Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
Apollo Contracting of Tri-Cities is installing a new chiller unit. The company hopes to start the wrap up of installation later this week.
RITZVILLE - Adams County Commissioners authorized modifying the Families First Coronavirus Response Act after hearing from Public Works Director Todd O'Brien, who expressed concerns over exclusion of public works personnel and the issue of retroactivity.
O'Brien pointed out previous correspondence said all employees were covered, and asked why the act would exclude "essential" workers.
According to April 13 commissioner meeting minutes, the federal act states employers can exclude certain employees from receiving access to benefits if they are deemed "essential" employees.
Human Resources Manager Amalia Perez was directed at that meeting to prepare a policy to for the board to review April 20 to consider employee exclusions.
The authorized modification will remove the exclusion language, and the policy will be brought before the board for final review prior to adoption.
During the meeting, Dell Palmer of Hatton brought concerns before the board regarding a development in town that might not be meeting zoning conditions.
Palmer expressed concerns about the city expanding it's water system.
Building and Planning Director Loren Wiltse said the state Department of Health will not approve an expansion of the water system without a plan.
Adams County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Flyckt said as an independent municipal corporation, the town of Hatton is not part of county government; however the prosecutor's office is researching what, if anything, the county can do to assist with the situation.
The bid for construction of the Adams County Recycling Building at the Bruce Transfer Station in Othello has been awarded to Dug Excavation, LLC, out of Othello. The bid of $398,140 plus sales tax, came in at approximately five percent above the engineer's estimate.
In other business, Adams County commissioners:
• Awarded the Deal Road widening/surfacing Phase 2 and Deal No. 1 Project, Phase 2, to Central Washington Asphalt of Moses Lake.
The accepted bid is for $1,625,453.
The bid is 66.9% of the engineer's estimate of $2,431,323.
A second bid came in from Granite Construction Co. of Moses Lake; that bid was for $2,315,315.
• Approved Pay Estimate No. 1 in the amount of $323,235 to Granite Construction of Yakima for work completed in March on the Deal Road Widening/Surfacing and Deal No. 1 Project, Phase 1.
• Authorized the chairman to sign an amendment to a contract between the state Department of Health and Adams County.
The $150,000 increase brings the total contract award to $802,362 for the period of Jan. 20 through Dec. 31.
The purpose of the amendment is to establish funding and tasks for local health jurisdictions to prevent, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus disease outbreak.
• Approved an interlocal agreement between Adams and Grant counties for developmental disabilities services.
Under the agreement, Grant County will administer developmental disability services for Adams County.
• Authorized a letter to the Adams County Fire Protection District No. 6 informing commissioners of the county's willingness to dispose of tax-title property, Parcel No. #1637010500208, Lots 8 and 9, Block, Original Benge, and deed it to District No. 6 for just under $12 and recording costs.
• Heard an update on routine gravel road maintenance by Public Works Director Todd O'Brien.
O'Brien said work has begun on installation of air condition for the Cedar Street Building in Othello.
• Received correspondence from attorney Chris Bajalcaliev regarding Public Defender quarterly reports in 2019; a notice of change of location for a marijuana license application on Hampton Road in Lind; and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding preparation for consequences of potential flooding.
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