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