REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – DRAFT ONLY
August 12, 2008
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Michael Echanove called the Council Meeting to order at 7:02 PM.
ROLL CALL: Council members present were: Darcie Bagott; Mark Bailey; Mike Milano; Andy O’Neill; Norm Schorzman; Jeff Snook. Absent were: Rick Wekenman. Also present were: Clerk-Treasurer Joyce Beeson; Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin; Police Chief Jerry Neumann; City Attorney Stephen Bishop; and Deputy Clerk Ann Thompson. Public present were: Carol Towne; Bryan Bryngelson; Jana Mathia; Steve McGehee; Heather McGehee; James Farr; David Mayhan; Ed Griner; LuJane Nisse; Angie, Wyatt, and Payson Griner.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Under approval of minutes change name spelling to Labaw. Councilmember O’Neill MOVED to adopt the amended minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 22, 2008. Councilmember Milano seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
OPEN FORUM : The Mayor states that the council will not entertain any comments regarding personnel issues of city staff.
Jamie Farr expressed his issues with the water and sewer cost estimates to develop his property in Breeding’s Addition. Basically, Mr. Farr wants to be able to install one meter at this time and extend water line across private property as he sees fit. Supt. Griffin has explained to Mr. Farr a number of times that he needs to abide by the same requirements that everyone else has. The infrastructure needs to be systematic and within city right of ways or easements. Mayor explained the multiple reasons it’s not feasible to allow people to put water/sewer lines anywhere they want on their property and expect to be allowed to connect to the city system. Mr. Farr explained that the street right of ways were vacated up there and based on the city’s answer to his development question, he will not grant any utility easements in the future. Mr. Farr further explained that he will not be told that he must install a fire hydrant where there is no utility easement. Mr. Farr stated that his next issue with the city is his rock pit off of Fairview Ave. He stated that he did not give permission to anyone to dump road material there. Superintendent Griffin stated that this is an issue between A & R Construction and Farr. Supt. Griffin reported that Rob at A & R Construction said it was as per Jim Farr’s request that dirt and asphalt were moved there. Jamie Farr denies this and blames the city. Lastly, Mr. Farr has an issue with the sewer easement on 7th street where he claims the sewer line missed the easement. Mayor said that Engineer Munir Daud said he will set corner pins so everyone can see that the sewer line is within the easement. Mr. Farr stated that if this is how this whole thing is going to go; if the sewer line is outside the easement then he wants the line removed and he will be taking the city to court on his issues.
Steve McGehee asked if there are any other newly submitted A & R invoices. No. He also asked for any requests for proposals that the city has out for additional work on the project. Superintendent Griffin explained that he has requested bids from Poe and Spokane Rock for asphalt repair on Fairview. The project is small and these requests were made by phone, no formal RFP went out. When the bids are presented to council, anyone is welcome to view them.
Dave Mayhan wants to know if the city is going to fix West Whitman Street where the construction crews damaged it. Supt. Griffin explained that if the city does anything, it will be next spring and the work will be minimal. West Whitman Street was in deplorable condition prior to construction and needs total reconstruction. Dave Mayhan asked council for a sign at the bottom of the hill for children at play.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: Superintendent Dwayne Griffin reported they’ve been busy working on MH Park. Cove Road has been fog sealed. They are working on sewer at RV Park and will probably begin putting in water next week.
The pool is closing the 20th of August.
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Chief Neumann reported that National Night Out went well. They’re working with Palouse Chamber on entertainment for Palouse Days. He’s looking at a motorcycle stunt teams but is concerned with possible street damage. The issue with the resident on Bluff Street issue is being resolved.
NEW BUSINESS:
2nd Quarter Treasurer’s Report . Clerk Beeson presented the treasurer’s report to council. She is learning more about the new state standards for auditing and reporting. The quarterly financial report will improve in the future. There’s a certification page for council to sign. She encouraged council to review, ask questions and make comments on the certification. It looks like we’re on target with the 2008 budget but will have to make a few budget amendments before the year is done for higher operating expenses last winter and with fuel.
