Fairfield Town Council Minutes, April 17, 2012

Fairfield, Washington

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

APRIL 17, 2012

7:00 P.M.

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

Mayor Huber called the regular council meeting to order on April 17, 2012 at 7:00 pm. Council members present: Harry Gibbons, Mary Branon, George Davidson and Brian Kauffman. Valerie Spurrell is absent due to a family emergency.

Others present: Dennis Fuller of Century West, Tom Smith, Tony Sparks, Derek Knecht and Cheryl Loeffler.

Approval of Minutes

ACTION

Brian Kauffman motioned to approve the April 3, 2012 regular council minutes presented, seconded by Harry Gibbons. The motion carried.

ACTION

Approval of the Claims

Brian Kauffman motioned and Mary Branon seconded to approve claim vouchers #16606 through #16621 for $21,596.30 and EFTs for $ 1,259.78 as presented. The motion carried.

Claims: $20,029.48

Payroll: 2,826.67

Total Claims: $22,856.15

Check Register signed by: Mary Branon, George Davidson and Brian Kauffman

Engineer’s Report

Century West

Sewer System Improvement Project

Dennis Fuller of Century West came to the meeting in place of KJ Hanley who is ill. Dennis discussed the upcoming sewer improvement project on Carlton. A letter was sent last week inviting the businesses and citizens, that would be affected by the project to come tonight and visit with the engineer but no one attended. There has been discussion with many of the citizens throughout the early phases of the project. Dennis commented that when Carlton was worked on years ago, there was a large amount of undesirable material that had to be removed and replaced. This was considered into the bid price for this project. The treatment plant was discussed as a potential location to place the removed material. A silt fence would have to be placed to comply with the Department of Ecology (DOE) but that area should be fine. Having the extra dirt out there will actually help to level some of the banks and make mowing easier. Dennis will discuss this with the contractors. The plan is to begin the project next week providing the weather holds.

ACTION

Mary motioned to approve signing the Notice of Award to Bowen Brothers for $77,125.55 for the 2011 Sewer Improvement Project; seconded by Harry. The motion carried.

Dennis then commented that Derek is doing a great job at the treatment plant. Managing the flows to stay compliant with DOE, especially during a wet spring is very difficult. When the I&I reduction project started, about 700,000 gallons of water went through the treatment plant a day. So far, with the sewer projects that have been completed the amount of gallons has been reduced to about 500,000 gallons a day. The flows need to be much lower to comply with the DOE permit. By doing all of the different sewer improvement projects and reducing the I&I, demonstrates to DOE that the town is making progress with this issue.

TD&H

Randy Noble sent a written progress report from TD&H stating that UPRR has not yet executed an agreement for the railroad’s portion of the street project. The advertisement has been posted with bid opening on May 1.

Public Hearing Ordinance #369

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF FAIRFIELD, WASHINGTON, ADOPTING RULES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR CUSTOMERS OF THE TOWN’S WATER UTILITY AND OTHER MATTERS PROPERLY RELATED THERETO.

Ed opened the public hearing at 7:20. The first reading of Ordinance #369 was done by the mayor.

Tom Smith:

Reviewed the document and pointed out that the terminology of water/sewer main is present in a few locations. He wondered if sewer should be removed from water ordinance.

           The word sewer will be removed from this ordinance.

There is reference to both “town” and “city” throughout the document. Since Fairfield is a town, this needs to be corrected to read town.

The document mentions the “superintendent of water”. Does the Town have one?

          It is referred to in Section 2 of the ordinance.

He did not find reference to whose responsibility it is from the meter to the house in the document.

          This will be clarified.

Brian Kauffman:

Discussed the section of the good faith payment plan being only for the outstanding balance and having it state that the delinquent accounts MUST stay current on the utility bill along with making payments on the past due amount. If the person defaults on the outstanding balance, anything over 90 days will have a lien placed. Terminology should be in place for minimum dollar amount or percentage of payment to be accepted on the past due account set by resolution.

Brian also noted that there should not be a specific dollar amount or gallons/cubic feet listed but specifics should refer to be established by resolution of the town council. This will make future changes to the ordinance minimal.

The attorney signature line will be added.

Mary suggested having both the water and sewer ordinance sent to the attorney for review at the same time to save on legal fees.

A few other typos were corrected.

Tony: Will there be another reading?

        Yes, especially with the corrections and additions. The next one will be at the next council meeting.

Tom: What prompted the council to review codes?

