Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Rockforf Town Council Public Hearing and Meeting, January 16, 2013


Rockford Town Council
January 16, 2013
7:00 pm

Mayor Micki Harnois brought the Public Hearing to order.  Council members present:  Clint Stevenson, Steve Meyer, Thomas Smith and Dave Thompson.  Clerk /Treasurer Darlene LaShaw and Public Works Operator John Goyke were also present.  Micki reminded citizens of the vacant council seat; applications are due by 4:00 pm January 31, 2013.

Public Hearing
A Public Hearing was held for the purpose of a utility tax.

Micki Harnois briefly explained that the Town was exploring the idea of a utility tax on the electricity bill through Avista.  Micki further explained the Town has ever increasing expenses and a portion of the funds the Town receives from the State has been cut.

Micki also explained some of the regulations of the utility taxes.  What they can be used for and how much can be imposed.

Rick Hauf stated that he felt it was a safe assumption the Council will decide to go with the utility tax.  Has the Town taken the time to find out the average cost per house hold?

Micki Harnois replied that it will cost the average house hold approximately $6.00.

Rick Hauf inquired if the Council will post what funds the utility tax will go to?

Micki informed Rick that the Town will have to name what funds they will be utilized for.

Rick Hauf stated with the increase in the utility bills he had a problem with higher electricity bills.  He explained there were many people in Town with fixed incomes.  He feels a 6% increase would be too harsh.  Rick suggested a 6% increase within four (4) years.  Rick asked the Council to give it some thought.

Pete Abbey agreed that all residents would feel the increase of the cost but how about the businesses?  The businesses are paying double already. 

Phil Evans asked if the utility tax could be placed on the February ballot along with the Sheriff’s contract.  That way the citizens could decide.

Micki Harnois informed Phil it was too late to place that on the ballot.

Craig Swanson compared Rockford to Fairfield; businesses have gone out of business.  A utility tax would take $106.00 out of his personal income per month.  He asked the Council to reconsider this idea.

Larry Van Every voiced that he wasn’t for the utility tax.  He doesn’t see any sunset with it.  He asked what the 6% was worth.

Micki Harnois explained with expenses going up and the Town doesn’t have money, the Town won’t be here anymore.  Micki further explained the Town’s needs for the lagoon improvements.  She mentioned she had just attended a meeting regarding a group who may place the Town in a law suit regarding discharging issues.   
 
Some of the equipment has not worked since the time the construction was completed.

Stan Seehorn asked what the Town receives for Sales tax and property tax.  Darlene reported approximately $66,000.00 for property tax and approximately $53,000.00 for Sales tax.

Walt Whitman asked what the advantage is of the Town having a utility tax.  Annually he attends a meeting regarding the 1% increase in property tax and is told the Town does the tax “Because we always do”.  Walt feels taxes are getting out of hand.

Larry Van Every asked if anyone could tell him the negative aspects imposing the utility taxes.  Will it drive people out?

Thomas Smith stated that the Town has expenses beyond its income.  The Town has cut back on many of its own expenses, cleaning, rugs, employee hours and a portion of the employee’s insurance is being paid by the employee, which that has not been in the past.  Thomas further spoke that the Town is also a business and is trying to make business decisions.  Thomas further stated it affects the entire Town.  Each member of the Council would pay for the utility taxes also.

Chuck Collison inquired about the equipment at the sewer lagoon never working.

Micki Harnois spoke of the two (2) meters that record information.  It will cost the Town $12,000.00 to replace them.  Currently working on a grant, for the meters.

Tim Fricke felt if they were not installed right in the beginning the Town shouldn’t have to pay for it.

Steve Meyer clarified that the Town had done all it could do but the meters are too obsolete to fix.

Stan Seehorn voiced his concern that the problem is the Town has been helped with grant funds to pay for a number of things and now the grant money available has declined.

Micki added that many grants require a match from the Town.

Kathy Creed spoke that in the past she had asked the Council if it thought of cutting expenses.  She felt they needed to be given credit for what they have done so far.

Kathy Creed further voiced her opinions that if we want to keep the Town, stay local, then we need to accept the increases.

Kathy disagrees with many of the comments given tonight and added that the increases would hurt them greatly.

Micki Harnois added that the Town no longer has an attorney attend a monthly meeting and the Town no longer has a Code Enforcement person.

Clint Stevenson voiced that he thought the sewer and water rate increases hurt more than a utility tax would.

Phil Evans asked if the Town had done any cost projection through the years.  Will the Town be out of money in one (1) year to eighteen (18) months?  Just how long will it be before the Town is out of money?

