Rockford Town Council Minutes, May 2, 2012

Rockford Town Council
May 2, 2012
7:00 pm

Mayor Micki Harnois brought the meeting to order after the Pledge of allegiance was recited. Council members present: Clint Stevenson, Steve Meyer, Thomas Smith and Dave Thompson. Council member Jim Oshanick was absent. Clerk/Treasurer Darlene LaShaw and Public Works Operator John Goyke were also present.

Public Hearing – Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
A Public Hearing was held for CDA Service Station Equipment (CDASSE)/Primeland CUP application for a 3000 gallon above ground diesel tank.

Micki explained the reason for CUP is that in the Town’s development regulations the only thing to fit in current zoning which is light industrial, is sales of agricultural product.

Micki further explained an environmental review had been completed. It had been sent in to Determination of Non significance (DNS), the appeal period ends May 11th at 5 pm.

Don Boyd of CDASSE the applicant spoke that this tank will enhance what Primeland already has. The proposed tank will be located on the existing slab. Ballards will be placed per code.

John Goyke asked how many gallons does one separator hold.

Don Boyd stated that they are designed so any spillage will drain into oil/water separator, which will hold 1000 gallons and the concrete pad holding 1000 gallons for a total of 2000 gallons..

John Goyke asked what happens when the separator fills up. John is asking because this project is in the well head protection zone. Does the container hold certain gallons or the whole amount?

Don Boyd stated that it holds the largest amount that a fill truck holds.

John Goyke said he would check on this. John will find out what the minimal containment requirements are, due to being in the recharge zone. John will call Ed Perry.

Don Boyd stated that he wanted to make sure everyone is comfortable before work begins.

John Goyke noted that it might be as simple as expanding containment behind with plastic.

With no further comment, the public hearing was closed.

Council Meeting
Micki Harnois brought the regular meeting to order. The same council members attending the hearing were present at the Council Meeting.

Mayor’s Comments
Micki Harnois announced that “American Pickers” TV show wants to come to Washington State and found Rockford on the website. No notice of date or time yet. If you have ideas of locations to visit let it be known. Micki mentioned Jim Pierce’s.

Jerome Green regarding the video on the Scenic Highway will be in Oakesdale May 7th at their Council meeting regarding this video. Micki will attend.

Committee Reports
Steve Meyer reported he had John look for figures on how many streets need gravel. 222 yards of 5/8 @ $6.16 per yard would cost approximately $1,355.00 for gravel. He wasn’t sure if there was enough in the budget.

John Goyke spoke that the road up by the Fricke’s (North Street) needs 5/8”.

Micki asked about work on pot holes.

Steve Meyer asked if they’d heard anymore on Missile Road.

Micki answered it was in the hands of the Feds to reclassify it.

Micki further spoke that the Town has a Tree City USA plaque and flag. The Town is officially a Tree City now. The Town will get a new flag every year and a sticker for our plaque. Arbor Day is May 12th, and the Town has 6 junipers to be planted.

Tire collection and clean up day is also on the 12th of May.

Chipping Day is May 19th.

Public Comment
Ivan Willmschen stated that he understands cell phones being off during a meeting, however firemen need to have theirs on for emergencies.

Ivan also complained about the manhole in back of Coumont’s yard. The sink hole in Ivan’s yard has gotten bigger. More dirt will go into the sewer line. Ivan stated that he has had two backups in his house before and he doesn’t want it a third time.

Ivan further spoke of the enforcement officer. The Town paid Bill Shultz $13,528.45 and Terry Ottosen $4,920.29. There are some months he does not have figures for. The total is $18,448.74. What has gotten accomplished? He spoke with someone and heard that Rockford is starting to look like Plummer and Worley. Rockford is going downhill.

Ivan stated that he was told last fall by Micki that Jerame Clark would only be hired on for emergencies. Ivan believes we have to watch our pennies more than we have.

Ivan continued on with the mobile home across from Eric Larson’s house, on Third Street, stating that people are living in it.

Steve Meyer confirmed that people are living there.

Bill Creed mentioned that he had got cussed out when he was handing out flyers for the fire levy.

Steve Meyer stated that the trailer had once been condemned.

Dave Thompson stated that L&I are in control of trailers.

Steve Meyer suggested that if Ivan can find a solution, then go for it.

Kathy Creed asked if a number of people called the Health Department would it help. Kathy plans on calling.

Ivan further spoke of the water leak by John Lundquist’s corner, loosing thousands of gallons a day.

