Fairfield, Washington September 221, 2013 Meeting Minutes

 

Fairfield Town Council, September 21, 2013 Meeting Minutes.

If you have any questions, please call town hall at 283-2414.
townoffairfield@cougarwireless.net.

Public Hearing and Rockford July 3, 2013 Town Council Meeting Minutes

Rockford Town Council
July 03, 2013
7:13 PM

Mayor Micki Harnois called the Public Hearing to order after the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Council members present were: Carrie Roecks, Clint Stevenson, and Thomas Smith. Larry Van Every and Dave Thompson were absent but excused. Brenda Gambrel Deputy Clerk and John Goyke Clerk/Treasurer/Public Works Operator were also present.

The Public Hearing was called to order at 7:10 PM. The purpose of this hearing was to take public comment per RCW 35.79.020, on Ordinance 13-04 regarding the vacation of the portion of the alleyway from the east side of Shade Street to the west side of Maple Street of Blocks 42, Lots 1 through 16 of Waltman’s Addition. The Town Council had determined that, due to prior circumstances concerning the property in question, the payment of taxes on land not vacated and the possible reliance upon prior Town Council action, the provisions of Resolution 91-1R should not apply and the property owners in this circumstance should pay no dollar amount for the vacation in question other than any costs associated with the filing or recording of the same.

Mayor Harnois explained that the homeowner adjacent to the property had already built on the property in question because the Council at that time had told the owners that the property was to be vacated.

The Mayor then asked for public comment.

Joan Thompson asked about the process of vacating alleys.

Mayor Harnois explained the process.

Seeing no further comment the Mayor closed the Public Hearing at 7:13 PM

The regular Town Council meeting was then called to order at 7:13 PM, the same council and personnel were present that were present at the public hearing.

JUB Engineering
Layne Merritt from JUB said that the performance payment bond for the flow meters had been received. The project should take approximately one month to complete, on completion an update will be given.

Layne Merritt explained that the pond one under drain system has tested positive for fecal coliform, confirming contamination to the under drain system. These tests suggest that the liner has a hole in it and is allowing sewage to leak from the liner to the under drain system. General Industries will pump the pond one dry and then test the liner to determine if there is a hole.

Layne Merritt further explained that Pond Two and Three will be double lined so this type of situation does not occur again. He went on to further say that the liner in pond one is two thirds through it life span and a new liner will eventually have to be laid over the old liner to prevent leaks from the old liner.

Carrie Roecks wanted to know why Pond One was not double lined as that was a requirement from the Department of Ecology.

Layne Merritt explained that Pond One did not require a double liner because the project was coded as a repair, so that requirement did not apply.

Further discussion followed about the techniques for ballast in the ponds to keep the liner from floating.

Mayor Harnois then explained that the State Budget has been approved, so the Department of Ecology will be contacting the Town on the funding proposal for Pond Two and Three.

Layne Merritt then asked the Town to consider reimbursing JUB for some of it time per the engineering contract. JUB would like to recover one third of its costs. Layne Merritt explained that JUB has put time in on the SRTC grant, Flow Meters through Rural Development, the Spokane Rivers Keepers lawsuit, the NPDES revisions, the Six Year Street Plan, the CDBG grant for Pond One and Pond Two.

Mayor Harnois explained that JUB has had experts representing the Town at some of these meetings.

Discussion followed and it was then decided that JUB would hand out draft copies of the invoices for the Council to look at and then JUB would send formal invoices at a later date for the Council to consider.

Mayor comments:
Primmer Land Contract for use by Town for the Southwest Reservoir

Mayor Harnois handed out copies of the current Primmer contract for the Council to review; it included several maps and legal descriptions. The Mayor said that the contract will have to have a parcel added that was missed in the current draft. Mayor Harnois then read the contract for the record.

Jody Cornwall representing the Primmer family explained that some of the stipulations in the contract extend past the 40 year agreement and will actually apply to the life of the property and the future owners of the property.

Clint Stevenson said that the current ordinance restricting water/sewer improvements out of Town limits will have to be changed so work can be done at the Primmers property which is outside Town limits.

It was discussed that the Primmers would receive free water to the lots and lands described in the contract.

Mayor Harnois explained that it was now the Town’s responsibility to inform the Town Attorney to proceed with the contract.

The water system that services the Primmer area was discussed in detail.

Carrie Roecks was concerned with the language that allowed the contract to extend for the life of the property and future owners.

Jody Cornwall went on to explain that the contract would apply to all future buyers/owners and that any contract changes would have to be approved by Stan Primmer.

Steve Meyer suggested that the contract have an expiration date ending with the final date of use for the Water Reservoir.

Mayor Harnois explained that the Town is paying for the town attorney and the Primmers attorney to review this contract.

Steve Meyer said that originally there were no attorneys.

Carrie Roecks said that the Town needed an attorney to write and review the contract.

Jodi Cornwall said that the Primmer’s attorney is ready to record the contract as is has been written and reviewed.

Carrie Roecks suggested that the contract have a termination time, and not run forever.

Mayor Harnois wrote council comments and changes to the contract on her copy.

It was then the consensus of the Council to review the contract and get the comments and the changes back to the Mayor by July 12th.

Spokane County Sheriff’s Contract
Carrie Roecks made a motion to accept the Spokane County Interlocal Agreement for costs incident to Law Enforcement Services in the Town of Rockford. Dave Thompson seconded the motion and the motion carried with a voice vote.

Cougar Corridor Project
Mayor Harnois explained the Cougar Corridor project and said the sign up deadline date for the Rockford businesses was July 26th. Mayor Harnois encourage everyone to show their cougar pride on game days by displaying the WSU Cougar signs and flags.

Women’s Club
Mayor Harnois said that she was very appreciative of the job the Women’s Club did during the appreciation day that was held in the park for the local heroes and firemen.

Newsletter
Mayor Harnois explained that the newsletter was to have an announcement in it asking people if they would be able or willing to read their own water meters, however the July newsletter lacked this information due to time constraints and it was not added. Mayor Harnois said the August newsletter would have the information and would ask the public if they would be willing or able to read their own water meter.

RMSA and PACE
Mayor Harnois announced that the Town has received a $350.00 grant for attending the 2013 Annual Meeting for Loss Prevention hosted by RMSA (Risk Management Service Agency) and it can be used for anything the Town needs to reduce claims or prevent claims against the Town. Mayor Harnois further explained the Town received a $50.00 gift certificate to Best Buy when she signed the Town up to be part of PACE. Mayor Harnois would like to get some feed back from the Town Council as to how the grant and gift card should be spent.

