Rockford City Council Meeting September 7, 2011

Town of Rockford

September 7, 2011

7:00 p.m.

"Minutes do not include corrections made to the Approved Minutes, and do not include Voided Warrants."

Mayor Micki Harnois brought the meeting to order after she gave the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Council members present were: Clint Stevenson, Steve Meyer, Jim Oshanick, Stan Seehorn, and Thomas Smith. Public Works Operator John Goyke and Clerk/Treasurer Darlene LaShaw were also present.

Minutes
Clint Stevenson made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 17^th Council meeting. The motion was seconded by Thomas Smith, motion carried.

Tire Collection Grant
Thomas Smith made a motion to approve the Interagency Agreement # C1100 between the Dept. of Ecology and the Town for the Community Tire Recycle Day contingent upon taking tires only. No rims. This grant in the amount of $ 5,012.00 is funded by the DOE. Clint Stevenson seconded the motion; motion carried.

TD&H
Randy Noble was present to update the Council on the current projects.

Well house additions – the permits have been obtained and work is planned to start the week of the 19^th. Randy will suggest for TML to start the following week due to the fair.

Water reservoir and pumping station project – site rough grading is complete. The valve vault and metering station has been installed. Construction of the tank will start on the 22^nd.

Lagoon liner bubble – Cynthia Wall from DOE is searching for grants to help pay for the project.

TIB applications – applications will be delayed until 2014 when Weaver/Missile Base Road may be recognized by Transportation Improvement Board as an arterial. Randy mentioned that Spokane County was going to send a letter to TIB requesting to have Weaver reclassified as an arterial. He did not know if the letter had been sent or not.

The planned chip sealing project on Stringham and River Streets is not a TD&H project.

JUB
Layne Merritt and Dave Kliewer of JUB Engineers were asked to attend to introduce the CIPP option for sewer line rehabilitation. JUB has not been hired to work on any projects at this time. The benefits of this trenchless technology were explained by both representatives. No decisions were made.

Public Works
Three leaks in Town had been worked on in one week. Leaks were located on B, Lake and Sprague Streets.

Finding valves had been the difficult to find to shut sections of lines down. Jim Oshanick felt that the mapping that Lon Ottosen plans to do will help save time, trouble from searching for the valves.

The Ford pickup has trouble starting. It will need to be looked at.
The backhoe has some hydraulic problems.
Jarame Clark had been hired for part time to help John.

John reported that DOE had visited the lagoon area. The sampler for effluent will be moved in the lagoon building and the aerators will be shut off to save money.

John also reported that the inmates will return a few days before the fair to help clean up areas.
Jon reported he had been using his own pickup for Town work. He has been paying for his own fuel and insurance.

Stan Seehorn asked about the Adams Electric invoice. Darlene explained to him the Town had received a Loss Control Grant for security system installation. Adams had started the project months ago and finished.

Mayor’s Comments
Micki announced that on Sunday, September 11^th at 10:00 am, a remembrance of 9/11 will be heard with the siren and bells for one minute. At 12:30 in the park a gathering for 9/11 will take place. Micki will be reading a Proclamation.

Micki reported that the Lion’s Club has done a great job on the little white building in the park.
Micki will be meeting with Terry Ottosen regarding Code Enforcement regarding the trailers belonging to the Moyers.

Micki has talked to the Sheriff Department and asked the Department to do regular patrolling at Third and B Streets.

Council Comments
Clint Stevenson reported the Tree Board met and will plant three trees on the Friday of the fair at 4:00 pm. Western White Pine, Western Red Cedar and a Western Larch were the trees selected. Each tree will be 5 or 6 feet tall.

Steve Meyer noted that some of the past due accounts have made payment plans. Alene Willmschen asked what efforts have been made to collect the past dues.

Pete Abbey mentioned that his rental had been billed for water usage. Someone had turned on the meter. He does not know who.

Jim Oshanick spoke that he believes someone is not doing the job to the best or their abilities.
Fred Abbey requested copies of Fredneck’s bills from March 2010. After a brief discussion, Micki reported that she will meet with the Abbey’s again.

Ivan Willmschen reported that with the new increase of water rates the system is rounding up and he did not feel that was right.