John reported that he knows about the leak, it has been there for years. It was leaking when Paul worked here. John further spoke that he and Clint had been discussing the leak. John stated that the Town is responsible from the main to the basement of Primmers. John stated they thought of running poly pipe from the pumping station to Primmers.

Art Grewe mentioned that the leak had been there since winter, his yard is like a glacier.

Ivan told Micki he is requesting a meeting with her, he has several other concerns.

Minutes
Clint Stevenson made a motion to approve the minutes of April 18th, 2012. Thomas Smith seconded the motion, motion carried.

Checks

Clint Stevenson made a motion to approve checks 11453 – 11492 in the amount of $45,813.90. Thomas Smith seconded the motion, motion carried. Micki reported that two checks would be reimbursed for the DOE grant for Shoreline Master Plan.

Claims 11453 -11456, 11466 – 11492 $39,463.75

Payroll 11457 – 11465 $ 6,350.17

Planning Commission
Larry Van Every reported that the Planning Commission approved Coeur d’ Alene Service Station Equip Conditional Use Permit application for the above ground diesel tank project.

Treasurer’s Report
Darlene reported the Treasurer’s Report for March 2012 - $280,139.98 all in funds.

Old Business
Discussion took place regarding the dog ordinance. Steve Meyer stated that he didn’t realize the attorney’s reviewed the ordinance already.

Darlene reported that Spokanimal will not act with the current ordinance that the Town has. Kathy Creed asked if the old complaints work if the Town adopts the new ordinance.

Steve Meyer made a motion to adopt Ordinance 12-5, Rockford’s Animal Control Ordinance for a six month period. Clint seconded the motion, motion carried.

New Business
A discussion took place regarding groups of people using the park for their parties, reunions and etc; some leaving debris behind them for the Town to clean up. It was the consensus of the Council to charge a $ 50.00 damage deposit for using the park for events. Vicki Bergstrom suggested having a document with the regulations that park users would have to sign.

It was the consensus of the Council to continue with the lighting/electrical updating in the shop and/or park for AWC RMSA’s 2012 Loss Control Grant. The grant is due June 15th.

Thomas Smith made a motion to adopt Ordinance 12-6, Town’s Ordinance placing all fees/fines in Ordinances in one Resolution. David Thompson seconded the motion, motion carried.

Resolution 12-4, the Town’s fees and fines resolution, was tabled until the May 16th Council meeting. The Council will have the time to review the resolution.

Public Works
John Goyke reported that the Town had sent in the clean watershed needs survey, which was due on April 30th.

John received the cost estimate for well # 5, installing soft start motor controls, new wire controls to SCADA at an approximate cost of $4,000 to $4,500. He had not received any figures from Dickerson for the spool insert to replace the clay valve. Currently John has shut well #5 down due to hammering of the pump, fearing it will damage the pump.

John stressed the importance of the SCADA systems being updated. Calvert Tech has now spoken to say they will work on the Town’s system now that Trindera is no longer in the picture. John reported that the Town doesn’t have a back-up of the system and the Town needs one.

Larry Van Every voiced his opinion by saying the Town needs to take care of mechanical problems with well #5 and worry about the computer issues later.

Dave Thompson thought the Town should get something in writing.

It was the consensus of the Council to go forward with the project.

John further reported that the SCOPE car is parked in the shop at night when it is not in use. There is not any schedule of days/time where it is parked. The Town received one complaint from a business so the Town will no longer park the car close to it.

Larry Van Every thanked the Town for parking the car. He claims it has reduced speeders driving through Town.

The Town is currently pumping pond one into two. The Town of Rockford as well as other Towns received a letter from River Keepers regarding alleged violations of the NPDES permit.

Meeting Adjourned.
___________________________________ ____________________________________
Brenda Gambrel/Deputy Clerk                      Micki Harnois/Mayor

　

Rockford Town Council
April 18, 2012
7:00 pm

Mayor Micki Harnois brought the meeting to order after the Pledge of allegiance was recited. Council members present: Clint Stevenson, Steve Meyer, Thomas Smith and Dave Thompson. Council member Jim Oshanick was absent. Clerk/Treasurer Darlene LaShaw and Public Works Operator John Goyke were also present


Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson and Police Chief Brian Asmus were present to donate their SCOPE car to the Town. The Town will be placing the car in various places which will help aid in decreasing speeders.


Public HearingA Public Hearing was held for proposed rate increases in both sewer and lagoon funds. It would be a $2.00 increase to each fund.


