By Tim Douglass

tdouglass@pctribune.com

Glenwood City Commissioners approved installing a split-rail cedar fence around the newly-installed splash pad in Barsness Park.  The splash pad will be open for use sometime in June, according to City Administrator Dave Iverson.

The commission chose the split rail fence over a chain-link fence because it fit well into the park’s environment and was recommended by city staff.  The cost of the fence was estimated at $3,500 with the installation being done by the city or an in-kind donation.    The estimate for a four-foot chain link fence was $9,000 installed, according to Iverson.

In a related action, the commission also approved the design and installation of a sign for the splash pad.  The front of the sign welcomes the public to the Barsness Park Splash Pad.  The back of the sign will list major donors who made the splash pad possible.  The sign would be about six-feet wide by five feet tall, mounted to four inch aluminum poles.  

A committee raised more than $220,000 to fully fund the splash pad that was installed in the park last fall.  The city agreed last year that it would maintain the splash pad once it was funded and installed.  The sign design and the perimeter fence were approved unanimously at last Tuesday’s regular commission meeting.

In another action, the city accepted a bid of $159,955.20 from Joe Riley Construction for the 2023 street and utility improvements. The city received five other bids for the project with the Joe Riley Construction being the lowest.  Work being done includes street work on 14th Ave. NE from 2nd St. NE to Hwy 55 and the city street department lot on 6th Ave.

In other business, the commission:

•Accepted the resignation of city police officer Clayton Douvier who accepted a job with the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office.  His last shift for the city will be on April 27.  In a related action, the city commission approved hiring police officer Brooklyn Bretch for the vacant position.

•Denied a request from the director of Glenwood HRA/Glenhaven Manor to appoint a person to that board that does not reside within the city.  Commissioners hesitated in December when the request was first made and handed it to city attorney Troy Nelson to determine if a non-resident could be appointed to a board that could have taxing authority.  Although he said it was past practice to require board members to reside in the city, the city charter does not explicitly require residency in the city.  Still, commissioners decided they would stick with past practices and look for another candidate for the Glenwood HRA/Glenhaven Manor Board.  Commissioners will advertise and use social media and community websites to solicit a new board member.

•Approved a request from HDR Engineering Inc. for services in connection with building design storage facility for snow equipment at the Glenwood Airport.