Friday, September 27, 2013

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: ________________________________

Friday, September 20, 2013

Palouse City Council September 14, 2013 Regular Meeting Agenda

PALOUSE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Regular Council Meeting
Palouse City Hall – 120 E. Main Street

September 24, 2013, @ 7:00 pm

CALL TO ORDER: 

ROLL CALL:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Regular Council Meeting of September 10, 2013

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: 

POLICE REPORT: 

JFB REPORT:

OLD BUSINESS:

Assn. Of Washington Cities Employee Benefit Trust Interlocal Agreement

Resolution No. 2013-09:  accepting terms of AWC EBT Interlocal Agreement

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.

Rockford Town Council September 4, 2013 Meeting Minutes


Rockford Town Council
September 4, 2013
7:00 pm

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 Micki Harnois called the meeting to order after the Pledge of Allegiance was recited at 7:00 pm.  Council members present were:  Carrie Roecks, Clint Stevenson, Dave Thompson, and Travis Glidewell.  Brenda Gambrel, Deputy Clerk and John Goyke, Clerk/Treasurer/Public Works Operator were also present.

The regular Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:04 pm.

Planning and Zoning
Mayor Harnois announced that the Planning and Zoning Commission had met last Wednesday, August 28, 2013 and asked for a report regarding the meeting.

Howard Brutschy stated that the Planning and Zoning meeting minutes were unavailable at this time, but proceeded to inform the Council on the happenings of the meeting.  The Council was updated on the permitting process.

Howard Brutschy also reported on the development across from Steve Meyer regarding the interest in drilling a well by property owner Pam Keys, Planning and Zoning found nothing in the Ordinance stating that you cannot drill a well on your property.  He stated that if you are in town and have water service and want to drill a well you are welcome to do so.

Planning and Zoning also discussed the zoning for agricultural production and/or processing of marijuana.  It was affirmed by Howard Brutschy that the Washington State Liquor Control Board at this point, indicates that they will not have any of their rules out until November 4, 2013 at the earliest.  He acknowledged that a precedent may have already been set by people selling vegetables at the Farmer’s Market.

Mayor Harnois addressed the building permit submitted by Peggy Fricks regarding the installation of a fence.  Peggy Fricks stated that the new section of fence will be connecting with the existing fence that is already in place.  Carrie Roecks asked if anyone from Planning and Zoning had been up to look and the fence.  Howard Brutschy stated that he had and everything checks out.

ACTION
Clint Stevenson made a motion to accept Margaret Fricks fence permit as presented to be constructed on 411 E. Lee Street; seconded by Dave Thompson.  The motion carried.

Spokane Regional Health District:  e-cigarettes
Mayor Harnois handed out a packet from SRHD regarding information and regulations concerning e-cigarettes.  The packet contained the ordinance that Spokane County had adopted.  Mayor Harnois stated that this was the regulation prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes to minors.  She also affirmed that Freeman School District has an existing policy stating that e-cigarette devices are not allowed on the school grounds along with other tobacco related items.  There will be a discussion at the next meeting regarding this issue.

LDS Community Service
Mayor Harnois reminded the Council that Latter Day Saints Church from Painted Hills will be coming down on September 14, 2013 to do a clean up around town.  They will be cleaning up before the fair, paying special attention to the detour routes, down town, the park, and the fair grounds.  They will be painting, weed eating, and anything they can to spruce up the town for fair weekend.  There are some organizations that will be present to prepare them lunch.  They will be in town from 8:00am to about 1:00pm.

Mayor’s Comments:
The Mayor thanked Vicki for manning the office last Tuesday. 

Primmer Land Contract for use by Town for the Southwest Reservoir
Carrie Roecks stated that there was a good consensus regarding the Primmer water reservoir agreement and that the changes were now in the hands of Jody Cornwall.

Jody Cornwall reported that the Primmer’s attorney has a legal obligation to send the contract to the Town’s attorney.  She stated that she would be emailed a copy of the contract and would email a copy to the Council.
 
Carrie Roecks reported that one of the requests from the Primmers’ was to add as an additional insured because it’s the Town’s property on their property.  Carrie Roecks proceeded to read aloud the notice to evidence of coverage which explained that AWC cannot add the Primmers without that holder but would be covered under the blanket policy.

