Palouse City Council
Regular Council Meeting
August 13, 2013
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Echanove called the Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
ROLL CALL: Council members present: Senja Estes; Bo Ossinger; Norm Schorzman; Alison Webb. Absent: Tim Jones, Connie Newman, & Rick Wekenman. Tim is in Seattle, Rick is harvesting, and Connie is ill. Councilmember Ossinger MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Estes to excuse all three absences. Motion carried unanimously. Also present: Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin; Police Chief Jerry Neumann; Clerk-Treasurer Joyce Beeson; & Deputy Clerk Ann Thompson. Public present: Andra Edwards & Katie Cooper.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting and Public Hearing for Six Year Street Plan of July 23, 2013. Councilmember Estes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
OPEN FORUM:
Andi Edwards: With the passing of Heidi Keen, Andi is now representing the committee putting on the Barley Bar Relay on Palouse Day. For logistics and safety, they are proposing moving the event to the Brownsfield site. Chief Neumann has no concerns. Councilmember Webb MOVED to allow them to make the location change with the proper permits. Councilmember Estes seconded. Motion carried unanimously. All proceeds are now going to the Heidi Keen Memorial Fund.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: Supt. Griffin submitted a written report.
We have a new home going in on Breeding’s Addition. We’ve received all the payments and have completed the water hook-up and are continuing with the sewer hook-up.
DG explained in detail the need for new pump telemetry at the reservoir. The wells at both pumps need to communicate with the reservoir every 15 seconds. The antenna has been raised and for now the system is working but the UHF radio is more than 10 years old and now obsolete. Updating the system will cost $6,000-$7,000.
POLICE REPORT:
Crimes of opportunity – be diligent about locking up valuables in your yard and garage, particularly gas cans, tools, etc.
Chief Neumann contacted the owner of the nuisance property at 110 E. Mohr Street. On May 5 the property was tagged as a nuisance and the owner was given 45 days to clean up the property (siding, skirting, yard, etc.). We’re approaching 90 days and she has taken no action. Action needs to occur. It’s unsafe and an eyesore. The PD will send a certified letter with strong language, with citations to follow.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS: NO REPORTS
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Supt. Griffin & Clerk-Treasurer Beeson put together the TIB application for chip seal maintenance of Fairview (North River Road) next year. Estimating cost at $31,700 dollars and the grant is 100% reimbursable. The project will be in two phases: crack seal and asphalt patch first year, and chip seal the second year. Councilmember Estes MOVED to authorize the mayor to sign the TIB grant application. Councilmember Webb seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Addressing scheme on Palouse Cove Road. Mayor has been talking with county Public Works director Mark Storey and Whit-com regarding the numbering scheme. There are three addressing schemes coming into Palouse: state highways (SR #’s), city (block grid 100 block, 200 block), and county (mile posts & pins). What has occurred on Palouse Cove Road is all three entities meet and none of the numbering matches. We’re trying to work in collaboration with the county and Whit-Com to come up with the best solution.
Current Expense fund is holding its own and should gain a pinch this year. No surprises so far.
ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS: Councilmember Schorzman MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed. Councilmember Estes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN: Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to adjourn. Councilmember Estes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.
The following checks are approved for payment:
Payroll Paid 7/31/13 Ck. #5029-5054 & EFT $46,314.60
Claims Paid Ck. #5055-5094 & EFT $22,747.50
APPROVED: ________________________________ ATTEST: ________________________________