         There are several areas in the ordinance that are outdated.

Tony: Are there plans for increases to the water rates:

         Every year the town implements a small increase. Currently, it has been at 2%. This helps maintain the water budget and keep up with the additional testing requirements from the Department of Health.

Does the homeowner have to get permission from the water superintendent to run water from the main house to a shop?

         Permission does not need to be granted but the additional water line should be approved by the public works and all of the materials are up to code. Unless there is an entire new building built, the line would be an extension of the current property and no further permits would be needed.

With no further public comments, the public hearing was closed at 8:52.

OLD BUSINESS

RECYCLING

Fee per dumping Frequency # of bins Plastic Aluminum Paper Cardboard Glass Bonus

Sunshine Disposal $30 per bin every week 2 X X X X

Du-Mor Free as needed 1 X X

Aluminum can money comes back to Fairfield

Empire Disposal 175 as needed 1 X X X X X $10 per ton rebate

The council discussed each company and what they would offer to the town. They were very appreciative to Mark Matherly and Du-Mor Recycling for their offer but felt that their program did not take enough different items. There would also be the possibility the Town losing them if Mr. Matherly were to move from Fairfield. The council is looking for a very long-term commitment.

Sunshine Disposal’s fees would be $240 per month with the expectation that the bins would be dumped every week whether they were full or not. They also do not take glass.

Empire Disposal does take glass along with all of the other items. The bin would be dumped on an as needed basis and is $175 per dump plus the possibility of a $10 per ton rebate. Their drivers could monitor this while they are on their route in Fairfield.

ACTION

Mary motioned to proceed with Empire Disposal to provide recycling for the Town of Fairfield with a fee of $175 per bin dump on an as needed basis; to amend the current budget to allow a portion of the collected utility tax to pay the fee and to take into consideration possible grant monies to help defray these costs; seconded by Brian. The motion carried.

Empire Disposal will be notified of the decision and asked if a side-door modification could be made. Possible locations are being discussed.

Community Center

Youth Activities

The Youth Activity Committee met last week with four people wanting to participate. Amy Howard, John and Jeannie Jesseph and Paul Anderson all came with ideas to help this progress. They would like to see Levi’s Room open at least three times a week with food served one of those nights and also have a family night. Paul suggested that the age be lowered to about nine. He explained that the kids that are in junior high already have their “hang-out” decided and getting them to change is pretty difficult. The younger kids can still be persuaded to participate and would bring their friends. Funding and volunteers are still the biggest hurdles. Going door to door with handouts could be a way to generate interest. Amy will design a handout to be delivered this week. John and Jeannie will prepare a spaghetti dinner for this Thursday, April 19 to be served at 5:30.

Liberty School District was contacted about a summer lunch program but with their rural location, it is almost impossible to get the kids there so they have never applied for the funding. Cheryl had the idea of having Liberty do the lunches but have locations in the different towns for distribution. A count of kids that would benefit from this would be helpful for both the town and the school. Cheryl will continue to work on this project. There is also a Wal-Mart Stop Hunger grant that will be looked into for both the Youth activities and the Senior Souper.

Door

Cheryl has been unable to reach Kirk Mundt from Kirk’s Doors about the door handle on the lower door. Another provider is being contacted.

Light fixture replacement bid

Mary received the bid from Platt but it was much higher than both Carr Sales and CED. Derek will contact these other two companies to provide an updated bid.

Maintenance at Post Office

Bids were received from Air Pro and Banner Furnace and Fuel for cleaning the furnace ducts at the post office. Both bids were for $400 plus tax. They also provided bids for servicing the furnace, replacing all filters and repairing one air return opening. Air Pro was $650 and Banner was for $95 per hour with a different tech and truck. This could take up to two additional hours.

The air ducts at the community center need cleaning

ACTION

Mary motioned to approve the bid from Air Pro for $650 to clean the ducts, service the furnace, replace all filters and repair one return air opening at the post office and to add cleaning the ducts at the Community Center; seconded by Brian. The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

Dust control

Dust control information was received from two providers. Custom Spray uses magnesium chloride and would charge $1.20 per foot. Custom Spray guarantees their product and stated that they would come back to Fairfield for reapplication at no additional charge, if needed. This is available until Spokane County stops issuing permits. They have used this product before in Fairfield. Lyman Dust Control has been the company used in the recent past. They use Lygnol at $1.20 per foot as well. There were a few complaints last year about their guarantee and their service. Derek will contact Custom Spray about the application process that they use. Ed commented that the magnesium chloride is used for washboard control in Idaho. When it is applied correctly, it usually does not need reapplication and does stop the streets from becoming a washboard.

