Colfax City Council discuss new pay for city workers, public works and fireworks

COLFAX — The Colfax City Council held its meeting Monday, July 17, to discuss several pressing matters and requests.

Mayor Jim Retzer started the meeting by discussing the good of the city, mentioning that Colfax City Administrator Chris Mathis was nominated by the Downtown Association and received Hometown Hero for the City of Colfax.

Retzer stated that the nomination was for everything Mathis has done to improve the community, “she’s done an awesome job,” he said.

Mathis added that she appreciated the honor, but it’s a full staff effort, and they all work together.

Retzor mentioned that Summerfest is taking place this weekend and that the pool has been significantly used for the season.

Following the good of the city, a movement to pay bills and claims was made and passed.

In new business, the council discussed changing payback to being on a scale because finding people to apply to work at City Hall has been challenging.

Mathis stated that change would be about $66,000 for the entire year, making it a 3 million budget.

“Our labor is our biggest expense,” Mathis said, adding that they need people to do these jobs.

“$30,000 plus to get through the rest of the year,” Mathis said, adding that a percentage of that goes into retirement, taxes, calculating out to $40,000 by the time it’s all said and done this year.

Mackleit moved to pass, and Retzer seconded.

Chief of Police Bruce Blood reported that they were able to get a parade permit, and they have obtained additional officers for the parade.

“We’ll have at least two officers on during the evening,” Blood said.

City Public Works Director Matt Hammer stated they are swamped preparing for crack filling and asphalt work and trying to get all the water meters read and prepared.

Hammer stated they are doing asphalt, starting in Pullman and making their way to Colfax.

“Ridge’s end of town to landfill road,” he said, noting that the work will be slated to work from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., so it will not hinder traffic.

Hammer mentioned a project they are working on in an agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to replace their signs with bigger poles to get done on the North and South end of town later this year.

The minimum on the poles is 7 feet and may go up. Public Works plans to talk to the state and wants to be done sometime in late summer or early fall.

There was an extensive discussion on the grain truck that went into the canal off 272, and Retzer stated that he has been trying to get ahold of the Department of Transportation to look into possible remedies for the future.

A discussion with the Colfax Fire Department about a letter suggesting banning fireworks in the City was had, in which council members decided there were better ways to handle the situation.

“I don’t think this calls for heavy-handed local government,” Council member Cristyn Guenther said.

There was no other business to disucss, and Retzer adjourned the meeting at 7:49 p.m.