Rockford, Wash., Town Council Meeting, January 4, 2012.

January 4, 2012, 7:00 p.m. Rockford, Wash., Town Council meeting at Town Hall, Emma St. Agenda not available prior to meeting.

Palouse, Wash., Planning Commission Meeting, January 17, 2012

January’s Planning Commission meeting at Palouse, Wash., has been moved from January 3, 2012 to January 17, 2012.

Palouse City Council Minutes December 20, 2011

DRAFT ONLY.  Without council review or approval.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

December 20, 2011

CALL TO ORDER:  Mayor Echanove called the Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

ROLL CALL:  Council members present:  Cecil Floyd; Connie Newman; Jeff Snook; and Rick Wekenman.  Also present:  Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin; Police Chief Jerry Neumann; Clerk-Treasurer Joyce Beeson and City Attorney Stephen Bishop.  Public present:  Bo Ossinger, Doug Willcox, Mike Burkhart; Via telephone:  Jim Darling and Michael Stringer.    

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Councilmember Snook MOVED to adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of December 13, 2011.  Councilmember Newman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT:  PW Supt. Griffin reported that the pump at the swimming pool is in Spokane for maintenance and rebuild.  The Palouse Tavern has requested that the street light at their building go back on for safety reasons.  Bob Brookshire indicated that he would be willing to pay a donation toward the cost of electricity.  Mayor Echanove stated that based on previous research, a donation of $100 a year should cover the cost.  Dwayne recommended that the lights be turned back on at the crosswalks and council agreed.

POLICE REPORT:  Chief thanked Councilmember Snook for his service on council. 

JOINT BOARD FIRE & EMS UPDATE:  Councilmember Snook reported the Fire Department had 1 call in November with 18 YTD.  EMS reported 2 calls in November with 49 YTD.  The truck repairs are done and the pumper is still being looked at. 

OLD BUSINESS:

Brownfield site Prospective Purchaser Consent Decree (PPCD) and site acquisition approval.  Attorney Bishop presented a resolution for council to consider and Mayor Echanove read it in its entirety.  The resolution would authorize the Mayor to: (a) execute on behalf of the City a PPCD with respect to acquisition of the Palouse Producers site; (b) to accept delivery of a deed of conveyance and; (c) to execute such application and documents as necessary to secure grant financing to cleanup the property.  Explanation and discussion:  Two grants must be applied for to move ahead with the cleanup phase:  a federal grant through the EPA and a state grant through Ecology.  Acquisition of the property must be made before funding can be applied for.  While the EPA and Ecology are vested in this project and everything is lined up and ready, there is no absolute guarantee that funding will be secured.  Councilmember Floyd MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Snook to adopt Resolution No. 2011-13.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Mayor Echanove explained that the next thing before us is the contract with Maul Foster Alongi for “Cleanup Design and Construction Oversight”.  This contract is contingent on funding for the cleanup phase.  Councilmember Newman MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Snook to move ahead with the contract for continued assistance from MFA on the Brownfields project.  Discussion spoke well of MFA during this project and it was confirmed that the contract will not be valid if funding is not secured.  Motion carried unanimously. 

  

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS: 

Streets & Sidewalks-Cecil Floyd, Chair:  With the decision to keep Heritage Park restroom open, Councilmember Floyd recommended getting estimates to insulate and winterize the building.  Councilmember Floyd MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Newman to make Heritage Park restroom more energy efficient.  Discussion:  The doors open many times letting in cold air, but insulating may help.  Motion carried unanimously.  Dwayne asked how they should proceed.  Councilmember Wekenman recommended that we ask Avista to look at it for their recommendations as well as a few contractors. 

MAYOR’S REPORT:    

With this being the last meeting for Councilmember Snook, the Mayor commended his nine years of service on city council and his service on the AWC Small Cities Advisory Committee. 

Rick Wekenman stated that there is a request for renewal of liquor license for the Green Frog.  With no objections by council, the request would be granted by default.

ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS:  With just one week since the last meeting, there were no bills presented for approval.

ADJOURN:  Councilmember Snook MOVED to adjourn.  Councilmember Wekenman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  The council meeting adjourned at 7:53 PM.

