Director of Public Works Mike Golat asked the city's commissioners to approve a contract with consultants to study the city's water, sewer and solid waste rates and make recommendations for changes to put these funds on a more sound financial basis.

By law, each of these public utilities is supposed to generate sufficient revenue to pay its operating costs and the costs of its capital improvements.

"The solid waste fund was loaned $25,000 to $30,000 last year, and we expect a similar loan this year," Golat said. "The water and sewer funds currently have reserves, but necessary capital improvements in the next few years will eliminate them."

In addition to reviewing the rates in the three utilities, the consultants will consider adding a commercial Dumpster option as well as the possibility of privatization of the solid waste utility. The consultant's report is expected to be completed by the end of October, so that rates could be changed beginning in 2003. The commissioners approved a contract not to exceed $48,440 with Economic and Engineering Services.

City Community and Economic Development Director Barbara Robinson renewed a discussion about the possible fate of the A-frame sign on city property at the corner of Third and Railroad. The sign, which was originally installed by the Christmas Town Kiwanis, lists the community's civic organizations and their meeting times.

Developer Dave Mariano, who owns the property behind the sign, had appeared before the commission late last year to ask that the sign, as well as three large conifers, be removed because they were hindering view access to his property.

"The Kiwanis agree that some of the information on the sign is outdated and have come up with a proposal to redo the sign so that it's more accurate and includes additional information about community events, as well as possibly a city map," Robinson said. "They don't have any objections to the sign being moved if there is a better location for it."

Robinson and others pointed out that the sign's current location, at the city's busiest intersection, made it difficult and possibly unsafe for passing motorists to actually read the sign, and that there was no convenient nearby parking for someone who wanted to stop. Several possible alternative locations for the sign, including Overlook Park, the new Park and Ride associated with the Pear Orchard Park and the Clock Tower site, were suggested. The commission directed Robinson to pursue these suggestions as she had time.

In other business

Chief of Police Terry Davenport summarized his department's extensive annual report. The number of calls for help from local residents increased by about 11 percent from the previous year.

Fire Chief Jim Ghiglione introduced his department's newest firefighter, Matthew Shough. Shough, who just graduated as valedictorian of his firefighter recruit training class at the North Bend Fire Service Training Center, was hired by the department in September.

The commission adopted two ordinances -- one regulating noise and the other relating to offenses against public morals.

Duggan Kinne is a correspondent for The Olympian.