Darlene reported that the computer rounds up the 1000 gallons of usage on the utility bill; i.e. if you used 23,810 gallons of water the computer will round it up to 24,000 gallons of water. The office will get clarification from BIAS on it.
　
Public Comment
Pete Abbey asked Micki if she had ever received information on the garbage question he had. Micki reminded him he had received a credit on his garbage account. Micki stated she would talk to him more at a later date.

Ivan spoke to Micki reminding her that he had recently told her he was against placing the minutes on the website. He had pointed out Alene’s name was misspelled in the minutes and also a typographical error in another paragraph. Those are why he does not want the minutes placed on the web site.
It was the consensus of the Council to not place minutes on the website.

Ivan reported he used to be a nice guy but no longer. He knew that Micki would probably be tired of hearing it but he wanted to know what was being done about the past dues. She reported that he had already stated what she should do - go to the homes where all the past dues are.

Stan spoke out that this is not the place to come and hammer people. No one is going to homes for past dues. People need to be treated with respect.

P&Z
Micki briefly reported that the Planning Commission will work on the paper work for placing the Rockford Military Museum and the Masonic Hall museum on Rockford’s Historic registration.
The committee will also be working on zoning code regulations.

Old Business
The Town will send the Keevy’s at 342 W. Lake Street a letter stating they need to get a survey to find their property lines. They may be able to find survey stakes from neighboring properties that would help them.

Darlene will continue to work with Stan on the Financial Policy.

Micki briefly spoke of the County’s Emergency Management Comprehensive Plan (CEMP). The County would like the Town to adopt it. Darlene reported that they would like it adopted by the end of October. Micki invited anyone to review it.

John will look into rubber speed bumps for Willow St.

New Business
The Spokane Co. Sheriff Department’s agreement was tabled until further review.

The Council meeting on October 5^th will be scheduled at 6:00 p.m. Roger Neal of AWC will attend for a question/answer session on roles and responsibilities of Mayors, Council, staff and citizens. His presentation will follow the Council meeting.

It was the consensus of the Council to allow Rockford Community Center (RCC) to place a sidewalk to the west of its property that will also be in a portion of the Town street.

Vivian would like to review the Town’s regulations on signs. The RCC would like to place a sign advertising the center.

Jim spoke of the County having a number of picnic tables that need some work and they would be given away if anyone wanted to have them. The Lion’s Club is interested in them but not for this fair. He felt someone needed to look at them.

Meeting adjourned.
　
___________________   _________ ________________________________
Darlene LaShaw, Clerk   Micki Harnois, Mayor


　

　

Fairfield Town Council Minutes September 20, 2011

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

PRELIMINARY MINUTES

SEPTEMBER 20, 2011

7:00 P.M.

Note to persons reviewing this document: This is not a verbatim transcript. While an attempt has been made to document pertinent points, these minutes contain only a summary of the discussion and voting.

The regular council meeting was called to order on September 20, 2011 at 7:00 pm by Mayor Pro-Tem Mary Branon. Mayor Huber is absent.

Council members present: Harry Gibbons, KayDee Gilkey, and Brian Kauffman.
Karrie Stewart is absent.

Others present: Doug Stumbough from Spokane County Library District, George Davidson, Derek Knecht and Cheryl Loeffler.

Approval of Minutes

Action

Harry Gibbons motioned to approve the September 6, 2011 minutes as presented, seconded by Brian Kauffman. The motion carried.

Action

Approval of the Claims
Claim vouchers #16356-16367 for $8,849.49 and EFTs for $1,301.17 were approved for payment as presented by Brian Kauffman; seconded by Harry Gibbons. The motion carried.

Claims: $ 7,532.11
Payroll: 2,618.55
Total Claims: $10,150.66

Check Registers signed by: Brian Kauffman, KayDee Gilkey and Harry Gibbons.

Guest speaker
Doug Stumbough from the Spokane County Library District gave a presentation on current services and future plans for Spokane County Libraries. He specifically talked about the Fairfield Library. An expansion of the Town’s library is tentatively planned for Phase II or around the year 2020. He listed some of the current services such as public access to Ancestory.com and References USA, reciprocal sharing with the Spokane
City Library.

Engineers Report
Progress payment #5
KayDee motioned to approve Progress Payment #5 for $213.18 to Century West for professional services with the Main/Ticknor Pedestrian Bridge project; seconded by Brian. The motion carried.

2011 Sewer Improvement Project
KJ Hanley from Century West reported that the Department of Ecology has not yet approved the plans for the 2011 Sewer Improvement Project as of 9-19-2011. He will let us know as soon as it is approved and the project can be put out for bids. This will be delaying the project possibly until spring.