Carrie Roecks suggested that the monies could be spent on new speakers in the park, which could be used for the movies in the park and for the fair, or any other functions where outside speakers are needed.

Tree City USA
Mayor Harnois announced that the signs the Town received when they joined Tree City USA have been put up. They have been put up at the base of the Town of Rockford signs coming into town from Spokane on Highway 278 and coming into town on Highway 278 from the casino.

Southeast Spokane County Composting Facility
Mayor Harnois announced that the signage for the new composting facility has been delivered and the large Southeast Spokane County Composting Facility title sign is on display. Mayor Harnois then asked the Town Council where they thought the large sign should be placed. Discussion followed and the Mayor asked Carrie Roecks if she would work out the details of where to put the sign and Carrie Roecks accepted.

Financial Updates
Mayor Harnois asked Carrie Roecks to explain the information that she has learned after reading the last few budgets for the Town.

Carrie Roecks said that she has reviewed the 2012 Budget and that she is willing to sit down with anyone and explain it to them. Carrie Roecks further explained that she has reviewed the January 01, 2007 through December 31, 2009 Washington States Auditor’s Office Financial Statements Audit Report for the Town of Rockford and if anyone would like to discuss it with her she would be willing to do that. Carrie Roecks said that after review she saw that no material violations were found by the auditors. Carrie Roecks also informed the council that the January 1, 2010 through December 30, 2012 audit has not been conducted yet.

Phil Evans said that when he read through the last Audit he saw that it said there were violations and that they could be found on the first page. Phil Evans asked if the Town Council had looked at the State of New York’s financial information.

Carrie Roecks said that she had not looked at it; Phil Evans said he would email it to her.

Committee Reports:
NONE

June 5th Minutes
Clint Stevenson moved to accept the June 5th Minutes. Carrie Roecks asked to amend the motion to add corrections to the minutes. The following corrections were asked for:
Line 23 change the spelling of Cathy to Kathy.
Line 95 changes the phrase “ride of way” to “right of way”.
Line 139 to 140 adds in the words “due to violations of the discharge permit”.

Dave Thompson seconded the motion to accept the minutes with the listed corrections. The motion then carried with correction with a voice vote.

June 19th Minutes
Carrie Roecks made a motion to accept the minutes with the following corrections:
Line 447 replace the word “are” to “were”.

Dave Thompson seconded the motion to accept the minutes with the listed corrections. The motion carried with a voice vote.

It was the consensus of the Council that the minutes are to be given to Carrie Roecks to be proofread before they are given to the Council for approval.

Checks
Clint Stevenson made a motion to pay check #’s 12044 – 12063 in the amount of $60,329.08.
Payroll      12044 $ 36.94      Claims 12045-12063 $60,292.14

Dave Thompson seconded the motion, motion carried with a voice vote.

Old Business
Andrew Fricke Alley Vacation
Clint Stevenson made a motion to accept Ordinance 13-04 as written. Dave Thompson seconded the motion and the motion carried with a voice vote.

Ivan Willmschen said he was very upset that this ordinance passed, he explained that he has heard that the Town was not going to vacate any more alleys or streets unless it was absolutely necessary. He went on to further explain that when he wanted a street closed he had to pay $1650.00 to get the property once the Town agreed to vacate, but Fricke’s got theirs for free.

Then there was discussion about the history of the process of this ordinance, the ordinance itself, the other resolutions and ordinances associated with this ordinance and the property taxes concerning this ordinance.

Contract for a Web Master
Larry Van Every was absent so no report was given.

New Business
Ivan Willmschen explained that at Pacific Street and Weaver Street a homeowner had a plugged sewer service line. Ivan Willmschen further explained that the mainline once plugged and caused damage to his basement.

The Public Works Operator explained that the plugged sewer service line in question was due to pipe failure on the homeowner’s side of the service. The Homeowner has replaced the broken line and the main line does appear to have a large tree tap root in it.

It was the consensus of the council to have the Public Works Operator contact Big Sky and have them jet and camera the sewer main from Church Street to Emma Street.

Public Works
No Report was given.

Public Comment
Ivan Willmschen informed the council that he had turned off the lights at the old restroom in the Park.

Alene Willmschen informed the council that the lights are on at the fairgrounds and they have been on for quite some time.

Art Grewe said that he worried about the cost of operating the compost facility; he wanted to know who is going to maintain and operate the facility.

Mayor Harnois informed Art Grewe that the Town of Rockford Public Works Operator was going to operate and maintain the compost facility. The Mayor further explained that the Town will keep a close eye on it, to make sure it does not smell and the only things that the facility will accept is clean green material.

Kathy Creed wanted the Town to place on the reader board that there will be a Candidates Forum at the Macintosh Grange on July 16th 2013. Mayor Harnois said that she would have the Public Works Operator put the notice on the reader board.

Kathy Creed asked for more volunteers to mow at the park, she thought someone would be alternating with them on the times they would be mowing.

Kathy Creed announced that there will be a Grange Camp for children ages nine to fourteen and scholarships are available. She wanted to say thank you to all of the people that helped.

Happy Daze and Sugar Blossom Glass Shop
Steve Meyer said that the roll up door is being used at the new glass shop, and that the new business owners are violating the lease. Steve Meyer further explained that the new business owners have violated the WA State Tobacco rules.

Mayor Harnois said that at the last Council meeting the new owners were informed that the use of the roll up door was a violation of the Rockford Code. The Mayor further explained that the owners were told not to infringe on the public right of way.

Mayor Harnois explained that use of the roll up door is not an explicit building code violation.

Mayor Harnois said WA State Patrolman Gene Trevino has been contacted for advice on the use of the roll up door at the new business.

Mayor Harnois said that the WA State Tobacco Enforcement personnel have told her that they cannot enforce the non use of the roll up door.

Mayor Harnois said that she will contact the Spokane Valley Fire Department to enforce the fire codes at the new business.

Ivan Willmschen asked why the Town pays for a Fire Chief if he will not enforce the fire codes and he wanted to know why the Spokane Valley Fire Department has to enforce the fire codes. Ivan Willmschen wanted to know why the Town cannot enforce the fire codes on the new business itself.

Mayor Harnois said that the Town will also have the Rockford Fire Chief enforce the fire codes at the new business.

Mayor Harnois said that the Town will contact RMSA to see if there are any rules that the Town can enforce against the new business.

Mayor Harnois asked the public to let her know if the new business was violating any rules.

Kathy Creed said that the new business should have done its homework before it came to Town.

