Palouse City Council Regular Meetin Minutes, January 8, 2013

Palouse City Council

Regular Council Meeting

January 8, 2013

 

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

ROLL CALL:  Council members present:  Cecil Floyd, Connie Newman, Bo Ossinger; Norm Schorzman; Rick Wekenman.  Absent:  Tim Jones; Alison Webb.  Also present: Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin; Police Chief Jerry Neumann; Deputy Clerk Ann Thompson.  Councilmember Newman MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Wekenman, to excuse both councilmembers’ absences.  Motion carried unanimously.  Public present:  Sharon Tharp, Mike Milano; Aaron Flansburg; Janet Barstow.      

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Move the paragraph from the Streets & Sidewalks committee report to under the Mayor’s Report.  Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to adopt the amended minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of December 11, 2012.  Councilmember Newman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. 

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT:  Submitted a written report.  Continuing to clean up snow.    

 POLICE REPORT:  Had a call-in for a burglary in progress in Palouse.  Chief and Officer Merry responded.  They caught the perpetrator without incident and he was taken into custody.  Homeowner didn’t want to press charges (friend of a friend). 

Clean-up is progressing at the Union Street house. 
Investigated a vehicle school collision.  Minor to no damage to school.  Driving too fast for conditions. 
Jan. 1^st was start of new schedule with decreased hours for Officer Dentler.  Chief outlined for council the daily activity schedules of PD staff.

How does this new marijuana law play out?  For a juvenile it’s still illegal; it’s never okay for a juvenile to be in possession in any way.  As an adult, the Whitman County prosecutor will not entertain any misdemeanors.  We still have 9 months to see what the feds will do; still illegal and a controlled substance federally.  Should not be consumed in the presence of minors.   Right now there’s a lot of gray area.  We’re waiting to see the final ruling of the feds and how this is going to be governed.  

NEW BUSINESS:

Ordinance No. 903 – Budget Amendment:  The Brownfields grant money from the DOE and DOC simply didn’t arrive in 2012, arrived the first week of 2013.  So we have to do a budget amendment.  Mayor read aloud the ordinance in its entirety.  Ord. 903 amends Ord. 902 to receipt and expend incoming grant monies that should’ve arrived in 2012.  Councilmember Wekenman MOVED to adopt ordinance 903.  Councilmember Newman seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.     

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS: 

Parks, Cemetery, & Buildings-Alison Webb. Chair: absent   
Policy & Administration-Bo Ossinger, Chair:  no report
Streets & Sidewalks-Cecil Floyd, Chair:  no report
Personnel & Pool-Tim Jones, Chair:  absent
Police, Fire, & Safety-Rick Wekenman, Chair:  no report
Finance, Property, & Equipment-Norm Schorzman, Chair:  no report
Water & Sewer-Connie Newman, Chair:  Still waiting to hear back from DOH on second review of WSP.  Hope to have it by second meeting in February. 

OPEN FORUM:

Janet Barstow.  On February 9^th, there will be a 1st Annual Cabin Fever Brew Fest as a fundraiser for the Palouse Community Center for ages 21 & over only.  Admission is $15.00 and you get a souvenir pint glass and 6 tasting tickets.  Canopies and propane heaters will be within a fenced-in area in the parking lot.  Since they will be using the parking lot (similar to a beer garden), they are seeking approval from council.  Councilmember Floyd MOVED to approve allowing them to set up in the PCC parking lot.  Councilmember Schorzman seconded.  Motion carried unanimously. 
 
Received a liquor license renewal request from Washington State Liquor Control Board for the Green Frog.  No objections from council. 

Mike Milano, Chamber of Commerce.  Regarding Heritage Park restroom winter closure.  As a group they feel strongly about keeping that open; vital to our economic viability.  People are working hard to raise funds to keep the restrooms open.  Based on computations, he came up with the figure of $930 needed to cover electricity and supplies for the three coldest months.  After community donations, the Chamber will donate whatever amount necessary to meet $930 to cover electricity and supplies in exchange for a commitment from the city to keep bathrooms open.  Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to keep restrooms open with the agreed $930 donation.  Councilmember Floyd seconded.  Councilmember Newman said the $930 still leaves us short on covering the wages of cleaning the bathrooms.  Motion carried unanimously.  Mike Milano presented a list of total 2012/2013 chamber earmarks and commitments thus far and it comes to $4,963 in donations.        

