Rockford Public Hearing December 5, 2012 and Town Council Meeting Minutes

Town Council

December 5, 2012

7 p.m.

 

Public Hearing

Mayor Micki Harnois opened the Public Hearing with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Council members present for both the hearing and the Council meeting were:  Clint Stevenson, Steve Meyer, Thomas Smith and David Thompson.  Staff present:  John Goyke – Public Works and Darlene LaShaw – Clerk/Treasurer.  Council member Jim Oshanick was absent.

 

Mayor Micki asked for all to keep Brad Marlow’s family in their thoughts. She also reported that she had spoke with Jim Oshanick.  He had informed her that he was still having health issues.  He will wait until the next meeting before deciding if he should continue being a Council member or not.

 

Layne Merritt of JUB (J-U-B Engineering) was was present to present information for the Public Hearing regarding the Town’s improvements on its lagoon system.  He supplied a sign up sheet for attendees to sign.

 

Layne continued to discuss the proposed project and its objectives.  The floating liners, regrading the bottom of the lagoon, address screening and equipment upgrades.

 

The SEPA (State Environmental Protection Act) had been completed and has concluded a Determination of Non-Significance.

 

Council member Clint Stevenson asked what the approximate cost of the project was.  Layne answered with - $ 2.9 million.

 

Bill Creed asked what type of liner was proposed.  Layne answered a double liner was budgeted.

 

There were no further public comments.  The hearing was closed.

 

Council meeting

Mayor Micki opened the Council meeting.

 

Mayor’s Comments

Micki reported that the Town did not receive the TIB (Transportation Improvement Board) grant that had been submitted for Missile Base Road.  Layne reviewed the rating sheet supplied by TIB  and briefly discussed possible options when applying in 2013.  The freight avenue could be the area to work on.  Layne and Thomas will work together to gather needed information on trucks with freight that could help support future grants.

 

Clint asked if road restrictions could be placed on streets to help preserve the conditions.  Layne thought the Town could have that option.

 

Layne updated the Council on the current lagoon project. The liner is being placed in and a static test will be done on Monday, December 10th.  Layne received a reply regarding the pea gravel issue that was discussed at the last meeting.  The contractors had gone ahead and placed 525 additional tons of pea gravel.  There had not been any change orders or replies from the contractors before they had acted on the task.  The contractors are asking for approximately $ 9,000 for the additional pea gravel that they had placed.  The cost would be including tax.

 

After a discussion it was the consensus of the Council to not offer any funds for the additional pea gravel.

 

Layne further spoke of the need of the influent and effluent meters.  The cost of each meter is approximately $ 3,000. The total cost including installation, engineering and etc would be approximately  $ 12,000.00. Not only are these meters needed, Layne felt by getting these meters it would help the Town get ahead of the River Keeper’s concerns.

 

Layne had talked to Rick Rose of Rural Development which has funds available that these meters would be eligible for.   Layne will work on the application. There is a check list of items that Darlene will have to provide for the application.

 

Checks

Clint Stevenson made a motion to approve checks # 11,752 - # 11,808 in the amount of $ 171,624.28.  Thomas seconded the motion; motion carried.

 

Public Comment

Jody Cornwall was present regarding the water reservoir easement/infrastructure agreement that is still being worked on between Jody’s father, Stan Primmer and the Town of Rockford.  Micki informed Jody that she would like Steve Meyer and herself to meet with Stan regarding the agreement.  Micki further reported that the Town had a check to reimburse Stan Primmer for the attorney fees that he had paid.  Jody stated someone needed to hand deliver the check to him.

 

Jody further reported that the Primmer’s attorney would like to record the agreement with the County and the Primmer’s would like to get the agreement completed and signed by the end of the month.

 

Minutes

Thomas made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 20th meeting.  Clint seconded the motion; motion carried.

 

Steve made the motion to approve the minutes of the November 28th budget workshop.  Clint seconded the motion; motion carried.