TD&H
An invoice for engineering services from 7-1-2011 through 8-31-2011 for the East Main Rehabilitation Project was received from TD&H. The council reviewed this invoice and would still like more information provided on their invoices. In particular, what dates services were provided and what service.

OLD BUSINESS
Public works II position
Ten people have applied for the Public Works II position. The council and Derek reviewed the applications and selected four to interview. Mayor Huber and Derek will do the interviewing of these candidates.

Dance update
Everyone had fun at the dance and spaghetti feed on September 10. The health inspector came down and everything passed with flying colors. The band “Spare Parts” was great and easy to dance to plus not so loud that people could visit if they weren’t dancing.

There is talk about having another dance possibly the night of the Old Fashioned Christmas with the same band and snacks. For the first of these events, everything went very smoothly and about $50 was made.

Cheryl would like to thank everyone that helped put this together and especially to Bob and Becky Obernolte for suggesting that we do this activity.

NEW BUSINESS
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission recommends that the council approve Building permit #03-2011 for remodeling of the Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall.

ACTION

KayDee motioned to approve Building Permit #03-2011for the remodel of the Fairfield Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall; seconded by Brian. The motion carried.

2011 Preliminary Budget
The budget season is here again. The council would like to work on the budget as a group. The first budget workshop will be Thursday, October 13 at 6:30 at the Community Center. Cheryl asked for budget requests from public works and Town Hall.


Snowblowing
Don Dyer of the Fairfield General Store is thinking of purchasing a snowblower and possibly contracting with businesses for snowblowing their sidewalks. The council discussed this for the four sidewalks that the town is responsible for (Town Hall, Community Center, Museum and Library). Derek expressed that he will have the
help this year to keep the Town-owned sidewalks clear. The council decided that the Town itself is not interested in contracting for the snowblowing.

Public Works
Water
· Dave Tysz and Derek have started going over the process of water system required testing, documentation and wellhead protection etc.
· Dave with AAA Labs is going to be the Town’s next BAT (Backflow Assembly Tester) person and will be conducting backflow inspection and enforcement. He will be taking the place of Steve Herres.
· Nitrate testing on SO#1, SO#5 testing is due in October. Derek, Dave Tysz and Paul Savage of the Department of Health (DOH) will do the test.
· Water Use Efficiency (WUE) Report is being finished and transferred to computer from hard copy to be reported to the D.O.H.
· The one-inch water meter @ 404 N. Northridge Way was replaced because of a defective numerator.

WWTF
· “NO-DISCHARGE” has continued and will do so until the end of October. This will have the town well within discharge limits for the year.
· Approximately three cords of wood were deposited at the WWTF via Fairfield Care for possible auction.
· A coyote was stuck in the E.Q. basin. A ladder was placed to allow the animal a way out.

Parks
· Mowing has slowed to one time per week as opposed to every 4 days. Still behind in weed eating.
· Preparing to winterize/ adjusting sprinkler angles in Hart Park/ removal of debris and trash both parks.
· No vandalism to report. A broken swing was fixed. The security cameras have been money well spent.

Roads
· Locating and exercising valves for upcoming sewer project on Carlton Avenue.
· Filling in meter holes for winter/ taking down barricades
· Drainage project on Rattlers Run has been put on hold until next year. The Hussman Grant was approved but the funding will not be available early enough to get the project completed this year.
· Retro- Reflectivity for all road signs to be compliant by 2012 has been put off indefinitely due to budget shortfalls across the U.S. This will relieve municipalities from fines and penalties; signage should still be replaced if needed for safety.

Other:
RMSA has notified the Town that the carrier for property coverage has changed from Allianz to Lexington Insurance Company. Changes to the coverage include property terrorism coverage increased from $20 million to $250 million, Builder’s Risk sub-limit has increased from $5 million to $25 million and street lights are now included with a sub-limit of $100,000. There was no change in the premium.

Manager recruitments for liquor stores
Cheryl had asked for more information from the liquor control board on what Fairfield would need to do to get a liquor store in town. There are two types of stores. One is state owned and the other is contracted. If someone were interested in being a contract liquor store, his or her name would be placed on a list for further notification of recruitments. If anyone would like more information on this, please stop in at Town Hall and talk to either Cheryl or Alene.