Micki Harnois reported that the last rate increase for lagoon was in 1992 and sewer rate increase was in 2000.


Thomas spoke of the increasing expenditures at the lagoon/treatment plant, that have become more than the revenues. The sewer fund has had to help pay for expenses. Both funds need to be increased so that the Town can start putting money in reserves for future needed improvements.


Alene Willmschen asked how long the short fall had been.


Darlene answered that in about the last couple of years. Darlene also mentioned that the Council had to remember that the Town had funds from liquidated damages from one of the phases of the lagoon projects years ago. Darlene also reported that she had talked to the Council in the past about the need to do something and it was agreed that the water fund had to be dealt with first which was last year.


Darlene and Clint also explained that for years there had not been all the testing that is currently being done. One reason or another not all of the lagoons were operating with aerators in past years. The electrical costs are about $8,000.00.


Clint Stevenson also spoke of the option for the Town to increase rates up to 3% annually if needed for necessary expenditures.


Micki reported that the Town had a spread sheet of other Towns with their rates for comparison. She also spoke of grants and loans that require matching funds.


Ivan Willmschen asked about the project that had been presented to the Council regarding sleaving pipes. Micki explained that was just an informational presentation only. There is not a project planned.


David Thompson mentioned he had understood that some aerators needed to be worked on. John answered that yes, some needed repaired.


Thomas spoke of a number of items that need to be improved in a timely matter required by DOE.
John Goyke spoke of using old UV lights at the treatment plant. The Town is currently in violation. The Town had received a few bad sample reports.


No further public comments, the Public Hearing closed.


Mayor’s CommentsAn ordinance (for the increase of rates) will be for the Council in the next couple meetings.
Micki reported the Fire Levy has passed with 67% approval. Micki thanked the Creeds and Brad Marlow for their help with the information to help get it passed.


May 22nd, there will be a small city round up meeting through AWC for elected officials at Fairfield at 6:00 pm.


Micki had a flyer for prescription drug disposal and shreading day at the Valley’s police station on the 28th.


The soil conservation will hold an Arbor Day on April 27th with a presentation for the first time Tree City USA communities.


Micki reported she had an email from the Fairfield clerk that the Town had gone with Empire Disposal for recycling; 1 large bin, dump as needed basis $175.00 per dump.


Committee ReportsSteve Meyer reported that the streets need work but there isn’t any money. Steve will talk to the State to see if they will do 20 foot approaches on the side streets when they are in town.


Steve further spoke that the Town still has to work on drainage up by Randy Harnasch’s. That has been planned for years.


Steve would like the Town to pave a street each year but there is not enough funds or grants available.


Dave Thompson asked if the Town was planning on oiling this year. Micki mentioned that it had been discussed before to not oil but use the funds to pave a street. Micki further mentioned it was very dusty in the down town area.


John explained that the Town needed to have a forward plan. The Town needs to generate revenue, i.e., bonds, levy. There is no place to cut expenses and no other ways to generate revenue.


Micki reported that there was no word on a drainage grant, a decision has not been made yet.


Public CommentBill Creed reported that it appears Raleigh Clark is in violation of to set backs on the chicken fence and silo. Bill would like the Town to act on this issue.


Kathy Creed was not sure if the hours with Brenda had been resolved. Micki confirmed they were.


Kathy also inquired what it would take for the Grange to rescind the ordinance vacating the alley behind the Grange Hall?


Micki stated that the ordinance does not state any funds paid. The Town would want the alley back. Steve thinks the Town should do it for fire safety reasons.


Micki reported that she has been in contact with relatives of the late Harold Pierce, trying to work on resolving issues on his property.


Steve Meyer state that no funds were paid and probably no deed issued. Steve sees no reason why the Town couldn’t rescind the decision.


John Goyke reported that technically the property description stated in the ordinance is incorrect. Stating block “5” and not block “s”.


Thomas Smith asked if the property taxes had been paid on it.


The Town will check with MRSC regarding rescinding the past ordinance.


Kathy Creed also asked if it was appropriate for private cars being worked on in the Town’s shop? John confirmed after hours he and Jerame had been working on vehicles in the shop. If the Council doesn’t want that, it can stop. Micki stated that it needed to stop.


MinutesThomas Smith made a motion to approve the minutes of April 4th, 2012. Clint seconded the motion, motion carried.


Treasurers ReportDarlene reported February 2012 treasurer report $300,999.07 – all in funds.


