Orofino City Council
Greener Clearwater County addresses council on benefits of recycling
By Ronda Nelson
Representing Greener Clearwater, Amanda Tucker and Brandi Nelsen presented the City Council with proposals for Earth Day events in conjunction with Community Clean-up Day. Greener Clearwater is a non-profit grassroots organization aimed at encouraging recycling.
Tucker and Nelsen discussed current recycling activities, as well as those they hope to see established. The group uses various methods to educate the public on the benefits of recycling.
During Earth Day, they propose activities in the city park that will include booths for artisans and educational purposes. They hope to provide recycling bins and give people key how-to demonstrations for sorting recyclables at home.
The council asked the group to meet with Administrator Rick Laam to discuss the proposal in detail. Finalized plans should be available for the Feb. 26 council meeting. Earth Day is April 22.
Water/Wastewater Committee
Konkolville Water Co. and Orofino/Whiskey Creek Water and Sewer District have approached the city concerning options for providing city water to their users. The city would consider wholesaling water to the districts. Cost would include a depreciation or maintenance fee for the water treatment plant.
Because special taxing districts cannot directly receive funds, the Whiskey Creek Board has requested the city’s sponsorship for a grant application. The GEM grant will cover engineering costs for a feasibility study to develop infrastructure to receive city water. The council voted to sponsor the grant application. CEDA will administer the project.
Ordinance No. 737
The council voted unanimously to pass Ordinance No. 737. Passage provides for future council meetings to be held at 6 p.m. rather than 7 p.m.
Present at the meeting were Mayor Smathers, Clerk Montambo, Treasurer MacGuffie, Public Works official McDade, Building official John Elliot, Police Chief Wilson, Water/Wastewater representative Todd Perry and Council members Brown, Donner, Clay and McLaughlin.
The Council meets every second and fourth Tues. at 6 p.m. at the City Council chambers, 217 1st St.