During the meeting, a presentation by the Ramsey Washington Recycling and Energy Center highlighted ongoing efforts to manage odors and maintain positive community relations. The new executive director, Trista Martinson, emphasized her transition from politics to waste management, humorously remarking, “I gave up politics for trash, and it’s a much cleaner business.” Facilities Director Sam Hall provided an in-depth update on the center’s operations, noting its workforce of 116 employees and the successful resolution of union contract negotiations.

Hall detailed the center’s food scrap program, which has achieved an 11% participation rate among Newport residents since its inception. He also addressed the center’s robust odor management system, which includes weekly assessments and additional checks during the summer months. The center has invested approximately $2 million since its 2016 acquisition to improve odor control and operational efficiency. Notably, there have been no formal odor complaints in the past three years, despite minor odor detections.

In tandem with the recycling center’s presentation, the council received a report on the city’s odor monitoring program, which began in 2017. The program involves scientific odor detection methods using a nasal range device across six locations, adjusting for seasonal variations and wind direction. In 2023, 702 monitoring events resulted in eight detections of municipal solid waste odors, all below the city’s recognized threshold. The monitoring location was recently moved to City Hall to enhance detection accuracy, and the council received a summary of findings, with a full report available for further review.

The meeting also focused on Newport’s infrastructure projects, particularly street and utility improvements planned for 2025. The council reviewed a completed feasibility study identifying 17th Street as a key area for enhancements, with an estimated total project cost of over $8 million. Funding sources include a $2.75 million grant and private property assessments. Discussions emphasized the importance of flexibility in assessment rates and the need for a benefit appraisal to ensure property assessments accurately reflect the improvements’ value.

Additionally, the council considered a proposal to revise assessment rates for a storm sewer improvement project. The current rate stands at $9,000 per unit, but a proposed increase to approximately $15,900 was discussed to better align with project costs. The council agreed to invite impacted property owners to an improvement hearing and accepted a proposal from BR KW Appraisals to conduct a benefit appraisal, expected to conclude by January.

The meeting further addressed the city’s sanitary sewer manhole and lateral replacement project, noting that all excavation work had been completed, with paving scheduled soon. Change Order Number Two, covering additional services and updates to manholes, was approved at a total cost of $114,846. A resolution was passed to set an assessment hearing date for November 19, aligning with council meeting requirements.

In other business, the council discussed purchasing a new snowplow truck and chipper box to improve efficiency during storm cleanup operations. The modification is expected to triple the truck’s capacity. With a budget increase to $255,000 approved, the council moved forward with the purchase, expressing enthusiasm for the enhanced cleanup capabilities.

The council also received updates on other infrastructure initiatives, including pavement repairs and stormwater management. A public hearing was conducted regarding the annual MS4 stormwater permit, with a focus on public awareness and education efforts to mitigate stormwater pollution. Despite no public comments, the council discussed potential improvements to debris collection around storm drains.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of public works employees and officials for their service, the announcement of a fire hall demolition rescheduled due to weather, and the introduction of a program offering grit as an alternative to salt for ice management.