Library Wireless Coverage
The county library system has received a grant for broadband service to connect all libraries in the State. In order to do this, a 30-foot tall pole with a 12-15 foot antenna on top of the pole needs to be placed in the backyard of the Fairfield Library. They are asking what requirements have to be met.

It will have to go through the Planning Commission. Mary will contact Frank Needham, the project coordinator and discuss this with him.

Planning Commission Vacancy
Mayor Pro-Tem Mary Branon appointed George Davidson to the Planning Commission.

Review Complaints & Compliments
9-12-2011 Dog continually barking at 201 N 2nd. **A letter with ordinance #346 and Fee Schedule sent.

Adjourn
The regular meeting adjourned 8:40 pm.
Mayor Pro-Tem Mary Branon      Clerk/Treasurer Cheryl Loeffler

Palouse, Washington Council Minutes September 13, 2011

DRAFT ONLY.  Without council review or approval.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

September 13, 2011

CALL TO ORDER:  Mayor Echanove called the Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

ROLL CALL:  Council members present:  Cecil Floyd; Mike Milano; Connie Newman; Norm Schorzman; Jeff Snook.  Absent:  Tim Jones and Rick Wekenman.  Also present: Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin; Police Chief Jerry Neumann; Clerk-Treasurer Joyce Beeson.  Public present:  Sandra Schorzman and Scott Beeson.    

Councilmember Milano MOVED to excuse the absence of Tim Jones and Rick Wekenman.  Councilmemeber Snook seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Councilmember Snook MOVED to adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of August 23, 2011.  Councilmember Newman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT:  Dwayne Griffin, PW Superintendent.  The crosswalks and railroad crossings have all been painted.  I Street is almost ready to pave while F Street still needs patching.  This project was put out to bid and bid opening was done as scheduled.  Griffin read the bids to council.  Both bidders provided the required bid bond.  Poe Asphalt - $25 SY for I Street paving and $25 SY for F Street patches for a total bid of $16,000 including taxes.  Motley-Motley - $27 SY for I Street paving and $25 SY for F Street patches for a total bid of $16,694 including taxes.    Councilmember Floyd MOVED to accept the bid of $16,000 from Poe Asphalt.  Councilmemeber Schorzman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Ecology is mandating that dye tests be done on the river in preparation for the placement of temperature monitoring equipment.  The crew is putting together a plan and this will be discussed later in the meeting.

POLICE REPORT:  Jerry Neumann, Police Chief.  They are gearing up for Palouse Day and all three officers will be on duty.  As part of the intersection safety on Bridge and Main, the curbs will be painted yellow for a no parking zone to open up visibility.  Work will begin this month on the Police Dept. building as planned to be more energy efficient.

OPEN FORUM:  Scott Beeson, representing the Palouse Lions Club, asked council for permission to use the Shady Lane trail again this year for Haunted Palouse.  Councilmember Floyd MOVED to allow access of the Shady Lane to the Lion’s Club for Haunted Palouse.  Councilmemeber Schorzman seconded the motion.  Discussion – GPAC will be taking over the creativity portion of the event.  Councilmember Milano said the Chamber will participate in the costs to get the trail ready and help address any safety issues.  The motion carried unanimously.

Sandra Schorzman reported updates on progress of the new Palouse Health Center.  Pullman Regional Hospital has expressed interest in partnering with them.  They asked Sandy to question council about any need they see in the community for services that could be provided through the clinic.  The clinic may open as early as the first of next year.  A doctor is lined up to fill the position and Sandy will continue as Nurse Practitioner.  They will have X-ray equipment and plans for a pharmacy are in place.   She asked council to consider other ideas that would meet community need.  Councilmember Milano asked about extended hours for “Urgent care”.  Sandy said that she would take ideas back to them and they may want to poll the community.  Mayor asked about the pharmacy.  Sandra  reported that a pharmacist is interested in opening for early morning hours and perhaps include durable medical equipment such as crutches and braces, to name a few.  Mayor and Council commended Sandra on her progress and contribution to Palouse.  They will all consider future services that would enhance the community.

Cheryl Johnson, resident, asked council if roosters are addressed in current city code, stating that she is being bothered by one in her neighborhood.  It was pointed that while poultry is allowed in city limits, there seems to be no language about roosters.  Chief Neumann said that Garfield is currently working on an ordinance which would restrict roosters.  Mayor Echanove stated that they would take a close look at current code. 