Aaron Flansburg, on behalf of skate park effort.  He and a couple local kids went on a research mission to the Lewiston Skate Park.  Came back motivated and inspired.  With help from community, they created and delivered 41 pizzas and raised $515.  $4,200+ raised thus far.  Cost is dependent on how you build, where you build, and size.  With in-kind donations of materials, reclaimed material, and volunteer labor, he thinks it could be done for under $10,000.  Aaron would like to move forward with establishing a site.  His ideal spot is behind sewer plant, near compost facility.  Wouldn’t have to run water to it or build restrooms because of the proximity to the park.  Supt. Griffin is concerned that location would be a hot topic.  It’s been set up as a nature area.  Aaron is mindful of perceptions that this could be viewed as a frivolous expense and he doesn’t want it to be viewed that way.  He doesn’t want the skate park to become another park for already-burdened public works to have to care for and empty garbage, etc. 

Councilmember Floyd brought up discussing the results of the police levy question from the Planning Commission survey.  Councilmember Newman is very unhappy that disparaging remarks or complaints about specific staff people were included with the planning commission survey results that went out to the public.  Thinks it was unethical to print some of those comments and violated our city practices; we would never allow someone to attend a council meeting and say those things about staff.  There are procedures to follow.  Her comment is to the Planning Commission, that in the future, any dissemination be thought out more.  The PC will be talked with about this.  Sharon Tharp from the Planning Commission explained their reasoning for sending out the results.  Jim Farr has submitted a PRR to the city requesting a copy of every single returned survey, so the PC decided to compile all the comments and distribute them.  The city attorney was consulted and yes, the surveys are a public record and cannot be redacted.  Much discussion ensued. 

MAYOR’S REPORT:

Mayor is working with the Public Works Trust Fund to host an academy in Palouse this spring. 

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

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

The following checks are approved for payment:

Claims Paid Dec. 26, 2012.       Ck. #4560-4571            $  2,417.42
Payroll Paid Dec. 31, 2012.       Ck. #4572-4590 & EFT  $41,535.23
Claims Paid Dec. 30, 2012        Ck. #4591-4604            $  4,652.17
Claims Paid Jan. 9, 2013           Ck. #4605-4613            $17,204.88
 
APPROVED: ________________________________   ATTEST: ________________________________

Preliminary Fairfield Council Meeting Agenda, January 22, 2013

Town of Fairfield

Preliminary Agenda

Regular Council Meeting

January 22, 2013

7 p.m.

7:00 Call to Order
Approval of the Minutes from January 8, 2013 regular council meeting.
Approval of Claims for December 31, 2012 and January 22, 2013.

Engineer’s Report
TD&H

OLD BUSINESS

• Approval of communications package for shop
• New employee review process
• 2013 Sewer Improvement Project application

NEW BUSINESS

• Resolution 2013-1 Fee Schedule
• Sidewalk at Thiel Park 
• Difficulty with snow removal here
• Vintage Post Office
• Animal hit on Highway 27
• Sheriff notified of speeding cars

Public Works Report

 

Other

 

Complaints/Compliments

 

Adjourn

 

Questions concerning items appearing on this Agenda or requests for accommodations of special needs to participate in the meeting should be addressed to the Town Clerk, 218 E Main Street, Fairfield, WA 99012 or call (509)283-2414 

218 East Main/PO Box 334 • Fairfield, WA 99012 • Telephone: (509)283‐2414 • Fax: (888)595‐5579
townoffairfield@cougarwireless.net

 

Palouse City Council january 22, 2013 Regular Meeting Agenda

PALOUSE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA

Regular Council Meeting

Palouse City Hall – 120 E. Main Street

January 22, 2013, @ 7:00 pm

CALL TO ORDER: 

ROLL CALL:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Regular Council Meeting of January 8, 2013.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: 

POLICE REPORT:  

OLD BUSINESS:

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.

Revised Fairfield Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 8, 2013

Revised

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 8, 2013
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 January 8, 2013 at 7:00 pm.

Council members present: Harry Gibbons, Mary Branon, George Davidson, Valerie Spurrell and Brian Kauffman.

