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

Palouse City Council Minutes August 23, 2011

DRAFT ONLY.  Without council review or approval.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

August 23, 2011

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

ROLL CALL:  Council members present:  Cecil Floyd; Tim Jones; Mike Milano; Jeff Snook.  Absent:  Connie Newman; Norm Schorzman; Rick Wekenman.  Also present: Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin; Police Chief Jerry Neumann; Clerk-Treasurer Joyce Beeson; & Deputy Clerk Ann Thompson.  Councilmember Newman is on family vacation; Councilmember Wekenman is working harvest; and Councilmember Schorzman is working.  Councilmember Milano MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Snook to excuse their absences.  Motion carried unanimously.  Public

present:  Katrina Shelton     

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Under Brownfields Update, change wording as follows “….EPA has presented the opportunity for 100% financing…..”  Councilmember Floyd MOVED to adopt the amended minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of August 9, 2011.  Councilmember Jones seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT:  The stop sign at Bridge and Main has been extended out and the tree trimmed to improve visibility.  Pool is closed.  Chip Seal project on Church St. and Bridge St. went well.  Have repaired some water leaks and replaced some valves.

Approval to apply to TIB Small Cities Pavement Preservation (SCPP) for Chip Seal in 2012.  Supt. Griffin put together an application for a 0% match grant for $49,876 for three segments of chip seal next year.  The county confirmed that they would do the work, which will improve the economy of scale.  Councilmember Snook MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Jones authorizing the Mayor to sign the application to the TIB SCPP Application.  Motion carried unanimously. 

POLICE REPORT:  Will increase morning and afternoon patrols to get drivers back in the mindset that school is in.  We’re hoping to begin the work on the PD by the end of August.  We’ve put off the purchase of the replacement vehicle until January.  The Mohr Street house is now sold and the former residents have moved away.    

JFB REPORT:  Councilmember Snook submitted a written report.  The 2012 budget was discussed and approved.   EMS expenses are high due to items with a limited shelf life.  The federal grant program opened and Chief Bagott is working on a proposal for wild land turnout gear and structure fire helmets for a total of about $20,000 with approximately $2,000 match.  3 Fire calls in July, 10 ytd; 5 EMS calls in July, 30 ytd.  They’ve been very busy with trainings.      

NEW BUSINESS:

Resolution 2011-10:  Authorizing the direct receipt of a portion of the general property tax levy in the Street Fund.  Mayor read aloud the resolution in its entirety.  Authorizes the receipt of 35% of the general levy directly into the Street Fund (101) where it can be appropriated to all other functions within the Street Fund.  We’ve always done this but the auditors wanted to see it formalized as a resolution rather than part of the budget cycle.  Councilmember Milano MOVED to adopt Resolution 2011-10.  Seconded by Councilmember Jones.  Motion carried unanimously. 

OPEN FORUM:

Katrina Shelton requested the speed limit on Union Street be dropped to 20 MPH.  Councilmember Floyd MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Milano to continue discussion on this topic.  Motion carried unanimously.  Discussion ensued.  The stop sign at Wall and Union has helped.  During the PD’s emphasis patrols in the area, there haven’t been any documented excessive speeds, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen; it’s just not possible to be there 24/7.  They are narrow streets with no sidewalks so pedestrians should also be using common sense.  We’ve also received complaints of children playing in the streets.  Options discussed:  lowering speed limit, giving tickets, more signage, speed bumps, sidewalks.  This will go to the street committee for review.     

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS: 

Parks, Cemetery, & Buildings-Tim Jones. Chair:

Reminder that we’re having the Palouse Native Plant Walk dedication and river clean up this Saturday.   

YTD we’ve sold 186 nights at the RV Park for a gross of $4,650.00.  It’s on track at netting 60% for the general fund.

Discussion about the city shed.  It’s 100 years old and beyond repair.  Another problem being that it’s in the flood plain. Chairman Jones will look at the whole picture with Supt. Griffin.             

Streets & Sidewalks-Cecil Floyd, Chair:

TIB grant application for Mohr Street Project is done and awaiting Mayor’s signature for submittal.  It falls under the sidewalk preservation program which may mean a 0% match instead of 5%. 

