CITY OF PALOUSE
Regular Council Meeting, Draft Only
August 11, 2009

CALL TO ORDER :  Mayor Michael Echanove called the Council Meeting to order at 7:02 PM.

ROLL CALL:   Council members present:  Darcie Bagott; Mark Bailey; Andy O’Neill; Jeff Snook; Norm Schorzman (7:10).  Absent:  Mike Milano; Rick Wekenman.  Also present:  Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin; Police Chief Jerry Neumann; City Clerk-Treasurer Joyce Beeson; Deputy Clerk Ann Thompson.  Public present:  Jon Fleischman; George Wilcomb; Nicole Wood; Dixie Reber; Heather McGehee; Steve McGehee; Bear Nisse.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:   Councilmember Bagott MOVED to adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 28, 2009.  Councilmember Snook seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

OPEN FORUM :
Steve McGehee –
Questioned Chief Neumann about the delivery of easement papers to Nicole Wood for her signature.
Questioned council about a letter the city received from Elaine Snouwaert, Ecology in 2007 regarding the MH Park project.
Questioned Councilmember Bailey about the property he owns on Breeding’s Addition and his vote on Breeding’s Addition issues.
Questioned Supt. Griffin about how the concrete pads were disposed of at the MH Park.

Mayor Echanove stated that in regards to Mr. McGehee’s question from the 7/28/09 council meeting, the contract between Munir Daud and Breeding’s Addition, Section VI was a typographical error that has since been corrected.

Dixie Reber –
Asked if the people removing the trailer on the 400 block of W.  Church Street applied for a demo permit.
Asked how many officers and how many vehicles Palouse owns.
Asked how many cases the Palouse PD has filed that were declined to be prosecuted or dismissed by the judge.  And how much the city has spent in settling cases.

Jon Fleischman stated that he has an ongoing issue over his property boundaries.  In 1980, the owner annexed and it was approved by council through Ordinance 540.  Jon stated that the parcel number he pays taxes to is County.  Clerk Beeson explained that the county assessor, Joe Reynolds is working on this issue.  As far as the city is concerned, yes he is in the city.  However, there are discrepancies at the county level.  Councilmember O’Neill explained to Jon that the COP blessed the annexation in 1980 and from here it went to the county.  Apparently, the process was not completed at the county level.  Jon Fleischman voiced his concern about not being recognized by all departments of the city and county as a city resident.  Chief Neumann explained that when working on a criminal case the proper jurisdiction must be followed and according to county records, that’s where Jon resides.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT : 
Supt Griffin reported their progress on Alder Street.  With a couple more water services to hook up their goal is still to be done before school starts.  

POLICE REPORT : 
Chief Neumann submitted a written report of activities.

NEW BUSINESS :
Ordinance No. 861 – Budget Amendment .  Mayor read the ordinance in its entirety.  Ordinance 861 amends Ordinance No. 854 and No. 857.  Fund 306 Police Car Reserve Revenue :  add new line to reflect receipt of the Dept. of Justice American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant through CTED.   Expenditure : Increase capital outlay to allow for costs associated with the purchase of the previously leased Harley motorcycle.  Councilmember Bailey MOVED and Councilmember Snook seconded to adopt Ordinance No. 861.  Motion carried unanimously.

Surplus List .  Council reviewed the list of items for surplus.  Deputy Clerk Thompson suggested that the old ten-key be donated to the museum.  No opposition.  Councilmember O’Neill MOVED , and Councilmember Bagott seconded to adopt the list presented to council for surplus.  Motion carried unanimously.

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS :

Personnel & Pool :  Councilmember Snook reported that it was decided to hold off on the purchase of pool steps until next year.  A better quality, industrial strength version is being considered.  He will discuss it with our insurance carrier.  Councilmember Bailey suggested talking with the Council on Aging for grant opportunities.

MAYOR’S REPORT :
Mayor Echanove explained a funding opportunity through a Small Communities and Rural County Grant (RG).  It funds public works projects which will create jobs.  Applications are due by Sept. 8, 2009.  This is a 100% funded grant – $0 match.  Following up on the work Councilmember Milano did, Mayor Echanove would like to apply for the grant for a pedestrian foot bridge connecting our City Park to the Lion’s Club Park.  Councilmember Snook MOVED to allow the mayor to proceed with an application for the Rural County Grant.  Councilmember Bailey seconded.  Mayor Echanove further described the project and gave a very preliminary estimate of $150,000.  Motion carried unanimously.

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

ADJOURN:   Councilmember O’Neill MOVED to adjourn.  Councilmember Bagott seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  The council meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM.

The following vouchers/warrants are approved for payment:
Claims Paid                 1574 – 1598                $59,839.34