Others present: KJ Hanley and Dennis Fuller from Century West, Karl Felgenhauer and Thomas Foster, Maintenance Director of Fairfield Care, Tom Smith, and Cheryl Loeffler.

Approval of Minutes

ACTION

Brian Kauffman motioned to approve the minutes from the December 18, 2012 regular council meeting, seconded by Mary Branon. The motion carried.

ACTION

 

Approval of the Claims
Mary Branon motioned and Brian Kauffman seconded to authorize claim vouchers #16911 through #16934 for $53,668.60 and EFTs for $5,699.45 dated 12-31-12 and claim vouchers #16935 through #16945 for $41,808.02 and EFTs for $4,316.98 dated 1-8-13 as presented. The motion carried.

 

12-13-12 1-8-13 Claims: $49,334.06 $40,544.87 

Payroll: 10,033.99 5,580.13

Total Claims: $59,368.05 $46,125.00

 

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

ACTION

 

Harry Gibbons motioned to excuse Valerie Spurrell from the December 18, 2012 council meeting due to a family emergency; seconded by Mary Branon. The motion carried.

 

Engineer’s Report

KJ Hanley and Dennis Fuller were here tonight to answer questions about the Town’s water pressures. They have been working with the readings that public works took in November. Dennis explained that the biggest influence to water pressure is elevation. The higher you are, the lower the pressure. For instance, the homes close to the water tower in the Wernz addition need an additional pump to maintain good water pressure. KJ stated that the numbers that Derek provided were very similar to the numbers that he could get when put into the model of the Town’s system.

 

The question was presented about the varying pressure in the area around Fairweather and Governor Moore. The homes there are quite a bit lower than the tower so the elevation should not be an issue. A 4” line services that area so the system should easily support them. It was suggested to make sure that there is not a valve that could be partially closed.

 

Dennis recommended that the town check valves for partial closure also.

 

Fairfield Care

Karl Felgenhauer and Thomas Foster from Fairfield Care questioned the ability to provide enough water pressure for fire
suppression. Dennis and KJ suggested a possible fix might be to place a booster pump at well #5, which could provide enough gallons per minute. This will be continued to be looked into. Repeat testing during high volume usage for comparison was also suggested.

 

Since Karl was here, Ed asked him to give an update on Fairfield Care. Plans have been submitted to the Department of Health for updating the independent apartments to meet ADA standards. At the completion of the project, the apartments will be both independent and assisted living. So far, $158,000 in donations has been received for the project.

 

If a new water connection is requested by someone, by law; the town must supply water but if that connection causes a significant impact to the system, that new connection should pay for to upgrade the system.

 

Sewer issue on New Year’s Day

With Karl and Thomas being here, this item was moved to here on the agenda.

 

On New Year’s Eve, it was noticed that a manhole was overflowing. Derek was notified and Roto-Rooter was called in but nothing could be done that evening. New Year’s Day, Big Sky Industrial and public works spent all day trying to clear the obstruction but was unable to break through. Roto Rooter was then called and after about two hours, they were able to dislodge the large obstruction. Derek has pictures of the obstruction which documents that there was foreign material in the manhole It was discovered that this manhole is in poor condition and will be placed on the immediate repair list. The cost of this emergency is approximately $5000. KJ discussed a few different solutions involving relocation of the line to move away from the railroad. He will have the area surveyed when Century West is in town for the sewer project to locate a possible area for relocation.

 

2012 Sewer Improvement Project

Cheryl and KJ have been working on revising the agreement for encroachment with UPRR. He has recently found out that the requirement of a $1055 application fee must be submitted with the paperwork plus additional fees associated with additional processing and reviewing fees but those are unknown at this time. The application should be completed this week.

ACTION

 

Mary motioned to approve the expenditure of the $1,055 application fee for the encroachment agreement with UPRR; seconded by Brian. The motion carried.

 

SEPA environmental checklist

The checklist was reviewed by council. There is no environmental impact with this project.

ACTION

 

Mary motioned to approve the environmental checklist; seconded by Brian. Motion carried.

 

E Main Street to Fairweather Rehabilitation Project - Transportation Improvement Board (TIB)

 

Fairfield has TIB approval to execute the Consultant Agreements AFTER we receive the Design Phase Approval from TIB, which we are still waiting on.

