Fairfield Regular Council Meeting Septmber 18, 2012

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

SEPTEMBER 18, 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 pertinent points, these minutes contain only a summary of the discussion and voting.

Mayor Ed Huber called the regular council meeting to order on September 18, 2012 at 7:00 pm. Council members present: Harry Gibbons, George Davidson, Valerie Spurrell and Brian Kauffman. Mary Branon was absent due to a work-related function.

Others present: KJ Hanley, Jeannie and John Jesseph, Derek Knecht and Cheryl Loeffler.

Approval of Minutes

ACTION

Harry Gibbons motioned to approve the September 4, 2012 regular council minutes as presented, seconded by Brian Kauffman. The motion carried. 

ACTION

Approval of the Claims

Brian Kauffman motioned and Harry Gibbons seconded to authorize the claim vouchers #16791 through #16798 for $5,744.70 and EFTs for $4,973.18 as presented. The motion carried.

Claims: $ 4,384.06
Payroll: 6,333.82
Total Claims: $10,717.88

Check Register signed by: Brian Kauffman, Harry Gibbons and George Davidson

Guests
Jeannie Jesseph
Jeannie summarized the summer lunch program. There were 1028 meals served with 925 being reimbursable meals. The rest of the meals were provided to the volunteers or meals that the public paid for. The program ended with a balance of approximately $84 in the black. An appreciation luncheon was held for the volunteers on September 11. It was a very successful program.

Jeannie will be looking into “Feed Your Brain” grant for next year that will go hand in hand with the lunch program. This will provide tutoring and an afternoon snack.

 
Engineer’s Report
TD&H
Randy Noble was in Fairfield on September 11 to look at the crumbling sidewalk and to watch the trucks cross. He also commented that the crumbling is spreading. TD&H is still looking over their design to see if they allowed for the heavy truck traffic or if Cameron-Reilly installed it incorrectly. Either way he said, “It will be taken care of.” He then called today and was going to inquire with Co-Ag about the weight of trucks thinking that perhaps that could be the problem. The council agreed that the project would not be signed off on until this problem is corrected.

Century West

KJ Hanley presented the Professional Services Agreement for the #12-19 2012 Sewer Improvements Project between the Town of Fairfield and Century West for $12,880 to council for approval.

ACTION

Brian motioned to approve the Professional Services Agreement between the Town of Fairfield and Century West for the CDBG Project 12-19 for $12,880; seconded by Harry. The motion carried.

We are still looking for the original agreement with the railroad from 1950. The last agreement that was found, from 1966 has verbage stating that if the railroad were to make any changes, the town would be responsible for any expenses to relocate the pipeline. KJ has asked that our office contact UPRR about locating the original agreement from 1950 at their end to verify this language and to ask for an amendment to this agreement to move the sewer line. The agreement for the property that is now owned by the Department of Transportation is also missing. We will try to go to the Spokane County Court House to look for this document. KJ will provide some language to use when talking to the railroad.

KJ has started working with Derek on the waterlines that services the area at the south end of town. Currently the meters are not accessible and there could be potential issues with the lines. Since Fairfield Care has been having some pressure issues, KJ and Derek have started to look into replacing these lines and looping them together, which would take care of two dead-end lines. Original easements for properties going from Thiel Park west along the railroad line were given to KJ. He will look these over to verify what they actually cover.

KJ will continue to look for funding at the Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council (IACC) in Wenatchee on October 2.

OLD BUSINESS

Hahner Field easement
An easement for utilities including water and sewer for the south end of Hahner Field Block 14 Lots 1 and 6 between Charles and Carol Hahner and the Town of Fairfield was presented for approval.

ACTION

Harry motioned to approve the public utilities easement between Charles and Carol Hahner and the Town of Fairfield; pending the Hahner’ s approval, seconded by Brian. The motion carried.

Dogs at large

There seems to be more dogs running at large lately. These are believed to belong to newer residents in town. Cheryl will contact Sheriff Knezovich about where things stand between the Town, SpoKanimal and the sheriff’s office. Letters will be written to the dog owners reminding them to get their animals licensed.

Water meter upgrades

There was discussion about getting the meters that are inside homes placed at the property lines. If the homeowner does not allow public works inside the home to remove the old meter, the Town would abandon that meter and only use the meter readings from the new meter at the property line.

Ordinances 369 and 370

Water Ordinance was reviewed again and changes were suggested to include language regarding meters inside the homes. Brian and Cheryl will work on this change.

NEW BUSINESS

Popcorn Machine
The group that meets on Thursday nights, Thursday Night Thing (TNT) has been borrowing a popcorn machine for their movie nights. With funds that were raised at Flag Day, one was purchased for $149.

Staff meeting

Ed met with the staff on September 6 for a breakfast meeting at the CDA Casino. Ed expressed to them and again tonight, how good things are running and that it is a great staff and council to work with. The budget, upcoming staff reviews and issues around town were all discussed.

Public Works Report

Derek will be on vacation October 1-18. Dave Tysz and Clint from Spangle will be available to help Derek A if needed.
WATER
 Chlorine residuals are staying at steady .2 to .3
 Water leak in Kingdom Hall parking lot was a service line and has been repaired.
 Thomas water line has been installed and is functioning well.
 Leak has been identified at CHS parking lot and is scheduled for dig and repair.
 Water meters are still being replaced on a schedule and when malfunctions may occur due to age or damage.
 Ten lead and copper tests will be taken this month at various residences to comply with DOH testing requirements.
 Meter box and lid have also been changed behind City Hall and replaced with a drive lid to compete with traffic.
WWTF
 Wood has been removed from stockpile by the drawing winner “Good Job”.
 Three bids are being taken for repairs to double doors on the screen room this month with work to be completed this fall.
 Still at a “No Discharge” for the month of September. This is one month longer than the permit requires. This saves money on testing and impact on the environment. This is due to a combination of I&I efforts and a rather dry month.
 Lift stations are scheduled for preventative maintenance this month.
PARKS
 Garbage and debris are still being picked up on a daily basis.
 Two bids have come in for Hart Park sprinkler automation with the original installers B&B Sprinklers respectfully declining on the up-grade. Two more contractors will be contacted for Bids.
 Mowing is slowing down and watering is being cut back. Sprinkler heads have been repaired in Thiel Park.
ROADS
 Select “STOP” signs are being replaced due to age. Posts will be replaced when ground conditions are favorable.
 Vegetation removal and tree trimming has started on roadsides where tree and bushes are in the right of way.
OTHER: Vehicle and mower maintenance will be picking up this month being winterized and greased. Ordering gravel, sand and salt at the end of the month for winter maintenance and road repair.
 
Other
The Town received a letter from a citizen requesting to have the late fees on his utility bill waived. He has been out of the country for some time. After discussion, the council voted unanimously to not waive the late fees. A letter will be written to the homeowner.

The dates were set for the public hearing for property taxes and budget workshops. Public hearing for property tax October 2. This will be during the regular council meeting.

Budget workshops 6:30 October 9

Review Complaints & Compliments

None.

Adjourn:

The regular meeting adjourned 9:22 pm.

Mayor Ed Huber Clerk/Treasurer Cheryl Loeffler