The long time chair of the Centralia Police and Fire Commission was honored for his service at Monday night’s Centralia City Council meeting.
Joel Brooks was given a plaque of appreciation.
“23 years I am very proud to be a part of the hiring process for the Police and Fire Departments. Time flies when you’re having fun, and I guess I had fun. Thank you.”
Brooks was also commended for his other work on behalf of community organizations.
The council approved two new agreements with the Canadian National Railroad. City Manager Kory Smith says one of the agreements will allow for installation of new raw and treated water mains near the Ellis and Prairie Street crossings in Central City.
“This permit is required by CN and the city is required to pay a $7,000 one time fee for each crossing. One more crossing license will be required in the future for an 18-inch treated water main, but has not been completed as of today’s date. The cost of these licenses will be paid through the water treatment plant replacement fund. So this is one of those step forwards that we are seeing in regards to our raw waterline to an boulder pump station which some point in time will tie in to our water treatment plant.”
The second agreement with the CN will continue a lease agreement to allow the city access to the force main that serves the Industrial Park between 15th and 16th Street. It will cost $600 a year annually during the five year agreement. The lease dates back to 1959.
The council approve a new agreement with Metro-Ag, Inc for removal and transportation of water treatment plant residuals. The new contract will cost the city $5,000 more per year.
The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce was given permission to utilize Fairview Park for a drive through balloon glow during Balloon Fest on Friday night, August 18th.
In public comment, Vernell Burris told the council they need to find a way to pay for a new outdoor pool in Fairview Park and suggested a property tax rate increase may be in order.
Charles Pigg of the 600 block of North Beech raised concern about a badly burned home next to his where it appears the resident may now be living in a camper at the rear of the property. Community Development Director Gayla Harting says the home has been marked as condemned with no entry allowed. Condemnation proceedings have started. Harting suggested police be called if people are seen going in and out of the house. She says the resident has been ticketed and given ten days to remove the camper that is being powered by a generator.
