2014 Tax Levy Public Hearing in City of Tekoa, Washington, November 4, 2013

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

The City of Tekoa will hold a public hearing to determine the tax levy rate for 2014 during the regular meeting on Monday, November 4, 2013, after the hour of 7:00 p.m.  The hearing will be held in the council chambers at the City of Tekoa City Hall, 419 N Washington. All citizens are encouraged to attend.

 

Kynda Browning, Clerk/Treasurer

Palouse City Council October 8, 2013 Regular Meeting Minutes

Palouse City Council

Regular Council Meeting

October 8, 2013

CALL TO ORDER:  Mayor Echanove called the Council Meeting to order at 7:03 PM.

ROLL CALL:  Council members present:  Senja Estes; Tim Jones; Connie Newman, Bo Ossinger; Norm Schorzman; Rick Wekenman.  Absent: Alison Webb.   Also present: Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin; Police Chief Jerry Neumann; Clerk-Treasurer Joyce Beeson; & Deputy Clerk Ann Thompson.  Public present:  Aaron Flansburg; Lindsey Hylton; Mary Estes.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Amend the minutes as follows:  under open forum, clarify that it was Kelly Dow who said “the significance this petition shows is that there is overwhelming proof that not everyone is on board with locating the skatepark in the Palouse Park.”  Councilmember Newman MOVED to adopt the amended minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of September 10, 2013.  Councilmember Estes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT:  Supt Griffin submitted a written report.  They finished the paving on Wall Street which included replacing 500’ feet of sewer main with all kinds of problems.  At the PCC they asphalted around the catch basin where there have been problems in the parking lot.

The 2004, white, Ford 1-ton service pickup needs some major repairs.  The estimate is $3,000 to fix.  It’s also the truck we use for snow-plowing.  A new, rebuilt engine would cost $10,000-$12,000 and it wouldn’t be worth it putting that much money into that vehicle.  Councilmember Newman MOVED to authorize the repair of the pickup for $2,975 + tax from Jess Ford.  Councilmember Wekenman seconded.  Councilmember Wekenman inquired when we should think about replacing this vehicle since it takes such a beating.  Motion carried unanimously.

POLICE REPORT:

Ongoing nuisance cleanups.  Mohr Street house owners are trying to be more neighborly by securing the siding and securing the door.  We’re still trying to coordinate to have it recycled.

Had several calls in regard to the train causing a traffic delay.  It lasted about 35 minutes.  Chief Neumann gave the RR contact numbers to the complainants.  The train delay was a violation of our local code which allows a 10 minute delay, which is in line with the state.  Half our community was/is cut off when this happens.  City Hall will put out the contact phone numbers for the public so they can call.  [Ask for Les or Stan at 509-523-4445; 208-553-6196; or 208-290-8148; 302 N. Mill, Colfax, WA  99111].

Geared up for Haunted Palouse.  We’ll have help from reserve officer Snead.

Still working on the ATV/ORV ordinance.

OLD BUSINESS:

Resolution No. 2013-09: accepting terms of AWC EBT Interlocal Agreement:  This was read in its entirety at last council meeting and tabled for more information until tonight’s council meeting.  The questions that council had were answered by AWC – A 6 month notice would have to be given to AWC in order to withdraw; they considered themselves to be fully funded based on projections even for catastrophic events.  Also, we sent it to Atty. Bishop and he said it looked fine.  Councilmember Jones MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2013-09, seconded by Councilmember Schorzman.  There are no changes to employees’ coverage with this resolution.  Motion carried unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS:

Ordinance No. 906: Budget amendment to Cemetery and Sewer Capital Improvement:  Mayor read aloud the ordinance in its entirety.  Cemetery’s hours came in a little higher than anticipated so we are increasing the fund budget by $500.  For Sewer Capital Improvement, we went over budget.  PW had so many problems on the Wall Street project that the estimated hours it would take to compete was not enough.  So we are increasing the fund budget by $2,500.  Discussion ensued.  Mayor read the ordinance aloud again by title and number only.  Councilmember Jones MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Newman, to adopt Ordinance No. 906.

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS: 

Finance, Property, & Equipment-Tim Jones, Chair:  Councilmember Jones MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Schorzman to adopt the Third Quarter 2013 Financial Report.  CE is quite low because we’re awaiting grant payments and our second half property tax income. There is concern that we are budgeting the cemetery fund so close.  Council reviewed and discussed the preliminary budget for the enterprise funds - Water and Sewer.

