Richland Council approves Oak Street repairs, authorizes water-plant repairs and schedules hearing on underground pet fences

The Richland City Council on July 13 approved multiple infrastructure and administrative actions, including a $21,000 contract for Oak Street work and authorization of up to $8,000 for water‑plant pump repairs.

Council member Cyndia Crafton moved to accept A&J Excavating’s $21,000 quote for Oak Street repairs; Council member Steve Pfeifer seconded the motion, which passed on a roll-call vote of 4 ayes. Public Works Supervisor Calder Bender told the council that streets are being prepared for LL Pelling to complete additional repairs in August and that crews expect the E Harrison work to be finished later in the week.

The council also reviewed a quote from Electric Pump to replace a check valve and a gate valve at the water plant and voted to approve that work. Because Electric Pump cannot give a firm repair estimate until the pump is pulled, the council separately approved a motion to authorize up to $8,000 for pump repair or replacement; the motion, moved by Council member Jim Gaines and seconded by Council member Cyndia Crafton, passed on a roll-call vote of 4 ayes. Bender said hydrants will be flushed in the fall and that he will present a flushing plan when preparations are finalized.

Council members approved two routine resolutions: Resolution 07-13-26 (1), directing the clerk to publish notice of hearing on the proposed Code of Ordinances, and Resolution 07-13-26 (2), designating the official public posting location for meeting notices. Both passed on roll-call votes of 4 ayes.

The council also approved an auction of surplus items — a 2004 Ford F350 truck, toolboxes and four sets of bleachers — and administrative items on the consent agenda, which included minutes, claims, a liquor-license renewal for Gas & Goodies/BP and a fence permit for 306 N Oak St.

Why it matters: The Oak Street contract and the water‑plant repair authorization direct immediate local spending on roads and utility reliability; scheduling the Code of Ordinances hearing begins a process to update the city's codified rules.

Votes at a glance:
• A&J Excavating — Oak Street repairs, $21,000: moved by Cyndia Crafton, seconded by Steve Pfeifer; outcome: approved (4 ayes).
• Electric Pump — valve replacements: moved by Cyndia Crafton, seconded by Jim Gaines; outcome: approved (4 ayes).
• Pump repair authorization — up to $8,000: moved by Jim Gaines, seconded by Cyndia Crafton; outcome: approved (4 ayes).
• Resolution 07-13-26 (1) — publish notice of hearing on Code of Ordinances: outcome: approved (4 ayes).
• Resolution 07-13-26 (2) — designate public posting location: outcome: approved (4 ayes).
• Auction of surplus equipment (2004 Ford F350, toolboxes, four sets of bleachers): moved by Cyndia Crafton, seconded by Jim Gaines; outcome: approved (4 ayes).

Background/next steps: The clerk will publish hearing notice for the Code of Ordinances; Electric Pump must pull the water-plant pump to provide a firm repair quote; Public Works will bring the hydrant‑flushing plan later in the year.