APPROVED: ________________________________   ATTEST: ________________________________

Rockford Town Council Minutes December 7, 2011

Rockford Town Council

December 7, 2011 -- 7 p.m.

"Minutes do not include corrections made to the Approved Minutes, and do not include Voided Warrants."

Mayor Micki Harnois brought the meeting to order after reading a message from Pastor David Lura of the Rockford United Methodist Church and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Council Members present were:  Clint Stevenson, Steve Meyer, Jim Oshanick, Stan Seehorn and Thomas Smith.  Public Works John Goyke and Clerk/Treasurer Darlene La Shaw were also present.

Minutes

Jim Oshanick made motion to approve the minutes from November 19^th and November 29^th (Budget workshop) meetings.  Clint seconded the motion, motion carried.

TD&H

Randy Noble presented Council with update on projects:

 Reservoir - when the reservoir had been filled the first time, there had been 3 leaks.  Currently it is now down to one leak with slow drip and they are working on that. TD&H had sent Mt. Crest a letter of substantial completion on November 30, 2011.

Pump Station: The old pump station was demolished December 15, 2011. Hydro Seeding was completed on December 17, 2011.  A walk through was completed at the substantial completion of the project and a small list of items to follow up on was made.

 Chlorination Bldgs: Well # 5 should be operational by Monday December 12. Once completed the contractors will move to Well # 4. Randy asked TML to be done by Christmas.

Dave Burdick will be here on December 15, 2011. He has extended the grant agreement until April 30, 2011 for retainage.

Randy submitted a letter of resignation from TD&H. They have cut off their relationship with the Town of Rockford. TD& H will finish their services for the Reservoir and the Chlorination buildings. TD&H will not submit bids on possible up coming projects.  Gary Wagner was present and thanked Randy for the many years of his work with the Town.  He appreciated his professionalism, honesty, loyalty and integrity

Public Comment

Scott Williams and Gary Wagner were present to ask to have portion of Frisbie Way Street smoothed out and they would like to know where the street starts and stops.  They need to place their mailboxes before they can have their mail delivered.  They needed to know the width of the street, so they would only have to do this once. John will check it out.

Kathy Creed wanted a report on the silo located off of East Lake Street.  Micki reported she had talked to Tom Board whom had placed the silo at its current location. Tom is disputing the County’s information regarding the property and its boundaries. The Town will send Tom a letter giving him a time line to prove the property lines.  Bill Creed had thought a survey was required.  Micki explained that one wasn’t required but he had to prove the set backs.  If he could not do so by locating stakes in the area he would need a survey.

Bill Creed asked for status on Missile Site Road.  Micki explained SRTC has requested to have it reclassified as a Rural Minor Collector.  If reclassified the Town then would be able to apply for grant monies. The State may make it an alternate truck route.

The Town will continue filling the pot holes.

Mayors Comments

Micki said December 9^th there was to be an auction of the Moyers property at the Public Works building.

Either cash or cashier checks for the minimum of taxes are required.

Micki further mentioned at the next Council meeting the Mayor Pro- tem will be elected.

Micki said that she would like a retreat to be held in January. She asked the Council members to let Darlene know what days would be good for them. Some of the topics that will need to be discussed are: SW water reservoir roof, mowing services, various projects, and a dump box for the truck newly obtained from the State.

Micki further reported she had spoken to a man who wants to make a production on the Scenic By-way.  He had sent a CD to review a sample of his work. To continue on this project he would like $200 to $300 from some of the towns along the byway.

Council Comments

Steve Meyer mentioned that someone needs to make an appointment with Stan Primmer regarding the Town’s easement and the SW reservoir.

Stan Seehorn thanked Steve Meyer for finding a truck and snow plow for the Town.

Town will continue to look for a Leaf Rake for park clean up.

Steve Meyer thanked those who had committed items for the family that had been homeless.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Report: October 2011 -   $338,599.76. CE - $ 110,794.12; St 15,032.58; CJ 3,007.13; Eq/Prop Res 58,838.82; Sewer 13,073.71; Lagoon 17,312.03; Water 38,522.06; Sewer Res 53,799.82; Wa Res 8,219.49; WWF $ 20,000.00

Old Business

Health Insurance

Clint made a motion for the Town to place the three employees currently on the Asuris Plan B and move them to the Health First 250 plan.  Jim Oshanick seconded the motion, motion carried.   