The 2014 budget projections for Water and Sewer:

Water fund is doing well and expected to have a good ending balance.  Water is reserving funds for future projects identified in the Water System Plan.  Water System Reserve is the fund that built our well.  It makes principal and interest for the loan. The final payment will be made in 2019.

 

The sewer fund is still paying off some debt - 2014 is the last payment for the Breedings Addition interfund loan from the Water fund.  Any Breedings connections that come in will go towards that debt, with the balance being paid by sewer operating.  The sewer plant loan will be paid off in 2016 so three payments are left and those payments are made through fund 441 Sewer Facility Reserve.  Fund 440 Sewer Capital Improvement buys the material and pays salaries for projects and repairs throughout town.  It receipted $9,600 for a Breedings sewer connection in 2013 and in the year 2020 all homes there who haven’t hooked up would be required to.  Also if any of the homes change hands or their septic system fails they would be required to hook up to the sewer system.  The LOCAL loan for the sewer press has one payment left in 2014.  Fund 441 makes the payment for the sludge press and also the payment to the sewer loan upgrade (about 17 years ago; the one that will be paid off in 2016).  As far as the state is concerned when the annual report is sent in, we have one sewer fund and one water fund, but for our purposes, we use separate funds by function for budgeting and planning.  Motion carried unanimously to accept the third quarter 2013 Treasurer’s report.        

Water & Sewer-Connie Newman, Chair: 

Policy & Administration-Bo Ossinger, Chair: 

Personnel & Pool-Norm Schorzman, Chair:

Parks, Cemetery, & Buildings-Alison Webb. Chair:    

Police, Fire, & Safety-Rick Wekenman, Chair: 

Streets & Sidewalks-Senja Estes, Chair:  Senja, Mayor, and Supt. Griffin are meeting Friday with Avista to discuss the street light project. 

OPEN FORUM:

Aaron Flansburg for the skatepark project.  Based on discussions he has heard/had, there is opposition not to the skatepark but to placing the skatepark in the Hayton Greene park (city park).  This led him to investigate alternative sites.  Stating that for the project to be successful, we need to come up with a location that pleases the largest number of people.  There are two areas of public property he would like to look into.  One area is to the north of Main Street between the sewer plant and the park.  Aaron’s comment - the space is under-utilized with a walking trail through grass where the original plantings didn’t survive.  The second site is on the north side of Whitman Street, below the Public Safety Building.  One negative to this sight is it’s somewhat off the beaten path and there are some challenges because of trees and vegetation there.  Aaron would like to pursue both of these sights and get public feedback over the next few weeks.  

Mary Estes commended Aaron for his efforts and gave him a big hurrah about either of those new locations.  She has been opposed to it being at the park, but not opposed to the skatepark.  She is also concerned about any insurance costs to the city.  Aaron spoke with the city’s insurance provider who said it would be covered under the city’s policy with a “negligible” cost, perhaps about $100.

Councilmember Jones still favors it at the park because he thinks recreational uses belong in the park.  But he recognizes that Aaron would meet less opposition if he moves it.  Of the two new proposals he prefers the one next to the sewer plant on Main Street.  He reminded all that years ago we developed a tennis court off the beaten path and all we hear is that it was a bad location.  Therefore, he thinks it would be the same with putting a skatepark on Whitman Street.  Councilmember Jones asked council for preliminary approval for the location next to the sewer plant so Aaron doesn’t have to keep resubmitting plans for different sites.  Councilmember Wekenman stated that all projects should be scrutinized.  Discussion ensued. 

Councilmember Newman thinks next to the sewer plant is a win-win for various reasons – Increased visibility for increased usage and police patrols; access to the restrooms; good entrance points and the skatepark could draw more people to the nature trail (goes from sewer plant to the river).  She thinks the Whitman Street site has too many drawbacks such as being close to residences.

Chief Neumann doesn’t think Whitman Street is feasible.  Regardless of what the neighbor says now, he may not say that next week.  However, on Main Street, next to sewer plant, older kids could go to skate park, young kids could go to playground, and mom could watch.  And from a policing perspective, it’s much better for patrolling. 

Supt. Griffin warned that there are underground utilities on the Main Street site.  With fiber optics, natural gas, water, sewer, etc.  Councilmember Jones stated that utility location is part of the design process not part of the feasibility.  Identify the sight and make the features not damaging to the present utilities.  Aaron is going to start by calling for locates at both sites and do a little more groundwork to present to council.    

MAYOR’S REPORT: 

The city received a PRR from Steve McGehee for all of the email the Mayor has sent and received since January 2013. 