OLD BUSINESS:  

Joe Poire, Port of Whitman County, updated council on the Fiber Optics Project.  Mayor read the past minutes allowing him to sign the Grant of Easement for placement of the portion of fiber going through city property rather than state right-of-way.  The route will be staked out before construction and will be bored.  The contractor doing the boring is well-equipped and will be able to handle the project even through the rock that Palouse has.  Councilmember Floyd requested a drawing of the route through Palouse.  Joe Poire said he would provide one as soon as he receives it.  They will perhaps be in Palouse June of 2012.   

NEW BUSINESS:

Contract for WWTP dye study:  Ecology requires an engineer to sign off on the methodology used for the WWTP outfall dye tests done on the river and submission of the final report.  The contract with Taylor Engineering is for a lump sum of $800 for assistance in the methodology of the dye tests and $1300 for development and submittal of the final report to Ecology as required.  Councilmember Floyd MOVED to allow the Mayor to sign the contract with Taylor Engineering for a total of $2,100.  Councilmemeber Newman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS: 

Streets & Sidewalks-Cecil Floyd, Chair:  Councilmember Floyd researched the STOP legend at the intersection of Bridge & Main.  Given the amount of traffic, the product they will be putting down should last about two years.  It was recommended that the sales rep does the application for at least the first time.  The cost for the legend is $250 plus $150 shipping.  Since it was previously voted to move ahead with the legend, City Hall was instructed to contact the sales rep. 

Water & Sewer-Connie Newman, Chair:  Water System Plan (WSP) update – The committee will be meeting to start with their hands-on work to the WSP.  As part of the contract with Taylor, the city will be gathering info on various things such as demographic projections, land development analysis, zoning and development issues the planning commission may be working on, and historical/statistical data. 

Councilmember Newman asked for council permission to attend the conference put on by the Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council (IACC).  This conference is highly recommended by state agencies involved in municipal infrastructure.  The fee is $220 and may require 3 nights in a hotel.  Council had no objection to her and other members that are able to attend. 

Personnel & Pool-Jeff Snook, Chair:  Councilmember Snook MOVED to take from the table discussion of the options presented at the last council meeting on the future of the City’s involvement in the operations of the Swim Team.       Councilmemeber Milano seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  Summary:  Over the years, the city involvement in operations of the swim team has evolved to coaches being paid for practices and meets (competitions) both home and away including travel time.  The city does not receive any money from swim team participants.  The city has always provided the facility to the team for practices and meets.  Since swim team has never been a program actually sponsored by the city, paying of coaches and their assistants is something that needs to be addressed and clearly defined.    The two options presented by Councilmember Snook were:

1)     The swim team would become a formal program sponsored by the city.  The time guards spend coaching and managing the swim team would be paid by the city.  A typical week at the pool with lessons, swim team, and two meets cost the city approximately $2,250.  Without swim team involvement the cost would be about $1900. 

2)     The city continues to provide the facility and guards for practices and meets but the coaches would be the responsibility of a separate swim team organization.  This would be similar to other programs such as Little League and GPAC. 

    

Councilmember Newman commented that it is good that the city provides lifeguarding during meets and practices.  Years ago they were not provided.  Councilmember Snook recommended Option 2.  Discussion continued.  Councilmember Snook MOVED to move forward with Option 2 with the city providing only the facility and lifeguarding as needed for swim team functions.  Councilmemeber Newman voiced concern with community backlash of this option.  Snook offered to send out a notice explaining.  The motion was seconded by Councilmember Floyd and the motion carried with one no vote, Councilmember Newman. 

Finance, Property, & Equipment-Mike Milano, Chair:  With shrinking revenues and increasing expenses the city will have to come up with ways to fill the gap.  Some options that have come up are –

• Combining park maintenance with the pool levy, increasing it from $28,000 to $40,000
• No salary increases again
• Council option to relinquish their pay, saving the city about $8,800 a year
• Continuing to pay the employee costs of dental insurance but not the spouse and family cost, saving the city about $4,600 a year
• Taking a closer look at revenue sources within the general fund with, perhaps, increasing fee for the chipper permit, more widely marketing the RV Park
• Implement a fixed structure for incremental increases in Water and Sewer service.  Given the large increase in 2011, this should possibly be considered for beginning in 2013. 
• Work toward solutions to turn back the trend of the declining balance in the Cemetery fund. 