Regarding the Cove Road project, Taylor Engineering split the project in half for pricing.  From Union Street up to city limits, which is the lower priority, is $143,000 with city match of $7,000.  The portion from Union down to the bridge is $250,000, with city match of $12,000.  The match is a concern for the budgeting; one possibility is a federal grant for a bicycle/pedestrian lane with TIB providing the match.  Federal money liability is a concern because of high administrative costs.  This is an option to consider since the cost of street projects has increased, reducing the reserve balance in the street fund.  Councilmember Floyd will work on this for application next year.

Regarding the low visibility of the stop sign at Main and Bridge, there is a product called Pre-Mark which is a non-paint “STOP” legend to put on the road.  WSU uses it.  It lasts longer than paint.  $240 for the legend, $150 shipping, and it requires a special torch to put down.  Cecil will continue looking into it.  Councilmember Floyd MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Milano, to authorize the chair to proceed with this project after first clearing it with Supt. Griffin and Clerk Beeson.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Cecil forwarded to Chief Neumann some complaints about speeding on Union Street and on Hwy 272 to city limits (Colfax highway).  Chief Neumann noted all concerns.

Personnel & Pool-Jeff Snook, Chair:  A personnel and finance combo meeting was held to discuss budgetary and organizational issues with the swim team.  There are budgetary concerns with the payroll costs associated with the swim team.  Over the years things have slowly morphed into the current situation of paying swim team coaches for practice, meet times and travel time to out-of-town meets.  Also, there is an insurance concern that the city is paying paid staff while outside city limits and in their own vehicles.     

Jeff presented two options:      

The first option is to adopt a formal responsibility for swim team.  The swim team would be set up as a program offered by the city.  Fees would be paid to the city and those fees would go towards offsetting expenses. 

The second option is the city would continue providing the facility and also lifeguards only for practice and home swim meets.  The coaches and all other staff needs would be the responsibility of a separate swim team organization, similar to GPAC or little league baseball.  This option represents a savings of approximately $2,000 a year to the pool budget. 

The city is making a significant contribution, it just may be more of a contribution than originally intended and a decision needs to be made.  Councilmember Snook MOVED, seconded by Jones, to table this topic for further discussion.  Motion carried unanimously. 

MAYOR’S REPORT:    

Grant of Easement from Port of Whitman.  Mayor read aloud portions of the document.  Atty. Bishop reviewed and, while he has not confirmed the legal description, the rest of the document looked good.  In short, the port wants an easement going down the west side of the fire station, straight down over the hill to Whitman Street.  Joe Poire from the Port will attend next council meeting to review the route.  We need to pay particular attention to how the Port gets the line down Main Street to the health clinic and library.  Councilmember Milano MOVED authorizing the Mayor to sign the Grant of Easement once Atty. Bishop is satisfied with the legal description.  Seconded by Councilmember Snook.  Motion carried unanimously.   

Clerk Beeson will be sending out her call for budgets within the next two weeks. 

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

ADJOURN:  Councilmember Milano MOVED to adjourn.  Councilmember Jones seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  The council meeting adjourned at 9:02 PM.

The following checks are approved for payment:

Claims Paid            Ck. No. 3388 – 3399                  $5,962.00

APPROVED: ________________________________   ATTEST: ________________________________

Rockford, Washington August 3, 2011 Town Council Minutes

Mayor Micki Harnois brought the meeting to order after the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Council members that were present:  Clint Stevenson, Steve Meyer, Stan Seehorn, and Thomas Smith.  Also present were Public Works Operator, John Goyke and Clerk/Treasurer, Darlene LaShaw and Deputy Clerk, Brenda Gambrel.  Council member Jim Oshanick was absent.

Minutes

The minutes for the July 20^th meeting were approved as submitted.

TD&H

Randy Noble of Thomas, Dean & Hoskins was present to give an update on the Town’s projects.

Well house additions – The heating will be eliminated in well house at Well #5.  A permit will be obtained by the County by the end of the week. TML are not removing anything from their scope of work.

Reservoir project will start work on August 22^nd.  Contractors were waiting on a confirmation date of the delivery of the tank before continuing working.