City Staff (Joyce and Ann) are responsible for retaining all of the Mayor and council’s emails because they are public records.  Deputy Clerk Ann is attending a Washington State Archives workshop in Spokane tomorrow on electronic records management. 

David Mayhan has filed a lawsuit against the City of Palouse for negligence in the investigation of his son’s death.  We have turned it all over to CIAW (our insurance carrier) and we will be meeting with them next week.  Everything has been well-documented.    

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

ADJOURN:  Councilmember Jones MOVED to adjourn.  Councilmember Estes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  The council meeting adjourned at 8:47 PM.

The following checks are approved for payment:

Payroll Paid 9/30/13      Ck. #5177-5196 & EFT  $39,653.56

Claims Paid 10/9/13      Ck. #5197-5220 & EFT  $15,344.35

APPROVED: ________________________________   ATTEST: ________________________________

Fairfield, Wash., Octiber 21, 2013 Town Council Agenda

View Fairfield Town Council October 21, 2013 Agenda

If you have questions please call town hall at 283-2414.
townoffairfield@cougarwireless.net

Palouse Planning Agenda October 22, 2012

Palouse Planning Agenda10/22/2013 7pm

I. Call to order

II. Roll call

III. Approval of minutes from last meeting

IV. Old business

               Mary Estes- findings on set backs, mobile home parks, RV parks and other assigned questions to be researched

               Jay Iverson- follow- up on zoning maps and possible approval by the commission

               Lynne, Sharon, Corey –finalizing documents for the public hearing

               Lynne- critical area issues raised and discussed with the attorney

               Setting a date for the public hearing

               other

V.  New Business

VI. City Council Matters

VII. Work Session

VIII. Public Forum

IX. Adjournment

Palouse City Council Agenda Regular Meeing October 22, 2013

PALOUSE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA

Regular Council Meeting

Palouse City Hall – 120 E. Main Street

October 22, 2013, @ 7:00 pm

CALL TO ORDER: 

ROLL CALL:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Regular Council Meeting of October 8, 2013

 

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: 

POLICE REPORT: 

OLD BUSINESS:

2014 Budget Update: Funds 001-399

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, Washington September 221, 2013 Meeting Minutes

 

Fairfield Town Council, September 21, 2013 Meeting Minutes.

If you have any questions, please call town hall at 283-2414.
townoffairfield@cougarwireless.net.

Agenda for October 15, 2013 Fairfield, Wash., Town Council Meeting

 

Visit fairfieldwa.com/ to view the Town Council October 15, 2013 agenda. If you have any questions, please call town hall at 283-2414. townoffairfield@cougarwireless.net

Palouse City Council September 24, 2013 Meeting

The minutes to Palouse City Council September 24, 2013 Meeting are online at Palouse City Council...

October 1, 2013 Fairfield Town Council Minutes

Fairfield Washington Town Council October 1, 2013 meeting minutes are online here. If you have any questions, please call town hall at 283-2414.

See your news in the paper, too ... Please scan your .pdf posters or flyers to create a .jpg [picture file] and send the .jpg to nthpw@air-pipe.com as an attachment for publication.

Visit TOWNS ... .

Mona Vanek, Editor The North Palouse Washington e-Newscast, www.palousenewscast.com

Palouse City Planning Agenda October 8 2013

Palouse Planning Agenda

10/8/2013 7pm

I. Call to order

II. Roll call
III. Approval of minutes from last meeting
IV. Old business-determine status of zoning maps and attorney’s comments on Comprehensive Plan
V. New Business
VI. City Council Matters
VII. Work Session
               -Discuss critical area section on title 17
               -discuss Mary Estes’s findings
               -review title 17 from page 55 to end
VIII. Public Forum
IX. Adjournment

Town of Rockford Adopt Marijuana Moratorium Ordinance 13-08 October 2, 2013

 

Town of Rockford
Notice to the Public

The Town Council of the Town of Rockford, Spokane County, on October 2, 2013 at 7:00 pm passed unanimously Ordinance 13-08; adopting rules for a moratorium on the sales, processing, growing or use of marijuana or any other activities purportedly authorized or actually authorized under the State of Washington’s voter enacted initiative number 502, this ordinance shall apply within the Corporate Town limits of Rockford. Copies of this Ordinance may be reviewed at the Town Hall during regular business hours Monday, Wednesday, and Friday or by appointment.