Spokane County Comprehensive Plan
Mayor Harnois reported to the Council that Spokane County is currently updating a portion of their comprehensive plan to include parks and law enforcement.  They want to change the current plan which states; 1.01 officers per 1,000 of population and 3.04 jail beds per 1,000 of population to say, provide police and jail services consistent with federal regulations and to adequately serve and protect the citizens of Spokane county.  Mayor Harnois stated that Spokane County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing September 12, 2013 at 9:00 am if anyone is interested in attending.

Cougar Corridor
Mayor Harnois informed the Council that the Town will be part of the Cougar Corridor this year, promoting home games for WSU.  Pamphlets, posters, and flags will be handed out to the various businesses around town to show support.

Marijuana Law Update
Mayor Harnois updated the Council on new rules set forth by the Liquor Control Board.  They are looking at having 18 retail outlets in Spokane County that will sell marijuana.  They will continue to recognize the 1,000 foot radius from schools, parks, daycares, and community centers.  Mayor Harnois stated that the 1,000 foot radius is measured from sidewalks or roads.  Also mentioned by Mayor Harnois, was the maximum size of a building for growing being 30,000 sq. ft.  The Liquor Control Board estimates that permits will start being issued in December and stores will begin to open up in the spring.

Steve Meyer reported that Colorado voted to not make it legal for small towns to sell within their city limits.  He feels that it would be a good idea to get an ordinance in place so that the sale of marijuana could not happen within the Town’s limits.  The Mayor stated that this was one of the issues that the Planning Commission was working on, but that they had to have their regulations in order first. 

Carrie Roecks acknowledged that the business license issue needed to also be resolved so that anyone wanting to operate a business which sells marijuana would have to come before the Mayor and Council to obtain a license.

Chuck Collison asked if the Town had considered the tax generated with only 18 outlets selling in Spokane County.  He stated “I mean we’re selling pot not meth.”  Carrie Roecks agreed that it definitely would bring in lots of sales tax, but feels that the Rockford community is not ready to accept this matter.

Robert Tollefson inquired about selling hemp based products at the Exxon.

Committee Reports:
John Goyke reported that we will be forced into a new water test schedule in October.  He is not sure what the cost will be at this point.

Approval of Minutes
ACTION
Clint Stevenson made a motion to accept the August 21, 2013 regular Council minutes as presented; seconded by Carrie Roecks.  The motion carried.

The special meeting minutes from August 29, 2013 will be corrected and ready for approval at the September 18, 2013 meeting.

Approval of Claims
ACTION
Clint Stevenson made a motion to pay check #’s 12156-12181 in the amount of $11,893.05 as presented; seconded by Dave Thompson.  The motion carried.

Claims             12156-12181                           $11,893.05

Old Business
Rock Creek Dredging

Travis Glidewell stated that he had made contact with Cynthia Wall regarding the dredging of Rock Creek.  He stated that there are grants available but did not recommend seeking one this late in the year.  Carrie Roecks stated that she feels we should still clean a portion of Rock Creek this year.  The Mayor informed the Council that a Jarpa permit would be required.  John Goyke and Micki Harnois will fill out the paperwork.

Community Service Committee
Mayor Harnois reminded the Council that this was the position on the CDBG application regarding the community service vacancy.  She stated that they need someone for the second Thursday of every month from September to July at 4:00 pm. 

Town Reader Board
Dave Thompson and Ivan Willmschen are still working on the reader board.  Mayor Harnois asked if they would like some help from an Eagle Scout.  Dave Thompson stated that would be fine.

Website
Mayor Harnois affirmed that nothing has been happening with the website, but that Andrew Coumont had emailed again.  Mayor Harnois then asked what had been decided about Andrew Coumont’s contract.  Carrie Roecks replied that nothing was decided because he was supposed to meet with the Council but never showed up.  Carrie Roecks was concerned about paying the monthly fee for the lack of service being received.

Frontier Internet Proposal
Mayor Harnois addressed the new business proposal for internet service  provided by Frontier.  It was acknowledged that the first proposal was incorrect due to the amount of lines that would be in use.  The updated proposal would be for 3 business lines for $79.97 and internet $19.99 making the total per month $99.96.  This is double the original quoted proposal of $46.99 due to a mistake on the part of Frontier Communications.