 

Old Business

The Town will hold a Public Hearing for comments for the Town increasing its revenues by placing utility taxes on January 16th.

 

Micki reported Senator Mark Schoesler and Representative Joe Schmick had met with a few people from the Town on Monday, December 3rd regarding the issues with the Sheriff contract.  Rep Schmick will talk to Ozzie and Senator Schoesler will talk to Todd Mielke.

 

New business

The Finance Committee will be Darlene, Thomas Smith, Clint Stevenson and David Thompson.

 

A Resolution to place a Law Enforcement Services levy on February’s ballot will be on the agenda at the next meeting.

 

Micki spoke of AWC’s (Association of Washington Cities ) Center for Quality Communities Scholarship program. Micki will send information to the school and to local seniors. (Contact .) 

 

Public Works

John spoke of tough decisions the Town will have to make this next year.  The Council will need to talk about revenues and cuts in expenditures.

 

Meeting adjourned.

 

_____________________    __________________

Darlene LaShaw, Clerk           Micki Harnois, Mayor

 

Rockford Town Council Minutes November 7, 2012

Town Council

November 7, 2012

7:00 p.m.

Mayor Micki Harnois brought the meeting to order.  Council members present:  Steve Meyer, Clint Stevenson, 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

A Public Hearing was held to discuss the 2013 preliminary budget.  Darlene spoke briefly of the draft proposed budget.  With updated format there is a new format to the document.

 

Steve Meyer asked about funds for equipment.  Darlene explained the equipment/property reserve fund and how it had received its funds.

 

Alene Willmschen asked over all is the budget more or less than the year before.  Darlene noted that some funds are about the same others are less.

Ivan Willmschen asked about the Sheriff’s contract. Darlene explained the CJ (Criminal Justice) fund pays for $5,000.00 of the contract; the remaining is paid out of the CE (Current Expense)fund.

 

Thomas Smith asked if there were funds set for construction in the water funds.  Darlene explained she had set an amount of $30,000.00 for construction/maintenance.

 

With no more comments the Public Hearing was closed.

 

The council meeting resumed with all council members present at the public hearing being present at the council meeting.

 

Committee Reports

Thomas Smith reported he had reviewed the health insurance.  In his opinion he feels there should be no change in plans but he feels the employees should at least pay for the $57.00 plus increase to the rate for 2013.

 

Street Committee

Steve Meyer reported there was a lot of work done by the guys with the chipped asphalt.  Two streets did not receive asphalt - North and W. Lake.  There is only enough material left for patching.  This project opened up possible TIB (Transportation Improvement Board) funding on some streets.

 

Steve Meyer also spoke that the Town needs to think about looking into another grader.

 

Public Comment

Art Grewe asked if two loads of grindings could be placed in front of the Methodist Church.  Steve Meyer will talk to Shamrock to see if they could do something.  John mentioned the Town can’t get into that small of an area with the equipment it has.

 

Minutes

Thomas Smith made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 17, 2012 meeting.  Clint Stevenson seconded the motion, motion carried.

 

Steve Meyer made a motion to approve the minutes of the special meeting on October 19, 2012.  Dave Thompson seconded the motion, motion carried.

 

Checks

Clint Stevenson made a motion to approve checks 11703 – 11751 in the amount of $43,004.27.  Thomas Smith seconded the motion, motion carried.

Payroll  11707 – 11710, 11713 – 1722                                                  $  9,454.10

Claims              11703 – 11706, 11723 – 11751                                                  $33,550.17

Old Business

Steve Meyer and John Goyke still plan on going to look at a dump box for the plow truck.

 

New Business

Thomas Smith made a motion to approve Resolution 12-8R – 1% increase request on property tax.  Dave Thompson seconded the motion, motion carried.

 

Steve Meyer made a motion to approve Resolution 12-9R – 1% increase request on EMS levy.  Thomas Smith seconded the motion, motion carried.

 

A budget workshop will be held on November 28^th at 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall.