 

Town of Rockford B&O Utility Tax Ordinance No. 13-07

TOWN OF ROCKFORD
SPOKANE COUNTY, WASHINGTON
ORDINANCE NO. 13-07

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF ROCKFORD, SPOKANE
COUNTY, WASHINGTON IMPOSING A UTILITY TAX TO PROVIDE REVENUE FOR THE GENERAL FUND, ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF, AND REPEALING ORDINANCE 13-05.

WHEREAS, the basic Town service levels would be greatly reduced without a new source of revenue;

WHEREAS, the Town Council finds it necessary to enhance revenues for the purpose of providing additional funds into the General Fund for increasing expenses;

WHEREAS, the Town Council has determined that the public interest is best served by the implementation of a 6% utility tax on all electrical bills;

WHEREAS, the State of Washington, pursuant to RCW 35.21.870, has authorized towns to raise revenue for the privilege of conducting certain utility businesses in the Town and use said revenues to maintain the services, duties, and obligations of the Town;

WHEREAS, the Town Council will annually review the budget to determine if the additional funds generated by the utility tax are still required for the specified purpose or the need to change the rate implemented; and

WHEREAS, the Town Council desires to repeal Ordinance No. 13-05 for the purpose of amending the effective date of the utility tax described herein

NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the council of the Town of Rockford, Washington, as follows:

Section 1: Repealed. Ordinance No. 13-05 is hereby repealed in its entirety.

Section 2: Utility tax. The tax provided for in this Ordinance shall be known as the "utility tax" and is levied upon providers of electrical energy business within the Town effective on November 15, 2013.

Section 3: Use and Accountability of Tax Proceeds. All revenues collected under this Ordinance shall be deposited in the General Fund and as the Town Council directs, shall be used for the expenses in the General Fund and for possible inter-fund transfers to other funds that are in need of additional revenue due to expenses.

Section 4: Definitions. In construing the provisions of this ordinance, except when otherwise declared or clearly apparent from the context, the following definitions shall be applied:

A. "Business" means and includes all activities engaged in with the object of gain, benefit or advantage to the taxpayer or to another person or class, directly or indirectly.

B. "Electrical Energy Business" means the business of operating a plant or system for the generation, production, distribution or furnishing of electrical energy for hire or sale and/or for the wheeling of electricity.

C. "Gross income" means the value proceeding or accruing by reason of the transaction of the business engaged in and without deduction on account of the cost of the property sold, the cost of materials used, labor costs, interest, discount, delivery costs, taxes or any other expense whatsoever paid or accrued and without any deduction on account of losses, except as otherwise provided for in this ordinance. Gross income does not include charges which are passed on to subscribers or customers by a taxpayer pursuant to tariffs required by regulatory order to compensate for the cost to the taxpayer of the tax imposed by this ordinance.

 

D. "Person or Persons" means persons of either sex, firms, co-partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, and other associations, whether acting by themselves or through servants, agents or employees.

 

E. "Quarterly period" means a three-month period beginning the first day of the following months: January, April, July and October.

 

F. "Taxpayer" means and includes any person, firm, entity, or corporation liable for the utility tax imposed by this ordinance.

 

G. "Tax year" or "taxable year" means either the calendar year or the taxpayer's fiscal year when permission is obtained from the Town to use a fiscal year in lieu of a calendar year.

 

H. "Town" means the Town of Rockford, Washington.

 

I. "Value proceeding or accruing" means the consideration, whether money, credits, rights or other property expressed in terms of money, actually received or accrued.

 

The terms shall be applied, in each case, on a cash-receipts or accrual basis according to which method of accounting is regularly employed in keeping the books of the taxpayer.

 

Section 5: Imposed--Amount. There is levied and there shall be collected from every person, firm or corporation engaged in the business activities hereinafter set forth, for the act or privilege of engaging in such activities within the Town, a tax to be known as a "utility tax" in the amounts to be determined by the application of rates herein stated against gross income, as follows:

 

A. Upon every person, firm or corporation engaged in or carrying on an electrical energy business for sale, delivery or distribution of electricity services, a tax equal to six percent (6%) of the total gross income derived from the sales of electricity services to users within the Town's boundaries.

 

Section 6: Deductions. In computing the tax levied under this ordinance, there shall be deducted from the gross income any income derived from transactions in interstate or foreign commerce or from any business which the Town is prohibited from taxing under the Constitutions of the United States or the state of Washington.

 

A. Adjustments made to a billing or customer account in order to reverse a bill or charge that was not properly a debt of the customer.

 

B. Uncollectible debts written off the taxpayer's books during the tax year. If subsequently collected, the income shall be reported for the period in which collected.