These budget discussions will continue through committee and brought back to council.

MAYOR’S REPORT:   

• Encouraged council to attend the Mayors’ Roundtable in Uniontown later this month. 
• Passed around an article about Palouse that appeared in the magazine “Outdoor Photographer”
• Read a thank you note to the city for use of the park for a wedding
• Encouraged council to attend the Palouse Basin Water Summit at SEL on October 4
• Thanked the Chamber of Commerce for the beautiful brochure being distributed highlighting Palouse as a destination

For the 2012 budget, the Mayor asked council to consider improvements to the city-owned parking lot behind the newly constructed Community Center.  Councilmember Milano said that this may qualify for grant funding through the Washington State Scenic By-Ways.  He will look into it and report back.  Previous estimates were that it may cost around $30,000.

There is no update to the Brownfields project except that an archeological study will begin next week as required for federal funding. 

Councilmember Newman explained that she will be participating in a panel discussion as part of the Washington State Coalition for Open Government.  She would like to attend the panel discussion representing her as a councilmember and asked for council approval.  Council had no objection. 

ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS:  Councilmember Milano MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed.  Councilmember Snook seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURN:  Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to adjourn.  Councilmember Snook seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  The council meeting adjourned at 9:32 PM.

The following checks are approved for payment:

Claims Paid            Ck. No.            3400                             $  7,031.86

Payroll Paid            Ck. No. 3401 – 3429, & EFT            $45,469.92

Claims Paid            Ck. No. 3430 – 3468, & EFT            $25,586.76

APPROVED: ________________________________   ATTEST: ________________________________

City of Palouse Amends Council Agenda for September 13, 2011

CITY OF PALOUSE

Palouse City Hall – 120 E Main Street

AMENDED AGENDA

Regular Council Meeting

September 13, 2011

CALL TO ORDER:

ROLL CALL:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Regular Council Meeting of August 23, 2011.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: 

POLICE REPORT:  

OLD BUSINESS:

Joe Poire, Port of Whitman County update.

NEW BUSINESS:

Contract for WWTP dye study

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS:

• Parks, Cemetery & Buildings
• Water & Sewer  
• Policy & Administration
• Police Fire & Safety
• Streets & Sidewalks
• Finance, Property & Equipment
• Personnel & Pool 

OPEN FORUM:

MAYOR’S REPORT:

ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS:

ADJOURN:

The Palouse City Hall is accessible to persons with disabilities.  Persons requiring special accommodations should, before 5:00 PM the Monday preceding the Council Meeting, contact the City Clerk at 120 E. Main Street, PO Box 248, Palouse, WA  99161, or 878-1811 or cityclerk@palouse.com.

Palouse City Council Agenda September 13, 2011

CITY OF PALOUSE

Palouse City Hall – 120 E Main Street

AGENDA

Regular Council Meeting

September 13, 2011

CALL TO ORDER:

ROLL CALL:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Regular Council Meeting of August 23, 2011.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: 

POLICE REPORT: 

JFB REPORT:

NEW BUSINESS:

Contract for WWTP dye study

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS:

• Parks, Cemetery & Buildings
• Water & Sewer  
• Policy & Administration
• Police Fire & Safety
• Streets & Sidewalks
• Finance, Property & Equipment
• Personnel & Pool 

 OPEN FORUM:

MAYOR’S REPORT:

ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS:

ADJOURN:

The Palouse City Hall is accessible to persons with disabilities.  Persons requiring special accommodations should, before 5:00 PM the Monday preceding the Council Meeting, contact the City Clerk at 120 E. Main Street, PO Box 248, Palouse, WA  99161, or 878-1811 or cityclerk@palouse.com.

Fairfield Council Minutes September 6, 2011

 PRELIMINARY MINUTES

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

7:00 SEPTEMBER 6, 2011P.M.

Note to persons reviewing this document: This is not a verbatim transcript. While an attempt has been made to document pertinent points, these minutes contain only a summary of the discussion and voting.

The regular council meeting was called to order on September 6, 2011 at 6:30 pm by Mayor Ed Huber.

Council members present: Harry Gibbons, Karrie Stewart, KayDee Gilkey, Mary Branon and Brian Kauffman.

ACTION

Brian motioned to excuse KayDee Gilkey and Mary Branon from the August 16, 2011 meeting; seconded by Harry Gibbons. The motion passed with Mary and KayDee abstaining from voting.

