Fairfield Town Council May 21, 3013 Agenda

The agenda for the regular May 21, 2013 Fairfield Town Council meeting is now available here.  If you have any questions, please call Fairfield town hall at 283-2414.

Public Hearing and Rockford Town Council Meeting, February 20, 2013

Rockford Town Council

February 20, 2013

7:00 pm

Mayor Micki Harnois brought the Public Hearing to order after the Pledge of Allegiance.  Council members present:  Thomas Smith, Clint Stevenson, David Thompson and Larry Van Every.  Steve Meyer was excused.  Clerk/Treasurer Darlene LaShaw and Public Works John Goyke were also present.

 

Public Hearing

A public hearing was held for USDA funding for two (2) flow meters for the lagoon system.  Micki Harnois briefly explained the Town applied for the meters and the regulations of USDA Rural Development state that a hearing must be held.

 

Layne Merritt of JUB was present to explain the program.  Layne also explained that current meters are not working and the Town applied for $12,000.00.  Layne mentioned after a few clarifications the Town should receive funds - $3,000.00 loan and $9,000.00 grant.

 

Clint Stevenson asked if the meters were a good brand. Layne replied – top level of meter – Siemen’s brand. Rick Hauf asked if they were the same meter as the City of Spokane.  Layne was not sure what Spokane had on its system.

 

Phil Evans asked how long parts would be available.  The Town has been burned before.  Layne replied that with Siemens he would expect parts to be available for many years.

 

Rick Hauf asked how good the warranty was.  Layne replied he will check on this.

 

Kathy Creed asked whose job is it to look for these funds – JUB or Micki’s?  Layne replied it is a combined effort.

 

Micki Harnois explained that attending IACC conference, talking to agencies they become aware of the Town’s needs.  Micki asked Layne if Rick Rose gave a 0 % loan.

 

Layne answered – no.

 

Larry Van Every asked what would happen if the Town didn’t get meters.

 

John Goyke said the Town would get fined from DOE/EPA.  A fine would be given to make the Town do something.  Meters would give Town data for needed information for compliance issues.

 

Rick Hauf voiced his thoughts of a brand new liner that had been installed not many years ago and had been damaged.  Rick didn’t feel it should be patched.  Rick would like the council to consider a new liner.  Clint Stevenson explained that the Town had already gone through bids.  Rick also asked the average life span of a liner.   Layne said twenty (20) to thirty (30) years.

 

Thomas Smith stated that the Town couldn’t come up with the funds to pay for a new liner so the council made the decision to patch it.

 

Robert Tollefson asked if there were to be funds left over can they be used for uv lights?  Micki Harnois answered that no it couldn’t be used for that.

 

John Goyke briefly explained that the current process that is done with monitoring can only give an average not real numbers.

 

Rick Hauf voiced that to do it correctly would be extremely labor expensive.

 

Larry Van Every stated the $12,000.00 would be eaten up fast.

 

Phil Evans asked where are the readings taken from.

 

John Goyke informed Phil that he still has to go down to the site but will eventually be able to retrieve them here at the Town Hall.  John further reported that the Town will no longer be able to do written reports, all DMR’s have to be filed on line.

 

Rick Hauf asked if the Town has software to tell the Town where the levels are on certain days.

 

Larry Van Every asked if the DOE has funding to help small Towns afford to pay for the software equipment needed.

 

John Goyke answered DOE gives training for the new electronic DMR’s.

 

Clint Stevenson asked Layne Merritt how to keep chunks of debris from plugging up the meters.  Layne stated there will ultimately be an automatically-cleaned screen installed but in the interim, he thinks some modifications can be made to the flume to prevent debris from getting stuck in the flume outlet.

 

Rick Hauf asked if all of $12,000.00 had to go to the meters or could it go to other things as well.  Layne replied that the scope is limited to the meters.

 

Phil Evans asked if there were funds that didn’t go to engineer fees that could go to other parts.  Layne said that could be investigated.

 

With no further comments, the public hearing was closed.

 

COUNCIL MEETING

Mayor Micki Harnois opened the Council meeting with the same council members present as for the Public Hearing. 
 
Micki Harnois welcomed new Council member Larry Van Every.
 
Layne Merritt with JUB updated the Council on DOE funding offer:

Centennial grant of $1.333 million

State Revolving loan of $1.6 million – 20 years at 1.6%

 

John Goyke reported that he estimated that sewer/lagoon rates would increase approximately to $37.00 on the utility bills monthly to cover the cost of the DOE loan.

 

Clint Stevenson voiced his concerns regarding the twenty (20) year term.  Will the lagoon system be up to standards in fifteen (15) years?  Clint was concerned that the Town will pay on the loan for fifteen (15) years and then have to borrow money again to make repairs or upgrades; making the Town go into more debt.