 

Section 7: Quarterly installments--Due date. The tax imposed by this ordinance shall be due and payable in quarterly installments. Remittance shall.be made 011 or before the thirtieth (30th) day of the month next succeeding the end of the quarterly period for which the tax accrued, that is on January 30th,  April 30th, July 30th and October 30th of each year. The remittance shall be made to the Town and accompanied by a return on a form to be provided and prescribed by the Town. On the return the taxpayer shall be required to swear or affirm that the information therein given is full and true and that the taxpayer knows the same to be so.

 

Section 8: Delinquency penalty--Collection. If payment of any fee or tax due under this ordinance is not received by the Town on or before the day it becomes due, there shall be added a penalty in interest as follows:

 

A. One to forty days delinquency, ten percent (10%) of such delinquency;

 

B. Forty-one to seventy days delinquency, fifteen percent (15%) of such delinquency; and

 

C. Seventy-one or more days delinquency, twenty percent (20%) of such delinquency.

 

Any tax due under this ordinance and unpaid, and all penalties thereon, shall constitute a debt to the Town and may be collected by court proceedings, which remedy shall be in addition to all other remedies. In any such proceedings the Town shall be entitled to recover all collection costs including reasonable attorney fees.

 

Section 9: Overpayment. Any money paid to the Town through error or otherwise not in payment of the tax imposed hereby or in excess of such tax shall, upon request of the taxpayer, be credited against any tax due or to become due from such taxpayer hereunder or, upon taxpayer's ceasing to do business in the Town, be refunded to the taxpayer.

 

Section 10: Recordkeeping.--Inspection. It shall be the duty of every person, firm or corporation subject to the provisions of this ordinance to keep and preserve for a period of five (5) years such books and records as will accurately reflect the amount of gross income from which can be determined the amounts of any fee or tax for which there may be liability under the provisions of this ordinance. The term "books and records" as used in this section, includes the taxpayer's copies of federal excise tax returns, State of Washington excise tax returns and copies of excise tax audits made by the United States or the State of Washington, and furnished to such person, firm or corporation if any. The taxpayer's books and records shall be opened for examination at all reasonable times by the Town or a duly authorized representative.

 

Section 11: Administration--Rules. The Town is authorized to adopt, publish and enforce, from time to time, such rules and regulations for the proper administration of this ordinance as shall be necessary.

 

Section 12: Annexation--Copies of ordinance provided. Whenever the boundaries of the Town are extended by annexation, all persons, firms and corporations subject to this ordinance will be provided copies of the annexation ordinance by the Town within 30 days of said annexation proceeding if possible.

 

Section 13: Violation--Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation subject to this ordinance who fails or refuses to make such tax return or to pay such tax when due, or who makes any false statement or representation in or in connection with any such application for such tax return, or who otherwise violates or refuses or fails to comply with the provisions of this ordinance, or with any rule or regulation promulgated hereunder, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

 

Section 14. Referendum Procedure. A referendum petition with respect to this ordinance may be filed with the Town Clerk within seven days of the passage of this ordinance.

 

The referendum procedures set forth in RCW 35.17.240 through 35.17.360, as hereafter amended, shall apply, with the following additions and amendments as required by RCW 35.21.706:

 

A. Within ten days of the filing of the petition, the Town Clerk will confer with the petitioner concerning the form and style of the petition, issue and identification number, and secure an accurate, concise and positive ballot title from the Town Attorney;

 

B. The petitioner shall have thirty days in which to secure the signatures of not less than 15% of the registered voters of the Town, as of the last municipal general election, upon petition forms which contain the ballot title and full text of this ordinance;

 

and

 

C. The Town Clerk shall verify the sufficiency of the signatures on the petition, and if sufficient valid signatures are properly submitted, shall certify the referendum measure to the next election ballot within the Town, or at a special election as provided pursuant to RCW 35.17.260(2).

 

Section 15: Repeal- severability. Any ordinance or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance is for any reason declared or held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof.

 

Section 16: Effective Date. This ordinance shall be published in the official newspaper of the Town and shall take effect and be in full force five (5) days after the date of publication.

 

PASSED by the Town Council on 9/4/1/3
        Micki I. Harnois, Mayor

ATTEST:
John M. Goyke, Town Clerk/Treasurer  

APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________
Town Attorney 

Palouse Levy-Lid Lifts Information

Information on Levy Lid Lifts 

In the next few weeks voters will begin to receive their ballots for the November 5, 2013 general election.  Along with our annual Street Maintenance and Swimming Pool levy requests voters will be asked for the first time to consider a “levy-lid lift” measure.