ACTION

 

Mary motioned to approve the Consultant Agreement, contingent upon receiving final approval from TIB; seconded by Harry. The motion carried.

 

Update to Spokane River Keepers (SRK)

Dennis and KJ have put together a letter updating the SRK on the progress in reducing the inflow and infiltration.

 

TD&H

Randy Noble was not present at tonight’s meeting but the council reinforced their stand on the relocation of the light pole.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Approval of communications package for shop Cheryl presented a quote to bundle the phone service and internet at the Town Shop with Frontier. Mary will check into getting a free booster from Sprint so the cell phones can be used in the shop. She also suggested verifying if the telemetry system could be ran through the internet, then the landline could be disposed of and only internet service would be needed.

 

New employee review process

The council discussed how the review process works with new employees.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Pro-Tem

ACTION

 

Mary nominated Brian Kauffman for the six-month mayor pro-tem position; seconded by George Davidson. The nomination passed.

 

Ed then stated that he would be absent the first meeting in February.

 

Hardship request snow removal

The council received a hardship request for snow removal from Ann Moore. They want it noted that these requests are not a guarantee that the snow will be removed and that it is contingent on having volunteers available to perform the snow removal. These requests were never intended to be fulfilled by public works.

ACTION

 

Mary motioned to approve the hardship request for Ann Moore and to look for volunteers for this and additional requests; seconded by Brian. The motion carried.

 

Volunteer appreciation dinner

The council discussed the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, which will be held on Sunday, Jan 27. It was decided to do a brunch this year with a pre-function beginning at 11:30 a.m. Invitations to people that have volunteered in 2012 will be sent out next week.

 

Liquor License Renewal

Brian motioned to approve the annual liquor license renewal for Kelley’s Thrift; seconded by Mary. The motion passed.

 

Public Works Report

WATER

• Testing is on schedule and in parameters of chlorination.
• Water leak at City hall was repaired due to missing outside water valve. Turned off until spring.
• State WQMR’s should be coming for this year by February.
• WWTF
• Treatment plant has been getting a workout but is holding up very well.
• New float gauges are working wonderful.
• Testing and flows are within State limits.
• Sewer Drainage issue on Hilltop LN. and Rattlers Run has been resolved for now. Remedies to a permanent solution are being discussed.

PARKS

• Parking lots are being cleared of snow when possible.
• No facilities until spring.

ROADS

• Major snowfall and ice. Equipment has had some problems due to heavy use.
• Sanding is being done in needed areas, stop signs, hills, bus stops etc.
• Special request hardship snow removal is being done on a time available schedule.

OTHER:

All year-end reports are being generated, waiting on final test results for the WWTF.

Other

The homeowner of 402 W Portland has sent an email stating that she is seeking legal advice on her overage charges.

 

The owner of 303 S First Street has not paid utilities stating that there are no services provided.

 

Resolution 2012-1 was provided to council to review for next meeting adoption.

 

Complaints/Compliments

Thank you to the guys for the GREAT plowing job.

 

Adjourn:

 

The regular meeting adjourned 9:20 pm.

______________    __________________________

Mayor Ed Huber     Clerk/Treasurer Cheryl Loeffler

Palouse Planning Commission Thanks Survey Participants

The Palouse Planning Commission would like to thank all of you who took the time to complete the Palouse Comprehensive community survey.  Your input was valuable.

Fairfield, Wash., Seeks Volunteers to Help Remove Snow For Elderly

Last year, The Town of Fairfield implemented requests for snow removal from people that were having a hardship such as elderly, disabled. These requests have to be approved by the council BUT are only filled if there are volunteers to fill them. (Derek and Derek are swamped with just keeping up with the streets).

The Town hasn't had very many of these requests yet this winter, but there have been a few. If you or you know somebody that could help either shovel or snow blow, please call  the Town Council office to be put on the volunteer list. Phone: (509)283-2414, or stop in to register. Town of Fairfield, 218 E. Main Street, Fairfield, Wash.

Fairfield Town Council Meeting Minutes January 8, 2013

FAIRFIELD WASHINGTON
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 8, 2013
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 January 8, 2013 at 7:00 pm.