Old BusinessThursday April 19th, 2012 representatives from Latah, Waverly and Rockford will interview companies that submitted proposals for the Shoreline master plan update. One will be chosen to do the update which will need to be done by the end of 2013.


Steve Meyer felt that it should be a whole council decision.


Art asked what will it cost the Town? Micki answered it was a $120,000.00 grant from DOE that will pay for all three Town’s and their plans. There will be no cost to the Town.


The Town received 2 tree city usa signs. John wanted to know where the Council wanted them placed. One will go in the South end of Town – 500 feet. The other one – 500 feet in from hwy 27.


Animal ControlMicki explained that she talked to Spokanimal. The Town has to update its ordinance; it is missing an appeal section, it can’t discriminate against breed and Spokanimal officer determines if the animal is dangerous or not.


Brenda had typed up Ordinance 12-5 that contains what Spokanimal advised. Steve thought it was time for the Town to give the ordinance to the attorney to review and ask Spokanimal to place on paper the information about discriminating against breeds and get the attorney’s thoughts. Steve thought the Town’s original ordinance was good enough.


Thomas made a motion to send the original ordinance to the attorney to look over. Dave Thompson seconded the motion, motion carried.


Micki reported that the pit bull from 17 E. Spring had recently attacked another dog. The owner kicked the dog off of her dog.


Public WorksJohn Goyke gave the Council members a copy of the proposed city street contract as interpreted by the State Highway Department report. John asked the Council to review and make comments and return to him by the next meeting.


John also submitted the bill from Dickerson for well #5 repairs in the amount $11,616.00. John said the Council needs to make a decision to take the clay valve out, it will eliminate the hammerings. We will need the electrician that works with Dickerson. It was the consensus of the Council to limit the cost to$4,000.00 to install spool and remove clay valve, but a cost estimate was needed before work began.


John reported that he and Jerame had been working on approaches and pot holes. Dave Thompson said what they had done looked good.


Micki reported that during May 16-18th John will be gone to attend a cross connection class.


Clint made a motion to pay invoice #0928 of Dickerson’s in the amount of $11,616.04. Thomas seconded the motion, motion carried.
　
Meeting Adjourned.
　
　
___________________________________ _______________________________________
Brenda Gambrel, Deputy Clerk                     Micki Harnois, Mayor

Rockford Town Council Minutes April 4, 2012

Rockford Town Council
April 4, 2012
7:00 pm

Mayor Micki Harnois brought the meeting to order after the Pledge of allegiance was recited. Council members present: Clint Stevenson, Jim Oshanick, Steve Meyer, Thomas Smith and new council member Dave Thompson.


Jim Oshanick made a motion to tape the council meetings. Steve Meyer seconded the motion, motion carried.


Mayor’s Comments
The Town received two proposals from consultants for the Shoreline Master Plan update for the Towns of Latah, Waverly and Rockford.


No word has been received yet on the park drainage grant.


The ballots are out for the fire levy.


A Public Hearing will be held at the April 18th Council Meeting for the proposed sewer and lagoon rate increases.


Micki has spoke with Ozzie Knezovich regarding the sheriff’s contract costs. The maximum cost for 2012 is $31,000, and the maximum cost for 2013 will be $35,000. Micki told Ozzie that the Town can’t continue paying these costs. Ozzie said when the Town gets to that point that they cannot pay he will go to the County Commissioners. Micki mentioned the Town will still send a letter.


Committee Reports
Jim Oshanick – no news on park grant


Micki reported that Darlene had attached a letter on the budget position with information to review. Darlene noted that she would like to know who is going to mow the parks and hours of the part-time public works to help amend the budget.


Old Business
The Council at the last meeting made a motion to adopt Ordinance 12-2 vacating an alley in Blk 42, requested by Andrew Fricke. Since then Darlene has contacted the Assessor’s Office who has sent information explain that the alley was not included in the property taxes; there for the Assessor’s Office did not feel that Andrew Fricke had paid property taxes on that alley for a number of years.


Andrew Fricke had documents showing that the Assessor’s Office had made changes in the description and will be good for tax year 2013.


Darlene reported that there is still an issue of the alley being the Town’s property and it would have to be sold at fair market value. It is a state law.


Micki stated that the Town needed to receive documents from the Assessor’s Office confirming if taxes were paid or not on that alley.


Darlene spoke of the need to have information from the Assessor’s Office to help protect the Town and the need to have everyone on the same page.


Steve Meyer understood Andrew Fricke’s point of view, yet he said the Town needed to protect itself.