Community Yard Sale

Requests to have a community wide yard sale are coming into the office. Waverly would like to have one at the same time so the weekend of May 19 and 20 was chosen.

Mosquito fogging

Dean Browning will not be fogging for mosquitos this year so at the current time, there is not a licensed applicator. A new interlocal agreement between the different communities that purchased the fogger will be drawn up and will need signatures. Tekoa will keep us informed on the progress of this.

Public Works Update

WATER

• All water testing is on schedule.
• Chlorine residuals are within limits.

WWTF

• Flows are still above normal, but are coming down to a manageable level.
• We are having some trouble out of pump #2 in lift station #2; settling conduit has exposed and corroded some wire leads dealing with power supply and control. This problem is being remedied before the ponds must be emptied and ready for the “NO” dis-charge season this summer.
• E.Q. liner pump has been put into operation, evacuating water under the liner from high levels of natural ground water this spring.

PARKS

• Weed control and mowing has started for the season.
• Garbage and branches are being picked up on a daily basis.
• Avista has been contacted about putting in a light to shine on the pedestrian bridge and light up the parking area on the north end of Thiel Park.
• Final Pricing on mowers is ready for review. Council will make a decision on Lawn Mower Purchase.
• Bee catching traps have been placed and stocked with nectar.

ROADS

• Repaired stop sign at the west end of Portland Ave.
• Ordering new stop signs and some much needed road name signs to replace some weathered and/ or missing and damaged ones around town.
• Removed plow and emptied sander unit on town dump truck.

OTHER: Cleaned out spouting at the Library, spread ant neutralizer around outside of Library facility to get rid of invading carpenter ants in the meeting room. Furnace filters are being changed in all town buildings. Fire alarms are also being checked/ batteries replaced. Ford town truck is in need of expensive mechanical work on the front end of the drive train (4x4 system) looking to a possible up-grade to a more economical S-10 or truck of that nature. Fuel savings alone will help with budget.

Lawnmowers

Derek provided the council with quotes for the purchase of a new commercial lawnmower. The current grasshopper has been a great machine but is near the end of its life.

Grasshopper mower with 72” mower deck with collection mount kit: $16,336.50

John Deere Commercial Front Mower without mower deck 1565 Series 25,927.00

John Deere Commercial Front Mower 1445 Series less mower deck 19,573.00

ACTION

Mary motioned to purchase the Grasshopper mower and deck for $16,336.50; seconded by Brian. The motion carried.

The lawnmower was budgeted for with the excess sales tax that was collected in 2011.

Other:

2012 Spring Yard Debris Day is April 28th 9-3 with a home composting class offered that same day at the community center at 10 a.m. Derek A will work his schedule so he will be available to work at the site. The fire department has asked that people DO NOT leave material at the site prior to the actual date.

The fire department asked for clarification of ownership of the fire hydrants at Fairfield Care. They are the responsibility of the Town, as stated in the water ordinance.

Review Complaints & Compliments

4-12-12 Blocked alley behind 106 S Fairweather. **A letter was written asking the owner to move the vehicle as it is was in violation of ordinance #334. The owner did notify town hall that the vehicle has been moved.

Adjourn

The regular meeting adjourned 9:13 pm.

__________________   __________________________

Mayor Ed Huber             Clerk/Treasurer Cheryl Loeffler

Palouse Wash., Council Meeting, April 24, 2012

DRAFT ONLY.  Without council review or approval.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

Palouse, Washington

April 24, 2012

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

ROLL CALL:  Council members present:  Alison Webb; Bo Ossinger; Tim Jones; Cecil Floyd; Rick Wekenman; Norm Schorzman; Connie Newman.  Also present: Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin; Police Officer Joe Merry; Clerk-Treasurer Joyce Beeson; & Deputy Clerk Ann Thompson.  Public present:  David Hertz; Martha Hertz; Janet Barstow; Heidi Keen; Miss McGehee.     

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of April 10, 2012.  Councilmember Wekenman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT:   Supt. Griffin submitted a written report.  The new lawnmower wiring issues are under warranty. 

POLICE REPORT:  Tremendous turnout for the bike race; no injuries to anyone. Had some solicitors in town trying to sell insurance; instructed them of rules regarding going door-to-door.   