Kathy Creed asked if the Grange will get a credit in the spring if they don’t use 5000/month of water, Council said yes it will.

Joan Baune submitted a meter reading for her house on Frisbie Way and asked if she could pay her $150.00 fine for not submitting a reading in installments. It was the consensus of the Council to allow her to pay in installments in the amount of $30 to $35 per month. John will follow up on this request.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      John found that Jeff Nearing‘s water meter read out was defective and fixed it.  He will monitor the read out. As it was found that the read out was defective, Jim Oshanick made motion to waive $150 fee as soon as they can review inside meter, Clint seconded, motion carried.

The Town has not received any reply from the Larson Farms account regarding its $150.00 fine for not submitting any meter reading.  It was the consensus of the Council to continue forward with the procedure and shut off the water service to that account.

New Business

It was the consensus of the Council to approve the BBQ the Rockford Community Center would like to donate to the park.

Checks

Steve questioned the legal fees. He thought all legal issues had to go through the Council first before going to the attorney.

Clint made a motion to approve Checks #11,222-11,279 for a total of $323,204.23. Thomas seconded the motion; motion carried.

            Claims – 11222 – 11264, 11279            $ 314,458.26

            Payroll – 11265 -11277                                8,745.97

            Total                                                      $ 323,204.23

Meeting adjourned.

________________________                                  ____________________________

Darlene LaShaw, Clerk                                             Micki Harnois, Mayor

Palouse City Council Meeting, December 13, 2011

DRAFT ONLY.  Without council review or approval.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

December 13, 2011

CALL TO ORDER:  Mayor Echanove called the Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

ROLL CALL:  Council members present:  Cecil Floyd; Tim Jones; Mike Milano; Connie Newman; Norm Schorzman; Jeff Snook; Rick Wekenman.  Also present: Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin; Police Chief Jerry Neumann; Clerk-Treasurer Joyce Beeson; & Deputy Clerk Ann Thompson.  Public present:  Bo Ossinger.   

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of November 22, 2011.  Councilmember Newman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. 

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT:  PW Supt. Griffin submitted a written report.  He has been talking with Avista about any unnecessary lights around the city that could be shut off or taken down.  The city rents street lights throughout town from Avista.  The only lights the city owns are the ones on Main Street and Whitman Street.  There are two lights at the pool Dwayne will work with Avista on to sign over ownership to the city.  We would then be able to turn them off during the months that the pool is closed.  Greg Partch is getting some information about replacing street lights with LED lights.   

City will put up barricades and a sign at the compost facility preventing people from using the chipper site. 

The pool circulating pump is being sent to Spokane for an estimate.  They will also be doing work on the pool manifolds and filters. 

POLICE REPORT:  Chief submitted the November Activity Log.  The work on the police department is done.  It took approximately 200 man hours between the officers and volunteers.  Materials costs were right at $2,900.  Time will tell the effects on the energy bills but a 30% savings is expected. 

A reminder to all to be extra kind and careful with animals this time of year.  Bring them in at night if possible or provide them with a heat source.  Be sure water is kept available and unfrozen. 

OLD BUSINESS:

Resolution No. 2011-11:  2012 Fee Schedule.  Mayor read aloud the resolution.  No changes from the last meeting.  Councilmember Milano MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to adopt Resolution No. 2011-11.  Motion carried unanimously.

Resolution No. 2011-12:  2012 Salary Schedule.  Mayor read aloud the resolution.  This has been discussed at prior two council meetings.  No changes.  Councilmember Milano MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Snook to adopt Resolution No. 2011-12.  Motion carried unanimously.       

