutes of the February 25, 2019 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Davis.

Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-1

Vendors – Check #44820 thru Check #44872 - $118,768.13

Payroll - Check #24573 thru Check #24588 - $102,979.14 Including Direct Deposit

Mayor Struck read a letter from citizen Gary Buchanan regarding the tennis court.

Randy Carlson on behalf of the South Bend Girls Basketball team thanked the city for the state bound send off.

• Police Chief Eastham announced that the police officers and secretary are coaching a boys’ baseball team again this year.
• City Supervisor Houk informed business is as usual.

• Mayor Struck announced that she went to the South Bend Baseball field dedication and Cal Ripken Jr had sent 6 signed baseballs to the school and the City of South Bend got one of them.
• Mayor Struck informed that she’s been working with Scott McDougal from Pacific County Emergency Management along with others to develop a plan for emergency evacuation.
• Mayor Struck announced that she will be meeting with an aide from Senator Murray’s office on Thursday.

Councilor Buchanan thanked Mayor Struck for working with Pacific County Emergency Management.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 PM to meet again on Monday, March 25, 2019 for the next regularly scheduled meeting at South Bend City Hall.

The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Councilor Buchanan, Councilor Williams, Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis, Councilor Little, City Supervisor Houk and Administrative Assistant Porter. Clerk/Treasurer Roberts was absent.

A motion was made by Councilor Neve to approve the Agenda, Consent Agenda and the minutes of the February 11, 2019 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Davis.

Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Vendors – Check #44799 thru Check #44819 - $33,438.12

None

Councilor Neve made a motion to accept the 2019 EDC Contract for Technical Services as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Williams.

Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

• Citizen Linda Buchanan suggested that cherry trees be planted in honor of Katy Kimura, former Mayor of South Bend.
• Citizen Diantha Weilepp thanked the City for applying for a grant regarding the Library. The library is also looking for other grants they can apply for.

• Police Chief Eastham gave a brief update on his department happenings.
• City Supervisor Houk announced that public works will be losing an employee at the end of the month.

• Mayor Struck advised she had received the Department of Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) low to moderate income index for 2011-2015. South Bend is now at 68.83%. This number is higher than previous index.
• Mayor Struck congratulated the South Bend High School girls’ basketball team on making it to state. There will be a sendoff on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 @ 9:30am.
• Mayor Struck noted that the proposed schematic for Mary Rogers Pioneer Park is on the City’s website and Facebook page.

• Councilor Davis inquired about Initiative 1639. A brief discussion followed.
• Councilor Davis inquired about LeMay’s garbage service. A brief discussion followed.
• Councilor Neve asked City Supervisor Houk if the crew could take a look at the corner of W. First Street and “C” St. There is a pothole that needs attention.
• Councilor Williams agrees with planting cherry trees at Mary Rogers Pioneer Park.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:47 PM to meet again on Monday, March 11, 2019 for the next regularly scheduled meeting at South Bend City Hall.