Jodi Cornwall told the public to take pictures of any minors entering the new business and give the pictures to the Mayor to turn in for violations.

Executive Session
It was announced to the audience that Council would move to executive session and then be out of executive session in twenty minutes, the Council would then immediately close the open public meeting without any further business to discuss.

The Council then moved into executive session to discuss potential litigation.

The Council then came out of executive session and immediately closed the public meeting with no further business being discussed.

Meeting adjourned 10:55 PM
________________      _____________
John M. Goyke              Micki Harnois
Clerk/Treasurer             Rockford Mayor

[Editor's note: Town Council news is published when received.]

 

June 18, 2013 Fairfield Town Council Minutes Available Now

Fairfield, Washington June 18, 2013 Minutes . If you have any questions, please call town hall at 283-2414. townoffairfield@cougarwireless.net


 

Rockford, Wash., Town Council May 1, 2013 Meeting Minutes

 Rockford Town Council

May 01, 2013

7:00 PM

 

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

Mayor comments:

Saturday May 4^th there will be a town wide clean up day event; it will start at 10:00 Am and continue until 2:00 Pm. On May 11^th there will be the annual Town Chipping event being held at the Rodeo Arena area from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

 

Dave Thompson’s, Larry Van Every’s, Steve Meyer’s vacant council position and the Mayor’s position are all up for election this term.

 

The Mayor met with a developer’s consultant for a senior’s housing project in Rockford. 

Committee Reports:

Tree City USA Committee

The tree’s for the park will be acquired and planted on May 02, 2013 in the Park. The Tree ceremony will be May 04^th and three trees will be dedicated in Brad Marlow’s, Doug Pratt’s and Don Davis’s memory. The Town will remove some of the dead and dying trees in the fall the town may need a man lift to reach the tops of the trees.

April 17 Minutes

Larry Van Every made a motion to approve the minutes. Clint Stevenson seconded the motion, passed voice vote.

 

Ivan Willmschen pointed out on page four, line 156 that the Sheriff’s Contract price reads $250,000.00 and it should read $25,000.00, the Clerk/Treasurer said that he would make a note of the incorrect number.

 

Checks

Clint Stevenson pointed out that the Agricultural Building, Old Restrooms, Food Booths, Main Fair Building, Fair Office and the White Shed accumulate power charges that the Town is covering, but the clubs that use the building do not pay a fee or cover the costs that the town is expending on the buildings. Clint Stevenson felt that the various clubs that use the buildings should be paying the power bills for those buildings and the town should not be paying the bills.

 

Clint then made a motion to pay checks 11970 through 11999 for a total of $31,802.43, with payroll of $4,530.33 and claims of $27,272.10 and voiding check 11994 due to a misprinted amount on the check. The motion was seconded by Dave Thompson, motion passed with a voice vote.

 

Planning and Zoning

P and Z Chairman Howard Brutschy said that there was a development question on a proposed building development on B Street. There was a question about water pressure and water supply to the proposed development site. The proposed development may have three to six houses with approximately 1800 square feet per home. Another issue that may have to be addressed is unvacating several of the streets; this process will have to be researched.

 

There was some discussion about putting in a booster station for the project, the developer wanted to know if he installed the booster station would there be a reduction in the hook-up fees. There was further discussion of the cost of a booster station; it was estimated that if the town installed a booster station it may cost up to $60,000.00 dollars, if the contractor put in the booster station it may be done cheaper. There was further discussion about what this development would be classified as, would it be a development, a subdivision, is it just one acre or eighteen lots, would lot line adjustments be appropriate, could the developer charge other projects that tie into the booster station as late comers fee?

 

Clint Stevenson remembered that the ordinances stated that a late comer’s fee could be charged up to seven years after the improvement was installed. The hydrant that is installed at the end of the line on B Street does not have enough pressure or flow that is required for a fire hydrant.

 

Steve Meyer felt that if a housing development ties into the water line on B Street he should receive a late comer’s fee as he was the one that installed the line at his cost.

 

Old Business

Arena

No Further information was presented.

 

Sheriff Contract

No Further information was presented.

 

Sewer Ordinance

Ivan Willmschen asked what the ordinance was about, as he had not seen a copy of it.

 

Larry Van Every said he was happy with the ordinance.

 

Clint Stevenson made a motion to pass Ordinance 13-01, Larry Van Every seconded the motion, motion passed with a voice vote.

 

Andrew Fricke Alley Vacation

The issue has been sent to the Town Attorney for review. Steve Meyer wanted to know if the issue could be resolved with a variance, the Mayor said no. The Mayor said that she would call the Town Attorney on May 2^nd to find out what the attorney had discovered regarding how to precede.

 

Shoreline Master Plan Update

The Mayor gave a brief overview of the maps and designations of the Shoreline Plan; she further explained that the plan allows for the maintenance of the creek for flood control. She further explained that the engineers are looking at the RCW that allows the Town to maintain the creek two miles up stream and two miles down stream from the town for flood control.

 

Larry Van Every felt the plan should be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Board.

 

The handouts that the Mayor had presented to the Council were copied and handed to the P and Z Chairman Howard Brutschy.

 

Town Mowing

Jenifer Cecil said that she was willing to volunteer to mow in one of the parks. Currently Bill Harnois and the Creed’s are volunteering to mow and have been mowing the parks.

 

Stan Seehorn felt the Town tractor could be used to mow, but he felt the Town tractor was not ideal for the Park/Fair Grounds area. He further stated that he could look at the mowing deck for the Town tractor to assess what would be needed to fix it so it could be used to mow the parks.

 

Larry Van Every feels that the Town needs to get the word out to get more volunteers and that the citizens need to talk to each other and encourage people to volunteer.

 

USDA Grant/Loan

The USDA loan/grant was discussed; the council discussed the interest on the loan.

 

The email from Rick Rose was discussed. Larry Van Every wanted to know why there was so much confusion on the terms of the loan and he wanted to know where the confusion was coming from. There was discussion concerning the engineer and what the engineer thought was a five year versus a ten year term on the loan.

 

It was the consensus of the council to move forward with the loan and see what the exact terms are concerning the interest and payback before accepting it.

 

Manhole cover in front of Hurds

Stan Seehorn said that the broken manhole cover in front of Hurds is dangerous and may cause tire damage an automobile drives over it. He felt that it should be replaced and suggested that the state should be contacted to see if they would fix it.

 

Missile Base Road Funding

Stan Seehorn wanted to know when the money would be coming in to fix Missile Base Road; he also wanted to know if the State DOT was going to pay to have it fixed. The Mayor said that money will be available soon and the State WA DOT will not accept the responsibility to fix it.