Ordinance No. 895:  Closing certain funds and transferring balance to new fund.  Mayor read aloud the ordinance in its entirety.  Fund 306 Police Car Reserve Fund and Fund 307 Police Equipment Reserve Fund will be closed and money transferred into one new fund 311 Police Car and Equipment Fund.  Councilmember Milano MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Wekenman to adopt Ordinance No. 895.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Ordinance No. 896:  2012 Budget and Budget Message.  Councilmember Milano MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Snook to suspend the rules of reading the ordinance.  Motion carried unanimously.  Mayor read the ordinance by title and the budget message.   The 2012 budget as proposed is approximately 8.13% lower than 2011.  Total budgeted expenditures for 2012 are $1,248,875, a decrease of $110,574.  This decrease is primarily due to general budget cuts where possible and reductions in compensation and benefits to full-time employees.  Councilmember Milano MOVED to approve the budget with one correction to the maturity date of our loan.  Councilmember Schorzman seconded to adopt Ordinance No. 896.  Motion carried unanimously. 

In light of economic downturn, Councilmember Floyd MOVED to close Heritage Park Restrooms November through March.  Councilmember Newman seconded.  Much discussion ensued.  If the vote goes to not close it, perhaps it would be wise to discuss insulating it.  Councilmembers Newman and Floyd voted aye.  Motion failed.          

Regarding the Bridge Street reader board, we have not yet heard from anyone wanting to take on that expense.  We need to decide by next council meeting whether or not to eliminate keeping that lit, or cutting the hours of running it.  Currently there are many bulbs that need to be replaced by a professional which is an expense as well. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS: 

Streets & Sidewalks-Cecil Floyd, Chair:  Committee will go to professional services roster and begin looking at engineers for the TIB sidewalk project.  

Planning Commission (PC) is still working diligently on Title 17.  Appointments to the PC should be coming up in January.   

Water & Sewer-Connie Newman, Chair:  Committee and Taylor Engineering are continuing work on WSP and revising the maps associated.  We have our existing service area which holds a duty to provide.  Discussion on city’s water rights and how that impacts the future service area map will be continuing for the WSP.  We are still defining the future service area which shows the capacity we could potentially serve over the next 20 years but holds no duty to serve.  A draft copy of WSP should be submitted by March 2012 to the Department of Health.  The WSP is not changing any city boundaries, codes or policies.  Annexation will be required to hook up to city water if you are outside city limits.  The infrastructure will eventually require a new reservoir.  We have scoped out a site by the cemetery.  Connie wants to apply for funding for this capital improvement project.  Water demand forecasting is being done by the engineers. 

Finance, Property, & Equipment-Mike Milano, Chair:  Wattage use was calculated to run the Main Street holiday lights during HP and Christmas and the Palouse Chamber of Commerce paid $320 to cover those costs. 

MAYOR’S REPORT:    

Next council meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 20^th.   We had a great Brownfields public meeting on Dec. 1^st.  Six people from DOE, three from MFA, numerous city officials were present.  The Gazette had a great review of the meeting.

ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS:  Councilmember Schorzman MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed.  Councilmember Snook seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURN:  Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to adjourn.  Councilmember Wekenman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  The council meeting adjourned at 8:13 PM.

The following checks are approved for payment:

Payroll Paid            Ck. No. 3633-3657 & EFT                  $36,381.56

Claims Paid            Ck. No. 3658-3697 & EFT                  $34,510.19

                                                                                    $70,891.75

APPROVED: ________________________________   ATTEST: ________________________________

Council Minutes of Palouse Regional Towns

Fairfield Town Council Minutes (Blog Archive)


Garfield Town Council Minutes

Latah: latahtown@gmail.com

Malden

Oakesdale City Council Minutes

Palouse and Palouse City Council Minutes (Blog Archive)

Rockford Town Council Minutes (Blog Archive)

Rosalia: clerk@townofrosalia.org


Spangle, Spangle City Hall, 115 W. 2nd. St. Contact: pking@townofspangle.org

St. John: Contact: sjpda@stjohncable.com

Tekoa (Council Meeting Minutes - Month.)

Waverly, Town Hall, 255 N.Waverly, Waverly, WA

Palouse, Wash., December 13, 2011 City Council Agenda

PALOUSE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA

December 13, 2011, 7:00 pm

Regular Council Meeting

Palouse City Hall – 120 E. Main Street

CALL TO ORDER:

ROLL CALL:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Special Council Meeting of November 22, 2011.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: 

POLICE REPORT:  

OLD BUSINESS:

Resolution No. 2011-11:  2012 Fee Schedule

Resolution No. 2011-12:  2012 Salary Schedule

Ordinance No. 895:  Closing certain funds and transferring balance to new fund.