 

Layne Merritt explained that the scenario had been questioned at recent DOE meetings.  Layne stated that the DOE took that into consideration, knowing that it would raise its standards sometime down the road.

 

John Goyke reported that the DOE has spoke of a package plant for the lagoon system. Goyke has tried to explain to the DOE that it wouldn’t work in Rockford – not for its size and affordability.  The plant would have to have a level 2 employee.  John further stated that the Town will have to look into land application of the effluent so the Town will not be discharging into Hangman Creek.

 

Layne Merritt informed the Town that JUB’s goal is to come up with the simple most cost effective plan for the Town.

 

Micki Harnois spoke that many other Town’s have had to go through similar situations.

 

Phil Evans announced that the Town may have to look into disincorporation.

 

Kathy Creed said that the Town may lose more people if everyone has to pay $37.00 more a month on their utility bill.

 

Committee Reports

Micki Harnois spoke that Thomas Smith and Clint Stevenson were both on Water and Sewer committees.  Steve Meyer is on the street committee.  Dave Thompson agreed to be on the park committee.  Micki announced that a new committee was developed.  Larry Van Every and she will be on the Economic Development committee.

 

Tree Committee

Micki Harnois spoke of the need for the Town to set a date of its Arbor Day, being a member of the Tree City USA.  The current Tree Board is Clint Stevenson, Dave Thompson, Rosie Taylor and Keith Wigen.  Micki will ask Keith if he would take the lead on this year’s event.  A reading of a Proclamation and pictures taken need to be done at the Arbor Day.  Micki Harnois also spoke of dedicating newly planted tree in memory of Don Davis.
 
Minutes
Thomas Smith made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 6, 2013 meeting.  Clint Stevenson seconded the motion, motion carried.
 
Phil Evans asked why the minutes are not on the Town’s web site and why did people not want their names on the web site.  The minutes are all public record.
 
Micki Harnois answered that people don’t want their names published in the public record.  The Town will have to ask their permission to put their names in the minutes if they are made public on a web site.
 
Treasurer’s Report
Darlene reported of January 2013 $263,093.69 – all in funds.
 
Old Business

Micki Harnois reported that the Law Enforcement Levy did not pass.  Micki further reported that the Town had notified Ozzie that the Town would like to set up a meeting with him.  Micki further reported that Ozzie will be at the McIntosh Grange next week at 6:00 pm.

 

Rick Hauf reported he had been looking to see if he could obtain cost saving prices on some lagoon system equipment.  Rick explained that the system is a good system.  It needs proper maintenance, and improved education.  Rick spoke that he had been helping John look for lamps.  Rick found some for $35.00 each.  The Town needs twenty –eight (28).  Rick can get a box of thirty (30) - $960.00.

 

Rick Hauf spoke again of the need to have the system cleaned periodically.  Rick announced he would be more than happy to help clean them.  Rick further spoke of the need to have it monitored to make sure it is clean.

 

Rick Hauf continued to say that only three (3) of the twelve (12) aerators are currently working.  The shafts are locked and motors are bound up.  Rick reported that he and Chuck Collison are proposing to check to see what needs to be fixed and how much to fix them.  They have three phase motors.

 

Depending on what was included for the aerators in the DOE grant/loan a change order would be needed to change what has been planned and submitted for.

 

Thomas Smith spoke that the large difference in cost of the uv lights compared to what the Town had paid previously; what is the life expectancy on the bulbs.

 

The sewer and financial committee will look into available funds for the Town to purchase a number of lamps.

 

New Business

A tentative date of March 19^th at 6:00 pm at the Valleyford Fire Station has been set for a retreat for the Council.
 
Micki Harnois reported a letter the Town received from First Step regarding the internet service.  Service may be discontinued at anytime.  John will look into costs from other providers.
 
Planning Commission

Thomas Smith made a motion to approve for Chuck Collison to fill the recently vacated seat on the Town’s Planning Commission.  Larry Van Every seconded the motion, motion carried.

 

Public Works

John Goyke has been looking into a Generator/Welder for the Town.  Skyler Gambrel will look into one that may cost the Town less and be modern – not a rope start.

 

John Goyke reported that vehicle maintenance has been started; changing oil and etc.  Looking for tires for the rodder truck.  Micki suggested waiting for the tire recycle day and when people throw away their old tires we can put them on the rodder truck.  John said he would look into getting rims and wait to see if we can get any free junk tires for the truck.

 

Micki Harnois reported she had talked to the director at DOE that would like to meet without the River Keepers being at the meeting.