“Lid-lift” measures reset the base line folks pay in property tax.  Currently the city of Palouse collects approx. $2.49 per $1000.00 of assessed value.  The ballot request seeks to “lift” that value to $3.10 per $1000.00 - an increase of 60 cents.  In everyday terms it would mean that a home with an assessed value of $100,000.00 would see a $60.00 increase in their yearly taxes.   

 
A similar measure was passed by voters in Pullman just last month.                

Monies generated from this request will be utilized in two basic areas - our Current Expense fund and a proposed new effort to re-capitalize our Fire Department.

Support from Olympia with state shared revenues (monies collected statewide and re-distributed back into our communities) have been on a steady decline over the last ten years.  These funds have historically gone into our Current Expense fund.  Our Current Expense account funds a host of city programs including our cemetery, a portion of employee wages, our parks, our Police and Fire Departments, etc.  A good example of belt tightening that has occurred in this area is when our employees were asked to take a 3% salary reduction several years ago.  Revenues generated from the proposed lid lift will help keep the programs and amenities we enjoy in Palouse strong.

The city is also proposing a new long-term strategy of setting aside up to 10% of our local property tax monies into our Fire Department Equipment Reserve Account.  Chief Bagott has done a tremendous job leading our Fire Dept. and has developed a long-term strategy to keep the Fire Department strong.  This will require a commitment of approximately $150,000.00 from the city to be set aside over the next ten years.  The proposed levy-lid lift measure enables the city to meet this objective. 

Thank you for your consideration of all our upcoming ballot measures and remember to mail in your ballot by November 5, 2013.

Palouse Planning Special Meeting October 24, 2013 ~ Draft Minutes

Palouse Planning Draft Minutes

Special Meeting to replace September 3, 2013 meeting which was cancelled.9/24/2013 7pm

I. Call to order- by Chairman Corey Laughary at 7PM
II. Roll call- A quorum was met with the following members present;  Jay Iverson, Corey Laughary, Sharon Tharp, Mary Estes, Lynne Nelson, Robin Rilette
III. Approval of minutes from last meeting  Draft minutes from 7/2/2013 were approved.  Jay Iverson motioned for the minutes to be approved.  Mary Estes seconded the motion and all members approved.
IV. Old business-discussed timeline for public hearing and finishing title 17. 
V. New Business-none
VI. City Council Matters- none
VII. Work Session
               Discussed title 17 beginning with page 15 and ending on page 55.  Minor changes were addressed and agreed upon.  Mary will contact Duane regarding set backs and gather information on the site review committee.  The section on critical area will be discussed at the next meeting with input from Lynne regarding her research on this section.  It was proposed that the Comprehensive Plan be sent to the attorney to check for any possible legal concerns.
VIII. Public Forum-Mayor Echanove was present at the  end of the meeting and provided valuable input.
IX. Adjournment- A motion to adjourn was made by Mary Estes and seconded by Robin Rilette.  The Palouse Planning Special Meeting was adjourned at 9PM.

Palouse City Council Regular Meeting September 10, 2013 Minutes

Palouse City Council

Regular Council Meeting

September 10, 2013

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

ROLL CALL:  Council members present:  Senja Estes; Connie Newman, Bo Ossinger; Norm Schorzman; Alison Webb.  Absent:  Tim Jones & Rick Wekenman.  Councilmember Ossinger MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Newman to excuse both absences.  Motion carried unanimously.  Also present: Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin; Public Works Assistant Marc Arrasmith; Police Chief Jerry Neumann; Clerk-Treasurer Joyce Beeson; & Deputy Clerk Ann Thompson.  Public present:  Scott Beeson; Kelly Dow; Heather McGehee; Mike Kammeyer; Daniel Eastner; Debbie Arrasmith; Aaron Flansburg; Ami & Daniel Kramer; Jens & Berlyn Hegg; Mary Estes; Kari & Garrick Watkins; Robin Rilette.     

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of August 27, 2013.  Councilmember Estes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT:  Supt. Griffin submitted a written report.

Award of Wall Street paving bid.  We received two bids:  Poe Asphalt - $23 sy = $12,052; Motley & Motley - $22.25 sy = $11,659.  We’d like permission to award the bid to Motley & Motley.  Councilmember Newman MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Schorzman to accept the Motley & Motley bid of $11,659 for the Wall Street paving project.  Motion carried unanimously.      