Others present: Dave Tysz, KJ Hanley, Alene Felgenhauer, Derek Knecht and Cheryl Loeffler.

Approval of Minutes

Action

 

Brian Kauffman motioned to approve the August 16, 2011 minutes as presented, seconded by Karrie Stewart.

The motion carried.

Action

Approval of the Claims

• Claims: $22,232.06
• Payroll: 8,390.25
• Total Claims: $30,622.31

Check Registers signed by: Mary Branon, Brian Kauffman and Karrie Stewart.

Dave Tysz.

The contract for the certified water and waterwater operator was discussed with Dave Tysz. The contract

would run for three consecutive years with a 90-day notification from either party to terminate the contract. If the fees for the classes and licenses were to increase, the increase would be passed along to the Town after council approval. There is not a conflict of interest between Evergreen Rural Water and Dave.

The Town received a letter from the Department of Health requesting the name of the certified operator

with a deadline of 9-14-2011 for notification. Ed has also talked with Cynthia Wall from the Department of Ecology and they approve the use of Dave Tysz as the certified water and wastewater operator and having Derek gather the samples for the testing.

Public Works II

Derek thought using Dave for the certification and hiring someone to help him is the best scenario. He was also asked what he would need for help. He would like to see someone hired that is trainable and a selfstarter. He will put together a job description based off the needs right now.

WATER

• Leak at St. John Hardware has been officially fixed. Ditch along Hwy. 27 has since dried up.
• Looking into another possible leak at Nu-Chem. (meter box stays full of water)
  approach for reducing exposure to lead in drinking water. This rule revision applies to all Group A community and non-transient non-community water systems. Rule revision topics include:
• The new Lead and Copper Rule goes into effect October 1, 2011. The rule provides a more effective.
• Clarifying monitoring requirements.
• Improving consumer awareness.
• Modifying lead service line replacement.

Claim vouchers #16229-16355 for $25,113.60 EFTs for $5,508.64 were approved for payment as presented by Brian Kauffman; seconded by mary Branon. The motion carried.For more information about the new rule requirements, visit the rules website at, http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/our_main_pages/regula.htm#fed.

WWTF

• Still “NO-DISCHARGE” and will continue into September if dry weather persists. This will help meet permit levels and limits due to the extremely wet spring we were on track to exceed for the year. This will also keep testing costs down.
• • Ed has sprayed the thistles and did a great job (they are dying)
• • Minor mowing and weed eating are being accomplished.
• • Eric Coats could not make it two weeks ago and is going to re-schedule his visit for later this fall.

PARKS

• Nets at upper BB court have been changed by Hoop-fest personnel
• Windstorm damaged two trees in the Upper Park beyond good repair. Trees were taken out as they were now a hazard. Work was done by John Jesseph.

ACTION

Karrie motioned to authorize expenditure of the $350 Loss control grant for removal of the wind-damage

trees in Hart Park; seconded by Brian. The motion carried.

• JD 316 Deck wheel replaced/ working on replacement bids for new mower

ROADS

• Waiting on moisture to grade washboards
•  Will be tentatively hauling gravel from Rockford 09/14 and 09/15 to stockpile

Engineers Report

The final paperwork for both the 2010 Sewer Improvement Project and pedestrian bridges has been received and sent to CDBG.

2011 Sewer Improvement Project

KJ presented the design to the council for the 2011 Sewer Improvement Project which will be on Carlton Avenue from 2nd to 3rd. With the council’s approval, KJ will send this design to the Department of Transportation (DOT) for their quick approval. If they approve the plans, advertising for bids will go out next week with bid opening on September 29. Tentative start date will be October 18 with a 20-day timeline. If the weather turns bad, the project will be moved until the spring of 2012. There is no plan to have Carlton torn up during the winter months.

ACTION

Brian motioned to approve the 2011 Sewer System Improvement design to go out to bid, contingent on DOT approval, seconded by Karrie. The motion carried.

ACTION

Mary motioned to approve the Determination of nonsignificance (DNS) with a 14- day comment period,

seconded by Harry. The motion carried.

Cheryl will place this in The Exchange.

TIGER Discretionary Grant

KJ reviewed the 2011 Tiger grant discretionary grant from US DOT, which Cheryl had sent to him. After

researching the past receivers of this grant, it apperas the funds are primarily used for large metropolitan areas and not fit with Portland Avenue.