 

The second council meeting in November will be held on Tuesday November 20th at 6:30 p.m., due to Wednesday being the evening before Thanksgiving.

 

Micki Harnois announced Sunday at noon there will be a potluck at the Grange for Veteran’s Day.

 

On November 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. a mobile food bank will be in Town parked in the park area.

 

Public Works

John Goyke spoke of his appreciation of all the volunteers who helped with the asphalt project.  He mentioned that more work was needed to be done.  The bigger pieces along the sides need to be picked up.

 

John thanked Ivan for selling his truck to him.  The truck has helped haul a lot of asphalt.

 

John reported that with the project the Town will not have to oil the streets.  The Town will have to drain areas that hold water.

 

Steve Meyer reported he had a 500 gallon fuel tank that the Town can have.  It could save on fuel.

 

John reported the back hoe needs maintenance. The Town will ask Randy Gambrel if he is interested in working on it and get an approximate cost.

 

Art Grewe asked about Jim Oshanick or his employees.  The Council decided at this time it is not an option.

 

Layne of JUB (J-U-B Engineers Inc. ) was present to update the council on the lagoon improvement project.  The contractor at the lagoon has the sludge and liner out and ready to regrade.

 

John reported that there are several holes in the liner.  The contractor said he would guarantee his welds but wouldn’t guarantee that there would be no leaks.  An electrostatic test would need to be done.

 

John also reported that prior to the start of this project he had clean tests from the underground water samples. Since then the tests with the holes in the liner have not come back clean.  Layne reported that he would be working with the contractors with these issues.

 

Layne further spoke of the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) applications. One application for pond #2 and the one application for screening.  There will be language the Town will try to make some improvements on if some funding is offered, if not all that was requested can be given back.

 

Executive Session

Council was excused to executive session to discuss potential litigation.

 

After the executive session the council reconvened back into regular session.  No decisions were made.

 

Meeting adjourned.

___________________________         _________________ 

Darlene LaShaw Clerk/Treasurer          Micki Harnois Mayor

 

 

Rockford Town Council Minutes November 20, 2012

Town Council

November 20, 2012

6:30 p.m.

Mayor Micki Harnois brought the meeting to order, 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.

Layne Merrit with JUB (J-U-B Engineers, Inc., )was present to give an update on the lagoon project.

The contractors found a two (2) inch line on the east side of pond #1 with duct tape around the joint running about fourteen to twenty gallons per minute. The pipe was tied into a spring. The spring water will be directed into the new under drain system.

Layne reported he had told the contractors that the way they have trenched they will go over the amount of pea gravel that had been bid. Any additional they will have to pay for. Layne has not heard from them for any comments or answers. Layne doesn’t know if they will dispute it or not.

Layne had sent a letter to the contractors informing them a spark test will be needed due to the liner being damaged. The contractors did not disagree.

Micki mentioned the DOT (Department of Transportation) had received the check list for the SEPA (State Environmental Protection Act) and called her regarding an easement for the access to the lagoons. Micki will look into some records to see if there is one recorded.

Micki talked to Stan Schwartz regarding the River Keepers letter. Stan plans to write a letter to them explaining the Town is doing all it can do at this time; trying to keep them at bay.

Micki received an email from Rick Rose of Rural Development whom reported there were funds available for Capital Facilities. 75% grant 25% match. Layne offered to help if needed.

Committee Reports
Thomas Smith followed up on the health insurance subject; he spoke about at the last meeting. He wasn’t sure where it was going. Insurance, water and sewer/lagoon fees will be reviewed at the budget workshop.

Minutes
Thomas Smith made a motion to approve the November 7th meeting minutes. Dave Thompson seconded the motion, motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report
Darlene reported $300,240.36 all in funds for October 2012.

Old Business
Micki reported that the Town received a letter from Ozzie, stating that the Sheriff’s department will only come to Rockford for 911 calls until the contract is signed. The Sheriff’s Department/County is not accepting the amount that the Town informed them it could pay.