 

Local Business Licenses

Larry Van Every wanted to know why the town does not issue and control what type of business licenses are issued in the Town.

 

The Mayor explained that currently there are over 200 businesses licensed from Rockford and that the administrative costs of issuing those business licenses would be too high.

 

Carrie Roecks said that there used to be an ordinance that controlled solicitors and that issuing a business license is as easy as issuing a dog tag.

 

The Mayor explained that anyone can get the list of businesses for Rockford off of the State Web site.

 

Larry Van Every felt that it would be worth the Towns time to issue the business licenses in Rockford so as to better control what type of businesses come to Town. He felt that business’s such as the head shop could have been controlled if the Town issued the business licenses.

 

The Mayor said that the Town had to be careful restricting businesses like the head shop because there has to be a legitimate reason to restrict a business.

 

Steve Meyer said that the Town could control what type of business’s came to Town with an ordinance.

 

Stan Seehorn wanted to know how much revenue the Town was receiving from the 200 registered businesses in town.

 

The Mayor said all these questions could be answered by visiting the State DOR site.

 

Fire Department Insurance

Stan Seehorn wanted to know who the contact person was for the Fire Department insurance, he wants to review the policy with a qualified insurance representative.

 

Larry Van Every wanted to know when the last time was that the Fire Department Insurance was reviewed.

 

Stan Seehorn was not sure when the last time was that the policy was reviewed.

 

The Clerk/Treasure gave the contact phone number to Stan Seehorn for the AWC Insurance Policy Coordinator.

 

New Business

Town of Rockford Property Sale

No Further information was presented.

 

Six Year Street Plan

The council will discuss it at the next meeting.

 

Town Work Shop to discuss Budget and Utility Taxes

The Mayor announced that the work shop shall take place on June 18^th at 6:30 Pm in the Fair Building at the park.

 

Larry Van Every wanted to know if the Avista Utility Tax will be discussed. The Mayor informed him that it will be on the agenda.

 

Sherri Tyler wanted to know how the Town will inform the people of the meeting.

 

The Mayor said that it will be posted on the reader board and it will be advertised in the Town News Letter.

 

Contract for a Web Master

Larry Van Every felt that this can be done in house with the town’s own server. Larry Van Every said if the Town had its own server the Clerk/Treasurer could upload the information as needed to the Town Web Site. Larry Van Every also said that if the Town ran the web site itself the Town could offer the service to the Nonprofit Organizations in the Town. He felt that the cost to the Town to run their own web site would be $6.00 per year.

 

Sheri Coumont said that the current web masters are still interested in running the web site and that they are capable of getting the work done.

 

Dave Thompson felt that the web site should be maintained by the Town.

 

The Mayor felt that the current web masters were quick to respond when updates were needed.

 

The issue will be further discussed at the next meeting as no action was taken.

 

NPDES Permit

The permit was handed out for review.

 

Medical Marijuana Sales

The Mayor handed out examples of Medical Marijuana Sales ordinances restricting the sales and business licenses. She explained that the Valley has five or six dispensaries and Cheney has lifted the ban on dispensaries.

 

Larry Van Every wanted to know who assumes the risk of the dispensary.

 

The Mayor explained that the Jurisdiction is taking the risk, and the owners of the dispensary are taking a risk.

 

No action was taken on this issue.

 

Public Works

Ivan Willmschen explained that the Lions Club looked at the bleachers and felt that they can be refurbished to meet code, and will pass a compliance test if fixed. It was the consensus of the Council until the bleachers are fixed that they be removed from service and placed at the Town Shop.

 

Ivan Willmschen asked if the Town had a culvert to install at the park. The Clerk/Treasurer/Public Works Operator said that the Town does not currently own a culvert to be installed at the park.

 

Carrie Roecks said that the Town should install a French Drain around the park.

 

It was discussed that if the ditch around the park is not fixed that those that attend the car show will not attend it this year.

 

Cathy Creed said that the car show is important for the Town.

 

Steve Meyer said that the Town could fix the ditch around the park by placing fabric down in the ditch and then filling it with large river rock to create a French Drain. He felt that the town could buy two yards of rock and some fabric to accomplish the task.

 

The council felt that the public works operator should contact Rick Hauf to get a quote for the rock and report back at the next meeting.

 

The Clerk/Treasurer/Public Works Operator informed the council that the Geiger Work Crew had been in Town cleaning sidewalks and streets, and that the Rockford Youth Club had been cleaning sidewalks in the Down Town area.

 

The Clerk/Treasurer/Public Works Operator informed the council that this would be the last week for discharge at the lagoons as pond three was almost empty.

 

Steve Meyer said the Town needs to pick up the large asphalt chunks along the road and break them up and put them in the potholes. He then said the Town needs to rent a large asphalt heating machine to heat the road and the patches and then roll the roads to get rid of the pot holes.

 

Public Comment

Robert Tollefson: Does not feel that the Town should pay to install a Booster Station and that if a Booster Station is installed that the developer should not get a discount. He further wanted to know who was going to pay for the electricity to run the booster station.

 

Carrie Roecks: The minutes on Line 167 regarding the Fricke Alley vacation did not say that the town attorney would be reviewing the issue. She further wanted to know if the bleachers are fixed can they stay on the town insurance. The Clerk/Treasurer Public Works Operator asked if the bleachers are refurbished will the Lions Club take possession of them and put them on their insurance. Carrie Roecks said that the Lions Club does not want the Bleachers on their insurance. Ivan Willmschen said that the bleachers benefit the Town and the Town should take care of them and the insurance. The Mayor explained that if the Bleachers are refurbished they can stay on the Town Insurance. The Mayor said that she looked into the price of new bleachers and that would cost the town approximately $6400.00

 

Ivan Willmschen: The town needs to look into getting a new insurance company.

 

Carrie Roecks: Felt that there is a public perception issue with the current staff; she was told that someone saw the part time Maintenance Operator Jerame Clark mowing the flood control dikes and that he hit several rocks while mowing and that is why the mower is broke. Carrie Roecks further stated that people saw him mowing over trees with the mower deck. The Public Works Operator/Clerk Treasurer said that the mower deck was not broken because of the use by Jerame Clark, and it was explained that Jerame Clark was spoken to about mowing rocks.

 

Clint Stevenson: said that the Town needs to get the current water specifications up to date and that the Council will have to make a decision about development because the current regulations are out of date.