 

Council members present: Harry Gibbons, Mary Branon, George Davidson, Valerie Spurrell and Brian Kauffman.

 

Others present: KJ Hanley and Dennis Fuller from Century West, Karl Felgenhauer and Thomas Foster, Maintenance Director of Fairfield Care, Tom Smith, and Cheryl Loeffler.

 

Harry Gibbons motioned to excuse Valerie Spurrell from the December 18, 2012 council meeting due to a family emergency; seconded by Mary Branon. The motion carried.

 

Engineer’s Report

KJ Hanley and Dennis Fuller were here tonight to answer questions about the Town’s water pressures. They have been working with the readings that public works took in November. Dennis explained that the biggest influence to water pressure is elevation. The higher you are, the lower the pressure. For instance, the homes close to the water tower in the Wernz addition need an additional pump to maintain good water pressure. KJ stated that the numbers that Derek provided were very similar to the numbers that he could get when put into the model of the Town’s system.

 

The question was presented about the varying pressure in the area around Fairweather and Governor Moore. The homes there are quite a bit lower than the tower so the elevation should not be an issue. A 4” line services that area so the system should easily support them. It was suggested to make sure that there is not a valve that could be partially closed.

 

Dennis recommended that the town check valves for partial closure also.

 

Fairfield Care

Karl Felgenhauer and Thomas Foster from Fairfield Care questioned the ability to provide enough water pressure for fire suppression. Dennis and KJ suggested a possible fix might be to place a booster pump at well #5, which could provide

enough gallons per minute. This will be continued to be looked into. Repeat testing during high volume usage for comparison was also suggested.

 

Since Karl was here, Ed asked him to give an update on Fairfield Care. Plans have been submitted to the Department of Health for updating the independent apartments to meet ADA standards. At the completion of the project, the apartments will be both  independent and assisted living. So far, $158,000 in donations has been received for the project.

 

If a new water connection is requested by someone, by law; the town must supply water but if that connection causes a significant impact to the system, that new connection should pay for to upgrade the system.

 

Sewer issue on New Year’s Day

With Karl and Thomas being here, this item was moved to here on the agenda.

 

On New Year’s Eve, it was noticed that a manhole was overflowing. Derek was notified and Roto-Rooter was called in but nothing could be done that evening. New Year’s Day, Big Sky Industrial and public works spent all day trying to clear the obstruction but was unable to break through. Roto Rooter was then called and after about two hours, they were able to dislodge the large obstruction. Derek has pictures of the obstruction which documents that there was foreign material in the manhole It was discovered that this manhole is in poor condition and will be placed on the immediate repair list. The cost of this emergency is approximately $5000. KJ discussed a few different solutions involving relocation of the line to move away from the railroad. He will have the area surveyed when Century West is in town for the sewer project to locate a possible area for relocation.

 

2012 Sewer Improvement Project

Cheryl and KJ have been working on revising the agreement for encroachment with UPRR. He has recently found out that the requirement of a $1055 application fee must be submitted with the paperwork plus additional fees associated with additional processing and reviewing fees but those are unknown at this time. The application should be completed this week.

 

ACTION

Mary motioned to approve the expenditure of the $1,055 application fee for the encroachment agreement with UPRR; seconded by Brian. The motion carried.

 

SEPA (State Environmental Protection Act) environmental checklist

The checklist was reviewed by council. There is no environmental impact with this project.

 

ACTION

Mary motioned to approve the environmental checklist; seconded by Brian. Motion carried.

 

E Main Street to Fairweather Rehabilitation Project - Transportation Improvement Board (TIB)

Fairfield has TIB approval to execute the Consultant Agreements AFTER we receive the Design Phase Approval from TIB, which we are still waiting on.

 

ACTION

Mary motioned to approve the Consultant Agreement, contingent upon receiving final approval from TIB; seconded by Harry. The motion carried.

 

Update to Spokane River Keepers (SRK)

Dennis and KJ have put together a letter updating the SRK on the progress in reducing the inflow and infiltration.

