Council meeting focuses on water, sewer

BINGEN — The Bingen City Council, observed once again by mayoral candidate Kelsey Ramsey, met at city hall on Sept. 2. Fire Chief Carl Spratt opened the meeting with a service report. His crew had 48 calls in August, with 12 in Bingen. The majority of calls were medical emergencies, including several that were heat-related.

Treating wastewater was the council’s next issue. The city needs to develop a Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Plan in order to continue this critical service, and to be in compliance with the Washington State Department of Ecology. Mike Meskimen from engineering firm Gray & Osborne gave an overview of the process. The city completed a Facilities Master Plan in 2024, and consultants provided a list of the phase one improvements needed. With an estimated cost of $6.4 million, the largest upgrade will be electrical. Bingen shares wastewater treatment services with White Salmon, which will hear the same assessment.

Coincidentally, City Administrator Krista Loney  informed the council next that an emergency repair is needed for the city’s wastewater treatment. A Return Activated Sludge (RAS) pipe must be replaced, and a second one must be repaired. This pipe returns beneficial microorganisms to the aeration tank; its failure could cause environmental degradation and non-compliance. The expected cost to replace the pump is upwards of $60,000, but the cost will be shared with White Salmon, and can come out of the Treatment Plant Fund. The council agreed to send the project out for bids.

Gray & Osborne then reported that the design for the East Steuben Waterline Replacement, sections 2 and 3, is 90% done. The council agreed unanimously to send the construction phase of the project out for bids.

The Franklin Heights subdivision developer approached the council regarding city sewer access for its future residents. The developer asked to extend the city’s sewer mainline along East Franklin. Bingen Public Works will supervise the project, with the developer footing the bill. The council approved the plan.

Loney then led the council through various minor financial adjustments to the city’s budget, all of which were approved. The council was reminded that city staff received a 5% cost-of-living raise. They also certified the recent election results and authorized the collection of the prepared food and beverage sales tax of .01%. They renewed their agreement with Northwest Natural Gas, and heard that the 2024 federal audit is on track.

The next meeting of the Bingen City Council is set for Sept. 16 at 6 p.m.