JFB REPORT:  Prior to normal JFB meeting, there was a capital improvements meeting to discuss how we might be able to afford new equipment in the coming years.  In the next 5 to 8 years one of our pieces of fire equipment will be pushing 30 years old which is reaching the maximum age for reliability and trustworthiness.  Bottom line is there is no money in coffers at this point.  Used purchases cost approximately $150,000, new cost upwards of $250,000.  This was just discussion, no decisions were made.  Grants are very hard to come by anymore. 

There were five fire calls in March, 11 YTD, which is more than half of what we had all of last year.  Pump on pumper tanker is still being repaired in Spokane.  We’ve come across some tires that need to be replaced on some of the vehicles so we’re doing that.  Pullman’s new fire chief has visited with our department and is eager to work with us.  There were six EMS calls in March, 18 YTD.

NEW BUSINESS:

Q1 2012 Financial Report:  There are no issues or budget concerns this quarter, with no budget amendments.  Councilmember Newman MOVED to cancel and not reissue the check from March 2011 to UCR&D for $150.  UCR&D underwent administrative restructuring and are no longer a viable business.  Councilmember Schorzman seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.  REET money is from the sale of real estate; the city gets a percentage. The laws have changed for spending REET money and the state has suggested cities open a fund just for collection of the tax.  Once council develops a project, it can be transferred to the fund as needed.  REET money can be spent on certain capital projects such as park improvements, building improvements.  This year it has made approximately $1,000 (actual to date $1,600).  The city doesn’t have to spend it every year; we can save it for bigger projects.   

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS: 

Parks, Cemetery, & Buildings-Norm Schorzman. Chair:   no report

Policy & Administration-Bo Ossinger, Chair:  no report

Streets & Sidewalks-Cecil Floyd, Chair:  Re the Mohr Street project the paperwork is underway with TIB, Taylor Engineering, and Joyce.  Construction should begin sometime June or July.  We’re considering an application for another project to TIB.  In the past we’ve discussed a walking path from downtown up Cove Road to Union Street.  And the next year do the second half from Union Street to city limit.  The $18,000 matching funds would come from our arterial streets fund and is for the WHOLE project. 

Personnel & Pool-Tim Jones, Chair:  Pool opening date is set for June 20.  Last day of school at Gar-Pal is June 13.  Pool closing date is yet to be confirmed but approximately August 20.  Swim lesson session dates have been determined. 

Water & Sewer-Connie Newman, Chair:  Submitted a written report.  The Water System Plan (WSP) is in its final stages.  The wellhead protection piece is currently being reviewed by Don and Dwayne.  Once reviewed it will be sent back to Taylor Engineering.  Plan is to have the WSP submitted to the DOH by the first week of May.  WSP will be available for community review sometime in July.  The fee for DOH review of the WSP will be $2,280.       

Our next order will be developing a Sewer Extension Policy (SEP).  We hope to have that ready to present to council for review and approval by June.  Additionally w/s committee will be meeting with DOE this summer to begin the process of preparing for the new wastewater treatment permit which is due June 2014.  We are currently compliant with all of DOE’s sewer system requirements.

Councilmember Newman wanted to discuss an administrative issue we’re having with Jim Farr and/or Nicole Wood.  Councilmember Newman and staff have spent multiple hours each week and each month for a few years now to answer their questions and concerns pertaining to water and/or sewer business.  The w/s committee’s goal is helping Ms. Wood find a solution and answering her questions satisfactorily.  Connie read aloud a letter she wrote advising city staff on how to proceed with this issue from here on forward.  It’s unfortunate that we’ve had to come to this point but Connie feels it’s absolutely necessary, in an effort to come to a true solution.  Much discussion ensued.  Ms. Wood is reporting she’s not getting satisfactory answers via email, so we’ve offered to meet with her personally which she declined.  Councilmember Wekenman thinks it’s unusual that they refuse to come to any meeting to address their issues, and that it’s unreasonable on Ms. Wood’s part and that she should make more of an effort to get this resolved in a public forum.  The council and mayor agreed.  Connie reiterated the need for a w/s meeting with them and to simply have a dialogue as emailing back and forth has not proven successful.  Councilmember Newman has repeatedly asked Nicole to direct certain specific questions to Supt. Griffin and she refuses.  Dwayne’s job is to maintain the integrity of Palouse’s water system. 

Councilmember Newman added that much of the email correspondence that she is receiving from Ms. Wood regarding w/s business has included personal attacks on city staff which in Connie’s opinion are unsubstantiated and potentially libelous.  City staff handles all requests for w/s the same; these two haven’t received any different treatment than anyone else.    