Resolution No. 2008-12: Cancel lost warrant No. 13067. It is lost and has not been cashed. Councilmember Milano MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2008-12. Councilmember Bagott seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
Ordinance No. 845 – Junk vehicles. Mayor read the ordinance in its entirety. Councilmember Bailey explained that the wording is standard throughout Washington State. Councilmember Milano is concerned that the police may not be able to determine what is junk vs. collector car. Chief Neumann explained they know the difference. Councilmember Milano wondered whether Quakes Brakes might be an exception. Chief Neumann pointed out that he would be exempt because he’s appropriately zoned. Councilmember Bagott MOVED that we adopt Ordinance No. 845 as written. Councilmember Snook seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Whitman Street Update: Ed Griner of Spokane Rock updated council on the progress on Whitman Street. They are currently installing the electrical. Concrete will be in next week to finish sidewalks. Landscaping will be going at the same time. On the 29th the signs and striping should be done, which puts them 2 weeks ahead of schedule if everything goes as planned. Supt. Griffin complimented Spokane Rock on their work and professionalism. Ed is working with Munir Daud and Paul Weber our rail engineer in Spokane to make sure the damaged seal is functional and up to spec.
MH Acquisition Project update: Trailer number 3 is now empty. Carol Towne’s son Bryan Bryngelson spoke on her behalf. He’s concerned with the dollar amount offered as a relocation payment. He would like either $10,000 and they take the trailer or they’ll take $8,000 and the city can keep the trailer and pay for removal. Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to go into executive session at 7:52 regarding Carol Towne’s contract. Councilmember Snook seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Council reconvened at 8:03 pm. Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to authorize the Mayor to continue negotiations with Carol Towne. Councilmember Bagott seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS:
PARKS, CEMETERY & BUILDINGS: Councilmember Milano attended a Recreation and Conservation Office grant evaluation meeting. He gave a 12 minute presentation followed by an 8 minutes comment period. The comments were very positive. We won’t hear anything until June of ’09. He is requesting 12,000 from the state for playground equipment. He read a letter from Schweitzer Engineering in which they donated $3,000 for the playground equipment in memory of Logan McReynolds.
POLICY & ADMINISTRATION : Mark Bailey explained that the Whitman Co. Emergency Communications department is in a state of flux right now. There has been a resignation and the 9-1-1 director is out of commission for 5 or so months. Ecology has the chipper but no one has been hired to operate it.
STREETS & SIDEWALKS : Darcie said they will be applying for a TIB grant for sidewalk replacement on H Street, from Main Street to Alder Street. The total project is currently estimated to cost $120,000. Mayor recommends the city securing 10%, $12,000, which comes from our arterial street fund. The School District will pledge $5,000 towards this project if we get the grant. The project includes sidewalk, gutters, hand rails, etc. The school district is thrilled with this potential project. Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to move forward with TIB to pursue a grant for sidewalk improvement. Councilmember Snook seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
The school is continuing with the gym floor legal issues and they assume part of their problem is the water coming off of F Street. There are no catch basins. They would like to meet with the city, school board, architect, Supt. Griffin, Darcie Bagott, and Munir, to come up with a solution to tie into what the city has or carry it from the gym down to Alder Street. They need to know where the water is coming from and prevent it from ruining another gym floor.
MAYOR’S REPORT: The mayor would like to surplus trailer no. 3 at the MH Park. There has been interest in that home. Councilmember Milano MOVED to surplus trailer #3. Councilmember Snook seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS: Councilmember Schorzman MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed. Councilmember Bailey seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN: Councilmember Snook MOVED to adjourn. Councilmember Bagott seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council meeting adjourned at 8:52 PM.
The following vouchers/warrants are approved for payment:
Claims Paid
Claims Paid
Payroll Paid
APPROVED: ________________________________ ATTEST: ________________________________