MATTAWA - The Mattawa City Council had only one applicant by July 3 for an open council position. So an appointment for the seat has been put on hold.

Mayor Scott Hyndman told the council that other people had indicated interest verbally and that the council should wait for additional applications. There is no deadline, and the matter was tabled.

Public Works Director Gary Crowder informed the council that installation of electronic-read water meters for all accounts would start soon. They allow publics works personnel to read the meters from a vehicle with aid of a laptop.

According to City Clerk Robin Newcomb, the cost of the project will be $143,602 for materials only. The work will be done by public works over two years.

The council asked Crowder if the park sprinklers can be put on a later schedule. He recommended against it, explaining that, if they start later, then the park will be wet for the children who play the next morning.

Police Chief John Turley told the council that Officer Mike Stump is no longer in field training but is still on probation. He said the police department has had about 162 more calls this year compared to last year.