Micki Harnois answered that the Town had not gone in depth, on this issue.

Thomas Smith spoke that the Town could do a close look but it doesn’t want to spend the citizen’s money to pay a person to do the study.

Clint Stevenson named off a few projects that needed to be completed and their approximate cost:
            SW Reservoir Roof    $  8,000.00
            Well 4 Pump               $15,000.00 (and updating the lagoon system)

Robert Tollefson voiced that both living and working in Town the utility tax would be very tough on them.  He asked if there were any consideration to where the money would go.  He asked what the single most important thing to do and then the second most important thing.

Sheila McCormick asked of the projects that Clint named off, where is the other $20,000.00 going to?

Thomas Smith briefly explained the upcoming loans the Town will have for the lagoon system improvements.

Kerry Hauf asked if the Council considered the rates on the utility bills going up along with the utility tax.  Kerry further spoke that ever since the water reservoir had been completed they have had terrible water surges in their house.  Who will pay for the costs when the pipes go out?

Rick Hauf does agree with Pete Abbey regarding businesses will be hit hard with a utility tax.

Bob Cunningham has a number of rentals which some are empty.  If his tenants can’t pay rent then he doesn’t get paid. 

Bob Cunningham suggested John get together with him he may have flow meters that the Town can borrow.

Bill Creed stated that if it doesn’t work the Town will be looking into disincorporation.  Bill said that will cost the citizens.

Micki Harnois stated that the state would have a Finance Officer come in and work and the bills would be paid.

Sheila McCormack asked the Council to look at Fairfield; they have businesses that have closed.

Chuck Collison asked if the funds were raised does it go to other items that are not needed.

Micki stated that the funds would be earmarked for items.

John Goyke spoke that other Towns that had imposed utility taxes had locked their projects in with an Ordinance which caused major problems.  The project(s) should not be placed in ordinances.

Dave the owner of Rockford Mini Mart inquired if he gets a liquor license which would bring more taxes in, would the Council give a break on the 6% utility tax?  Individual’s incomes do not go up 6%.  He felt 6% was a little steep.

Steve Meyer voiced his concern of what will happen when the cost goes up.  When the water was increased a couple years ago people stopped watering and their grass turned brown.

Micki Harnois noted that at these hearings people seem to come up with cool remedies.  It would be good to have this information in other situations.

Pete Abbey thought more businesses in Town would increase sales tax.  What is the Council doing to get new businesses here?

Steve Meyer said it was a good question, now turn it around, what would he be getting if his business was in Spokane.

Clint Stevenson noted that Pete Abbey has brought a lot to the Town with activities.

Craig Swanson asked about the option of increasing the sales tax rate.

Robert Tollefson asked if the Town imposes the increase will there be better representation on services?

Bob Cunningham stated that at times entities have increased rates and found it wasn’t getting the revenues they had hoped.

Kerry Hauf asked if someone will be looking into increasing the sales tax rate.

Walt Whitman commented on the utilities issues where he lives:
            Does not have good water service
            The road is not good
            Has to take garbage down to the end of road

With no further public comment, the Public Hearing was closed.

Micki Harnois opened the Council meeting.  The same council members attended.

Micki asked the Council for a direction regarding the utility taxes.  It was the consensus of the Council to look further into increasing the sales tax rate before deciding.

Committee Reports
Steve Meyer reported that Stan Seehorn had talked to him regarding the Town having a snow plow policy.  Stan has offered to be on a committee.  Stan had provided a copy of Fairfield’s snow plow policy for the Council to review.  John spoke that he didn’t have a problem working with others with a plan.  Micki asked John if he would chair the committee.  Larry Van Every volunteered to be on the committee as well.

Public Comment
Kathy Creed announced that Sheriff Ozzie will be at the Grange Hall on Wednesday February 27, 2013 at 6:00 pm.  Kathy encouraged all Council members to attend.

Minutes
Thomas Smith made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 2nd meeting.  Clint Stevenson seconded the motion, motion carried.

Old Business
Micki Harnois spoke of the meeting she had with Ozzie on January 4, 2013.  Also attending were Bill and Kathy Creed, John Goyke, Darlene LaShaw and Brenda Gambrel.

Micki Harnois stated that Ozzie explained for 2012 the cost was $21,174.00.  Ozzie had spoke of a 10% cap and believes he can get the Town’s 2013 cost at $25,000.00.  Micki further reported that she had given Ozzie the check (for the remainder of 2012’s contract).  Micki spoke that the Town has needed them for different issues in Town.