Andrew Fricke said Mike Wentz was the person who they had talked to at the Assessor’s Office. Micki will talk to him.


No public comments.


Minutes
Jim Oshanick made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 21st meeting. Thomas Smith seconded the motion, motion carried.


Planning Commission
Thomas Smith made a motion to approve Kathy Creed being appointed to the Planning Commission. Steve seconded the motion, motion carried.


The Planning Commission did not recommend approval for Tom Board’s fence permit. Issue with vacated alley, non-confirmation on who owns property. Due to these issues, there was no action from the Council.


Steve Meyer suggested that the Town look into records to see if the alley has been paid for. Ordinance 79-12 is the Ordinance regarding the closure of the alley.


Art Grewe stated that the Town had a map showing when alley/streets were vacated, he thought it was in Town Hall in the 50, 60’s era.


Dave Thompson who had been on the Planning Commission mentioned also that the Planning Commission questioned if the property taxes had been paid on that alley all these years.


Recycling
John stated that there is no news on the composting program. Suzanne Tresko sent the grant in. It was due by April 10th. John had drawn up a site plan. The grant would be a 75% match with the Town including one hour per day for one man for the first year of operation.


Jim Oshanick questioned when the Town agreed that all Towns could use the proposed facility. Jim spoke of an email that mentioned John and Darlene saying other Towns can use it as well. John explained that it was talked about at the last meeting and yes, other Towns would be able to use the facility but couldn’t picture a high volume by other Towns. Micki explained that current Rockford chipping days can be used by other Towns as well.


Jim further talked about someone dumping chips along the fence and asked John if he had given permission for anyone to dump. John said no he hadn’t, Jim said someone did. Jim felt that he, himself should have talked to them.


There is no new information on Sunshine’s recycling program.


The Town received two proposals from consultants for the Shoreline Master Plan update for the Town’s of Latah, Waverly and Rockford.


Next week Micki will try to set up a time with other Town’s representatives to schedule interviews to choose which consultant will work for the project.


The project is being paid for by a DOE grant for $120,000.


Employee Hours
Micki reported that approximately two years ago Brenda’s hours were increased sixteen hours a month to help John with sewer/lagoon reports. At this time this is not happening. Darlene confirmed that Brenda has been using those hours to work on various office tasks. It was the consensus of the council to no longer have Brenda work an additional sixteen hours a month unless it is justified.


The part-time public works is now at three days a week. Reduced from four days a week.


Darlene spoke to the Council that the Council needs to watch expenditures. Darlene stated that she needs a direction with the hours to help amend the budget. She mentioned if the Council did not want her to work full time the staff needed to revamp some projects.


The Council spoke of writing a work log for the part-time public works, to help track time used.


Mowing
Micki reported in 2011 that the Town paid Triple P Mowing $5,760.00 to mow the parks.


Clint and Thomas spoke of the need to monitor how many times mowing is needed in the late year, and when the mowing will start , it was also discussed that mowing could be done only once a week or every two weeks depending on what is needed.


Steve Meyer made a motion to hire Triple P Mowing to mow the parks for the 2012 season. Jim Oshanick seconded the motion, motion carried.


New Business
Ordinance 12-4 Garbage Service in the Town of Rockford; section 3E should read, approved containers as described in section 2B.


Darlene explained to the Council that snow birds and other people gone for a length of time do not have to have service.


Steve Meyer made a motion to approve Ordinance 12-4 Garbage Service. Jim Oshanick seconded the motion, motion carried.


Public Works Report
John reported that Dickerson Pump is still waiting on parts to fix the problem at well #5. The pump is fine. The bearing dropped down in the motor, so the motor is not good. The wiring looked good. The Town will assess its options of installing a soft start once it is up and going again. John stated that hard starts are bad for both pump and motor.


Checks
Clint Stevenson made a motion to approve checks # 11408 – 11452 in the amount of $35,286.21. Jim Oshanick seconded the motion, motion carried.