OLD BUSINESS

Public works position

The annual budget was reviewed and it was determined that there is funding to hire Dave Tysz to be the

certified water/wastewater operator, promote Derek to Public Works Supervisor with a raise to $17.00 and hire someone full time for the Public Works II at a wage of up to $12.50, depending on their experience.

ACTION

KayDee motioned to approve the move of Derek to Public Works Supervisor with a pay raise to $17.00 an hour effective when the new employee is hired with the $100 bonus still in effect until a new employee is hired; seconded by Harry The motion passed with four yea and one nay.

ACTION

Mary motioned to approve the contract as outlined with Dave Tysz as the certified operator for the water

and wastewater; seconded by Brian. The motion carried.

ACTION

Karrie motioned to authorize advertising for the full time Public Works II position with a wage of up to

$12.50 depending on the applicant’s experience; seconded KayDee. The motion carried.

Community Center recognition board

The council reviewed the lay out and names for the recognition board. The suggestions will be applied and the board will be purchased.

NEW BUSINESS

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission recommends that the council approve Building permit #02-2011 for an addition to a home.

ACTION

Brian motioned to approve Building Permit #02-2011; seconded by Harry. The motion carried.

The council has received the official resignation of Todd Verhei from the Planning Commission. This position will be posted.

Special Occasion Liquor License

ACTION

Mary motioned to approve the Special Occasion Liquor License for the Liberty Community Education

Foundation event 10-29-2011; seconded by Karrie. The motion carried.

Old Fashioned Christmas

The council would like to sponsor the Old Fashioned Christmas again this year Karrie will do the Children’s Workshop and would like to help with the vendors. The date will be December 3, 2011. Cheryl will make sure that the bank and the Kids for Camp know of the date. The entry forms will be sent out right away. There was also discussion about some of the vendors in the past not being content with their locations. A map of the floor with the vendor’s first four choices of locations will be sent along with the entry form to hopefully alleviate that problem. Cheryl will talk to the Food Bank about the luncheon.

Third quarter impact funds

Alene has prepared an application for a few new pieces of playground equipment in Thiel Park for the Third Quarter Impact Funds from Wilbur Ellis.

Solid Waste Grants

Suzanne Tresko from Spokane County Solid Waste is applying for the Regular Coordinated Prevention Grants which are used for things like the Yard Debris Day and educational sessions. She commented that the communties can apply for these grants themselves but the funds are population-based so the smaller communities do not receive much funding. She is asking the communities for suggestions on what they would apply for so that these can be included in the grant OR the Solid Waste could already have it in their program. One suggestion is a compost training class. She is checking with her educators and the compost class could be tentatively scheduled for the same day as the yard debris, which is October 22. Cheryl also mentioned perhaps some kind of a large item such as furniture or refrigerator pick-up day. Suzanne will work on that and perhaps that can be included on the spring yard debris day.

Other:

2011 Spokane County Sheriff Contract

The paperwork for the interlocal agreement for the Costs Incident to Law Enforcement Services in the Town of Fairfield (2011 Spokane County Sheriff’s Contract) was just finalized by the county and sent out to the appropriate communities.

ACTION

Mary motioned to approve the 2011 Sheriff contract; seconded by Brian. The motion carried.

Flag Day Float Committee

Harry reported to the council that the Flag Day Float Committee met today and would like to have an insert about Flag Day in the next newsletter. Cheryl will email JeriKay Thieren and let them know that the Town is more than happy to put any information in the newsletter. Ed recommends that everything must be written by the committee members and will be proofed by a council member.

Dance

Cheryl reminded the council about the dance on September 10th and asked everyone to personally invite

someone to come with them.

Review Complaints & Compliments

8-26-2011: A young adult walking her dog and the dog was attacked by a dog from the house at 105 N

McNeil. **Howard Brutschy, the complaintant, requested to have verification of rabies vaccination and have the dog licensed instead of pursuing potentially dangerous dog. The letter was addressed to the owner and is still waiting to have him pick it up. He does not have a local mailing address.

09-01-2011: Dog complaint of the dog from N 202 Johnson running loose, charging at people through the fence and barking nonstop. **Letter written and copy of ordinance #346 sent to dog owner.

Adjourn

The regular meeting adjourned at 9:23 pm.

Mayor Ed Huber                     Clerk/Treasurer Cheryl Loeffler