Ordinance No. 896:  2012 Budget and Budget Message

NEW BUSINESS:

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS:

• Parks, Cemetery & Buildings
• Water & Sewer  
• Policy & Administration
• Police Fire & Safety
• Streets & Sidewalks
• Finance, Property & Equipment
• Personnel & Pool 

OPEN FORUM:

MAYOR’S REPORT:

ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS:

ADJOURN:

The Palouse City Hall is accessible to persons with disabilities.  Persons requiring special accommodations should, before 5:00 PM the Monday preceding the Council Meeting, contact the City Clerk at 120 E. Main Street, PO Box 248, Palouse, WA  99161, or 878-1811 or cityclerk@palouse.com.

Fairfield Council Minutes, December 6, 2011

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

DECEMBER 6, 2011

7:00 P.M.

Note to persons reviewing this document: This is not a verbatim transcript. While an attempt has been made to document pertinent points, these minutes contain only a summary of the discussion and voting.

The regular council meeting was called to order on December 6, 2011 at 7:00 pm by Mayor Pro-Tem Mary Branon. Mayor Huber was absent due to a previously scheduled business meeting. Council members present: Mary Branon, Harry Gibbons, KayDee Gilkey, Brian Kauffman, and Karrie Stewart. Others present: Randy Nobel, Sheila Dyer, Valerie Spruill and Cheryl Loeffler.

Approval of Minutes

Action

Brian Kauffman motioned to approve the November 15, 2011 regular council minutes as presented, seconded by Karrie Stewart. The motion carried.

Action

Approval of the Claims

Claim vouchers #16438 through #16469 for $29,782.97 and Fetes for $3,311.53 were approved for payment as presented by KayDee Gilkey Brian Kauffman; seconded by Brian Kauffman. The motion carried.

Claims: $19,660.82

Payroll: 13,433.68

Total Claims: $33,094.50

Check Registers signed by: KayDee Gilkey, Harry Gibbons, Brian Kauffman and Karrie Stewart

Guest Speaker

Sheila Dyer from the North Palouse Community Food Bank presented their plan for upgrades at the Food Bank. They would like to have some rewiring done with additional outlets and an additional light fixture. Adams Electric has provided a quote of $410.00 for the electrical work. They would also like to paint the floor. The Food Bank is looking for funding for these projects. They are only here to ask permission from the council to perform the work since the building is owned by the Town.

ACTION

Harry motioned to approve the electrical upgrade and painting of the floor at the Food Bank utilizing outside funding; seconded by Karrie. The motion carried.

Engineer’s Report

2012 E Main Street SR 27 to Railroad Avenue Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) project

Randy Noble from TD&H has been in contact with Terrell Anderson from the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) regarding the abandonment of a railroad crossing to help lower the costs for the work for the crossing on Main Street. They discussed the crossing that is on the south end of Rattler’s Run, close to Highway 27. Mr. Anderson will be in Spokane sometime in late December or early January. Randy suggested getting together to review this crossing and the 2600 feet of track to be abandoned and Mr. Anderson agreed if the Town/TIB paid for his time and expense. Randy said that this cost would be covered by TIB with the Town having to meet the 5% match. He needs a letter giving the railroad authorization to come to Fairfield for this purpose, not to exceed $10,000.

The council had concerns about the removal of the tracks and the possibility of someone wanting to have the tracks there in the future. After discussion, the council did agree to have Mr. Anderson from UPRR come to Fairfield and look at this possibility.

ACTION

Brian motioned to authorize UPRR to proceed with preliminary engineering and the construction cost estimate, not to exceed $10,000; seconded by Karrie. The motion carried.

Century West

The Town did not receive TIB funding for 2013.