Claims: Ck#’s 11408,11409,11411,11414,11423 – 11452 $28,122.35


Payroll: Ck#’s 11410, 11412, 11413, 11415 – 11422 $ 7,163.86


Total $35,286.21    $35,286.21


Meeting adjourned.
________________________    _________________________________________


Brenda Gambrel/Deputy Clerk    Micki Harnois/Mayor

Palouse City Council Amended Agenda, June 26, 2012

PALOUSE CITY COUNCIL AMENDED AGENDA

June 26, 2012 7:00 pm

Regular Council Meeting

Palouse City Hall – 120 E. Main Street

CALL TO ORDER: 

ROLL CALL: 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Regular Council Meeting of June 12, 2012.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: 

Award for dust control contract

POLICE REPORT: 

Whitman County Animal Control contract

JFB REPORT:

OLD BUSINESS:

Award consideration for Mohr Street sidewalk project

NEW BUSINESS:

Equipment for recording of public meetings – Jim Farr

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 Amended Agenda June 26, 2012

PALOUSE CITY COUNCIL AMENDED AGENDA

June 26, 2012 7:00 pm

Regular Council Meeting

Palouse City Hall – 120 E. Main Street

CALL TO ORDER: 

ROLL CALL: 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Regular Council Meeting of June 12, 2012.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: 

POLICE REPORT: 

JFB REPORT:

OLD BUSINESS:

NEW BUSINESS:

Award consideration for Mohr Street sidewalk project

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 Meeting Minutes, June 12, 2012

DRAFT ONLY.  Without council review or approval.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

June 12, 2012

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

ROLL CALL:  Council members present:  Alison Webb; Bo Ossinger; Cecil Floyd; Connie Newman; Norm Schorzman; Rick Wekenman; Tim Jones.  Also present:  Police Officer Brian Dentler; Clerk-Treasurer Joyce Beeson; & Deputy Clerk Ann Thompson.  Public present:  Jens Hegg; Dana Anderson; Caitlyn McGehee; Garth Meyer.   

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Councilmember Wekenman MOVED to adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of May 22, 2012.  Councilmember Newman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT:   Supt. Griffin submitted a written report.  Mayor asked that PW inspect a tree near AmericanWest Bank that appears to be dead.   

POLICE REPORT:  May Activity Log was submitted.

NEW BUSINESS:

Dana Anderson & Jens Hegg, Little Sprouts Daycare:  Little Sprouts Daycare is looking at a program to recylce cardboard and mixed paper as an ongoing fundraiser.  They would like to bring in a recycling dumpster through Empire Disposal which has a program where all proceeds from recycling (after overhead) go back to a non-profit.  Little Sprouts asked the City if they have a location to place the dumpster.  They would also need a letter of release from the city naming the location and giving Empire Disposal notice of permission for that space.   Little Sprouts would oversee the whole operation.  The only city-owned location mentioned was the old chipper location.  Their other ideas for a location are all privately owned:  the lot next to the PCC, on the property next to the PD, or a spot on Spokane Street between the pavement and the railroad tracks.  It was suggested to look for space near the school.  If this is successful, they could possibly bring in a compartment container for aluminum and glass as well.  They will need to look into insurance requirements.  Council supports their efforts.    

Review draft of the Six-Year Street Plan:  Cecil reviewed aloud the draft Six-Year Street Plan.  1. Wall Street Reconstruction from Union to Bluff; 2. North F Street Overlay from Church to Cannon; 3. West Whitman Reconstruction from Bridge to Mill; 4. West Whitman & Fir Street Reconstruction from Mill to Illinois; 5. Wall Street #2 Reconstruction from Union to Park; 6. Culton Street Reconstruction from Park to Holyoke; 7. Park Street reconstruction from Holyoke to Wiley.  Councilmember Newman MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to set July 10^th as our public hearing for the six year street plan.  Motion carried unanimously.    

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS: 

Parks, Cemetery, & Buildings-Alison Webb. Chair:  Committee has some revenue-based issues to act on. 

The city is charged a fee every time they use the cc machine for RV park reservations, whether it’s to make reservations or to refund cancellations.  A $5.00 charge for cancellations would cover those machine costs and loss of reservation revenue.  Councilmember Webb MOVED to implement a $5.00 non-refundable reservation fee (included in rate), seconded by Councilmember Schorzman.  Motion carried unanimously.  

Councilmember Webb MOVED to implement a policy of two-night minimum reservation on WSU premium weekends (Homecoming, Mom & Dad weekends, and home football games).  Councilmember Schorzman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Committee would like to consider extending the RV Park to a maximum of 28 days.  The city has received numerous requests for 28-day reservations and has had to refuse them.  28 day max would still keep the city under the 30 day threshold for leasehold excise taxes to kick in.  Much discussion ensued.  Committee will meet again to continue discussion.  Councilmember Newman MOVED to make a temporary change to the RV policy allowing up to 3 RV spots a maximum stay of 28 days at the going rate of $150.00/week.  Councilmember Webb seconded.  Councilmember Floyd voted nay.  Motion carried.        