 

TD&H

Randy Noble was not present at tonight’s meeting but the council reinforced their stand on the relocation of the light pole.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Approval of communications package for shop

Cheryl presented a quote to bundle the phone service and internet at the Town Shop with Frontier. Mary will check into getting a free booster from Sprint so the cell phones can be used in the shop. She also suggested verifying if the telemetry system could be ran through the internet, then the landline could be disposed of and only internet service would be needed.

 

New employee review process

The council discussed how the review process works with new employees.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Pro-Tem

 

ACTION

Mary nominated Brian Kauffman for the six-month mayor pro-tem position; seconded by George Davidson. The nomination passed.

 

Ed then stated that he would be absent the first meeting in February.

 

Hardship request snow removal

The council received a hardship request for snow removal from Ann Moore. They want it noted that these requests are not a guarantee that the snow will be removed and that it is contingent on having volunteers available to perform the snow removal. These requests were never intended to be fulfilled by public works.

 

ACTION

Mary motioned to approve the hardship request for Ann Moore and to look for volunteers for this and additional requests; seconded by Brian. The motion carried.

 

Volunteer appreciation dinner

The council discussed the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, which will be held on Sunday, Jan 27. It was decided to do a brunch this year with a pre-function beginning at 11:30 a.m. Invitations to people that have volunteered in 2012 will be sent out next week.

 

Liquor License Renewal

Brian motioned to approve the annual liquor license renewal for Kelley’s Thrift; seconded by Mary. The motion passed.

 

Public Works Report

WATER

• Testing is on schedule and in parameters of chlorination.
• Water leak at City hall was repaired due to missing outside water valve. Turned off until spring.
• State WQMR’s should be coming for this year by February.

WWTF

• Treatment plant has been getting a workout but is holding up very well.
• New float gauges are working wonderful.
• Testing and flows are within State limits.
• Sewer Drainage issue on Hilltop LN. and Rattlers Run has been resolved for now. Remedies to a permanent solution are being discussed.

PARKS

• Parking lots are being cleared of snow when possible.
• No facilities until spring.

ROADS

• Major snowfall and ice. Equipment has had some problems due to heavy use.
• Sanding is being done in needed areas, stop signs, hills, bus stops etc.
• Special request hardship snow removal is being done on a time available schedule.

OTHER: All year-end reports are being generated, waiting on final test results for the WWTF.

 

Other

The homeowner of 402 W Portland has sent an email stating that she is seeking legal advice on her overage charges.

 

The owner of 303 S First Street has not paid utilities stating that there are no services provided.

 

Resolution 2012-1 was provided to council to review for next meeting adoption.

 

Complaints/Compliments

Thank you to the guys for the GREAT plowing job.

 

Adjourn:

The regular meeting adjourned 9:20 pm.

Mayor Ed Huber Clerk/Treasurer Cheryl Loeffler

Rockford Town Council Meeting Minutes December 19, 2012

Town Council

December 19, 2012

7:00 p.m.

Mayor Micki Harnois called the meeting to order.  Council members present:  Clint Stevenson, Steve Meyer, Thomas Smith and Dave Thompson.  Council member Jim Oshanick was absent.  Clerk/Treasurer Darlene LaShaw and Public Works John Goyke were also present.

 

Public Hearings

There were two public hearings; the first one was the Amended 2012 budget and the second was the 2013 final hearing.

Darlene briefly went through the amended 2012 budget.  She noted that the water fund did not have to use funds from the water reserve.  Thomas Smith reported that the lagoon fund is the one fund that struggles the most.  The other funds had been able to carry themselves.

No public comments.  The public hearing was closed.

The public hearing for the 2013 Budget was opened.

Darlene went through the 2013 budget.  She voiced her concern that there were a number of houses that are vacant and the Town is not receiving utility revenues from them.  Steve Meyer asked if the reserve funds are receiving interest.  Darlene reported that all funds are receiving interest.

No public comments.  The public hearing was closed.

The regular council meeting opened and the same council members present for the public hearing were present as well.

Layne Merritt of JUB was present to give an update on the lagoon improvement project.  The liner has been installed.  They attempted to do the spark test but the spark tester stopped working and it is too wet.  They will try again another time.  Layne reported after the testing and all is reported good the pond can be filled.

Layne spoke to General Industries regarding the pea gravel.  The cost over run on the pea gravel is approximately $2,000.00.  Layne asked if it was possible that once the project is completed/approved and there was the $1,261.53 remaining in the grant could General Industries have those funds?