ORDINANCE #366 BUDGET AMENDMENT #1 PUBLIC HEARING

Mayor Pro-Tem Mary Branon opened the public hearing for Ordinance #366- 2011 Budget Amendment #1 at 7:20 p.m. Mary explained the purpose of the budget amendments is to adjust the estimated beginning and ending balances to the

actual beginning and ending balances of 2011 budget. She then proceeded to go over each fund and department that was to be amended. With no public comments, the public hearing closed at 7:29.

ACTION

Harry motioned to accept Ordinance #366- 2011 Budget Amendment #1, seconded by Brian. The motion carried.

ORDINANCE #367 2012 FINAL BUDGET

This was tabled until the next council meeting.

OLD BUSINESS

Old Fashioned Christmas and dance overview

Cheryl wanted to thank everyone that helped with the Old Fashioned Christmas and thank Elaine Rising from On Sacred Grounds for being so diligent in getting the word out about the different events happening on the Palouse December 3rd. The participation was larger than it had been in previous years.

Cheryl stated that the Old Fashioned Christmas was a success. The vendors were happy with the turn out. There was live music provided for most of the day. The Food Bank served soup, roll and pie and the proceeds were split between them and the Community Center Activities. Each group ended up with $156 from lunch.

The Children’s Workshop was very well attended. The volunteers thought perhaps 100 kids went through and made crafts. The crafts were very simple and very cheap.

New people stepped up to volunteer for many of the different activities.

The Community Center was decorated very nicely thanks to Alene Felgenhauer and Mary Day. It added just that extra touch to the whole day.

The dance had very little attendance but everyone had a good time. The band “Spare Parts” was excellent and played for three hours straight with no intermission. Some of the people voiced that they would like to have another dance-perhaps Valentine’s Day. Getting the word out to the citizens is a major issue and personally handing out flyers to people and inviting them to come may be the best way to get the word out.

There was discussion about forming an actual committee with planning starting perhaps in July next year. It is important to provide things for the community and the Old Fashioned Christmas is one thing that the Town can do.

Volunteer Appreciation Potluck Dinner

This potluck dinner is Sunday 12-11 at 3:00. Since the upstairs of the Community Center is still decorated, the meal will be served upstairs. KayDee, Harry and Karrie will set up with Brian, Ed, Mary and Cheryl cleaning up. The meat has been ordered from Kelley’s Thrift.

NEW BUSINESS

Hardship snow removal request

Harry & Eleanor Martin put in a request for help with snow removal due to age and health issues.

ACTION

KayDee motioned to approve the hardship snow removal request from the Martins, seconded by Karrie. The motion carried.

Public Works Update

WATER

· Managerial and Financial Capacity Assessment has been completed for 2011/2012 pertaining to the sustainability of our water and wastewater systems with the stats turned in to the Department of Health (DOH).

· Cross control program is being worked on. All data should be received and entered by March of 2012.( includes all backflow and cross connections for all business and residential hook-ups)

· Had to re-hang door on well house #1, wood jam is rotten. Installed longer screws into mason block.

· Re-plumbed chlorinators in well houses #2 and #5.

· DOH is no longer going to be taking our required monthly Bacteriological test. The town will now be taking the sample and have the test done by AAA, then forwarding the results to DOH.

WWTF

· First month of testing has been done, all results are favorable and/or within state and federal limits.

· Lights have been changed on the influent building as well as the sensors. They are now working properly.

· Still battling clogs in the effluent system. Floating material is at a minimum as the top layer freezes. Problem should be at a minimum until spring.

PARKS

· Branches are continually being picked up due to windstorms.

· No vandalism to report /picked up blowing garbage and debris

· Mulching of leaves has been completed until spring (maybe one more before snow).

ROADS

· Sander has been installed and is working great!

· Have installed new set of fog lights for side visibility on plow truck.

· Year-end maintenance has commenced on entire town fleet including lube, oil, filters, belts, anti-freeze and service transmissions.

· Have ordered gravel to carry over until spring, working on deal with Jay Baird from Spokane County to purchase remainder of salt sand mix needed for this year. May be able to pick-up from stockpile on Truax Road.

· Started re-striping centerline on Ticknor Street.

Other:

Goldie Kelley was present regarding the request for removal of the abandoned trailer. She is asking the council for an extension until the spring to get it done. She does not want anyone going down there to work and risking the possibility of getting hurt. The area where the trailer is also has a swampy area on the property that could pose a potential hazard.

