Lawson Gardens

Pullman City Council voted to not move forward with the previously approved Lawson Garden House and are considering other proposals instead during their Tuesday evening meeting. 

The Lawson Garden House was granted a budget of roughly $1.3 million and was intended to serve as an event center with indoor spaces and public bathrooms. The lowest construction bid came in at around $2 million, which was over budget, said Shawn Kohtz, Pullman Public Works director. 

The project was redesigned to no longer include an indoor space but to be an outdoor pavilion with public bathrooms. Kohtz said the new design would hopefully cost around $1.6 million. 

After discussion and questioning, the council decided the new design is far from what the public originally voted for and can no longer be considered as what the public wants. 

Instead, the funds will be used for other parks related projects. The council discussed using the already allocated money for the Lawson Gardens’ public bathrooms or playground equipment repairs.

Transportation

The council authorized staff to work with nomination agencies for the 2021 Washington State Transportation Improvement Board Complete Streets program. 

The program gives grants to cities that comply with the Complete Street program. Nominees must work with one of the eight agencies, such as the Cascade Bicycle Club or Department of Health to secure a nomination, said Clayton Forsmann, Pullman Public Works deputy director. 

Forsmann said while TIB can award anywhere from $100,000 to $1 million, Pullman would likely receive between $250,000 and $500,000 based on city size and population. 

The two projects that would be considered if Pullman received funding are the addition of a 10-foot-wide asphalt path on Terre View Drive or continued repairs of Pullman’s streets. 

This is the first year Pullman is eligible. 

Stormwater

Shilo Sprouse, Pullman’s stormwater manager, sought a motion to accept and execute interlocal agreements for implementation of an effectiveness study related to regional stormwater management and permit compliance. 

The Interlocal Agreement serves to continue compliance of state and federal regulations partnered with the City of Wenatchee, City of East Wenatchee, Chelan County and Douglas County, Shilo said. The ILA was approved by Pullman legal staff. 

The study is funded equally by all participants and Pullman’s contribution is no more than $7,000. These funds are taken from the stormwater budget.