Thomas Smith made a motion to approve the change order contingent upon the project being complete and all is approved.  Clint seconded the motion, motion carried.

Micki reported that Cynthia Wall of DOE had met with Pat Stretch of CDBG, trying to find a way for the DOE to accept the recent income survey the Town had completed through CDBG, approved by HUD.  Layne had spoke that there will be engineering costs for work on the lagoon improvements, working with DOE and its requirements.

Thomas Smith made a motion to approve the proposed engineering for further lagoon improvements.  Clint Stevenson seconded the motion, motion carried.

Committee Reports
Thomas Smith reported he had met with Darlene and reviewed the 2012 budget.  He and Darlene discussed rates and funds along with the resolutions and ordinances.

Micki reported she had talked to Jim Oshanick, whom is on the park committee, regarding the meetings he has missed.  Steve felt that the Town should wait until after the 1^st of the year and see how Jim’s health is.

Micki further spoke of the Town imposing park fees in the future to help with the costs of upkeep.

Minutes
Thomas Smith made a motion to adopt the minutes of the December 5th meeting.  Dave Thompson seconded the motion, motion carried.

Old Business
Micki Harnois met with Stan Primmer and family members regarding the agreement that is still being reviewed before approving.  The Primmer family is asking to have the council members sign a sheet to say they have read the agreement.  By signing the sheet does not mean the council members necessarily agrees with it but it states that they have read it.

The Town will go ahead with having the utility tax hearing at the second meeting in January, January 16th.

New Business
Thomas Smith made a motion to approve Resolution 12-10R – Rockford’s resolution for law enforcement levy to be placed on the February 12th ballot.  Steve Meyer seconded the motion, motion carried.

Thomas Smith made a motion to approve Resolution 12-11R – Rockford’s fee and fines resolution.  Dave Thompson seconded the motion, motion carried.

Thomas Smith made a motion to adopt ordinance 12-10 – amending the Town’s rules/regulations on the water system, giving the Town Council authority to increase water rates up to 3% per calendar year.  Clint Stevenson seconded the motion, motion carried.

Clint Stevenson made a motion to adopt Ordinance 12-11 – Rockford’s amended 2012 budget.  Dave Thompson seconded the motion, motion carried.

Clint Stevenson made a motion to adopt 12-12 – Rockford’s 2013 budget.  Steve Meyer seconded the motion, motion carried.

Micki Harnois reported after the passing of Brad Marlow she had appointed Stan Seehorn as acting Fire Chief for the Town.  The District #11 commissioners will be appointing an assistant Fire Chief in the near future.

Thomas Smith spoke that the Council should list monthly expenditures that the Town can cut back on.

Micki Harnois spoke of attorney services and fees that the Town have been and will be using.  Stan Schwartz will continue to work on the River’s Keepers issues.

Mike Connelly will write a letter to the state regarding the yellow house at First Street.  The process will continue on to court.

The Town will have to pay for clean up and demolition and then the Town will place a lien on the property.

Micki reported the property is assessed at $8,700.00.  Clean up with the Geiger crew will cost approximately $3,000.00.

Public Works
John Goyke reported that Randy Gambrel has been working on both the backhoe and the dump truck.

John also voiced that he feels the Town needs to stick to the four (4) inch snow plowing rule.

Meeting adjourned.
___________________________     __________________
Darlene LaShaw Clerk/Treasurer      Micki Harnois Mayor

 

Rockford Public Hearing December 5, 2012 and Town Council Meeting Minutes

Town Council

December 5, 2012

7 p.m.

 

Public Hearing

Mayor Micki Harnois opened the Public Hearing with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Council members present for both the hearing and the Council meeting were:  Clint Stevenson, Steve Meyer, Thomas Smith and David Thompson.  Staff present:  John Goyke – Public Works and Darlene LaShaw – Clerk/Treasurer.  Council member Jim Oshanick was absent.

 

Mayor Micki asked for all to keep Brad Marlow’s family in their thoughts. She also reported that she had spoke with Jim Oshanick.  He had informed her that he was still having health issues.  He will wait until the next meeting before deciding if he should continue being a Council member or not.