POLICE REPORT:  Reserve Officer Snead will be helping out for Palouse Days Friday and Saturday nights.  There are active nuisance property clean-ups going on.  We continue to get barking dog complaints; dog owners need to be responsible.  Even if your barking dog doesn’t bother you, it bothers others.  Chief has been working on an ORV ordinance to allow ATV’s to be ridden into and out of town as access points.  With adult supervision, juveniles 14 and older would be able to ride ATV’s into town.  There are certain types of rules, equipment, etc. required.  Councilmember Webb MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Estes, authorizing Chief Neumann to continue to investigate and bring forth more data.  Motion carried unanimously. 

The Palouse-Garfield police contract is in Atty. Bishop’s hands.  It is a four-year contract (2014-2017) with 2%, 4%, 2% & 0% increase over the next four years.  Councilmember Newman MOVED to authorize Mayor to sign the contract once it comes back from the Attorney.  Councilmember Schorzman seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.  In 2013-$70,019, 2014-$71,419, 2015-$74,276, 2016-$75,726 & 2017-$75,726.  Per person, Garfield residents pay about the same as Palouse residents for police services.

OLD BUSINESS:

Skate-park – Aaron Flansburg: review drawings of proposed skate-park at Palouse’s city park.  As per the July 9 council meeting Aaron was instructed to come up with a set of drawings.  At the July 9 meeting the skatepark was approved for preliminary development.  He would like feedback.  Much discussion ensued.  Following are some of the comments:

The elevations don’t align with existing sidewalks, etc.  Why weren’t dimensions, elevations, etc provided?  48” elevation gain.  6” difference between the sidewalk at pool.  The bank at the parking lot end is 5’ high.  There could be a short fence along pedestrian area to catch loose skateboards.  Skateboard traffic will mostly be in a north-south direction.  There will be a visual impact to the park aesthetics.  There is certain to be a monetary impact to the city even if it is built with outside funding.  There have already been cuts to city services.   The insurance company will need to approve the design.

PW Supt. Griffin pointed out that there are water, sewer, and gas lines directly under the park plans.  The skate park won’t work as drawn.    

Mary Estes:  Who are you looking for to use this park?  He’s hoping the youth of Palouse and Garfield will use it.

Mike Kammeyer of Potlatch, owns a skate shop in Moscow said Pullman and Moscow skateboarders are supporters because they’re feeling their cities are missing the boat.  The current skate scene in Palouse is small because there’s nowhere to go. 

Mary Estes:  30 years ago we went through this same process for the need of a tennis court and unfortunately it has fallen on its nose.  Why are we giving up green space and a beautiful park that is very serene?  I cherish it.  I don’t want to have a skatepark there that languishes like the tennis court.  She asked about usage and intended hours of operation.  Aaron - It’s up to city to decide use and hours of the park but his intent is that it is for daylight use since it will have no direct lighting.    

Jens Hegg:  There are three local skaters here tonight so he thinks it shows interest.    

Scott Beeson:  Regarding the location, that spot is one of the most used spots of the park.  And it’s right next to the swing set and pool.  Is there a better location than this?  Scott isn’t against a skate park, but doesn’t think it should be at the city park.  On the other side of Main St. below the sewer plant comes to mind for Scott.  Aaron likes the idea of it being at the park.  He thinks it will augment the use of the park.

Councilmember Webb:  How can we talk about adding another park when employees haven’t been reimbursed for the pay cuts they took and we’re cutting city services?  

Marc Arrasmith: This is huge and it’s jammed between the pool and playground equipment.  Too much concrete jammed in there.  He never envisioned it looking like this. 

Robin Rilette:  Admires Aaron’s perseverance but dislikes the location.  What about the space behind the pool, between the pool and river?  PD said that didn’t work because of the low visibility and PW was concerned about access into the pool pump house.

Garret Watkins:  Thinks by the school it’s a hiding place for drug dealers. 

In a neighborhood it decreases property values, creates noise, etc. 

Aaron will have to get a performance bond and will need engineered plans.  He will also probably need a building permit.  He will need to factor in all those things and the fencing into his budget.  He is looking to raise $20,000 for this plan.  Idaho Beverages will donate $2,000 towards his project with the understanding that it will be at the park and there be signage acknowledging the donation.  Mayor informed Aaron that isn’t his decision to make. 