Thomas Smith made a motion to pay for 2012 expenses for the contract along with sending a letter to the County informing them the Town will not be signing the contract for 2013. The Town will place a levy on the ballot for the citizens to vote on. If passed funds will not be collected until 2014. Clint seconded the motion, Steve opposed, motion carried.

Micki noted that Steve Meyer had mentioned he would give the Town a gas tank. Micki was going to see if that was okay to gift to the Town.

Mayor’s Comments
There will be a budget workshop on Wednesday November 28th at 6:00 p.m.

The Town posted a notice of abatement on the yellow house at Spring St and S First.

Steve Meyer inquired about Sheri Coumont’s utility bill. Darlene reported she had paid a portion. The Town needs to send out a ten (10) day and then a three (3) day notice before disconnecting water supply.

November 29th a mobile food bank will be in Town from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

New Business
Steve Meyer made a motion to approve the BIAS (Bars Integrated Accounting System) software agreement. Thomas Smith seconded the motion, motion carried.

Micki noted she would have the Town Hall open until 3:00 pm on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Public Works
John Goyke reported that the gas tank has been installed and will work well.

John also reported that Randy Gambrel worked on the snow truck plow but he hasn’t worked on the backhoe or given an estimate yet on the cost of repairs.

John mentioned the storm drains have been cleaned.

The state DOT hadn’t fixed the storm drain at Weaver and Emma. John plans to fix the storm drain by Hurd’s.

Thomas Smith asked about the grindings that were placed on Church Street. He had heard that the street was quite rough. John said it was rough but it had been smoothed out and will need further work at a later date.

Steve Meyer again spoke of the need for the Town to look at another grader, because the current grader will not do finish work on blue top.

John spoke that there is now a small pond by the areas where the dirt had been placed in the park.

John reported that the surveyor had been in Town to survey the FD #11 (Spokane Fire District #11)/Town property behind the Town Hall. The surveyor, according to the information on the deed; the Fire Department property goes approximately 20 feet from the east of the fenced area, not 20 feet from the west end of the Town shop.

Chipping day went fine. Next year the Town will revisit picking up debris for people. The Town will have to place limits on amounts. Thomas said he was sorry he missed the event. This is the first event he had missed since it started. Mayor Micki thanked him for all his help.

Meeting adjourned.
____________________________   _________________
Darlene LaShaw Clerk/Treasurer     Micki Harnois Mayor

Rockford Town Council Meeting October 17, 2012

Town Council

October 17, 2012

7:00 p.m.

 

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

 

Public Hearings

Two Public Hearings were held prior to the council meeting. Micki Harnois opened the first Public Hearing for the Town’s request for the 1% increase on the regular property tax. Darlene LaShaw explained that the Town in the year previously had received $ 62,619.98. A 1% increase to that would be a total of $626.19. Darlene further explained with the EMS levy the Town received the previous year $12,630.87. A 1% increase to that would be a total of $126.31.

 

There was no public comment. The hearing was closed.

 

Mayor Micki Harnois opened the second Public Hearing for the Town’s capital improvement needs/CDBG (

Community Development Block Grant ) 2013 grant project.

 

Layne Merritt of JUB (J-U-B Engineers Inc.,) was present and spoke to the Council and citizens that at the previous Council meeting the Council had spoke in length of the needs for the Town’s lagoons system. He felt that improvements on the lagoons were a high priority of the Town; however, he realized that there are other projects that others may feel were a priority. Layne noted that any projects applied for, an acceptable amount of the project would be approximately $200,000.

 

Darlene LaShaw reported CDBG funding are funds from HUD (Housing and Urban Development.) The area benefits are for communities that have 50.7% of the population that are at low/moderate income levels. The recent income survey the Town completed indicated that Rockford qualifies. Darlene read many of the eligible projects available to apply for. Public Facilities, public services and infrastructure. She also explained the ineligible projects. She also submitted a chart of possible funding available thru the County CDBG. She noted that the County CDBG may receive as much as $1,333,276.000 which would be a 6% increase from last year; however, there may still be cuts to the program, resulting in more than 8% decrease. If the Town continues on with to apply for infrastructure there would be approximately $700,000.00 available. If Spokane Co. is allocated its whole 20% there would be a lesser amount available.