Randy did some research on solar aerators for the lagoons.  The cost would be approximately $ 240,000.  Cynthia Wall of the DOE is looking into available grants.

TIB applications are due at the end of August.  Randy recommended the Town to wait another year for the Missile Rd/Weaver Street project while the State continues to work on reclassifying those streets to a “rural mini collector”.   TIB funds will be easier to obtain once it is reclassified. 

Randy will submit an application for a sidewalk replacement on River Street.

Micki reported she had signed the form for chip sealing on both Stringham Rd and River Street, being paid by TIB.

Randy spoke briefly that he had a meeting with a lighting company regarding street lighting.

Clint asked if the sidewalk along the street by the Catholic Church had to be replaced, if the Town received the grant for the sidewalks.  He felt that the sidewalks were in good shape.  Could the project end before that block?  Randy mentioned that they were in decent shape but only four feet wide.  He will look into it.

Craig asked with all of the changes in the reservoir project is everything still funded.  Randy informed him that, yes; all is still funded with the project scaled down.

DOE – Shoreline Plan

Jamie Short, a Shoreline Planner of the DOE, was present to let the Council know that the Town can update its Shoreline Master Plan.  In 1974, the Town had adopted the County’s plan.  It hasn’t been updated since then.  She further explained that the Town can wait until the County completes its update, and then the Town can adopt its plan, tailoring it to our own plan.

Jamie will continue visiting the Council meetings for the other South County towns.  Latah has suggested for the Towns to get together and perhaps form a committee.  Jamie suggested that one consultant for all of the towns could be hired to work on the update.  It was the consensus of the Council to go with that idea.

Jamie spoke that the DOE had a grant template to use.  Jamie would be the grant administrator.

Craig inquired about the Town with a creek that travels through it, if people want to build, where do they go to find out what they can do.  Jamie answered that the Shoreline Master Program will have a table that lists what can or can not be done.

Steve asked about the 200 ft buffer line to a creek.  Jamie informed him that the 200 ft is jurisdiction – not a buffer zone.

Web Masters

Andrew Coumont and Josh Grandinetti were present to report on updating the Town’s web site.  They need to know what people wanted on the site.  John thought that people may want the option of tabs that would able people to go to the businesses or organizations sites.

Stan made a motion to allocate $ 800.00 for their completion of the web site.  Thomas seconded the motion; motion carried.

Darlene will continue to send them minutes, agendas, ordinances and resolutions.

Public Works

John reported that Big Sky Industrial were in Town and did the 1,200 feet of sewer jetting and videoing. They worked on the line behind Ivan’s on River Street to Church Street and all of A Street.

They did find that the sewer trunk between Ivan’s and John Lundquist’s house on Weaver Street is broken and will need to be replaced.  They also found problems on A Street.  The tap done for Randy Harnasch’s service line was done incorrectly and had broken the main line that the Town had later paid approximately $ 12,000 to repair.

John also spoke that they couldn’t get the camera through all of A Street.

John noted that any new problems the insurance company will not pay now that the Town knows of the problems.

John spoke of an issue of damaged lawns after the BSI had been on the Town’s easement.  John had not admitted to any liability.  The work was done on the easement.  It was the only way to get the truck in there.  He will see if the insurance company would respond to it.

John also spoke that the Army Corp of Engineers will be in to inspect the dike.

John further informed the Council that the inmate crew will be in Town on Tuesday, August 9^th at 6:30 am to help clean streets, sidewalks from the bridge – up Emma to the north end of Center Street.  If there is additional time they will do some weed eating.

There is no new solution to the chip pile.

Mayor’s Comments

Micki reported that the State will continue on with its chip sealing project and plan to have it done by the end of August.

The Council reviewed the past due accounts.

Gail Burton had submitted a letter, challenging the water overages on her account.  During a time when the reservoir had drained she had been told by a Council member while running their water to flush out the brown water out of their system, to keep track of the meter and the Town would compensate for their overage.  Soon after the Council stated that the Town would not compensate for citizens water overages.  It was the consensus of the Council to split the difference with the Burton’s.

