Rockford Town Council Minutes March 20, 2013

Rockford Town Council

March 20, 2013

7:00 p.m.

Mayor Micki Harnois called the meeting to order after the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Council members present: Clint Stevenson, Steve Meyers, Thomas Smith, Dave Thompson and Larry Van Every. Clerk/Treasurer Darlene LaShaw, Deputy Clerk Brenda Gambrel, and Public Works Operator John Goyke were also present.

Micki Harnois presented Darlene LaShaw with a plaque, plant, and card from the council members and thanked her for the time she had been with the Town – 18 years.  Darlene LaShaw thanked Micki Harnois and the Council.

Mayor’s Comments
Micki Harnois spoke of the proposed business coming to the town in Todd Hart’s building, supposedly selling marijuana accessories.  Micki Harnois spoke that business’ like that cannot be any closer than 1,000 feet from bus stops, parks, and community centers.  She spoke of different wording in the RCW’s – still trying to find a way to stop the business.

Micki Harnois reported of the meeting some of the Council members had with the Sherriff’s department regarding the cost of the contract, it is now up to the Commissioner’s  to respond.

Micki Harnois reported on the planning and visioning at the Council retreat the night earlier – 3/19.

Committee Reports

Larry Van Every for the Economic Development Committee reported on the bank robbery that took place at the Bank of Fairfield, and of the bad media that town will be getting from it.  He suggested that the Town needs a theme to help bring tourists, businesses and houses.  The Town needs to grow and the Council can’t do it all on their own – we need help from the citizens.

Public Comments

Vivian Plank of Banner Bank is concerned that the new business coming to town will bring more drugs. She reported that Todd Hart had told her that the business owner sold items for drug paraphernalia.

Kathy Creed asked which Council positions were up for election this year. Micki Harnois replied that Micki Harnois’, Steve Meyer, Dave Thompson, and Larry Van Every were all up for election in 2013.

Kathy asked if the Town is working on trying to clean up some of the properties in Town, Micki Harnois answered that the Town was.

The Town is still pursuing the yellow house, it may have to be condemned and is too expensive for the Town to clean up.

Bill Creed asked the status of the Primmer contract. Micki Harnois reported that both attorneys had met to go over the agreement and should have it back next week.

Bill Benson, owner of FootLoose in the Palouse clarified that he is not opening a pawn shop, but an EBay consignment shop.  He is also against the proposed business coming to town.

Stan Seehorn of Rockford Auto has been sharing the parking lot with the liquor store for years and he feels he will have trouble with parking with the proposed business coming to town.  He believes Todd Hart is disregarding the Town and its citizens.

Stan Seehorn also asked what the offer was on the Sherriff’s contract.  Micki Harnois reported that it was $25,000 and the Department wants $33,000 in 2014. Stan Seehorn feels that some intervention from the other towns are needed. He also said that he feels the staff of the Town needs to be held more accountable.

Steve Meyer spoke that he doesn’t ever remember voting or deciding on any figures for the Sherriff’s contract.

Kathy Creed asked why the Town didn’t work on passing the levy and talk to the public.

Gene Trevino spoke that this area is already known as a drug area.

Vivian Plank talked of the good things in the Town, such as the various organizations.

Steve Meyer agreed that the Town should talk more of a levy, but 78% turned it down.

Vicki Bergstrom mentioned people had heard of the possible utility tax considered by the Town and didn’t want the Sherriff levy.

Jennifer Cecil felt there needs to be a flyer in the newsletter to educate people.  She also feels the Town needs a volunteer, as kids have already picked up 5 bags of garbage.

Larry Van Every feels every Council member should lead the community.  Proposed every Council member pick an area of town and go door to door and explain the needs of the community.

Art Grewe reported that the Town used to have its own watch group years ago.  The Sherriff told them to stop due to liability.  He also feels the Town should demand a retraction of what the news has reported about the Town recently.

Jeff Hildesheim, resident for 26 years, commented that the utility bills have increased 4 times and there is nothing to show for it and expressed his displeasure.

Phil Evans said that the Town should go the County Commissioners.

Micki Harnois reported that they meet every Tuesday in the County Court House.

Jennifer Cecil asked if there was anything the citizens could do.

Sheila McCormick said that someone needs to tell Todd Hart there is a problem with the new proposed business, and reported that if people don’t get a utility bill they do not know what is going on in the community.

Minutes

Thomas Smith made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 6^th meeting.   David Thompson seconded the motion,  motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report

Darlene LaShaw reported for the month of February, 2013: $251,505.11

New Business

The names on the new bank signature cards will be Micki Harnois, Clint Stevenson, Brenda Gambrel, and John Goyke.

John Goyke spoke of a sewer system ordinance to review and make decisions at a later date.

Mowing for the parks – volunteers want to do it this year, the Town needs to look into liability for volunteers.

Clint Stevenson mentioned that people are looking into using the horse arena for events and thought it could bring some revenue to the Town.

Public Works

Thomas Smith made a motion to accept the USDA loan/grant.  Clint Stevenson seconded the motion, motion carried.

Layne Merritt – task order #1 engineering for the flow meter job.

Thomas Smith made a motion to approve task order #1 with JUB. Clint Stevenson seconded the motion, Larry Van Every opposed the motion, motion carried.

Jennifer Cecil and Clint Stevenson are on the committee for the fees and regulations for the horse arena.

An advertisement for a part time Public Works Operator will go into executive session.

Bill Creed asked who was replacing Darlene’s position, Micki Harnois answered that the Town is reorganizing and retasking work with the current staff.

The Council went into Executive Session.

The Council was called back to Regular Session.

The consensus of the Town Council was to keep Jerame Clark as a part time employee.

Steve Meyer made a motion to deny payment on the Sherriff contract.  Larry Van Every seconded the motion.  David Thompson, Thomas Smith, and Clint Stevenson opposed.

Meeting adjourned.

John Goyke, Clerk/Treasurer         Micki Harnois, Mayor