 

Cathy Creed:  Wanted to know when the new rates for the Trailer Court were passed, it was explained that she has never missed a council meeting and did not hear about the rates being passed in an open council meeting. The Council explained that they did vote on the issue in an open Council meeting.

 

Larry Van Every: Discussed that it has been an interesting time getting along with people, reminded everyone that there is an open council position and that some of the people that are attending the meeting tonight should run for the position. Larry Van Every said that he likes a good argument and good representation is key, it is really important to make the wills and desires of the people known.

 

Bill Creed: Read the Open Public Meeting Act law to the council and for the record.

 

Steve Meyer: Last meeting the Council violated the open public meeting act when they adjourned the meeting and then held a discussion on the new head shop and what needs to be done about it. Steve Meyer asked what the Council was trying to hide from the public by not having the discussion in an open public meeting. The Mayor explained that the Council is not trying to hide anything. Steve Meyer then explained that when the council was at the table there was a quorum present, by adjourning the meeting, remaining at the table and then discussing new business the Council is conducting a meeting, and because the meeting was officially closed the Council is Violating the open public meetings act.

 

Phil Evans: Explained the penalties for violating the open public meeting act, he said that the State can issue fines and even prison time for violating the law.

 

The Mayor then adjourned the meeting at 8:55 PM.

______________________        _______________________

John M. Goyke                                      Micki Harnois
Clerk/Treasurer                                    Rockford Mayor

Rockford, Wash., Town Council April 17, 2013 Meeting Minutes

Rockford Town Council
April 17, 2013
7:00 PM

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

Mayor comments:
Tree City USA Committee will be meeting to decide where to plant new tree’s in the Park.

Volunteers will be mowing the parks and ball fields they will not be paid, volunteers need to come to Town Hall to pick up a volunteer form.

There will be a Freeman School Board Meeting at Town Hall April 25, 2013 at 6:00 PM.

On May 2nd there will be a newcomer’s dessert at the Fairfield Community Center.

The Rockford Youth Club is volunteering around town and will purchase fluorescent green T-Shirts.

Vivian Plank is in charge of the Community Calendar and would like everyone to contribute information on things that are going on in town to put on the calendar. Vivian Plank handed out folders to all of the council members and staff inviting them to various organizational meetings. Larry Van Every mentioned that recently he attended a Historical Society meeting and joined that organization. The Town of Rockford is a member of the Chamber. Vivian Plank said that Councilman Thomas Smith would be a good addition to the Community Center because he has kids. Vivian Plank said that Rockford is a good place to live.

Committee Reports:
Water and Sewer Committee
The committee had nothing to report.

Larry Van Every discussed the town running its own web hosting program using the Apache Software. He stated that the current software program is difficult to work with and if we did our own web hosting we could allow the non-profit organizations to use the Towns account as well. Currently the Historical Society is paying $140.00 dollars for web hosting and if the town ran their own web hosting portal and allowed the non-profits to use it that would help the town organizations.Dave Thompson thought that anything we can do to get our name out there is good.

It was the consensus of the Council that if the Town can do its own web hosting that it be offered free of charge to the Non-profit Organizations of the Town.

Tree City USA Committee
Dave Thompson and Clint Stevenson reported that the trees that get planted in the park need to be able to absorb a great deal of water. It was further reported that Garth Davis from the Spokane County Soil Conservation District would be helping the committee get the trees. Larry Van Every asked about the maintenance of the trees that would be planted. Dave Thompson said the trees that would be selected will be low maintenance. Clint Stevenson said that over thirty trees have been removed thus far from the park.

 

It was the consensus of the Council to get a few Pine Trees, a few Cedar Trees and a few Larch Trees from Garth Davis. The trees will be planted in community member’s honor; Brad Marlow and Don Davis were discussed as possible candidates for tree’s being planted in their honor.

Finance Committee

Clint Stevenson discussed the checking account balance and it’s current situation being low on funds. Currently the Town has a CD in the amount of $41,102.58 that will mature on April 22, 2013. It was discussed that the Town could cash in the CD and place the funds in the checking account.

 

Thomas Smith moved to not renew the Banner Bank CD in the amount of $41,102.58 and cash that CD and then move those funds into the Town Checking Account. Motion was seconded by Larry Van Every. Motioned passed with a voice vote.

 

It was then the consensus of the council that during the next billing cycle of the Town insurance to pay the full amount due instead of paying on the payment plan to save interest fees.

 

Public Comments:
Kathleen Creed- the audience cannot hear the council when they are speaking; the Town needs to invest in a microphone system for the meetings.

 

Vivian Plank- discussed Inland 360, how to advertise your town in an online calendar and planning events so other groups do not schedule there events on the same day.

 

Carrie Roecks- reminded everyone that the Frog Regatta is this upcoming weekend.

 

Phil Evans- discussed how dogs will get ticks if they go in the tall brush in this area.

 

April 03 Minutes

Larry Van Every made a motion to approve the minutes. Thomas Smith seconded the motion, passed voice vote

 

Treasurers Report
Treasurer’s Report $258,125.68 for March 2013 CE-$71438.47; Street-$24,510.10; Criminal Justice $2,736.80; Equipment/Property Reserve $51,535.70; Sewer $20,534.84; Lagoon Repair $13,697.41; Water Fund $1,809.10; Sewer Reserve $43,543.42; Water Reserve $8,319.84; Waste Water Facility Reserve $20,000.00

 

Old Business
The Goals of the council:
1. Fix South East Reservoir Roof
2. Get Influent/Effluent Meters at the Waste Water Plant
3. Update the standard water materials list
4. Fix Dye Seeds Water leak under the State Highway 27 Bridge
5. Install Utility Drop Box
6. Fix Sewage Treatment Plant
7. Get a dump box for the snow plow
8. Fix well number four
9. Fix NAPA water leak

 

 Agreement for volunteers:
The agreement was reviewed and discussed

 

Dave Thompson made a motion to accept the Agreement for Individual Volunteer Services as written. Motion was seconded by Larry Van Every. Motion passed by a voice vote.

 

Thomas Smith made a motion to have all volunteers sign a cover sheet to the Rockford Personnel Policy Manual stating that they have read and agree to the policy manual. Clint Stevenson seconded the motion. Motion passed is a voice vote.

 

Use of arena by outside groups.
The women’s group will still donate panels if needed. Clint Stevenson felt that outside groups can organize their own events and just pay the town a deposit to use the arena. The town will have to contact the insurance company to confirm that there would be no assumed liability if a deposit was charged. Clint Stevenson further informed the council that any shows would be after the fair.