Police, Fire, & Safety-Rick Wekenman, Chair:  Attended another county hazardous mitigation meeting; we’re to the point now of summarizing our accomplishments since the last go round. 

Finance, Property, & Equipment-Alison Webb, Chair:  none

OPEN FORUM:

Janet Barstow.  On behalf of the PCC requesting permission for a beer garden, July 28^th at the park, as part of the Palouse Music Festival.  PW has no issues.  PD has no issues.  Councilmember Jones MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Schorzman authorizing the Palouse Chamber to have their annual beer garden at the city park, July 28 for the Palouse Music Festival.  Motion carried unanimously.

Heidi Keen.  Would like to have permission to have the Barley Bar relay again in conjunction with Palouse Days.  The Chamber was the sponsor last year.  This year they would like permission to have the start of the race somewhere on Main Street.  This is a fundraiser for the PCC.  Discussion ensued.  There are no objections to the race but the logistics still need to be worked out. 

MAYOR’S REPORT:    

The steel building is gone from the Brownfields site; they were very conscientious about cleaning up the debris. 

We have not received Department of Commerce executed grant agreements yet. 

MFA‘s intent is to have the concrete building down by June 30^th. 

Committee assignments have yet to be determined.  Mayor is going to continue working on it. 

Go to www.AWC.net for training opportunities.    

ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS:  Councilmember Ossinger 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 Webb seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  The council meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

The following checks are approved for payment:

Claims Paid, April 25, 2012.            Ck. #3961-3979             $7,713.12

APPROVED: ________________________________   ATTEST: ________________________________

Palouse City Council Meeting, April 10, 2012

DRAFT ONLY.  Without council review or approval.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

Palouse, Washington

April 10, 2012

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

ROLL CALL:  Council members present:  Cecil Floyd; Tim Jones; Connie Newman; Bo Ossinger; Norm Schorzman; Rick Wekenman.  Also present: Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin; Police Chief Jerry Neumann; Police Officer Joe Merry; Clerk-Treasurer Joyce Beeson; & Deputy Clerk Ann Thompson.  Public present:  Alison Webb; Vickie Griner; Marcia Lehman-Kessler; Aaron Flansburg; Greg Kessler.     

Interviews for Council Position #1:

Aaron Flansburg and Alison Webb both submitted letters of interest for filling vacated council position #1.  Council interviewed each candidate separately.  Each candidate was asked the identical questions pertaining to interests, experience, and various council issues.

   

Executive Session for council position selection:  At 7:27 Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to go into executive session for 10 minutes to discuss the two candidates.  Seconded by Councilmember Newman.  Motion carried unanimously.  They extended executive session by 10 minutes.  Meeting called back to order at 7:49 pm.  Councilmember Jones MOVED to accept Alison Webb as new councilmember.  Councilmember Wekenman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.  It was a difficult decision.   Mayor Echanove swore in Alison Webb as councilperson for position #1.  Committee assignments will be determined later.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Councilmember Newman amended the minutes to add, under the Streets & Sidewalks committee report, “In the absence of minimum specs for driveway development, Councilmember Newman MOVED that ……..”  Councilmember Newman MOVED to adopt the amended minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of March 27, 2012.  Councilmember Schorzman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT:   Supt. Griffin submitted a written report.  Additionally they started excavating the parking lot for the PCC today.  Public Works is looking at getting volunteers together for cleaning up the flood damage at the park.  Good team effort on watching the flood. 

We’ve had limbs being dumped in the compost pile.  The site is compost only:  grass, leaves, and soft vegetation only.  No tree trimmings, no bushes, etc.  There is a 4’x4’ sign on-site saying chipper pile closed.         

POLICE REPORT:  March activity log submitted.  Chief publically commended Officer Merry’s work during Chief Neumann’s vacation.  There are ongoing investigations into crimes such as stolen property, drugs, stolen checks, gas siphoning.  Chief reminded all of us that we need to help protect ourselves from these crimes of opportunity by locking our houses and cars.  Always report suspicious activity; the police are available 24/7 and are ready and willing to respond.    