ACTION
Dave Thompson made a motion to accept Frontiers proposal for $99.96 per month excluding taxes and Carrie Roecks will talk to them regarding their original proposal; seconded by Clint Stevenson.  The motion carried.

New Business
New Office and Employee Hours
Mayor Harnois announced the new office hours starting September 16, 2013 will be Monday, Wednesday, and Friday open to the public from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, closed from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm for lunch, Tuesday and Thursday the office will be closed.  Brenda Gambrel will be here 4 days a week and Alene Felgenhauer will be here Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings to assist.

6% Avista Utility Tax
Mayor Harnois addressed ordinance 13-07 utility tax on Avista electric sales.  She informed the Council that the Town’s attorney had stated that the ordinance would need to be looked over again because it requires 60 days to pass between the enactment of a tax on utility providers and the effective date on the collection of the tax.  The updated effective date is November 15, 2013.  Clint Stevenson stated that the date on the ordinance was wrong and Avista wanted it rewritten.

Clint Stevenson wanted it on record as saying the Town should not be billed a second time by the Town’s attorney on the repeal of 13-05 and the rewriting of the new ordinance.

ACTION
Clint Stevenson made a motion to adopt ordinance 13-07 proposing a utility tax to provide revenue to the general fund and to repeal ordinance 13-05; seconded by Carrie Roecks.  The motion carried.

Ivan Willmschen asked where the interest was going from Avista.  Mayor Harnois answered that the money was not in Avista’s hands long enough to collect interest, this coming from Paul Kimmel of Avista Corp.  Carrie Roecks suggested that we keep it quarterly for now and change it at a later date.
 
Attorney Representation:  Primmer Agreement
Carrie Roecks mentioned making a decision about whether or not the Town’s attorney will continue to represent them regarding the Primmer agreement.  Mayor Harnois reminded the Council that the representing attorney was a municipal land use attorney and the goal in mind was to protect the Town.  Clint Stevenson stated that if the Council is unhappy with the new attorney’s contract that we send it back

ACTION
Clint Stevenson made a motion to discontinue the services of the Town attorney and retain the services of Darwin Grewe; seconded by Carrie Roecks.  The motion carried

Mayor Harnois reiterated that once the Council is presented with the new agreement from Darwin Grewe, that if at that time, it needs to be reviewed by the attorney again it will be sent back with any comments or concerns.

Business Licenses
Mayor Harnois affirmed that currently if anyone wants a business license the cost is $10.00.  Carrie Roecks was questioning if you could have a bigger fee to begin with and then have the $10.00 be a renewal fee.

Jody Cornwall inquired if door to door solicitors are required to get a business license and who enforces that.  Mayor Harnois stated that they can be turned into the state for operating without a business license and that all the Mayor and Council can do is make the citizens aware of that.  Chuck Collison stated that this issue pertains to the Green River Ordinance.  Mayor Harnois stated that the collection for business licenses had not been on the books as being collected since Carrie Roecks left City Hall as the Clerk, but that they had just recently found out.

Public Works
John Goyke stated that everything was fine.

Mayor Harnois gave praise to the staff for meeting the deadlines for billing, meter readings, and Council packets.

Public Comment
Jody Cornwall suggested spending the $50.00 Best Buy gift card on a microphone. 

Executive Session
Mayor Harnois announced that the meeting would adjourn to executive session at 8:44 pm.  The Council then moved into executive session to discuss employee wages, training, critical time in the budget period, the auditor’s visit, and the clerk-treasurer role.

The Council came out of executive session at 9:37 pm

The regular Council meeting the reconvened at 9:37 pm.

It was the consensus of the Council and Mayor that it would be permitted for the staff to work 5 days a week if needed especially for training.  There was also discussion regarding a wage increase to $13.00 per hour for employee Brenda Gambrel.

ACTION
Dave Thompson made a motion to approve the wage increase for employee Brenda Gambrel to $13.00 per hour; seconded by Clint Stevenson.  The motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 9:45 pm.
__________________            ______________________
John M. Goyke                         Micki Harnois
Clerk/Treasurer                         Rockford Mayor

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Town of Rockford, Washington Resolution 13-04R ~ Water, Sewer, Animals


Town of Rockford
Resolution 13- 04R

WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Rockford has, by Ordinance 12-06, Ordained that all Administrative Fees be set by Council Resolution, and

Whereas, the Town desires to set forth those rates and fees authorized by Ordinance 12-04

WHEREAS, the Town Council has held Public Hearings for the Town’s water, sewer, and lagoon rates,

WHEREAS, to help pay the Town’s increasing operating costs of its infrastructure, the Council has the authority to increase the lagoon, sewer and water rates up to 3% per year,

WHEREAS, updating of the fee schedule is necessary when there are changes made,

 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Rockford the following amended fees shall be effective August 7th, 2013.