 

Larry Van Every asked about insect control, specifically controlling the tick population. He asked if vendors would be selling tick spray.

 

Clint Stevenson felt that there would be no need to spray for ticks. The Town specifically voted several years ago to not spray for mosquitos.

 

Thomas Smith said that any agreement for a deposit would have to have a hold harmless clause and the Town will have to wait and see what insect control will be needed.

 

The Mayor said that everyone will just have to check for ticks.

 

Avista Presentation by Paul Kimmel

Presented Spangle’s Ordinance adopting a utility tax. Federal and State buildings are exempt from the utility tax. The Post Office may or may not be exempt from the utility tax, further research is needed. The Town will have to decide how it wants the payments from Avista; quarterly or annually. After the Town approves to have a utility tax it will have to then be presented to the Utility Commission for approval. The Mayor figures that $40,000.00 could be raised at 6%.

 

Larry Van Every felt that it was a nice presentation but this tax is robbing people, this is a hidden tax, he doesn’t like the idea that the tax is implemented without a citizen vote. He further felt that this is not moral or palatable to rob the citizens with this type of tax.

 

Paul Kimmel said that the tax can be imposed with a time limit, if so desired, so the tax can only run for a certain length of time with out being voted on again by the council.

 

Larry Van Every felt that a sun set clause would be good.

 

Clint Stevenson mentioned the various expenses that the town is facing, including a very large loan from DOE to fix the sewer lagoons.

 

Larry Van Every felt that the 6% utility tax should be put to a citizen vote.

 

Carrie Roecks felt the town should have an informational meeting for the public concerning the various costs the town has incurred. Carrie Roecks further explained that many of the citizens have been talking about the town not being financially solvent. The citizens want a meeting to look at the Town’s financial situation and to ask questions about the 6% utility tax.

 

It was the consensus of the Council to have a Town Hall Meeting June 11th at the Grange for the purpose of having an informational meeting on the 6% Avista Utility Tax and to discuss the financial situation of the town. The financial committee will help the clerk/treasurer organize the meeting. The Deputy Clerk will call the grange tomorrow to reserve the grange hall for the meeting. Paul Kimmel said that he can help organize the meeting.

 

Sheriff Contract

The Mayor asked the Sherriff to attend the council meeting because she felt that it might get unruly, but then canceled the request. The Sherriff’s Office caught the most recent bank robbery suspect in the Bank of Fairfield robbery.

 

The Mayor asked the Sherriff about just paying the County $1000.00 a month and the Sherriff said the County Commissioners would take the $1000.00 a month. The Mayor further explained that the Contract Negotiation offer of $25, 0000.00 for the 2013 contract has been sent to the County Commissioners for review. The last bank robbery had a 45 minute response time.

 

Sewer Ordinance

The Mayor asked we why only collect 1 year worth of back utilities.

 

The Clerk/Treasurer explained that is the statute at this time.

 

Andrew Fricke Alley Vacation

The Mayor explained that to buy the alley at fair market value the cost would be $1136.16

 

It was the consensus of the council to call Mr. Fricke and see if we could arrange a meeting with him to discuss the issue and get some feedback from him as how to proceed.

 

New Business

Election of a mayor pro-tem

 

Thomas Smith made a motion nominate Clint Stevenson as Mayor Pro-tem. It was seconded by Larry Van Every. Motion passed with a voice vote.

 

Vacant Council Position
The mayor outlined three options

1. Look for a new person now.
2. Wait to see who runs for the position.
3. Keep the position vacant until the end of the year.

Clint Stevenson felt that we have the list of person’s who applied for the last position; the town should just contact those people and see if they want to run again.

 

It was the consensus of the Council that the position will be formally opened again and posted as open to the public, with a closing date of May 10th and on the second meeting of May the council will review the applications.

 

Reduction in Council Pay

There was discussion about the special pay that is paid to council for meetings outside of the regular session and reducing the pay to it previous levels before the pay raise.

 

Larry Van Every said that he felt the council positions should be unpaid.   

 

Deputy Clerk said that the previous pay was $20.00 dollars a meeting for the council positions.

 

Clint Stevenson made a motion to set the council pay at zero dollars for regular meetings. Larry Van Every seconded the motion.

 

Further discussion on the motion commenced and the Mayor asked that her pay be reduced as well. A friendly amendment was added to the motion reducing the Mayors pay to zero, the maker of the motion approved.

 

The motion to set the council pay at zero dollars for regular meetings and to reduce the mayors pay to zero was then voted on and passed with a voice vote.

 

Thomas Smith then made a motion to reduce the special pay for council meetings out side of regular session to zero dollars. Dave Thomas seconded the motion. The motion passed with a voice vote.

 

USDA Grant/Loan
The USDA loan/grant was discussed; the council discussed the interest on the loan.

 

Thomas Smith made a motion to not accept the USDA/Grant. The motion was seconded by Larry Van Every. Motion passed with a voice vote.

 

There was no new discussion on raising the water/sewer rates by 3%.

 

Street Sweeping

Larry Van Every suggested that we hire the volunteer youth club to clean the streets.

 

Thomas Smith made a motion to hire the Geiger Work Crew to sweep the streets up to $500.00. Clint Stevenson seconded the motion. Motion passed with a voice vote.

 

RMSA Insurance Inspection

Clint Stevenson brought up that the bleachers did not pass inspection. It was suggested that the lions club may want to take ownership of them as the town can no longer have them on their insurance in their current state of disrepair.

 

The RMSA Grant was discussed

Thomas Smith made a motion to apply for more fall material for the park. The motion was seconded by Clint Stevenson. Motion passed with a voice vote.

 

Liquor applications

The Mayor says that there are no issues with the current applicants for liquor licenses.

 

Larry Van Every asked if there are any known issues with the applicants and the mayor said no.

 

Certificates of attendance to the last elected officials training were handed out.

 

The Mayor said that the staff is doing a fine job.

 

The latest information and ruling on Sheri Coumont’s most recent lawsuit was looked at.

 

Public Works
Pond One is complete/

 

Cannot get to the water leak under State Highway Bridge 27 yet too wet.

 

Larry Van Every discussed the county commissioners and the public hearing for the CDBG grants.

 

The Mayor then adjourned the meeting at 10:00 PM.
__________________________ _________________________

John M. Goyke                             Micki Harnois
Clerk/Treasurer                            Rockford Mayor

 

Rockford, Wash., Town Council Meeting Minutes May 15, 2013

Rockford Town Council

May 15, 2013

7:00 PM 

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

Mayor comments:

The combining of the Clerk/Treasurer position with the Public Works Position is still in its six month probation period.