OLD BUSINESS:

State Ecology Remedial Action Oversight Grant Agreement: 

Federal EPA Brownfields Mediation Sub-Grant Agreement:

Federal EPA ARRA Brownfields Remediation Sub-Grant Agreement:

The Grant Agreements from DOE and EPA have arrived.  Our Brownfields project is now 100% grant funded pending mayor’s authorization.  Mayor read aloud a letter from Department of Commerce outlining the grants.  The $150,000 ARRA EPA grant must be spent by June 30, 2012.  The $200,000 EPA grant must be spent by Sept. 30, 2012.  Councilmember Jones MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Ossinger, allowing the Mayor to sign the grant agreements with the DOE and Dept. of Commerce for the EPA funds.  If approved, it’s in MFA hands after this to arrange all the details.  Atty. Bishop has reviewed the grants.  Motion carried unanimously. 

The purchaser of the metal building has a few weeks left to remove the building.  May 1^st is the deadline.  The city will remind him.    

NEW BUSINESS:

Budget Amendment for administering three Brownfields remediation grants as proposed.  Because of the grant, we need to amend the budget.  Ordinance No. 897 amending Ordinance No. 896.  Mayor read aloud the ordinance in its entirety.  Summary Revenue:  EPA Brownfields Remediation - $200,000; Ecology LTCA Brownfields - $477,672; ARRA EPA Brownfields Remediation - $150,000.  Summary Expenditures:  Ecology - $477,672; EPA - $200,000; EPA ARRA - $150,000.  Councilmember Jones MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Newman to accept Ordinance No. 897 amending the 2012 budget.  Motion carried unanimously. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS: 

Streets & Sidewalks-Cecil Floyd, Chair:  Street & sidewalk committee has not met since the last council meeting and may not meet until the first Wednesday of May.  Regarding the request for a private driveway on 7^th Street - The requestor has asked for a driveway on an undeveloped portion of 7^th Street.  There is a city sewer line located through it.  Councilmember Floyd stated that there is no policy in place that would restrict a driveway.  There is concern for the neighbors both uphill and downhill of the request.  If approved as a private driveway, the standards won’t be high enough to prevent problems for those neighbors.  There’s no policy on the books setting standard specs for a driveway but there are minimum standards for a street opening.  The city needs to maintain control of the construction standard and maintenance since it could have a negative impact on the abutting properties.  Costs for street and driveway openings are bore by the requestor.  The adjacent property owners, Kessler’s and Griner’s, submitted letters opposing the private driveway.  Kessler’s stance is not objecting to a street opening, but they’re nervous about a private driveway:  soil erosion; significant surface and ground water; effects to the sewer line, and fire hazard caused by unmaintained vegetation.  Three properties adjoin this request, and all three are against opening it as a drive.  Griner’s are concerned that if it’s not built and maintained at city standards, who takes care of a private drive?  The water issue is significant; it’s not passable many months of the year.  Marcia Kessler pointed out, regarding precedent setting, that the city could be held liable for negative impacts to abutting properties.  Councilmember Floyd MOVED, based on the fact that we have no minimum requirements for a private driveway and we have objectors, that we deny opening 7^th Street as a private driveway.  Seconded by Councilmember Newman.  Discussion - The requestor can come back and request a street opening.  There are minimum street requirements which give the city some control and protection for the property owners.  Perhaps in the future a policy for private driveway openings specs could be considered.  What made this request particularly difficult is the entire length of the request (full city block) abuts three property owners while having no effect to the requestor’s property.  Pullman deals with these kinds of requests on a case-by-case basis because each request is so unique.  Last year the City of Palouse granted this same requestor private drive access in a different location (which they declined) which wouldn’t have affected any neighbors.  Motion carried unanimously.           

Personnel & Pool-Tim Jones, Chair:  Pool committee met.  Discussed 2012 staff hiring, pay and duties.  Pool manager is returning as well as five guards.  Tentative pool opening date is June 20.  School gets out June 13.  Still no swim team as no one has stepped forward to coach and/or run that program.  One option may be for kids to perhaps co-op with Garfield. 

Water & Sewer-Connie Newman, Chair:  Still at same phase on WSP.  Meeting tomorrow to go over final chapters of the WSP and capital improvement recommendations.  This will be the last committee meeting before the working draft is submitted to the DOH.  DOH has up to 90 days to review.  Once we receive that back we’ll make any changes necessary as per DOH comments.  There will be a review period for the community at that point. 

Parks, Cemetery, & Buildings-Norm Schorzman. Chair:  No report    

Policy & Administration-Bo Ossinger, Chair:  No report

Police, Fire, & Safety-Rick Wekenman, Chair:  No report

Finance, Property, & Equipment-Mike Milano, Chair:  No report

OPEN FORUM:

Aaron Flansburg is still looking at locations for a skate park.  He really likes the Brownfields site but not sure if that’s allowable under the conditions of the grants.    

