BINGEN — On Aug. 4, city council discussed recovery from downtown flooding, considered new fence regulations and got an update on several infrastructure projects. They also approved a dispatch services agreement with Klickitat County.
After a contractor struck an eight-inch water main back in April, the city has issued nearly $170,000 in lost-wage payments to affected businesses, according to Mayor Kelsey Ramsey. A partial insurance settlement was offered to Chips on July 6, which includes remediation and specific contractors for repairs, along with lost wages. The other businesses, including Carmen’s, have also received insurance offers which include remediation, cleaning, reconstruction, and lost wages.
Ramsey’s report also explained that Mugs, a coffee business, had lost its lease prior to the flooding. The space will now be fully occupied by Studio CBC, a building components business that focuses on windows and doors. Previously in the basement, they will now feature a showroom upstairs as well.
Separately, City Administrator Krista Loney brought new fence regulations for council to consider. Any new Bingen code would not be retroactive on fences already built, but would apply to future fences. Two options surfaced: a seven-foot maximum for fence height, or a six-foot maximum. Any fence over those limits would require a permit. Fence heights are often further restricted on the street-facing side of the property so that firefighters and other emergency personnel can see the house address. Loney will provide additional information for a continued discussion at the next meeting.
Loney then updated council on various infrastructure projects. The Alder and Cedar Sidewalks proposed design has only recently been sent to Washington’s Department of Transportation, delaying the project until it can be reviewed. This is expected to take three to six months.
The city’s water distribution system leaked 20% last month, which is lower than average but higher than the city has been aiming for. The replacement of the East Steuben waterline is on track, and completion is expected by early fall. The efforts toward a Quiet Zone for Bingen are also underway. The first milestone would be design plans at 60%, which is expected by January 2027.
The next city council meeting is set for Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. in City Hall.
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