 

Layne Merritt of JUB (J-U-B Engineering) was was present to present information for the Public Hearing regarding the Town’s improvements on its lagoon system.  He supplied a sign up sheet for attendees to sign.

 

Layne continued to discuss the proposed project and its objectives.  The floating liners, regrading the bottom of the lagoon, address screening and equipment upgrades.

 

The SEPA (State Environmental Protection Act) had been completed and has concluded a Determination of Non-Significance.

 

Council member Clint Stevenson asked what the approximate cost of the project was.  Layne answered with - $ 2.9 million.

 

Bill Creed asked what type of liner was proposed.  Layne answered a double liner was budgeted.

 

There were no further public comments.  The hearing was closed.

 

Council meeting

Mayor Micki opened the Council meeting.

 

Mayor’s Comments

Micki reported that the Town did not receive the TIB (Transportation Improvement Board) grant that had been submitted for Missile Base Road.  Layne reviewed the rating sheet supplied by TIB  and briefly discussed possible options when applying in 2013.  The freight avenue could be the area to work on.  Layne and Thomas will work together to gather needed information on trucks with freight that could help support future grants.

 

Clint asked if road restrictions could be placed on streets to help preserve the conditions.  Layne thought the Town could have that option.

 

Layne updated the Council on the current lagoon project. The liner is being placed in and a static test will be done on Monday, December 10th.  Layne received a reply regarding the pea gravel issue that was discussed at the last meeting.  The contractors had gone ahead and placed 525 additional tons of pea gravel.  There had not been any change orders or replies from the contractors before they had acted on the task.  The contractors are asking for approximately $ 9,000 for the additional pea gravel that they had placed.  The cost would be including tax.

 

After a discussion it was the consensus of the Council to not offer any funds for the additional pea gravel.

 

Layne further spoke of the need of the influent and effluent meters.  The cost of each meter is approximately $ 3,000. The total cost including installation, engineering and etc would be approximately  $ 12,000.00. Not only are these meters needed, Layne felt by getting these meters it would help the Town get ahead of the River Keeper’s concerns.

 

Layne had talked to Rick Rose of Rural Development which has funds available that these meters would be eligible for.   Layne will work on the application. There is a check list of items that Darlene will have to provide for the application.

 

Checks

Clint Stevenson made a motion to approve checks # 11,752 - # 11,808 in the amount of $ 171,624.28.  Thomas seconded the motion; motion carried.

 

Public Comment

Jody Cornwall was present regarding the water reservoir easement/infrastructure agreement that is still being worked on between Jody’s father, Stan Primmer and the Town of Rockford.  Micki informed Jody that she would like Steve Meyer and herself to meet with Stan regarding the agreement.  Micki further reported that the Town had a check to reimburse Stan Primmer for the attorney fees that he had paid.  Jody stated someone needed to hand deliver the check to him.

 

Jody further reported that the Primmer’s attorney would like to record the agreement with the County and the Primmer’s would like to get the agreement completed and signed by the end of the month.

 

Minutes

Thomas made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 20th meeting.  Clint seconded the motion; motion carried.

 

Steve made the motion to approve the minutes of the November 28th budget workshop.  Clint seconded the motion; motion carried.

 

Old Business

The Town will hold a Public Hearing for comments for the Town increasing its revenues by placing utility taxes on January 16th.

 

Micki reported Senator Mark Schoesler and Representative Joe Schmick had met with a few people from the Town on Monday, December 3rd regarding the issues with the Sheriff contract.  Rep Schmick will talk to Ozzie and Senator Schoesler will talk to Todd Mielke.

 

New business

The Finance Committee will be Darlene, Thomas Smith, Clint Stevenson and David Thompson.

 

A Resolution to place a Law Enforcement Services levy on February’s ballot will be on the agenda at the next meeting.

 

Micki spoke of AWC’s (Association of Washington Cities ) Center for Quality Communities Scholarship program. Micki will send information to the school and to local seniors. (Contact .) 

 

Public Works

John spoke of tough decisions the Town will have to make this next year.  The Council will need to talk about revenues and cuts in expenditures.

 

Meeting adjourned.

 

_____________________    __________________

Darlene LaShaw, Clerk           Micki Harnois, Mayor