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

ADJOURN:  Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to

adjourn.  Councilmember Newman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  The council meeting adjourned at 8:59 PM.

The following checks are approved for payment:

Payroll Paid, March 31, 2012.            Ck. #3917-3935 & EFT            $41,050.46

Claims Paid, April 11, 2012.            Ck. #3936-3960 & EFT            $19,367.37

APPROVED: ________________________________   ATTEST: ________________________________

Rockford, Wash. Town Council Meeting March 12, 2012

Rockford Town Council

March 12, 2012

Public Hearing

Mayor Micki Harnois brought the public hearing to order after the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Council members present:  Clint Stevenson, Jim Oshanick, and Thomas Smith.  Public Works Operator John Goyke and Clerk/Treasurer were present.  Council member Steve Meyer was absent.

A public hearing was held prior to the Council meeting to hear public comment on an alley vacation requested by Andrew Fricke at 409 W. North Street.  This alley is located in Block 42 of Waltman’s Addition of the Rockford Resurvey.  Andrew owns the property on both sides of this alley. 

Andrew Fricke has submitted a building permit application for an addition to his house.  Andrew claims he has been paying property taxes on that alley for the last 14 years.   The alley is included in the legal description of his property.

Jim Oshanick spoke that he feels there is no need to vacate the alley but if it is necessary for formality he would vote to vacate the alley.

Clint Stevenson mentioned that if we went back and seen what was paid all these years Andrew would have bought and paid for it already.

Micki Harnois explained again that the legal description doesn’t speak about the alley.

Larry Van Every asked if the lots would have to be refigured.

Duane Fricke mentioned that the streets and alleys are included in the blocks that he owns.

With no further comments the hearing was closed.

Council meeting

Mayor Micki brought the Council meeting to order.   The Council members as well as staff that attended the hearing were in attendance at the meeting as well.

Alley vacation

Both Clint Stevenson and Jim Oshanick spoke of the Town should give the alley to Andrew Fricke.  Darlene mentioned  the past vacations where people had to pay for the property or future vacation requests.  Clint explained those people had not paid property tax on those for years.

John Goyke stated the Town couldn’t give the alley away.  That would be gifting Town property.  He suggested to at least sellit for $ 1.00.

Jim Oshanick made a motion to approve Ordinance12-3  contingent upon amending the language of the ordinance stating the alley in Block 42 will be sold for $ 1.00.  Thomas Smith seconded the motion; motion carried.

JUB Engineering

Layne Merritt of JUB Engineering was present.  He thanked the Council for selecting JUB for their services.  He further explained that any task to be completed would have approval of the Council before any work was done.   Any unexpected tasks would be dealt with the same.  Layne further mentioned that small items such as phone calls and etc would not be charged to the Town.

Kathy Creed asked if the discounts he had talked about are in writing.  Layne mentioned that generally that has been done but it wasn’t in the contract.

Layne further requested if there is something not right, please tell him.

Mayor’s Comments

 Micki informed the Council that requests for proposals for the Shoreline Master Plan update had been advertised.

Micki further mentioned that Darlene is still working on a draft letter to the Sheriff’s Department.

Micki reported that a representative of “The Current” met with Pete Abbey, Sam Meyle and her at Frednecks recently.  The April edition will feature an article on the up coming frog race.

Funding for TIB’s chip sealing on River Street and Stringham Road has been approved.

Micki had spoken to Pat Stretch of CDBG.   CDBG is still waiting on HUD’s approval on the methodology of the new income survey.

There hasn’t been any word yet on the park drainage grant.

Micki reported that Primeland is requesting to place a 3000 gallon diesel tank near the card lock pumps.  The applications are being worked on.

Micki reported that the Dept of Agriculture has a grant available for $ 25,000 for projects at fairgrounds and other similar locations to help with public safety and health.  Two items that have been mentioned are:  remodel the restrooms at the park and make the grounds more level to help prevent trips and falls.

The deadline for the grant is June 15^th.

Council committee reports

Thomas Smith reported that Clint Stevenson, John Goyke, Micki Harnois and he had met with Layne Merritt of JUB on Tuesday evening to discuss the Town’s needed improvements and the proposed rate increases.  Layne had supplied a spreadsheet on other area Town’s utility rates.