Streets & Sidewalks-Cecil Floyd, Chair:  Mohr Street Project is coming along. 

The estimate for the Cove Road pathway was $400,000 last year.  For financial reasons, we decided to split the project into two which brought the cost down half.  First half of path would come from Union Street, down Cove Road, around the corner on the highway all the way to the bridge.  The match for that is %5 or about $10,000.  The call for projects is coming up at the end of the month.  Can we come up with the matching money if we’re awarded the grant?  Arterial Street fund will have as little as $3,000 or $4,000 carryover in 2012.  Councilmember Jones MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Schorzman, to authorize Councilmember Floyd to proceed with Taylor Engineering for the pursuit of grants to accomplish that construction.

There is still the ongoing issue between the neighbors about the corner of Harrison and Sumner.  Citizen requested a sign on the corner so the public would realize where the street was and not cut through private property.  This issue is not just a streets committee issue, but also a police issue regarding public safety.  There will be another committee meeting with the police department and public works included.          

Personnel & Pool-Tim Jones, Chair:  Pool is opening June 20^th.  Local resident Kelly Dow has started a Palouse Swim Team.    

Water & Sewer-Connie Newman, Chair: 

Water System Plan went through Dept of Ecology review and is now in the hands of the DOH.  We’re still on the timeline to get that back in July. 

The Sewer Extension Policy draft is currently in Attorney Bishop’s hands.  Hoping to have that back in July and bring it back to council for review and approval.  It should look similar to the Water Extension Policy as far as policy and procedure for the application process. 

In 2007 the city did an extension to the Breeding’s Sewer Project.  The revenue generated from sewer connection charges paid by Breeding’s Addition property did not come in as anticipated.  We must set up a payment plan for the remaining interfund loan for this extension.  There will be a resolution at the next meeting setting the terms of the repayment for council to consider. 

W/S committee will be reevaluating the rate schedule, with potential $1 raise to sewer.  We have to address conservation efforts in our rate system.  We will bring back recommendations to council before the first of the year. 

Connie will be attending the AWC conference next week in Vancouver. 

Police, Fire, & Safety-Rick Wekenman, Chair:  Committee met to discuss the potential for burning the yard waste or chipping the yard waste.  We discussed the following options:  1.  Do nothing, keeping with the current program. Options of disposal are out there for the public:  free disposal at the Moscow and Pullman landfills and the Moscow recycling center.  It’s a service we’d like to offer but aren’t obligated to provide.  2.  Attempt to find a spot for a 40 Yard dumpster.  The county is investigating whether they would provide a large dumpster to the city and the fees the city charged for permits would cover the dump fees.  This option would require a location, compaction, security, man hours, and monitors. Not very feasible.  3.  A one-day chipper program.  The citizens would be asked to pay a fee ($30 or $40) for a one-day, all you can deliver event.  You would need monitors on site, with no intention of chipping anything that day, just accumulating a pile.  No commercial customers.  At $30, we’d need a minimum of 20 participants to break even.  After one attempt, we would learn if $30 was enough to cover the expense.  However, if someone trims limbs in April, they won’t want to wait three months to get rid of it.  4.  Allowing a day of individual burning of small disposal piles at individual residences.  This is risky health-wise and very difficult to monitor.  If the FD responds to one call, it costs between $100-$150 out of their budget each time.  And it would have to be an approved day by DOE.  DOE could call at 10 am and say it’s okay to burn, then call back at noon and say the weather is changing, fires have to be put out.  5.  Burning outside of city, central location.  Permit fee paid to the FD to monitor the blaze, one-day collection and burn a different day that DOE stipulates, with the same problems.  That would also require monitoring during the dumping period.  The money involved is substantial, would have to mobilize a fire crew on the burn day.  Logistics are uncertain as to weather conditions.  Health issues are quite real on all of these things and the city needs to be sensitive to that.  There are resources available to those who don’t have the means to transport yard waste.  The committee recommends option one – No change to the current program.   If the economic climate were better we could buy our own chipper and hire someone to man it. 

Finance, Property, & Equipment:

Policy & Administration-Bo Ossinger, Chair: 

OLD BUSINESS:

Resolution #2012-02:  fee schedule.  Changed the private pool rental fee to $75 for 1.5 hours with three guards provided, and added the $5 RV park non-refundable reservation cancellation charge.  Councilmember Jones MOVED to adopt Resolution #2012-02.  Councilmember Schorzman seconded.  Motion carried unanimously. 

