Cashmere City Council Meeting December 12

Parking is prohibited on the streets and alleys of Cashmere between the hours of 4:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. The reminder was given at the Dec 12 Cashmere City Council meeting, by Director of Operations, Steve Croci, that these restrictions are in effect during the months of November through March to allow for snow removal. Croci also announced that any ideas for changes to the city’s comprehensive land use plan, such as changes in city zoning should be submitted to the city by the beginning of February.

Futsal courts should be included in the city’s Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces (PROS) Plan suggested Cashmere resident, Ricardo Zepeda, during a Public Hearing regarding the Plan. He told the Council that local residents now go to East Wenatchee to play, but a place dedicated to the soccer game would benefit the youth and other Cashmere residents. Director of Operations, Steve Croci, replied that a futsal court is included as an option in the PROS plan.

The Council unanimously approved a $121,951 budget adjustment for the Water and Wastewater facilities operator, Woodard and Curran (W&C). The vote followed a detailed explanation about the increase by W&C Area Manager, Chris McMahon, and a lengthy discussion by council members. McMahon explained that the substantial 14% increase over the estimated budget was a result of many unknown issues to the city water and wastewater systems. W&C began operating the Cashmere systems in May of 2022. According to McMahon, “putting out fires” caused by unanticipated system failures resulted in about $44,000 in additional labor costs. An inflation-induced 20% increase, just since May, for wastewater treatment chemicals contributed about $30,000 to the increase above the estimated budget. He contributed the budget difference being a result of the company not knowing the poor conditions of the systems, a result of deferred maintenance and capital projects. According to McMahon, these issues were not detectable until W&C staff were actually in the field operating the facilities. He said, now that many of the problems have been dealt with, things are leveling out and costs are coming down. According to McMahon W&C is beginning to be able to start planning ahead, rather than reacting to problems.

Responding to a question from Mayor Jim Fletcher about the status of implementing technology that will track systems’ operations, McMahon said that they are in the process of implementing a computerized maintenance management system. The crew has received training on the system and GIS data has been input into the system and maintenance routines are being added. The computer system will help anticipate needed maintenance to the water and wastewater facilities, allowing for preventative upkeep.

Council member, Chris Carlson, asked McMahon if W&C had a contingency value built into their estimated budget since they knew they were going into an unforeseen circumstance. McMahon replied that they expected to see a certain number of breaks and resulting overtime costs, but the amount grew dramatically beyond what was expected. He said they expected 2-3 calls per week but have received about 20; they expected about 1 waterline break/month but there has been about 5-6 per month; and they expected 1-2 sewer overflows/month, but there have been 5-8 each month. The computer system failed on the 5^th day that they took over operation. In a final question, Carlson asked McMahon “What if we say, no, this is too much money?” McMahon relied on that there would need to be different discussions and he would have to touch base with his team, but the contract is cost plus 8.

Responding to a question from Council member Sheila Pistoresi, McMahon said that W&C is still looking for a quality qualified manager to oversee Cashmere’s systems but has not yet found anyone that is qualified and that W&C can meet their salary expectations.

John Perry asked what W&C was going to do for the city to reduce costs and get a permanent project manager. McMahon replied that the budget is coming in line with the system issues being addressed, reducing overtime labor costs. Costs were under budget in Nov. and McMahon expects Dec. to be at or below budget. In terms of the project manager, he explained that they can find people who are willing to do the job, but “we want to find some that can bring the level of expertise that Woodard and Curran expect” and until then W&C will continue to provide the support that has been provided to date.

In additional W&C related votes, the Council unanimously approved two Out of Scope agreements with W&C for replacing and programming a new SCADA server. Croci explained that the funds were already budgeted, but the work was being shifted from RH2 Engineering to W&C, since they will be the ones operating the computer system.

The 2022 budget was amended, shifting funds that reflect changes in the Fire Department. Kay Jones, City Clerk-Treasurer, explained that the dollar amount remains the same, funds were just shifted.

In other business, final approval was given by the Council for the Freedom Hills subdivision and changes to the utility and billing policy which will reflect the recent changes made to city fees.