ROYAL CITY — Royal City has learned that it has the opportunity to apply for a grant through the Washington State Department of Commerce Library Capital Improvement Program. The Friends of the Library in Royal City invited Royal City Mayor Kent Andersen and Finance Director Shilo Christensen to meet with representatives from the North Central Regional Library to learn about the grant, according to Christensen, who told the Royal City Council about the meeting during a regular council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 4.

The Washington State Department of Commerce Library Capital Improvement Program was created by the state legislature in 2019 “to assist libraries operated by governmental units, as defined in RCW 27.12.010, to acquire, construct or rehabilitate their facilities,” according to the Washington State Department of Commerce website. Projects chosen can receive up to $2 million in funds. A 50 percent match for the total cost of the project is required. Applications for the grant open March 2 and close April 15.

Before the city can apply for the grant, Christensen said that there are a couple of things that the city and the Friends of the Library need to work on. Once the application is submitted, the city won’t hear anything until the fall of this year.

In other business, Christensen said that the city is looking to switch its phone system over to the Verizon Wireless One Talk voice over IP system.

“It would save the city $150 to $200 on our monthly bill,” Christensen said.

Based on a current promotion that the company is running, Christensen thinks that the initial start-up costs will be paid for in savings within the first few months after the switch-over.

City Planner Darryl Piercy reported that the Catholic Charities apartment building project has received temporary occupancy permits for buildings A through D. Once the construction has been completely finished, they will get a permanent occupancy permit.

He also said that public comment can still be submitted on the CAD Homes proposed plat for a few more weeks. Anyone wishing to comment should contact Royal City City Hall.

Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at rpinkerton@suntribunenews.com.