Town Council
January 4, 2012
7:00 p.m.
Mayor Micki Harnois brought the meeting to order after the invocation was given by Pastor David Lura of the 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 Operator John Goyke and Clerk/Treasurer Darlene LaShaw were also present.
Micki announced that Mona Vanek who was present for the meeting will be recording the meeting.
Micki announced that Spokanimal had been in Town earlier in the day and instructed the person residing at the late Harold Pierce’s property, 17 E. Spring Street, to have the Pit Bull out of Town in 24 hours.
Micki also spoke of possibly having a way to measure from survey stakes by the brick building to help find the property lines of the property belonging to the late Harold Pierce.
Trailer behind the Grange Hall is a matter between the two property owners. Kathy Creed spoke that she understood however the members of the Grange will not proceed in removing the trailer due to the chances of retribution and believes the Town should help out. Bill Creed spoke that the owner has a history of violence and he will not subject his family to retribution.
Micki spoke that a committee had been working in Washington State to redistrict Congressional and Local districts. At this time it appears that Rockford’s will remain the same.
January 12th, 7:00 pm at the Fairfield Town Hall, there will be a meeting with the other small town officials regarding a recycling program with Sunshine Disposal.
Public CommentKathy Creed spoke of Micki’s report on the Pit Bull was a little late. Her dog had been attacked the day before by that Pit Bull in their garage. Kathy further expressed her thoughts by saying that she felt that the Council has let two law abiding citizens down. She noted that at the October 19th Council meeting she had talked about the same Pit Bull.
She further added and read for the Town’s requirement of having letters/notifications from two separate residents regarding dog issues, two letters she had obtained from Ashton and Matt Hafner, who both had trouble with this same dog.
Kimberly Creed, on East Lake Street, had informed Kathy the day that the silo had been erected off of Lake Street, the dog had run into her garage.
Kathy further noted with the language stated in the Town’s animal/dog ordinance the dog should have been impounded a long time ago. She feels that the Council should get off of their asses and get some things done. She added that she would like the Town to pay for her vet bill.
She feels that it is not safe in Town any more because of some of the dogs running in town.
Bill Creed noted that both of them have health issues and are on blood thinners. If either one of them were to be attacked they would bleed to death before the helicopter would arrive.
Mona Vanek who claimed to be 80 years old spoke of a similar issue. She had reviewed the Town’s ordinances and their penalties. There are strict rules and the Town had better fix them before the Town gets sued big time. She is afraid to walk in town with dogs running all over. She asked if it is legal to carry pepper spray. The Council informed her it was legal to carry it.
She announced that she had found a site that some sprays could be obtained free for women as a defender. Selling the sprays could also be used as a fund raiser.
Vicki Bergstrom asked how it would be possible to get two or more neighbors to talk or write on a dog issue when all of them are at work.
Steve Meyer spoke about the Town being negligent however he reminded people that one dog has been taken out of Town two times. He also asked if he ever shot a dog who would ever stand behind him.
Stan asked if the Town has a contract with Spokanimal. Darlene reported that no the Town doesn’t. They are on call as needed basis. Stan felt the Town should have them attend a meeting to explain their process.
Bill Creed asked why are dogs not being placed in the kennel. In the past he had placed dogs and a goat in the kennel.
Micki repeated that Spokanimal gave the people 24 hours to remove the dog from Town. If the dog is still in Town we will again contact Spokanimal to see what they will do.
John Goyke reported he can not catch dogs unless he is appointed as the enforcer.
Vicki Bergstrom asked if anyone had sent the offender a copy of the Pit Bull ordinance. Yes he has received a copy.
Mona spoke of a problem she had years ago with a dog issue. Darlene had informed her that a fine of $ 80 had been sent to the owner and she didn’t have any further problems.
John reported the last time the Town had a dog issue the Town had gotten in a lot of trouble.
Stan asked if animal controllers are required training on certain animals.
Bill Creed asked if a survey was going to be obtained regarding property on East Lake/Spring Streets with a silo on it. Micki reported she doubted it.
Minutes
Steve questioned the statement regarding Stan’s suggested letters of apology that that should be written to TD&H, being left out of the minutes. He believes the minutes should reflect that the Town will send an apology letter to TD&H and Micki had stated she would send one of her own.
Jim made a motion to approve the minutes of December 21, 2011 as amended. The motion was seconded by Thomas; motion carried.