Steve Meyer is looking for clarification, spoke that the Council had made a motion to send the check with a letter stating the Town did not plan to contract with the Sheriff department for 2013.  That letter needed to be sent by December 31, 2012.

Steve Meyer asked Micki Harnois why she was negotiating with Ozzie when the Council had already made a decision.  Steve felt that without a letter being sent in on time the Town may be liable for the contract for 2013.

Micki Harnois reported she had honestly did not think of the due date regarding the contract.

Dave Thompson noted that the Town is supposed to be able to negotiate and know what we are to get for the services.

Kathy Creed also noted the Sheriff stated that Rockford has been so disrespectful to the department.

Bill Creed noted that with no contract the department is not required to come to Town unless a major incident happens.

Micki Harnois spoke of Dave Mathison of the CDA Casino regarding getting some assistance.

Vicki Bergstrom asked about the proposition on the ballot, if passed, will the funds be for services in 2014.  She feels the Town needs to tell people.

John Goyke explained that Ozzie wants to formally negotiate for costs and services.

Steve Meyer noted on the motion that was made in November.  The Council cannot act unless that motion is rescinded.  After much discussion Clint Stevenson made a motion to rescind the motion made on November 20, 2012 for the reason that the letter informing the Sheriff Department the Town would not be contracting for 2013 was not sent.  Thomas Smith seconded the motion.  Steve Meyer opposed.  Motion carried.

It was the consensus of the Council to speak with Ozzie to negotiate for the 2013 Sheriff’s contract which they all felt automatically renewed because the letter of cancelation was not sent by December 31, 2012 as voted by the Council in November of 2012..

New Business
Micki Harnois announced the Town Hall has wifi and now the Freeman School will hold a board meeting here at the Town Hall April 25th.

In Council packs there is a SRTC agreement that needs to be reviewed and decided on at the next meeting.

Micki Harnois reported that Stan Seehorn informed her that the FD#11 Commissioners have chosen Gary Hill as the Assistant Fire Chief.

Clint made a motion to appoint Steve Meyer as Mayor Pro-tem for a six (6) month period.  Thomas Smith seconded the motion, motion carried.

Clint suggested along with budgets the Council could cut its wages to the amount prior to the increase.

Public Works
John Goyke reported that he, Micki Harnois, Layne Merritt and Cynthia Wall of DOE met regarding the River Keepers earlier in the day.  A meeting will take place on Friday, with the River Keepers and all attorneys associated with the lawsuit.

John also reported he had asked the DOE why the DOE didn’t act on false reports years ago.  It has been found that many violations are not true violations, because inaccurate information was willfully reported.  At this time there may be only three (3) violations.

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

 

 

             

 

Fairfield Town Council Meeting Minutes February 19, 2013


REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 19, 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 February 19, 2013 at 7:00 pm. Council members present: Harry Gibbons, Mary Branon, Valerie Spurrell, and Brian Kauffman. George Davidson was absent. Others present: Derek Knecht and Cheryl Loeffler.

ACTION
Mary Branon motioned to excuse Ed Huber from the February 5, 2013 regular council meeting and Valerie Spurrell from the February 14, 2013 special council meeting due to work conflicts; seconded by Brian for Valerie Spurrell and Valerie for Ed. The motion carried. Valerie abstained.

Approval of Minutes

ACTION
Brian Kauffman motioned to approve the minutes from the February 5 regular council meeting and the February 14, 2013 special council meeting as presented; seconded by Mary Branon. The motion carried.

ACTION
Approval of the Claims
Brian Kauffman motioned and Mary Branon seconded to authorize claim vouchers #16983-16993 for $13,281.65 and EFTs for $1,771.10 as presented. The motion carried.

Claims: $11,882.22
Payroll: 3,399.43
Total Claims: $15,281.65
Check Register signed by: Mary Branon, Brian Kauffman and Harry Gibbons.

Guests
Commissioner Shelly O’Quinn
Commissioner O’Quinn and Bill Wedlake from the County Solid Waste had to cancel tonight due to illness. They have rescheduled for the March 19 meeting.

OLD BUSINESS
Resolution 2013-1 Fee Schedule

Resolution 2013-2 Utility Extension/Improvement Costs
This resolution ties in with Resolution 2013-1 so it was moved from New Business and was presented at this time. This resolution relates to the costs involved with utility improvements or extensions.

ACTION
Brian motioned to approve Resolution 2013-1 and Resolution 2013-2; seconded by Mary. The motion carried.