Kelly Dow: inevitable there will be a cost to the city when this is built.  The lighted signs are turned off, we reduced a police officer, and you’re trying to build a skate park?  There is an eyesore of a skatepark in Spokane dealing with graffiti and litter.  Right now the Palouse Park is open to everyone.  She feels the skatepark is exclusive to a very small minority.  The park belongs to all the city residents.  Pullman and Colfax skate parks aren’t in their main parks for a reason; because they know it will attract non-family crowds.  Kelly believes many truly don’t want this to happen.  Also, what about EPA erosion concerns?  Can this be voted on by the public, just to see what the interest is?  A vote isn’t feasible.  A survey was suggested but that would cost approximately $400. 

 

Councilmember Newman doesn’t support the money being spent on that.  People can come to council meetings or send in their thoughts.  Councilmember Webb MOVED to spend the money to send out a survey to see what the public’s opinion is on the skatepark.  Motion failed for lack of second.

Aaron has debated about the cost to the city.  Pullman hasn’t spent a dime outside of trash collection.  The Spokane park, with the graffiti, is a unique situation since it is under the freeway.  It’s a far different city than Palouse. 

Debbie Arrasmith asked when the graffiti hits the skatepark, who cleans it up?  Once the park gets built, the skatepark committee can do it.  Yes, there will be upkeep.  20 years from now Aaron can’t say who will care for it.  Mike Kammeyer said Lewiston’s skate park is graffiti free.

Kari Watkins wants a safe place for her son to skate.  She is seeing more kids trying to skateboard in unsafe areas. 

Councilmember Newman suggested that Aaron continue to work with PW and the Parks Committee, specifically locating utilities.  She would like to see the measurements and dimensions written into the drawings.   Make sure PW, PD, and Councilmember Estes’ concerns are addressed.  Perhaps give a Powerpoint presentation next time so everyone can see what he’s talking about. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS: 

Water & Sewer-Connie Newman, Chair:  Regarding the city council student liaison position, Mr. Bishop is currently writing a resolution for that.  The student will be allowed to sit at council table, participate in discussion, but it is a non-voting position.  For this position to be available, a councilperson has to mentor the student.  This will be primarily for a senior student to fulfill their senior project.  If no senior student is interested, it can be open to other grades. 

Policy & Administration-Bo Ossinger, Chair:  Had a meeting to get Councilmember Estes up to speed with the poultry issues. 

Personnel & Pool-Norm Schorzman, Chair:

Parks, Cemetery, & Buildings-Alison Webb. Chair:    

Police, Fire, & Safety-Rick Wekenman, Chair:

Streets & Sidewalks-Senja Estes, Chair: 

Finance, Property, & Equipment-Tim Jones, Chair:

MAYOR’S REPORT:    

Our health insurance carrier, AWC, is transitioning from being fully-insured to self-insured.   Their data shows whatever plan the employees’ take, with the self-funded plan there is a 0% increase whereas if it’s fully funded they’re showing a cost increase.  The city will send to our attorney to look over and we’ll learn more about the difference between fully-insured and self-insured.    

The TIB, LED street lighting project is still moving forward.  It will convert both the city and Avista-owned street lights to the LED technology.  It’s 100% funded.  Once underway, it will happen fairly quickly.  We currently spend about $25,000 per year on street lighting.  These LED lights will save us thousands. 

Mayor, Clerk-Treasurer Beeson, met with Finance Committee (Councilmember Ossinger was only one in attendance) for a budget meeting.  Mayor instructed Joyce to include the following in the 2014 budget:  city employee 3% increase; the purchase of a backhoe; $5,000 for new, updated city maps.  Joyce showed the budget with and without the levy lid lift.  We will present the budget without the lid lift and will make the adjustments if it comes through.  If the lid lift passes, it will be approximately $30,000 increase to the budget and we will send 60% to CE, 30% to streets, and 10% to Fire Equipment reserve.  

Between the levy, donations, & lessons, the pool is within a couple hundred dollars of breaking even this year.  The new pellet chlorinator uses half the chlorine so we saved about $800 on chlorine this summer.  Pool payroll stayed right where we needed it to stay.   

Cemetery budget has been cut too close.  Joyce has bumped that up a little for 2014. We’re trying to restore that budget.  We’re more than likely going to have to do a budget adjustment before the year is up. 

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

ADJOURN:  Councilmember Estes MOVED to adjourn.  Councilmember Webb seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  The council meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.

 
The following checks are approved for payment:
Payroll Paid 8/31/13      Ck. #5111-5136 & EFT              $40,347.84
Claims Paid 9/11/13      Ck. #5137-5159 & EFT              $91,044.82
 
APPROVED: ________________________________   ATTEST: ________________________________