MAYOR’S REPORT:  Three liquor license renewal requests:  Special occasion license for the PCC at Hayton Greene Park for beer garden at the 2012 Music Festival; yearly licensing for McLeod’s Market; and yearly licensing for Palouse Act II Tavern.  No objections. 

Larson’s Demolition has begun work on the Brownfields site demo. 

2013 Revenue Source public hearing will be scheduled soon.

Discussion ensued on who would chair the finance committee.  Councilmember Wekenman is going to chair it along with the Police, Fire, & Safety committee.      

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

ADJOURN:  Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to adjourn.  Councilmember Wekenman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  The council meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.

The following checks are approved for payment:

Payroll Paid, May 30, 2012.            Ck. #4036-4053 & EFT            $36,644.72

Claims Paid, June 12, 2012.            Ck. #4054-4096 & EFT            $65,028.29

APPROVED: ________________________________   ATTEST: ________________________________

Fairfield Town Council Special Meeting June 12, 2012

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

Fairfield Town Council

JUNE 12, 2012

7:00 P.M.

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

Mayor Ed Huber called the special council meeting to order on June 12, 2012 at 7:00 pm.

Council members present: Harry Gibbons, George Davidson, Mary Branon, Valerie Spurrell and Brian Kauffman.

Others present: Ann Moore, John Jesseph, Jeannie Jesseph, Howard Brutschy, Johnna Brutschy, Ray Westlake, Ty Fulton, Wayne Kochheiser, Sherri Yearta.

• Mosquito fogging contract

ACTION

Motion made by Harry Gibbons to: Proceed with agreement pending attorney review and approval by town attorney.

Motion seconded by Mary Branon.

Vote: All in favor, none opposed.

Discussion: It is thought that this is basically the same agreement as before, just in writing. There should not be any additional costs, other than those that are already in contract. Each town will have a designated day to do the fogging.

Harry Gibbons asked if anyone on the board or present in the audience had heard of anyone getting sick from the fogging.

The response was that no one present had heard of anyone getting sick from the fogging.

• Signing of interlocal agreement

This is postponed until advice of attorney is received.

• Sidewalk repair bids

The Town has received $10,000 from Associated Washington Cities (AWC) for Loss Control Grants. These funds are for the sidewalk repairs.

ACTION

Motion made by Mary Branon to accept T & R Concrete’s bid of $7843 to repair sidewalks from the library to McNeil Street. Motion seconded by Brian Kauffman.

Vote: All in favor, none opposed.

Discussion:

Bids to repair sidewalks from library to McNeil came from three contractors:

Wm. Winkler Company $9500.00

Cameron-Reilly $8400.00

T & R Concrete $7843.00

• Recycling Container

Ed Huber stated that the council would suspend deciding the location for recycling container at this time. The council might have to make a decision that will be unpopular with a few people. This item will be on agenda for the next council meeting on Tuesday, June 19, 2012.

Discussion:

Ed Huber began this presentation with a discussion reviewing eligible items that can be recycled, and that the items are required to be clean, with no refuse. He stated that the site will be monitored by town employees daily, and Empire Disposal will monitor weekly. He said that most of the feedback on the recycling project was positive. He reported that he had heard of some residents going around to homes in the area providing misinformation on the site of the recycle container.

Howard Brutschy presented council with an unofficial petition that contained almost 40 signatures of citizens who he claimed were unhappy with the location behind the town shop. He pointed out that this was in a residential zone. Howard and Johnna Brutschy along with Sherri Yearta argued that they believed the container would be used for trash; will smell and attract rodents, animals and hornets. Howard Brutschy also commented that some portions of what people are told about recycling are a fallacy. Sherri Yearta asked for a confirmation that the cost for the recycling container would not increase her utility bill and she was assured that it would not.

Mary Branon explained that if people used it for trash, the town would not be able to afford the tipping charges and the container would be removed. She reiterated that this recycling program was on a trial basis and we would have to discontinue the program if the costs became too high.

The positive potential economic impact for large families was explained. Ed Huber said that the town is providing the recycling program in good faith that the community will make good use of it. Ann Moore offered to lock it up every evening.

The site on Industrial Way was discussed. Ty Fulton complained that there would be increased dust and traffic. He requested that signage be posted to keep people on Industrial Way.

Adjourn

The regular meeting adjourned 7:55 pm.

______________    _______________________________

Mayor Ed Huber      Deputy Clerk/Jeannie Jesseph