Mary expressed gratitude for her coming to the council and acknowledging the issue. The council suggested to Mrs. Kelley that everyone comes back together towards the end of March and discuss the removal again. Cheryl will notify the Improvement Board of this and if they are in agreement with this decision, no further action will take place until the end of March 2012.

Review Complaints & Compliments

11-30-2011 Dog complaint: Beagle has been seen in yard and various other places around town, leaving feces and running loose on the streets and has shown a tendency for aggressive behavior. **Phone call to owner (dog was actually in front of the office) plus letter, ordinance and fee schedule sent.

Adjourn

The regular meeting adjourned 8:15 pm.

Mayor Pro-Tem Mary Branon Clerk/Treasurer Cheryl Loeffler

Palouse City Council Meetings December 13 and 20, 2011

As per Ordinance No. 894, the December 27^th city council meeting was changed to December 20^th.

This month’s Palouse city council meetings are scheduled for December 13^th and 20^th.  

Normal start time of 7 pm. 

Palouse City Council Minutes, November 22, 1011

DRAFT ONLY.  Without council review or approval.

November 22, 2011 @ 7:00 pm

Special Council Meeting:  Final Budget Hearing

Followed by: Regular Council Meeting

CALL TO ORDER:  Mayor Echanove called the Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

ROLL CALL:  Council members present:  Tim Jones; Connie Newman; Norm Schorzman; Jeff Snook; Rick Wekenman.  Absent: Cecil Floyd is on vacation.  Also present:  Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin; Police Chief Jerry Neumann; Clerk-Treasurer Joyce Beeson; Deputy Clerk Ann Thompson.  Councilmember Newman MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Snook to excuse Councilmember Floyd’s absence.  Motion carried unanimously.  Public present: Pete Hertz; Bo Ossinger.    

7:02 PM, Open final public hearing for 2012 Budget.  No comments.  7:03 Close public hearing and open regular council meeting. 

Finance, Property, & Equipment-Mike Milano, Chair:  We’ll be looking at all possible ways to increase revenue but forecast is bad for state assistance.  Water/Sewer Committee will be making adjustments for reallocating funds to replace large equipment. 

• Discussion ensued about the pros and cons of keeping the chipper program.  Raise fee or eliminate program?  The savings if we eliminate program would be significant, between $4,500 and $5,800.  Raising the permit cost to $40 still wouldn’t break us even, and there is an increased chance of not selling as many permits at the higher cost.  How much would it cost to load into container to be hauled to county dump?  The county is considering raising costs but they won’t have numbers until January.  Supt. Griffin explained raw material will fill up a dumpster in just a few days and would be labor intensive.  Plus it potentially creates another overtime situation by making PW dig through and sort debris just as they have to do now.  Chipper is too expensive for now; we can revisit when times are better.  After discussion, council decided to eliminate the Chipper program for all of 2012.  City will still allow compost dumping with an annual permit fee of $15.00.    

• Swim lesson fee will go up to $35 for people residing outside Palouse city limits, and stay at $25 for those residing within Palouse city limits.
• Police Department paper service and accident report fees will increase.
• There are 42 lights on Main Street, plus two at Heritage Park.  Only 19 are lit now as a way to conserve money.  A citizen inquired about “adopting” a lamp post.  City will look into how much it costs approximately per month per lamp post. 
• 3% pay reduction for all staff.  Councilmember Milano MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Snook, to reduce pay by 3% for all city staff. 
• Mayor Echanove and PW Supt. Griffin both voluntarily gave up their city cell phones.
• Individual, volunteer option for council and Mayor to defer all or partial pay. 

Still discussing plans for the lighted sign at corner of Bridge & Main Streets.  Sign averages $1,300/year to run/light.  Councilmember Milano will speak with Avista, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Lions Club, about possibly sponsoring the sign.  Or perhaps it could be used for paid advertising by others.  For now the sign will be turned off.

Medical insurance premiums increased by 11%.  Dental insurance premiums decreased by 5%. 

