Cowlitz County public works reports summer‑hire wave, easement for Tudel Park bypass and progress on animal control and grants

Savannah Clement of Public Works told the Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners the department received a high volume of applications for its summer‑hire program and will fill 15 positions this year, down from 20 in prior years. "We have a really great kind of hearty summer help program with a lot of good applicants," Clement said, and most hires are expected to begin the second week of May.

The meeting also included details on right‑of‑way work for the Tudel Park bypass. County staff reported they have obtained a 5‑foot temporary construction easement and a 10‑foot permanent easement from a private property owner along the southern portion of the bypass route and presented paperwork for the chairman's signature to advance the project. Staff said the permanent 10‑foot easement is intended to "feather it in nicely into their property" and to provide space for a fence along the property line.

On traffic safety, county engineering staff confirmed receipt of an official petition to create a no‑parking zone on Kalama River Road. Engineering will prepare a mile‑post map and an engineering report with photos and then return to the board with a recommendation on whether to set a formal hearing, likely in late April or early May. Staff said they will follow up with the Kalama post office to determine whether changes will address mail‑delivery concerns.

Facilities staff provided an update on animal control plans: weekly coordination continues with the sheriff's office and purchasing/finance on a retrofit and on developing interlocal agreements with cities, specifically naming the city of Kelso as a partner under consideration. Staff said the county is preparing requests for proposals for care providers who would operate after a county‑required 72‑hour hold period, and that the county is evaluating both a fixed facility and a mobile unit as delivery options.

Staff also summarized two grant efforts. A Department of Commerce grant had earlier provided $98,000 toward an investment‑grade audit of the Hall of Justice; staff said Commerce indicated it may cover the full audit, which is estimated at roughly $350,000, and staff submitted an additional request of about $253,000 to cover the remaining cost. Separately, staff and Facilities Manager Aaron Austin reported pursuing a historic courthouse preservation grant that requires a 25% local match; based on a vendor proposal, the county's share for prioritized façade repairs would be roughly $250,000. Staff said preservation grant funds could also support interior or marble restoration work and that seismic retrofit work remains a future priority.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about access, timelines and funding mechanics; staff said they will bring full engineering and grant details back to the board for any required approvals. The meeting adjourned after scheduling additional public presentations on separate funding items.