Authority approves up to $53,735 for temporary concrete blocks to limit vehicle access at Del Norte County transfer station

The Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority voted to authorize staff to contract with DDR Cleaning and Hauling to place temporary, stacked concrete blocks at a back parcel adjacent to the Del Norte County transfer station to prevent vehicular access that staff said has led to encampments, tree cutting and site damage.

Director Ward told the board the blocks would be stacked two‑high and are intended as temporary, removable perimeter control that can be placed or removed in a day with appropriate equipment. Ward said staff will not begin installation until any required permits are obtained from the Del Norte County planning department because the site lies within the coastal zone. “We’re not gonna have them any higher … but the stacked blocks would allow wildlife and pedestrians to walk through there if they’re motivated, but it won’t really allow for any vehicular access,” Ward said.

Commissioners questioned procurement and liability. One commissioner asked whether staff issued a competitive solicitation; Ward said the contract is with DDR based on an existing working relationship and explained public‑work thresholds typically trigger formal bidding at about $75,000. Legal counsel Ruben Cruz advised that, because the blocks are temporary, they may not constitute a public work under applicable law and that any local procurement rules adopted by the authority should guide whether a formal bid is needed. On liability, Cruz said additional research would be required but noted potential immunities and the possibility of signage to reduce misuse.

Commissioners also asked whether blocks would be secured to the ground and whether toppling could create hazards; staff said the design anticipates stacking with interlocking grooves rather than anchoring, and acknowledged further investigation of liability and safety measures would be needed.

On funding, Ward said the authority has placed extra monies in a property line following recent fiscal improvements and that he transferred funds from that line to pay for the blocks. The board moved, seconded and approved a motion to authorize up to $53,735 for the block installation once permits are in place; the motion passed unanimously.

Legal counsel and staff said they would return with permitting updates and any recommended safety or procurement steps at a future meeting.