Micki reported she will be meeting Ed Larsen next week regarding the current code compliance issue.  Ed had recently submitted a letter stating their goals for cleaning the property.  Steve noted that some items have been hauled off.

Public Comments

Dan and Julie Hansen were present challenging their utility bill.  They were confused at a couple of meter readings.  The office will review the billings and get back with them.

Vivian announced the Car Show will be next week with a drive in movie showing at the ball park on Friday evening.

Craig asked if the Town would be doing any road oiling this year.  He asked where the money went that would have been spent on oiling.  He voiced his frustration on not being notified that the Town wasn’t going to oil this year.  He questioned how was he to know who to call.

Old Business

Micki reported that there is still an opening on the Planning Commission.

The Council reviewed the different options the Town had for health insurance for the employees.

A spread sheet of various plans and their costs were studied but no decisions were made.

New Business

Thomas made a motion to approve Resolution 11-4R, Rockford’s request for a fire levy that will be placed on November’s ballot.  Steve seconded the motion; motion carried.

Thomas made a motion to adopt Ordinance 11-2, Rockford’s ordinance for adopting its tree advisory board and establishing the Tree City use requirements.  Stan seconded the motion; motion carried.

Lonnie Ottosen had recently submitted a proposal for a pilot GIS mapping program for the Town.  The Council will review it and discuss at a later meeting.

Checks

Clint made a motion to approve checks # 11,058- # 11,095 in the amount of $ 56,263.40.  Thomas seconded the motion; motion carried.

            Payroll # 11,059 -  11,066                                     $       5, 566.11

            Claims # 11,058, 11,067 – 11,095                     50,697.29

            Total                                                               $      56,263.40

Meeting adjourned.

___________________________________

Darlene LaShaw, Clerk                                        Micki Harnois, Mayor

Palouse City Council August 23, 2011 Agenda

CITY OF PALOUSE

Palouse City Hall – 120 E Main Street

AGENDA

Regular Council Meeting

August 23, 2011

CALL TO ORDER:

ROLL CALL:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Regular Council Meeting of August 9, 2011.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: 

Approval to apply to TIB for money to chip seal in 2012

POLICE REPORT: 

JFB REPORT:

NEW BUSINESS:

Resolution 2011-10:  Authorizing the direct receipt of a portion of the general property tax levy into the Street Fund.

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 Minutes August 9, 2011

DRAFT ONLY.  Without council review or approval.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

August 9, 2011

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

ROLL CALL:  Council members present:  Cecil Floyd; Tim Jones; Connie Newman; Norm Schorzman; Jeff Snook; Rick Wekenman.  Absent:  Mike Milano is on vacation.  Councilmember Snook MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Newman to excuse his absence.  Motion carried unanimously.  Also present: Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin; Police Chief Jerry Neumann; Clerk-Treasurer Joyce Beeson; Deputy Clerk Ann Thompson; Atty. Bishop; & Commissioner Greg Partch.  Public present:  Pete Hertz; Doug Willcox.     

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 26, 2011.  Councilmember Wekenman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT:   Finished asphalt patching on Church Street; prepared for county to chip seal Church and Bridge.  The county chip sealed the patches on Fairview.  Next year we’re hoping to chip seal Fairview from shoulder to shoulder.   

POLICE REPORT:  Chief Neumann submitted July activity log.  There have been five known bee swarms this summer along Main Street.  The public needs to be aware that honeybees are very different from wasps; they are docile while swarming, they are an asset, and just want to be left alone.  Please don’t spray or harm the honeybees.  Report a swarm to City Hall.    

OLD BUSINESS:

Resolution 2011-09:  Interim policy for allocation of expenses.  Mayor read aloud the resolution in its entirety.  The state auditor has mandated we have a policy for allocation of expenses, whether we continue with percentages or go to actuals.  This resolution will allow allocating payroll to actual hours and allocation of indirect costs to the best available documentation until a policy is developed and approved.  Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to adopt Resolution 2011-09, seconded by Councilmember Snook.  Councilmember Wekenman voted nay.  Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Whitman County Hazardous Mitigation Plan Update.  Whitman County put together the current plan, which includes other entities (cities, towns, fire districts, school districts, etc).  They could either join or develop their own plan so the City of Palouse joined.  Each community received their own annex to the plan.  The plan is good for five years and is now being updated.  The City of Palouse has been asked again if they want to continue with the update.  The federal government tied this plan to FEMA funding.  Mayor would like Rick Wekenman to be the primary contact for this.  Councilmember Schorzman MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Newman, authorizing the Mayor to sign the letter of intent to join the coalition.  Motion carried unanimously.  

