Local News

The Cathlamet Town Council got 2007 off to a quiet start with a quiet meeting Tuesday.
The council accepted the bid of Longview Plumbing and Heating, Inc., for a new heating system at the municipal swimming pool. The firm bid $42,339 for the job.
Mayor Dick Swart said the project has a May 1 completion date, so the firm may start work as soon as all contract documents are executed.
Councilmembers also expressed a desire to have the Greenwood Hill water reservoir painted this year.
The project has been on the list to do for a couple of years, Councilmember David Goodroe said.
Swart said timing is a consideration. Painting needs to occur in the dry season, and the reservoir must be emptied and cleaned before the work can start. He said he hopes to be able to put the project out to bid in March.

In other business:
—The council voted to reset and extend terms of planning commission members, with terms staggered so that at least one member’s term is up every year.
Planning commissioners and the expiration dates of their terms are Chair Fred Johnson, December 31, 2009; Chris Doumit, December 31, 2008; Hap Anderson, December 31, 2007; and Andrew Lea and Robert Rendler, both terms ending December 31, 2010.
Johnson reported that the planning commission had met this month and was working on a draft of a revised zoning ordinance and would look into establishing restricted parking areas, as the mayor had requested.
—Mayor Swart read proclamations recognizing the community service of the late Mark Linquist, a county commissioner, and Johnson, who retired from the county prosecuting attorney position at the end of December.
—The council passed a resolution setting 2007 as the centennial of the town’s incorporation. Town government will be 100 years old on February 18, 2007, and councilmembers will help organize a celebration.
—The council recessed the public meeting and concluded with an executive session on personnel issues.