Tire Amnesty Day
Cheryl visited with Mark Hope about the tire amnesty event. He explained that passenger, lite truck and truck tires with the rims on or off are eligible for recycling with this program. He estimated that Fairfield would acquire around 700 tires for this event. The real only requirement is that the location has to be accessible by truck so the company can come in the following Monday and retrieve the tires. This is funded by the Department of Ecology so there would be no cost to the Town. The main goal is to help rid of mosquitos. Cheryl will check to see if they can be picked up the same day instead of the following Monday and Derek will contact the fire chief about possibly having the dumpsite be the Fire Station on Truax. It will be held the same day as the Spring Yard Debris Day, which is April 27.

Spring Yard Debris Day
Saturday, April 27 will be the yard debris this spring. There will not be a fall debris day due to budget cuts.

Website update
Brian is still working at getting all of the accounts set up with the web host.

NEW BUSINESS
AWC Claims Reports for 2012
The Town received notification that there were no open insurance claims for 2012.

Record Management Services
When Alene Felgenhauer was deputy clerk, she was trained by Donna McLean for records retention. Since she left, nothing has been done with them. Instead of having them become unmanageable since neither Cheryl or Jeannie understand the process, Cheryl asked Alene if she would be interested in either doing that job yearly or train one of us to do it. She presented a proposal to provide records management for $12 per hour up to 40 hours and $15 per hour over 40 hours per job. She has also offered to train the current staff to maintain the records appropriately. Harry asked if the budget could afford this and there was discussion about placing a maximum cost.

ACTION
Harry motioned to approve the expenditure of up to $480 to provide records management and training current staff for that purpose; seconded by Brian. The motion passed.

Community Center Equipment
The staff had a visit with Fire Chief Ken Fuchs about the propane tank that is used on the grill in the Community Center. The liability of having that old of a propane tank inside the building is extremely high. With the increased use of the Community Center, the fire chief has recommended that the propane tank be removed from any building. It can be replaced with a safer tank. Ed will visit with the Service Club members about removing the propane tank that is used for the grill in the Community Center. With the remodeling of the Café, Karl Felgenhauer has offered the upright cooler for use at the Community Center. Jon Smith from Wheatland Heating came down to see if it is in working order. Contingent on the costs of the repairs and if a feasible place in the Community Center can be located, it is a very generous offer. The $610 that the Women’s Improvement Club gave to the town could be used for the repairs.

Family Fun Night
Saturday, February 23 Fund Raiser for Fairfield Youth at the Community Center. There will be a jumping castle, cotton candy and popcorn.

Public Works Report
WATER
  • Chlorine is staying a steady .2 PPM
  • Valves have been exercised at the Fairfield Care center and Shut off valves are operational for fire suppression and the main service line.
  • Meeting with Mark Bowman and company from ERWOW and DOH went very well. Town is in good standing with permits and prevention plans etc.
  • New bids on generator install are being taken now for well # 5.
WWTF
  • Juggling high flows from high rain and snow run offs between the E.Q. Basin and settling pond, staying within limits.
  • New motor should be approximately one week out from delivery, installation will follow shortly after.
  • Have been removing clogged effluent lines again this year, can be a significant problem.
PARKS
  • Some repair work is being accomplished in upper Hart Park parking area, agreeable weather is needed.
  • Debris is picked up as the snow piles are melting away.
ROADS
  • Grading and pothole repair has started for the year and will be an on-going process as weather allows.
  • Road sign straightening has started now that the ground has thawed and is drying out.
  • Dimensions and grade are being taken for the new Main Street project.
OTHER: Repairs to snow removal equipment is being done on a steady basis; chains, brake lines etc.

Other
Tree inventory grant was approved by the Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Program. No dollar amount was stated.

The council was presented the invoice for $2,743.36, which was sent to Co-Ag for their portion of the removal and replacement of the concrete.

Council received the Receipt Register for January 2013.

Complaints/Compliments
2-11-13 Dog Complaint: Black lab running at large on west side of town. Sent letter requesting notification of how the animal will be contained, ordinance and fee schedule. ** It was reported that the dog owner has installed a fence to contain the animal.

Adjourn:

The regular meeting adjourned 8:18 pm.
______________    ____________________________
Mayor Ed Huber     Clerk/Treasurer Cheryl Loeffler

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Rockford Town Council Meeting Minutes January 2, 2013


Town Council
January 2, 2013

7:00 pm
Mayor Micki Harnois opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Council members present:  Clint Stevenson, Steve Meyer, Thomas Smith and Dave Thompson.  Micki informed the Council that Jim Oshanick resigned from the Council due to health issues.

