Health clinic expected to open in March; south fire station, wastewater lighting and park grant plans updated

Tim, presenting for Becky Leach, told the committee the health clinic project is nearing completion: the hospital is finalizing staffing, IT installation and furnishings, and the clinic is expected to open in March.

"We are expecting it to be open in March," Tim said, adding the team is finalizing IT and furnishings and that the building itself is nearly ready aside from cleaning and furnishings.

On the south fire station, Tim said two items must be finished before the station is ready for occupancy: the generator, which will be brought to council in the first meeting in March for approval, and communications systems needed for reliable radio coverage. "It's required because it will power life safety items in an outage," Tim said of the generator, and he noted communications capacity in the southern area remains spotty and is being addressed.

Tim also updated the committee on several capital projects: the wastewater treatment plant lighting project is proceeding (four bids received and currently under review) to replace exterior floodlights and indoor shop lights with LED fixtures; skate‑park lighting is delayed while materials arrive and MB Electric works on scheduling.

On grants, Tim said the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) parks grant is open and the city plans to apply to update North Bay Park with new playground equipment, a hard‑surface volleyball/other court (non‑sand), more seating, ADA paths, a drinking fountain and timed locking restroom doors. He noted the city is also awaiting word on cyanobacteria treatment grants (approximately $50,000) and hopes the brick grant program will return to fund construction of the tsunami evacuation tower for which phase 1 design is complete. Tim said the city had its FEMA application accepted after the program temporarily shut down and state staff are assisting to move funding forward.

Committee members asked timing questions but recorded no formal council votes on these items during this meeting. Ricky closed the meeting by announcing the next public works committee meeting will be Monday, March 23, 2026, at 1 p.m. in the Ocean Shores Library Meeting Room.