 Animals
            License fee
                 Spayed/neutered             10.00
                 Non spayed/neutered     15.00

 No license on dog
                 1st offense                         20.00
                 Subsequent offense in 12 month, each   40.00
             No Kennel license                25.00
            Failure to renew license after 90 days          30.00
            Failure to confine biting animal
                 1st offense                                                   175.00
                 Each subsequent offense                        300.00
           Refusal or failure to produce rabid animal 500.00
         Dog running at large
                1st offense                                                      25.00
                2nd offense                                                     75.00
                Each subsequent offense                          200.00

 Failure to control dog by leash or device                25.00

 Keeping vicious animal
             1st offe                                                            100.00
             Each subsequent offense                            250.00

          Dogs barking
                     1st offense                                                20.00
                     2nd offense                                             100.00
                     Each subsequent offense                     200.00

          Impound fee
                     1st offense                                                20.00
                     2nd offense                                               40.00
                     Each subsequent time                           75.00
         Boarding fee per day                                         20.00

      Guard dog in violation of conditions
                1st offense                                                     50.00
                Each subsequent offense                         250.00

    Failure to control female dog in heat                   
                1st offense                                                     75.00
                Each subsequent offense                          100.00

   Obstructing Animal Control or police officer
   Enforcing code                                                        250.00
Annual registration fee for dangerous dog          200.00
Failure to pay annual dangerous dog Registration fee                                                                               400.00

Business Licenses
Door to Door Selling                                                  10.00

Other Fees and Charges
Public Document copies – b/w  per page                0.50
Public Document copies – color per page               1.00

Planning and Zoning
      Building permits                                                   70.00
     Fence permit                                                          10.00
    Survey Variance                                                      50.00
    Other variances                                                      50.00
     CUP                                                                          50.00
    Sub division per acre                                           200.00

Sewer/Lagoon Rates
     Residential                                                             28.84
     Commercial                                                            31.93
     Trailer Park                                                              31.93
     Non Profit 1                                                             26.52
     Non Profit 2                                                             31.41     
     Sewer Connection fee                                      5,100.00
     Lagoon fee                                                                 6.18

Utility bills
     Late                                                                            20.00

Water Rates
Residential
    Basic/meter rate                                                      22.66
    Per Single Residential Unit
          Rate per   1000 gallons used                              1.50
Commercial
     Basic/meter rate                                                      22.66
          Rate per 1000 gallons used                                2.50
  Mix Use              
         Commercial Rate                                                 22.66
             Rate per 1000 gallons used                             2.50
         Designated Trailer Park
             Basic/meter rate fee per meter                   22.66
                   Rate per 1000 gallons used                       2.50

Unreadable/Denied Access to meter                   150.00
Non submitted water meter reading                   150.00

Fees
Connection Fee                                                       1,500.00
 Water Fund Reserve fee                                              3.09
Late Fees
   Per billing cycle                                                          20.00
Unauthorized Water Turn On                                  200.00
Meter placement                                                        350.00
   Excluded to new service 
   Meter removed for reasons
  Other than Town approved maintenance
Non- payment fees 
  Turn off                                                                         25.00
  Turn on                                                                         25.00
NSF
 Cash/money order                                                     40.00
For one year after date of check

Seasonal/Maintenance 
   Turn on/off per occurrence                                     10.00
     Pack/Unpack meters                                              25.00

   Owner furnishing water to other residents      200.00
   Unauthorized usage of fire hydrants               5,000.00
   Outside sales                                               
       Per thousand gallons                                               4.50
This Resolution amends Resolution 11-3R, 12-4R, 12-11R and 13-01R.
PASSED by the Town Council of the Town of Rockford this 07th day of August, 2013.
                                                                     ________________________________
Micki Harnois, Mayor

Attest:_____________________

John M. Goyke, Clerk/Treasurer