Gorge Heritage Museum lease renewed

BINGEN — Following an executive session, the Bingen City Council convened on April 7 for its regular bi-monthly meeting. Topics included the museum lease, a required environmental regulations update, and, as always, water.

The Gorge Heritage Museum sits on Humboldt Street and is operated by volunteers with the West Klickitat County Historical Society on a free lease from the city. After the society requested a three-year extension, council asked for an assessment of the building’s current physical status, which showed a solid foundation and “good bones.” The building, however, will require future maintenance, including a new roof, asbestos maintenance in the basement, and exterior clean-up. Discussion ranged widely.

Mayor Kelsey Ramsey questioned the cost of all the maintenance, asking if the city should continue renting it out for free in light of the needed repairs. Both Mayor Ramsey and Councilor Erika Ramsey have noted the lack of daycare in the city and asked about the possibility of converting the building to other uses. Councilor Craig Trummel suggested the city sign the longer lease in the absence of any imminent plans to change its use. In the end, the council agreed to a three-year lease with contingencies that allow for the city to conduct repairs and maintenance as needed.

Policy was up next on the docket, as Planner Mandy Hertel led the city through a required Commerce Periodic Update, which is essentially an environmental regulation plan required by the State Evaluation Policy Act. Bingen approved the plan and is in compliance with state rules.

Next up: water. The council heard of the progress made on the city’s stormwater plan for the Department of Ecology. At a cost of $70,000, the plan is primarily funded by a $59,500 grant, and stormwater isn’t Bingen’s only water issue. The Wastewater Treatment Plant is shared by Bingen and White Salmon with costs paid commensurately, and the latter has requested a capacity study to determine plant capacity over the next 20 years. Water rates were discussed next. White Salmon has its eye on the next rate increase, but an updated rate study is needed before the increase is set. The rate increases will apply to both water and sewer services.

In her project status updates, City Administrator Krista Loney again brought up the city’s water use when updating council on the East Steuben Waterline replacement project. With leakage reaching up to 40% on the aged water lines, the city anticipates saving a great deal of water following the repairs. Loney also reminded folks that the community cleanup is set for April 24-25; residents may call city hall to schedule debris pickup on those days; anyone dropping off debris may do so between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on those days, with 3 p.m. being a firm end time.

Last, the city’s 100-year time capsule will be buried in Daubenspeck Park on Saturday, April 18, at 2 p.m., and there will be cake. Everyone is invited.