 

Jim Oshanick spoke that he felt that the Town needs to do further improvements on its lagoons. Jim also mentioned that there was a Community Center that may need improvements as well.

 

With no further public comments the hearing was closed.

 

Council Meeting

Micki Harnois opened the Council meeting. The Council members that were at the hearing attended the meeting as well.

 

Layne Merritt with JUB updated the Council on current CDBG funded lagoon improvement project. The contractor will start work next week weather permitting. It should move along quickly and may be done mid November – no sooner.

 

The project is within budget. The two (2) items spoke/decided on at the last meeting were eliminated with change orders.

 

Jim Oshanick asked if Layne had talked to DOE (Department of Ecology) regarding monitor wells in the lagoons. Layne reported he did speak to DOE and voiced he had felt there was no need to have well monitors. He felt any answers from the DOE will be at a later date.

 

Layne also submitted improvement cost estimates for ponds #2 and #3.
Pond #2 - $384,740.00
Pond #3 - $924,900.00

Both included 25% contingencies.

 

Layne also had an overall project cost estimate totaling $2,648,325.00. That would be improvements just for treatment not for collection.

 

Layne spoke that it was discussed at previous meetings to apply not only for CDBG but DOE funding as well. Approximately 50% could be loans.

 

Micki Harnois reported she had talked to Any Oneil o

RCAC   (Rural Community Assistance Corporation) whom informed her that DOE may not give money in the future because it did not agree with the recent type of income survey.

 

Steve made a motion for the Town to apply for full funding for the rehabilitation for lagoon #2 and apply for an alternate funding to install screening at the head works for the lagoons. Thomas seconded the motion, motion carried.

 

John reported that the owner of the house at 127 S. River Street needs to hook up to the Town’s sewer system. He had submitted a plan for pumping to the manhole.

 

The owner will need to sign an acknowledgement that the owner is responsible for any problems; lateral to be maintained by the owner.

 

The sewer line will need be sleeved all along the travel way and along any potable water transmission lines. The plan was approved with the sleeve corrections/additions.

 

Paul Kimmell of Avista was present to explain the utility tax on the electricity bill through Avista to the Council. The Town can implement utility taxes up to 6% without vote of the citizens. Avista Utilities would collect the monies and then send it back to the Town. Town’s usually need to be clear about the purpose for the tax, list the projects. Paul further explained about 70% of Avista’s utility users are using a utility tax. Micki Harnois informed the Council that if they wanted to go further a hearing would need to be held.

 

Mayor Comments

Micki Harnois thanked those who helped with the recent water breaks, including the staff, Randy and Skyler Gambrel.

 

Committee Reports

Jim Oshanick reported that approximately 48 yards of top soil was placed in the three worst spots in the park. Jim borrowed a tractor and smoothed and seeded it as well. Expenditures will go toward the $1,000.00 grant from the NW Farm Credit Services. 

 

Thomas Smith and Dave Thompson will work together and review the Town’s health insurance options. The current plan is going up 11%.

 

Micki Harnois spoke of the necessity for the Council to review recent policies the Town has adopted/implemented and see how things are working.

 

Steve Meyer stated that gravel needs to be placed by the area on “B” Street where the water break was.

 

Steve also reported that he has found a dump box for the truck for $5,000.00. Steve and John will go look at it next week.

 

Public Comments

Walt Whitman asked about the 1% tax. He feels taxes are getting out of hand.

 

Ed Larson was present regarding his utility bill. He has a $150.00 charge for a no meter reading that he feels should not have been added. He knows he submitted a reading. Secondly he received late fees and he paid his August bill. John explained if a person only pays a portion of the bill a late fee will be charged on the unpaid portion of the account, including fees that were not paid. Ed was told he needs to come to the Town Hall and set up a time so John and Brenda can look into his account with him.