 

Micki Harnois mentioned that the police car has been at her house; no where to park it in the shop.  Micki further reported Liberty Lake will be giving the Town another car.  The Town will be able to use this car to go to other places for meetings and etc, using less gas.

 

Micki Harnois further mentioned that the Town is on a list for Cheney surplus equipment.

 

Darlene LaShaw announced that she will be leaving her job at the end of March.  Referring to her health, she reported things were getting harder to do.  Darlene thanked all who supported her.  She thanked both John and Brenda.  Darlene further stated that she would be available to help when needed or asked for.

 

Darlene asked for Council and citizens to be patient, kind and helpful for the new employee or any new employee.  She further spoke that in the past some people have been so brutal to new employees.  It is not necessary.

 

Kathy Creed reminded people of the meeting with Ozzie next Wednesday.

 

Meeting adjourned.

___________________________    __________________

Darlene LaShaw, Clerk/Treasurer     Micki Harnois, Mayor

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 2^nd 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 25^th.

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

 

 

             

 

Rockford, Wash. Town Council Meeting March 12, 2012

Rockford Town Council

March 12, 2012

Public Hearing

Mayor Micki Harnois brought the public hearing to order after the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Council members present:  Clint Stevenson, Jim Oshanick, and Thomas Smith.  Public Works Operator John Goyke and Clerk/Treasurer were present.  Council member Steve Meyer was absent.

A public hearing was held prior to the Council meeting to hear public comment on an alley vacation requested by Andrew Fricke at 409 W. North Street.  This alley is located in Block 42 of Waltman’s Addition of the Rockford Resurvey.  Andrew owns the property on both sides of this alley. 

Andrew Fricke has submitted a building permit application for an addition to his house.  Andrew claims he has been paying property taxes on that alley for the last 14 years.   The alley is included in the legal description of his property.

Jim Oshanick spoke that he feels there is no need to vacate the alley but if it is necessary for formality he would vote to vacate the alley.

Clint Stevenson mentioned that if we went back and seen what was paid all these years Andrew would have bought and paid for it already.

Micki Harnois explained again that the legal description doesn’t speak about the alley.

Larry Van Every asked if the lots would have to be refigured.

Duane Fricke mentioned that the streets and alleys are included in the blocks that he owns.

With no further comments the hearing was closed.

Council meeting

Mayor Micki brought the Council meeting to order.   The Council members as well as staff that attended the hearing were in attendance at the meeting as well.

Alley vacation

Both Clint Stevenson and Jim Oshanick spoke of the Town should give the alley to Andrew Fricke.  Darlene mentioned  the past vacations where people had to pay for the property or future vacation requests.  Clint explained those people had not paid property tax on those for years.

John Goyke stated the Town couldn’t give the alley away.  That would be gifting Town property.  He suggested to at least sellit for $ 1.00.

Jim Oshanick made a motion to approve Ordinance12-3  contingent upon amending the language of the ordinance stating the alley in Block 42 will be sold for $ 1.00.  Thomas Smith seconded the motion; motion carried.

JUB Engineering

Layne Merritt of JUB Engineering was present.  He thanked the Council for selecting JUB for their services.  He further explained that any task to be completed would have approval of the Council before any work was done.   Any unexpected tasks would be dealt with the same.  Layne further mentioned that small items such as phone calls and etc would not be charged to the Town.

Kathy Creed asked if the discounts he had talked about are in writing.  Layne mentioned that generally that has been done but it wasn’t in the contract.

Layne further requested if there is something not right, please tell him.

Mayor’s Comments

 Micki informed the Council that requests for proposals for the Shoreline Master Plan update had been advertised.

Micki further mentioned that Darlene is still working on a draft letter to the Sheriff’s Department.

Micki reported that a representative of “The Current” met with Pete Abbey, Sam Meyle and her at Frednecks recently.  The April edition will feature an article on the up coming frog race.

Funding for TIB’s chip sealing on River Street and Stringham Road has been approved.

Micki had spoken to Pat Stretch of CDBG.   CDBG is still waiting on HUD’s approval on the methodology of the new income survey.

There hasn’t been any word yet on the park drainage grant.

Micki reported that Primeland is requesting to place a 3000 gallon diesel tank near the card lock pumps.  The applications are being worked on.

Micki reported that the Dept of Agriculture has a grant available for $ 25,000 for projects at fairgrounds and other similar locations to help with public safety and health.  Two items that have been mentioned are:  remodel the restrooms at the park and make the grounds more level to help prevent trips and falls.

The deadline for the grant is June 15^th.