Treasurer’s ReportDarlene reported a correction on the last Treasurer’s Report given in December in the amount of $ 338,599.76. It should have been reported for the month of November 2011 not October 2011.
Old BusinessThe Council will hold a retreat at the Valleyford Fire Station on January 19th at 6:00 pm. Gary Wagner asked if it was open to the public. Micki stated that it is but the public can not comment.
Micki reported that she and Steve Meyer met with Stan Primmer and family members regarding an easement for the reservoir that is located on the Primmer’s property. The reservoir has been at that location since 1976 when Stan’s mother, Margaret, made an agreement with the Town to place it there.
Currently there in not an easement for the South access to the reservoir. A survey will not be obtained being as the line already exists. Micki stated recorded documentation of the line would be needed.
The Primmer family feels an agreement needs to be in place to protect both the Town and the Primmer family. The attorney that the Primmer’s have will be used to assist with this agreement. The agreement will include two water taps with no hook up fees, being provided to the Primmer’s near the SW reservoir. Jody Cornwall, Stan’s daughter, spoke of having lots figured out with a possible trade.
The Primmer’s require a 24 hour notice of any needed access to the reservoir unless there is an emergency.
The Town’s insurance will not allow anyone to be an additional insured on the Town’s insurance; however there is documentation that can be obtained to assure the Primmer’s that they would not be liable for any claims due to the Town or contractors being injured while working on the Town’s reservoir on the Primmer’s property.
The Town will place a barrier around the electrical box that is also located on the Primmer’s property so that the cows will not damage the equipment.
Jim O asked to keep this matter a priority until it is completed.
The warranty for the new reservoir on Center Street is covered from December 1, 2011 through December 1, 2012. Micki reported that John had suggested calling for bids in July for tank cleaning and inspection, and to have the work done in October. John also suggested to the Council to think about having all three tanks cleaned and videoed at the same time. The Town wouldn’t have to drain the tanks. He will get an approximate cost for the project.
Regarding the Sheriff’s contract Gary Wagner suggested for the Town to find out if knowing the Sheriff Department has to respond to any felonies if that would suffice for the Town having police coverage for its citizens. He thought there was a RCW pertaining to the issue but wasn’t sure of the number.
Kathy Creed reported that she had reviewed the sample of the CD regarding the Scenic Byway work that was sent to the Town. She felt it was amateurly done. She recommended that the Town not pay for any future work.
Gary Wagner spoke of the current CDBG grant cycle. The CDBG Advisory Committee meets on January 12th. at 4:00 pm. At that time the committee will consider and recommend funding on projects with what funds that are available. He mentioned that the County Commissioners have suggested more human service projects. He had available to the Council a sheet that lists all of the grants that have been submitted for funding. He further spoke of the concern of the census survey that had been completed several years ago. The methodology seems to have questioned. There is a chance that the results of that survey may still be rejected. Currently it is in limbo. He suggested for the Town to contact Pat Stretch at CDBG and ask for an update and see if there is anything the Town can do.
Public WorksJohn reported several pot holes have been filled, the County graded a portion of B Street and the rain gutters of the Town Hall have been cleaned out.
Stan Primmer asked what was going to be done to Missile Rd. Micki explained to him that the Town is trying to get that street reclassified, making it more favorable to receive funds.
John reported that the electricians would be in next week on the 9th and 10th to move the SCADA system inside the building at Well #4. Residents that would be affected will be notified.
Jim O reported that people had looked at the older dump truck. It was the consensus of the Council to ask for $ 6,500.00.
ChecksSteve questioned the $ 500.00 to JUB Engineering. Stan, Steve and Jim had thought that JUB would not charge for working on the CDBG grant. Past minutes will be looked at.
Clint made a motion to approve checks #11,280-11,301 for December 2011(withdrawing # 11,286 for $ 500.00), in the amount of $ 18,041.85. Thomas seconded the motion; motion carried.
Payroll # 11,282 $ 200.00
Claims # 11,280, 11281- 11284-11,301 17,841.85
Clint made a motion to approve the checks # 11302- 11326, in the amount of $ 34,100.02. Thomas
seconded the motion; motion carried.
Payroll # 11,302 – 11,310 $ 6,790.31
Claims # 11,311 -11,326 27,309.71
Clint asked if the Town was going to get a dump box for the newer truck or if anyone has found one. Steve has been looking for one.
Meeting adjourned.
___________________________ ____________________________
Darlene LaShaw, Clerk Micki Harnois, Mayor
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