 

Randy Gambrel spoke of the recent water break that he had helped John with. Randy spoke highly of John but, emphasized that he feels the Town needs to have more parts on hand to deal with repairs. He felt the break would have been repaired twelve hours earlier if the parts were on hand.

 

Thomas mentioned that the Town has a financial policy on hand and the Town could stock up on parts. Steve agreed with Randy but further voiced he understands from past scrutinizing why John hasn’t purchased more items. Thomas further stated that between John and the Mayor the Town can spend up to $ 600 without Council approval per the Financial plan.

 

Darlene explained that when the Council adopts the budget, if there is money in those line items the Town should be able to purchase the necessary items. Darlene further added that it had not been a problem in the past keeping parts in stock; it hasn’t been until the last few years that there has been so much scrutinizing.

 

Minutes

Jim Oshanick made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 3, 2012 meeting. Thomas Smith seconded the motion, motion carried.

 

Treasurer’s Report

Darlene reported $303,559.73 in all funds for September 2012.

 

Old Business

Jim Oshanick made a motion to approve Resolution 12-0560 Spokane County Emergency Management Department amended interlocal agreement. Thomas Smith seconded the motion, motion carried.

 

New Business

Dave Thompson made a motion to approve the draft zoning map. Steve Meyer seconded the motion, motion carried.

 

Meeting adjourned.
_________________________       _________________
Darlene LaShaw Clerk/Treasurer   Micki Harnois Mayor

January 15, 2013 Palouse , Washington Planning Commission Meeting

Palouse Planning Commission meeting, Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 120 East Main, Palouse, Washington.

An agenda for the meeting will come out around January 12, 2013.

The results of Palouse’s Planning Commission community survey are available at Palouse City Hall East 120 Main Street, or call 509) 878-1811. Only individual names were not carried over to the summary form. We thank the community for the support- we received more than 200 surveys, a result higher than the previous survey.
 

December 12, 2012 Regular Council Minutes.  Our next Regular City Council meeting is January 15th, 7pm, at City Hall.

Preliminary Agenda Regular Council Meeting, Fairfield, Wash., January 8, 2013

PRELIMINARY AGENDA

FAIRFIELD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 8, 2013
7:00 P.M.

 7:00 Call to Order

Approval of the Minutes from December 18, 2012 regular council meeting

Approval of Claims for December 31, 2012 and January 8, 2013

 

Engineer’s Report

Century West

Water pressure Q&A

 

TD&H

 

OLD BUSINESS

Approval of communications package for shop

New employee review process

 

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Pro-Tem

Sewer back-up

• Emergency sewer repair on New Year’s Day

Hardship request snow removal

• Ann Moore submitted request

Volunteer appreciation dinner

• Potential date is Sunday, Jan 27

Liquor License Renewal

• Kelley’s Thrift

Public Works Report

 

Other

 

Complaints/Compliments

 

Adjourn

Questions concerning items appearing on this Agenda or requests for accommodations of special needs to participate in the meeting should be addressed to the Town Clerk, 218 E Main Street, Fairfield, WA 99012 or call (509)283-2414

 

PO Box 334 • Fairfield, WA 99012 • Telephone: (509)283‐2414 • Fax: (888)595‐5579

townoffairfield@cougarwireless.net

 

Mayor Ed Huber & Council Members Harry Gibbons Mary Branon George Davidson Valerie Spurrell Brian Kauffman

Palouse 2013 Compost Permits & Dog License Available

The 2013 Palouse compost permits are now available at City Hall, 120 East Main, Palouse, Washington. Cost is $15.00 for a permit, valid Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2013. Each permit is good for one household only.

Sorry, Christmas trees are not allowed at the compost site. Leaves, grass, and soft vegetation only.

And don’t forget the 2013 Palouse dog licenses are now ready for purchase as well.

Palouse City Council Meetings
2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month, 7:00pm, City Hall, 120 East Main, Palouse, Washington.