BROWNFIELDS UPDATE, Doug Willcox:  Doug distributed a written report reviewing the city’s goals, and reviewing DOE administrative pathway from this point forward.  The latest developments include a Prospective Purchaser Agreement (PPA), which limits liability as desired in advance of property acquisition.  Another development is that the EPA has offered 100% financing rather than 90% State Ecology and 10% EPA.  Estimated timeline:  PPA and EPA funding commitment by early October; Property acquisition by  end of October; Cleanup Plan design by engineering firm, November 2011 – February 2012; Clean up late summer 2012.  Brownfields Committee activity will start up again after October 2011.  The primary function for them is to work on site reuse/marketing.  Little has been possible with marketing during past year due to cleanup strategy/funding uncertainties; Doug estimates the committee getting more involved this fall. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS: 

Parks, Cemetery, & Buildings-Tim Jones. Chair:  Presented an example of the sign the PCD is making and installing at the Palouse Native Plant Walk.  PCD is planning a Palouse River cleanup and maintenance of the Palouse Native Plant Walk, August 27^th from 9 to 1, with BBQ.     

Streets & Sidewalks-Cecil Floyd, Chair:  Palouse SD has pledged to split the $5,000 match of the proposed TIB grant for Mohr Street project.  Councilmember Floyd will submit the application by August 31^st deadline. 

Discussion ensued about what the city wants to do with the Cove Road project.  The cost was estimated at $400,000.  There was talk of splitting the project into 2 phases: 1) Bridge St to Union St.;  2) Union St to city limit.  It was agreed that phase 1 would be a huge improvement in safety.   Councilmember Floyd will consider putting together an application for this year, however, grants are expected to be available for next year.       

Police, Fire, & Safety-Rick Wekenman, Chair: 

- Committee met and discussed the possible combining of the police vehicle and police equipment funds to allow more flexibility in budgeting for large items such as vehicle purchase.  The police equipment fund is used to purchase equipment for the vehicles anyway. 

- Discussed HP and Palouse Days; minor street closure adjustments. 

- Finance committee needs to look at possible pay raises for all city staff.

- Main and Bridge Street intersection is still a big issue.  The stop sign and flashing red light aren’t seen well; not uncommon for people to not stop because they simply don’t see it.  Possible solutions:  painting a warning on the highway, strip lighting, and extending the sign out on an arm.  It’s a state highway and the state isn’t enthusiastic about doing anything because they go by percentages and we haven’t had any “serious” accidents there yet.  The committee will have a joint committee meeting with Streets & Sidewalk to brainstorm ideas.        

OPEN FORUM:

Norm Schorzman presented a map of the landscaping he wants to do between the health clinic and his home.  The work will be done by a professional landscaper.  It is the Schorzman’s property but the city has legal right-of-way.  Homeowners need to remember they can beautify property but since it’s a right-of-way, if the city needs to access the property with heavy equipment, saw down a tree, etc., they can and will and there is potential for damage to the landscaping.  Councilmember Newman MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Snook, approving the landscaping plans submitted by Norm Schorzman.  Councilmember Schorzman abstained.  Motion carried unanimously.     

Commissioner Partch explained that the TIB has $50 million more available this year for sidewalks or overlays only.  The county has $46,000 to spend in trainings for Public Works employees. 

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

ADJOURN:  Councilmember Snook MOVED to adjourn.  Councilmember Schorzman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  The council meeting adjourned at 8:46 PM.

The following checks are approved for payment:

Claims Paid            Ck. No. 3360-3387 & EFT             $16,262.90

Payroll Paid            Ck. No. 3331-3359 & EFT            $49,969,49

APPROVED: ________________________________   ATTEST: ________________________________