BINGEN — The Bingen City Council continued its work through the summer months with a full council as they met in chambers on July 16. The meeting opened with a report on public transportation services in the region.
Kathy Fitzpatrick, mobility manager for Columbia Area Transit, delivered the report.
A survey of the councilors revealed that two own a GOPass, which allows riders to travel freely or at a greatly reduced cost to most CAT destinations. Fitzpatrick reported that the bus is inclusive, welcoming bikes, dogs on leash and folks needing wheelchairs.
She added that when the Old Highway bike path is complete, the Gorge will be a major bike destination. Travel Oregon is starting to promote disabled travel with a thorough guide at www.accessiblegorge.com.
Fitzpatrick next reported that CAT’s 12 buses can be summoned on-demand through its Dial-a-Ride program, but also provide numerous fixed routes. Riders can go to 20 towns in the Gorge, 20 trailheads, Portland and Multnomah Falls. The bus goes to Portland nine times a day.
While most folks understand the environmental benefits of mass transit, the economic benefits are not always as clear, she said. The report explained that it costs $10,000 to operate a car per year; it’s only $2 per round trip to take the bus across the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate bridge vs. $7 to pay tolls for a passenger car or pickup.
A new feature of the program is a bilingual travel trainer, who helps groups and individuals navigate the system to access transportation services.
CAT continues to listen for additional needs. For example, they are working on connecting the Goldendale-The Dalles route to the Hood River-Bingen-White Salmon route. The number of riders is increasing monthly, and CAT works closely with the Mt. Adams Transportation District to meet the needs of regional public transportation, she said. Some riders may find themselves in the company of their mayor, as three Gorge mayors drive buses for CAT, including Hood River Mayor Paul Blackburn.
Anna Barlow, one of the artists from the Color Outside the Lines mural project, addressed the council next. She first praised the council for supporting public art, then explained that there’s a need to protect the mural with a sealant to provide UV protection and make it possible to clean up graffiti. Barlow sourced two quotes and settled on a quote for $1,000. The council planned to discuss the funding request at a future meeting.
Once again, infrastructure projects dominated the council agenda. The East Steuben waterline replacement project is on track; the council reviewed the contractor’s request for partial payment. The Oak Street Reservoir replacement project is nearing completion, but sanitization of the tank was delayed, again. Mayor Catherine Kiewit and the council expressed concern with the additional delay.
The DC Fast Charger project is still on track, but the charger itself is so physically large that it takes up an entire parking spot in a lot where they are very limited. City Administrator Krista Loney said they are problem-solving that challenge. The council’s numerous other infrastructure projects were all on track.
Council then held a public hearing for the short plat requested by John Dean. The intent is to divide a commercial lot into smaller commercial lots. The property at 100 West Steuben currently houses State Farm Insurance and other commercial entities. The property owner had done his due diligence; there was no public comment, County Planner Mandy Hertel had vetted it, and the short plat was unanimously approved.
During council comments, Kiewit revealed that the Bingen Olympics had to be canceled due to a lack of preregistrations. The focus is now on the upcoming Huckleberry Festival held in September.
The next Bingen City Council meeting is on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
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