Council committee reports

Thomas Smith reported that Clint Stevenson, John Goyke, Micki Harnois and he had met with Layne Merritt of JUB on Tuesday evening to discuss the Town’s needed improvements and the proposed rate increases.  Layne had supplied a spreadsheet on other area Town’s utility rates.

Micki spoke that a public hearing will be held on April 18^th for the proposed sewer and lagoon increased rates.

Jim Oshanick reported the Lion’s Club is working on a new sign display for the business signs located at Pioneer Park.  The proposed structure along with the trailer that is there is on property that belongs to the railroad.  The Club had to change their plans because they didn’t want to spend a lot of money on a project that sat on property that didn’t belong to them. 

Art Grewe asked if the railroad still gives 99 year leases.  Jim didn’t know but someone would look into it.

Jim also mentioned he had talked to Scott Watson regarding the park drainage project.  Scott had bid on the high side.  Chances are the project will not cost as much as his bid was.

Larry Van Every asked if the trailer located by the proposed sign display was water tight.  He also asked if it could be made into an emergency contact center.  Jim didn’t know.  It could be looked into.  The trailer does store items.

Public Comment

Jody Cornwall was present and reported that the agreement between the Town and the Primmer’s was at their attorney for review.  She spoke of a few changes that had been made.   Primmer’s will be billed for the service and be reimbursed from the Town.

Bill Creed asked with the changes in the Primmer’s agreement, are all the Council members involved in with the talks or just two of them.  Micki reported that the council will be in agreement with all the decisions.

Kathy Creed asked if the Council came up with an answer regarding taping the minutes.  Micki reported that the auditors said that the Town doesn’t have to record the meetings.  Darlene reported that the attorney from years ago recommended the Town to not record the meetings for liabilities.

Kathy Creed asked if it was the Council’s decision then to not tape the minutes.

Thomas Smith reported that the Council hasn’t had a chance to discuss it.

Darlene will talk to MRSC regarding the subject.

P&Z

Thomas Smith made a motion to approve Andrew Fricke’s building permit application for a two story garage at 409 W. North.  Jim seconded the motion; motion carried.

Minutes

Jim Oshanick made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 21^st meeting.  Clint Stevenson seconded the motion; motion carried.

Old Business

Fire Levy

Micki reported that the Town can not ask people to vote for the fire levy but can remind people to vote.

Kathy Creed reported that Fire Chief Brad Marlow had contacted her and said he would get information to her.  She also stated she had felt that the Fire Department needs to take responsibility and do some work to help promote the levy.

Spokanimal

Darlene spoke to the Council regarding the Spokanimal check, # 11,400 for $ 65.00.  The Council did not approve the check at the last meeting.  She told the Council she felt it was the Town’s bill. The Council directed the staff to call Spokanimal to deal with the Pit Bull dog again.  She further stated that Raleigh Clark was not going to pay Spokanimal but the Town can send him an invoice for the amount.   If he doesn’t pay the bill the Town can place a lien on the property.

Thomas Smith made a motion to approve check # 11,400 for $ 65.00.  Jim Oshanick seconded the motion; motion carried.

Recycling

John Goyke reported that Suzanne Tresko of Spokane Regional Solid Waste System is working on a grant that would pay for 75% of Sunshine Disposal’s hauling costs.

John also informed the Council that he has been talking with Suzanne Tresko regarding a possible grant project which could include a fenced, asphalt area that could by used for recycling and composting.

It was the consensus of the Council to continue to work on the grant project.

Utility payments

Art Grewe asked if the Town had ever received the money from the Moyer’s past utility accounts.  Darlene reported that the Town did in January.

New Business

Darlene informed the Council that the State Auditor’s Office (SAO) will be revamping its bar code numbering system, required to be used in 2013.  Currently the Town is using Version 5 of the BIAS accounting system.  BIAS has revamped it accounting program to Version 6 and will amend it to be compatible to the SAO’s new coding system.  BIAS will not retrofit Version 5 to the new coding and it will stop making continued updates.  The cost will be $ 1,600.00, plus tax.  It was the consensus of the Council to update to BIAS’s Version 6.

The Council approved to purchase a lawn sweeper and thatcher for $ 100.00.

Public Works report

John Goyke reported that Well #5 is down.  Dickerson will be out on Tuesday to pull the pump and find out what is wrong. Depending on what is wrong it would cost from $ 6,000 to $ 8,800 for just a pump.

Larry Van Every asked if it could be rebuilt to have one for back up.

Thomas Smith asked where the funds would come from to pay for it.

Darlene suggested waiting and seeing what is wrong with it and what the cost will be and then determine where the money will come from.

Meeting adjourned.

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Darlene LaShaw, Clerk               Micki Harnois, Mayor