 

Art Grewe will be leaving tomorrow May 16^th at 8:00 Am to fly to Washington D.C. on the honor flight.

 

Tree City USA:

For Tree City USA recognition the Mayor read the proclamation declaring the Town’s Arbor Day as May 4^th 2013. Three trees were planted in memory of three local residents Brad Marlow, Dough Pratt and Don Davis.

The May 4^th Town clean up day went very well, the Mayor then read a list of volunteers that she wished to thank including Jack and Vicki Bergstrom, Dave Thompson, Maiden, Trevor, Justin and Derek Cecil.

June 01 will be the Rockford Tire Recycle Day; tires may be dropped off at the Rockford Town Shop, all day.

The Rockford Community Center will have a redneck water park event at the Town Park. There will be a slip and slide and adult supervision the temperature will have to be 80 degrees or more for the event to occur.

The mayor announced that she has spoken to a corporation that wishes to open a card room in Rockford, this is just a discussion at this point nothing formal has been drawn up.

The mayor has nothing new to report on the Sheriffs contract.

The Mayor had nothing new to report on the Primmer Lease Contract for the South West Reservoir.

The Yellow House on Highway 278/1^st Street, the Mayor said that the Town is close to getting the paper work drawn up and signed that will allow the Town to clean up the property and then attach the cost of clean up in a lien to the property. 

Committee Reports:

Nothing to report.

 

May 01st Minutes

Dave Thompson made a motion to approve the minutes. Clint Stevenson seconded the motion, passed with a voice vote, with Thomas Smith voicing an abstention to the vote.

Checks

Clint made a motion to pay checks 12000 through 12015 for a total of $3,171.24, with payroll of $318.47 and claims of $2852.77. The motion was seconded by Thomas Smith, motion passed with a voice vote.

Treasurers Report

Treasurer’s Report: $249,707.86 for April 2013 CE-$65,109.17; Street-$24,866.54; Criminal Justice $3,079.91; Equipment/Property Reserve $51,535.70; Sewer $23,433.24; Lagoon Repair $13,153.69; Water Fund $-3,333.65; Sewer Reserve $43,543.42; Water Reserve $8,319.84; Waste Water Facility Reserve $20,000.00

The treasurer reported that the water fund was in the negative this month and that the revenue that was hoped for will be less than expected. After the meters were read for the month there were more accounts with credits than anticipated.

 

Thomas Smith then requested that a budget position be made available at the next council meeting.

Old Business

Arena

No Further information was presented.

 

Andrew Fricke Alley Vacation

The Mayor spoke to the Town Attorney and Attorney said that the amendment to Ordinance 12-03 was contrary to Resolution 91-1R.

 

Thomas Smith said that the council voted a year ago that Andrew Fricke could have the alley vacated and that Andrew Fricke could pay the Town $1.00 for the property. Thomas Smith said that the paper work should have been completed as voted on and it should have been dealt with by now.

 

Larry Van Every said that Fricke’s built their addition in good faith, and had assumed the Town had completed the process to vacate the alley.

 

Clint Stevenson and Dave Thompson both agreed with Larry Van Every and Thomas Smith.

 

Steve Meyer said that Fricke’s own both sides of the alley so the Town should be able to grant a variance to the ordinance and give them the alley.

 

Thomas Smith then explained that a new Ordinance will have to be drawn up to finish the process to vacate the alley to Fricke’s.

 

The Mayor said that the new ordinance will be drawn up by the next council meeting.

 

Town Mowing

Stan Seehorn and Clint Stevenson looked at the mowing deck for the Town tractor to assess what was needed to fix it so it could be used to mow the parks.

 

Stan Seehorn purchased new wheels, belts and blades for the mower deck.

 

The Mayor explained that she authorized the expenditure for the parts that Stan Seehorn purchased.

 

Clint Stevenson said that Skyler Gambrel used the mower deck earlier in the day and that Skyler Gambrel said that the deck works well now.

 

The Mayor said that the Town will use the Town mower to mow the Rodeo Grounds, but the Town is always looking for more volunteers.

 

Cathy Creed said that people purchasing lawn mower belts from the NAPA in Rockford should watch out, they have had trouble with the local NAPA store and their belts.

 

Six Year Street Plan

It was the consensus of the council to set June 5^th as the date to hold the public hearing for the six year street plan.

 

Carrie Roecks Sidewalk

The sidewalk in front of Carrie Roecks’ house on Weaver was discussed.

Larry Van Every wanted to know if the sidewalk was dangerous for people to walk on, is it a hazard?

 

Carrie Roecks said that yes it was a hazard.

 

Thomas Smith wanted to know what would happen if the Roecks were injured while removing the sidewalk, who would be liable.

 

Larry Van Every made a motion that the Roecks could remove the sidewalk if they agreed to dispose of the old concrete, would sign a general waiver of liability form, grade the area, plant grass where the sidewalk had once been and maintain the area where the sidewalk had once been.

 

The motion was seconded by Thomas Smith, motion passed with a voice vote.

 

Contract for a Web Master

Andy Coumont sent an email to the Mayor that stated that the last contract for service was in 2011.

 

Larry Van Every felt that the current webmasters were not timely in their updates and were slow to respond to questions.

 

Larry Van Every said if the Town was to retain the current web masters a new contract would have to be drawn up.

 

Thomas Smith wanted to know if Andy Coumont could come to the next Town Council meeting and talk with the Council on this issue.

 

Larry Van Every said he would contact Andy Coumont and have him come to the next Council Meeting with a contract proposal.

 

NPDES Permit

The Council had no feed back on the permit.

 

Developmental Regulations

The mayor said that the current developmental regulations for Rockford lack teeth. The Mayor said that the infrastructure standards lack subdivision codes. The Mayor said that the Planning and Zoning Board needs to look at these items and begin discussing these items at the next Planning and Zoning Board meeting on May 29^th.

Local Business Licenses

The Mayor discussed several jurisdictions and how they run their business license procedures.

 

Larry Van Every asked if a local jurisdiction denies the business license what happens at the state level.

 

The Mayor explained that when a locality issues its own business license a person applies for a business license through the state, and then the person applies to the locality, the State can issue the license and then the locality can issue the license and a person pays two fees, the state fee and the local fee. If the State grants the license but the local jurisdiction does not then the State license is still valid and the person is free to conduct business in the State just not the local jurisdiction.

 

Thomas Smith said that the current discussion is because of the new head shop that moved into Town, he said that if the business is operating legally, they can continue to operate.