Committee Reports
Micki Harnois spoke that Jim Oshanick had been on the park committee.  Micki had a copy of various park fees that the Council could review and discuss these issues at a later meeting.

Thomas Smith spoke of the necessity of explaining what is considered satisfactory and when do park users get their deposits back.

Finance Committee
Thomas Smith spoke of some areas that the Town could cut back on.  Thomas noted that the Town has a PO Box.  Could the mail be delivered to a mail box?  Clint did not know if that would be possible.

Thomas felt that the staff could clean the office and no longer hire it out.  This would save on funds.  Thomas felt that Juli Hansen had been doing a fine job.  Darlene voiced that she didn’t have a problem with that.  Darlene stated that she had cleaned the office in the past.  She also voiced that it would be nice if all pitched in and helped.  Thomas stated that Micki could work out a schedule.  Darlene didn’t know if that would be necessary if all just pitched in and helped.

Thomas Smith made a motion to no longer hire Juli Hansen to clean the Town Hall.  The motion was seconded by Clint Stevenson, Steve Meyer opposed; motion carried.

Thomas Smith followed up on the difference in the health insurance being taken out of the staff’s pay checks.  Darlene explained that the current paycheck had the difference taken out of each of the employee’s check.

Mayor’s Comments
Micki Harnois reported that John Goyke got several sheets of plywood to board up the doors and windows on the yellow Pierce house on First Street.

Public Comment
Fairfield Scope and Council member Patty Newman were visiting the Town’s Council meeting.

Minutes
Thomas Smith made a motion to approve the December 19, 2012 meeting minutes.  Dave Thompson seconded the motion, motion carried.
 
Checks
Clint Stevenson made a motion to approve the checks for December 2012 #’s 11805 – 11813, 11843 totaling $5,440.97.  Thomas Smith seconded the motion, motion carried.

Clint Stevenson made a motion to approve the checks for January 2013 #’s 11814 – 11842 totaling $109,675.17.  Dave Thompson seconded the motion, motion carried.
 
               Payroll   11814 – 11821                             $    5,090.05
                     Claims   11822 – 11842                               $104,585.12

Old Business
Primmer’s agreement – all council members were to read and sign a document to say they had read the agreement.
 
Micki Harnois reported she would like to meet with Dar Grewe and the Primmer’s to explain items that couldn’t be approved.
 
Steve Meyer mentioned that the issue is costing the Town a lot of money.

Micki Harnois reminded all, of the Public Hearing on the 16th regarding utility taxes.

Micki Harnois informed the Council that she had a meeting set with Ozzie on Friday January 4th at 10:00 am at Town Hall.  Steve Meyer will try to attend.

Ballots for the Law Enforcement Levy will be mailed out in January for the February 12th election.

New Business
Micki Harnois reported that Jim Oshanick’s term would have expired in three (3) years.  Whoever would fill this position would be in the seat until the end of the year.  If that person or any other person wishes to file for that seat they will need to do so in June.

Information on the vacancy will be placed in the newsletter.  Applications will be taken until January 31st by 4:00 pm.  Copies of applications will be sent to Council members and the applicant will be appointed at the first meeting in February.

Public Works
John Goyke reported the Public Works have been cutting back hours.  John also noted that Jerame may be deployed in March.

Steve Meyer asked John if he knew of someone who may take Jerame’s position.  John does not at this time.
 
John Goyke further informed the Council that the Town will be enforcing the four (4) inch plowing rule more than it has in the past.  John asked the Council if they agreed with this decision and the consensus was, yes, the four inch rule should be adhered to.

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

Friday, February 15, 2013

Preliminary Agenda Fairfield Regular Council Meeting February 19, 2013


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

Mayor Ed Huber & Council Members Harry Gibbons Mary Branon George Davidson Valerie Spurrell Brian Kauffman
PRELIMINARY AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 19, 2013
7:00 P.M.

7:00 Call to Order

Approval of the Minutes from February 5, 2013 regular council meeting

Approval of Claims for February 19, 2013.

Guests

Commissioner Shelly O’Quinn

  • Recycling

OLD BUSINESS

Resolution 2013-1 Fee Schedule

  • Needs approval

Tire Amnesty Day

  • Dept. of Ecology has grant funds available to do tire collection.

Spring Yard Debris Day

  • April 27

Website Update

NEW BUSINESS

AWC Claims Reports for 2012

Record Management Services

Resolution 2013-2

  • Utility extension/Improvement Costs

Public Works Report

Other

Complaints/Compliments

2-11-13 Dog at large complaint

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