Micki spoke that a public hearing will be held on April 18^th for the proposed sewer and lagoon increased rates.

Jim Oshanick reported the Lion’s Club is working on a new sign display for the business signs located at Pioneer Park.  The proposed structure along with the trailer that is there is on property that belongs to the railroad.  The Club had to change their plans because they didn’t want to spend a lot of money on a project that sat on property that didn’t belong to them. 

Art Grewe asked if the railroad still gives 99 year leases.  Jim didn’t know but someone would look into it.

Jim also mentioned he had talked to Scott Watson regarding the park drainage project.  Scott had bid on the high side.  Chances are the project will not cost as much as his bid was.

Larry Van Every asked if the trailer located by the proposed sign display was water tight.  He also asked if it could be made into an emergency contact center.  Jim didn’t know.  It could be looked into.  The trailer does store items.

Public Comment

Jody Cornwall was present and reported that the agreement between the Town and the Primmer’s was at their attorney for review.  She spoke of a few changes that had been made.   Primmer’s will be billed for the service and be reimbursed from the Town.

Bill Creed asked with the changes in the Primmer’s agreement, are all the Council members involved in with the talks or just two of them.  Micki reported that the council will be in agreement with all the decisions.

Kathy Creed asked if the Council came up with an answer regarding taping the minutes.  Micki reported that the auditors said that the Town doesn’t have to record the meetings.  Darlene reported that the attorney from years ago recommended the Town to not record the meetings for liabilities.

Kathy Creed asked if it was the Council’s decision then to not tape the minutes.

Thomas Smith reported that the Council hasn’t had a chance to discuss it.

Darlene will talk to MRSC regarding the subject.

P&Z

Thomas Smith made a motion to approve Andrew Fricke’s building permit application for a two story garage at 409 W. North.  Jim seconded the motion; motion carried.

Minutes

Jim Oshanick made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 21^st meeting.  Clint Stevenson seconded the motion; motion carried.

Old Business

Fire Levy

Micki reported that the Town can not ask people to vote for the fire levy but can remind people to vote.

Kathy Creed reported that Fire Chief Brad Marlow had contacted her and said he would get information to her.  She also stated she had felt that the Fire Department needs to take responsibility and do some work to help promote the levy.

Spokanimal

Darlene spoke to the Council regarding the Spokanimal check, # 11,400 for $ 65.00.  The Council did not approve the check at the last meeting.  She told the Council she felt it was the Town’s bill. The Council directed the staff to call Spokanimal to deal with the Pit Bull dog again.  She further stated that Raleigh Clark was not going to pay Spokanimal but the Town can send him an invoice for the amount.   If he doesn’t pay the bill the Town can place a lien on the property.

Thomas Smith made a motion to approve check # 11,400 for $ 65.00.  Jim Oshanick seconded the motion; motion carried.

Recycling

John Goyke reported that Suzanne Tresko of Spokane Regional Solid Waste System is working on a grant that would pay for 75% of Sunshine Disposal’s hauling costs.

John also informed the Council that he has been talking with Suzanne Tresko regarding a possible grant project which could include a fenced, asphalt area that could by used for recycling and composting.

It was the consensus of the Council to continue to work on the grant project.

Utility payments

Art Grewe asked if the Town had ever received the money from the Moyer’s past utility accounts.  Darlene reported that the Town did in January.

New Business

Darlene informed the Council that the State Auditor’s Office (SAO) will be revamping its bar code numbering system, required to be used in 2013.  Currently the Town is using Version 5 of the BIAS accounting system.  BIAS has revamped it accounting program to Version 6 and will amend it to be compatible to the SAO’s new coding system.  BIAS will not retrofit Version 5 to the new coding and it will stop making continued updates.  The cost will be $ 1,600.00, plus tax.  It was the consensus of the Council to update to BIAS’s Version 6.

The Council approved to purchase a lawn sweeper and thatcher for $ 100.00.

Public Works report

John Goyke reported that Well #5 is down.  Dickerson will be out on Tuesday to pull the pump and find out what is wrong. Depending on what is wrong it would cost from $ 6,000 to $ 8,800 for just a pump.

Larry Van Every asked if it could be rebuilt to have one for back up.

Thomas Smith asked where the funds would come from to pay for it.

Darlene suggested waiting and seeing what is wrong with it and what the cost will be and then determine where the money will come from.

Meeting adjourned.

_________________                        _____________________

Darlene LaShaw, Clerk               Micki Harnois, Mayor