 

Clint Stevenson said that Rockford used to issue its own business licenses.

 

The Mayor said that there would have to be exemptions to the local business license rule.

 

Steve Meyer wanted to know if Spokane County had any rules on business licenses.

 

The Mayor said that she was not aware of any information concerning that question.

 

Larry Van Every wanted to know if it was the consensus of the Town Council to pursue the business license issue further.

 

Larry Van Every said he would look into the issue further and report back at the next Council meeting.

 

New Business

Clint Steven Stevenson made a motion to accept Ordinance 13-2.

Town of Rockford, Washington

Ordinance 13-02

AN ORDINANCE SETTING THE SALARY FOR THE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL MEMBERS OF THE TOWN OF ROCKFORD, WASHINGTON AT $0.00 PER MONTH AND SETTING THE PAY FOR ADDITIONAL MEETINGS ATTENDED AT $0.00.

The motion was seconded by Larry Van Every and was passed with a voice vote.

 

Dandelion Spray

Stan Seehorn had contacted Town Hall to inquire what the Town was going to do about the dandelions in the Town Parks.

 

Thomas Smith said he thought the Town should spray for dandelions.

 

Larry Van Every said the Rockford Youth Group could pull the dandelions by hand.

 

It was the consensus of the Town Council that the Public Works operator would work with Thomas Smith to find a solution to spray for the dandelions.

 

Wastewater Flow Meters

The Mayor said that the River Keepers would like a detailed report of the funding for the improvements on the Waste Water Facility.

 

The Mayor has told the River Keepers representative that the Town is looking at GAP and RCAC funding and the Town is working on the problems at the Facility.

 

Steve Meyer wanted to know if the Town was charging the River Keepers for the time being expended on their requests.

 

The Mayor explained that all communications must be made through the River Keepers Attorney.

 

Larry Van Every said that the Town should send them a fee schedule for the time and expenses that the Town incurs while answering their questions.

 

Public Works

The Town Clerk/Treasurer/Public Works Operator informed everyone that Chipping Day was complete and that there would be no further chipping days due to budget cut backs.

 

Clint Stevenson said that the Town needs to install a “No Dumping” sign at the old chipping site.

 

The Clerk/Treasurer/Public Works Operator said that he would look into that and that the items left by the chipping company that were not picked up will be picked up soon.

 

Public Comment

Jennifer Cecil said that she needs help in writing up her proposal to the Town to purchase the property from the Town near Mica Bridge. She said that she is willing to pay the Town $3,000.00 for the property even though it is only assessed at $680.00. She said that the property is approximately 25,000 square feet. She explained that currently the property is being used to dump garbage, that teenagers are hanging out there and that she wants to clean it up and fence it off.

 

The Mayor said that the Town has not used the property since it was purchased.

 

Clint Stevenson said that the property had to be purchased when the new Mica Bridge was installed.

 

Bill Creed wanted to know the status of the Primmer contract regarding the South West Reservoir.

 

The Mayor said that the contract is still in review.

 

Cathy Creed discussed the Bank of Fairfield robbery and that the person that saw the bank robber was not a local resident, and that the Town should send a letter of thanks to that person for calling it in and taking down important information.

 

Cathy Creed said that there is a spot in the park to pull cars into the park that is level that would not require the ditch to be filled in.

 

Jennifer Cecil spoke about the deposit for the Horse Arena; she said that she is still collecting information.

 

Clint Stevenson said the deposit needs to be more than the $50.00 that is charged for the park.

 

It was discussed that other arenas charge $175.00.

 

It was discussed that Rockford could charge $150.00 deposit, that there would have to be a rental agreement for an organized group, a reservation procedure and in the paper work the group reserving the arena would have to stipulate that they have insurance.

 

Robert Tollefson wanted to thank the Town of Rockford for responding to a water leak on Lake Street during Mothers Day Weekend.  He also noted that he did not see any further discussion about the electric bills that the Town is paying on non-town owned buildings. He said that the Town should recoup the electric costs from the float building.

 

Carrie Roecks said that the Fair Association does pay the electric bills for the buildings in the park.

 

The Deputy Clerk said that the Fair Association only pays the electric bill for one month out of the year when the fair is held and that the rest of the year the Town pays the bills.

 

Thomas Smith said that the Town needs to help the Lions Club because they help the Town on so many projects.

 

Ivan Willmschen said the Lions Club built the buildings and then gave them to the Town.

 

Larry Van Every then said that there should be a fee structure to use the buildings.

 

Larry Van Every said the fees need to be justified for the communities good.

 

Jennifer Cecil said that the Lions Club pays for many things around Town.

 

Jennifer Cecil wanted to know if the Town could burn down the Yellow House on 1^st Street.

 

The Mayor said the Town could not burn down the House on 1^st Street because it is too close to other buildings.

 

Larry Van Every said that he was glad that Bill Creed brought up the Open Public Meetings Act because the council was at fault the last few meetings and that they should have left the table when the discussion continued after the meeting was closed.

 

Executive Session

To evaluate the qualifications of candidates for council position

To review the performance of a public employee

(The information above is from RCW 42.30.110 and has to be stated as such on the agenda-per the Auditors)

The Mayor then moved the meeting into an executive session at 8:25 Pm and said the meeting would resume at 8:45 Pm.

 

The regular meeting was then called back into order at 8:45PM

 

Clint Stevenson then nominated Chuck Collison to fill council position two left open by Steve Meyer’s resignation. The nomination was seconded by Dave Thompson.

 

Thomas Smith then nominated Carrie Roecks to fill council position two left open by Steve Meyer’s resignation. The nomination was seconded by Larry Van Every.

 

Seeing no further nominations the Mayor called for a vote.

 

The vote for Chuck Collison was made and he received two hand votes.

 

The vote for Carrie Roecks was made and she received two hand votes.

 

The Mayor then declared a tie in the vote and cast a deciding tie breaker vote for Carrie Roecks.

 

Carrie Roecks was present for the vote and announced she would accept the appointment for council position two.

 

There was then discussion about changing the office hours of Town hall. It was the consensus of the Council to close Town Hall on Thursdays and to set the office hours at 9:00 Am to 12:00 Pm and from 1:00 Pm to 4:00 Pm. There was discussion on the cost saving that could be created by limiting the office hours of Town Hall. The Council wanted the Ordinance presented at the next meeting.

 

The Mayor then adjourned the meeting at 8:58 Pm.

_________________                                  ______________

John M. Goyke                                             Micki Harnois

Clerk/Treasurer                                           Rockford Mayor