An Event Impact fee is being considered.  Certain private events such as Bluegrass Festival, car show, and Haunted Palouse require public works to empty garbage cans, clean restrooms, restock garbage can liners and paper towels, etc. on the weekend.  Impact fee would help pay for those supplies and labor.  This will be part of future discussions.

Discussion on public works’ shifts and the sewer plant and well pumps requiring maintenance 7 days a week.  No changes were suggested.  There was discussion of the elimination of overtime except on emergency basis.  Mayor Echanove stated that snow events should be recognized as emergency since Palouse is situated on three hills and safety is an issue.  It was decided that public works is left with the decision on safety.   

Discussion about closing Heritage Park restrooms Jan, Feb. & March to save on the heating costs.  Closing it could negatively affect commerce.  It is used by many throughout the winter.  It will go on consideration list for things to cut.  Thermostat is down as low as possible without freezing.   

The 2012 Budget Message was read and discussed.  It details expenditures, revenues and changes that have been proposed.    

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Councilmember Newman amended the minutes under w/s committee report to add “We “will” have a current, accurate city boundary map and a city zoning map.”  Councilmember Milano MOVED to adopt the amended minutes of the Special Council Meeting of November 8, 2011.  Councilmember Jones seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT:  Supt. Griffin submitted a written report.  Additionally, they turned off every other lamp post on Main Street for cost savings. 

Was PW satisfied with the street oiling this year?  The product isn’t oil-based so it doesn’t soak in as well, just kind of sits on top.  Overall, PW is satisfied with the product and would use again. 

Regarding the camera at the chipper plant, the hard drive is broken.  They had a few successes using it to determine who was misusing the site.          

POLICE REPORT:  Chief Neumann reported they have completed lowering the ceilings and adding insulation to 2 of 3 rooms at the PD.  It should be completed by Tuesday.  A special thank you to volunteers from the Calvary Chapel men’s shelter for all their hard work on the ceiling and insulation.  PD replaced 50 gallon hot water tank with a 3 gallon tank.  Chief put in for an Avista rebate.  The new police software program is in and working great.    

JFB REPORT:  17 fire calls YTD and 47 EMS calls YTD.  Budget looks really good, mostly due to lack of fire calls.  This was a good year, unfortunately they have to budget such in case you have a lot of calls.  The pump on the pumper truck is having issues so they will probably have work done on it next year.

NEW BUSINESS:

Ordinance No. 894:  Changing the date of the December 27, 2011 council meeting.  Mayor read aloud the ordinance in its entirety.  Changing the date of Dec. 27, 2011 council meeting to December 20, 2011.  Councilmember Schorzman MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Milano, to adopt Ordinance No. 894.  Motion carried unanimously. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS: 

Water & Sewer-Connie Newman, Chair:  Anticipating completion of WSP by this spring. 

Finance, Property, & Equipment-Mike Milano, Chair:  Committee report is written above under budget hearing.

MAYOR’S REPORT: 

We will need a councilperson to fill Jeff Snook’s vacancy on JFB beginning in January. 

Staff would like permission to surplus two printers.  Councilmember Snook MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Jones to surplus the two printers.  Motion carried unanimously.  Signs announcing surplus will be posted at P.O., and sent out on city list serve.  Is it possible to donate a printer to PCC?  We can give to another government entity (like FD or PD) but not to private enterprise.  Councilmember Jones MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Schorzman to go out to sealed bid for these two items.  Motion carried unanimously. 

December 1^st, 2011, at 7 pm is our Brownfields meeting at Gar-Pal High School gymnasium.

TIB awarded us the Mohr Street Project which Councilmember Floyd applied for.  The school and the city are each putting in $2,500, and TIB is putting in $88,000, for a total of $93,000. 

Salary Schedule, Fee Schedule, & 2012 Budget will be ready at next council for adoption.

ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS:  Councilmember Milano MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed.  Councilmember Schorzman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURN:  Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to adjourn.  Councilmember Jones seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  The council meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM.

The following checks are approved for payment:

Claims Paid            Ck. No. 3596-3609            $3,293.06

APPROVED: ________________________________   ATTEST: ________________________________

Clerk error correction:   Nothing has been decided yet on the Bridge Street sign; it is still up for discussion.