REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING-DRAFT ONLY
August 22, 2006
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Michael Echanove called the Council Meeting to order at 7:00PM
ROLL CALL: Council members present were: Darcie Bagott; Mark Bailey; Mike Milano; Andy O’Neill; Norm Schorzman; Jeff Snook. Absent-Rick Wekenman. Also present were: Bev Pearce, Deputy Clerk; Police Chief Jerry Neumann; Caitlyn McGehee; Tom Boone; Shannon Neiberg; Tim Boone; Colleen Boone; Susan Akin; Richard Akin.
Public Hearing: 2007 Revenue Sources: Open at 7:03PM
No public comment
Closed at 7:04PM
The Mayor and Council reviewed the valuation report Joyce prepared for them. Joyce has prepared resolutions and ordinances for the next council meeting. The Mayor informed the council that the next step is to discuss expenses.
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Jeff Snook MOVED to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of August 8, 2006. Mike Milano seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT : Deputy Clerk Pearce reported that Byron was unable to attend as he was working on a septic tank project at home. He reported by phone that the city crew is working hard on Alder Street . If there was any urgent questions he could be reached at home.
Public Hearing: Annexation request by Tim & Colleen Boone for 8.2 acres on the Northeast city limit line
Open at 7:18PM
Richard and Sue Akin had the following questions: Where will the new road be; will 9th Street be open; Will city maintain road; Are there plans to upgrade B Street; concern about additional traffic; will an additional fire hydrant be put in; will the road that connects to the proposed annexation be a public or private road; what is the current zoning?
Shannon Neiberg, future property owners of the proposed annexation, wants to properly locate the street. Will the city maintain the street if it is built to city specifications? Shannon said that his contractor George Kunkel is a reputable contractor and he fully expects it to be built to city specifications or better. Colleen Boone told council that they are not selling the property to the Neiburg’s for future development, it is being sold for single family residents, and she also said that they plan to a clause into the contract that the property cannot be sub divided for a long period of time. Her family already gave up 3 acres of farm land as a buffer when Jo Johnson built her home in the same area and do not want to continue losing farm land.
The Mayor addressed the Akins questions: There have been no request to open up 9th Street . It is currently a plated street and a public right of way. Opening the street for public use would require the initiating party to file a petition to do so at city hall. There is no request in this annexation proposal to open any streets. Regarding B Street , is not a open public road and has never been accepted by the city. This is a different topic and not part of this annexation. The Mayor would like to meet with the property owners at a later date to further discuss B Street . The fire hydrant placement would a question of the Fire Chief. 100 Feet of 9th Street will be constructed up to city limits, and then the rest is private. The zoning is Low Density. Council Member Schorzman asked Shannon if they will be requesting city water and sewer. Shannon said no the sewer and they are exploring the options of city water versus well water.
Public Hearing closed at 7:35PM
Annexation request discussion: The Mayor read from the annexation policy the Evaluation Criteria. Following the written guideline the council was in agreement that the annexation request met all the criteria. Tom Boone told the council to expect more growth in the same area. Council Member Schorzman voice concern over B Street . Council Member Bagott MOVED to accept the annexation request. Council Member Schorzman seconded the motion. Shannon Neiberg explained that the county was requiring a Boundary adjustment because a portion of the proposed property would need to be purchased from Tom Boone, by Tim Boone. Colleen Boone told council that they could sell 26 acres to the Neiburg’s and it would remain in the county, or they could sell 8.2 acres and annex to the city. The Boones will go either way, but it is to the city’s advantage to annex. Council Member Bagott MOVED to amend her original motion, by adding the the boundary adjustment must be finalized. Council Member Schorzman seconded the amended motion. The motion carried with Council Member Bailey abstaining. The Mayor said that at the next council the final ordinance will be presented. Tim Boone thanked the council for approving the annexation.
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Chief Neumann reported that he participated in the Rosalia Bike Rally as an officer. He had the opportunity to show the city’s motorcycle and speak about Palouse; he was also interviewed by a TV news crew. The Chief would like to remind citizens that because of the high gas prices citizens should park their vehicles where gas thieves cannot reach their gas tanks. The department is investigating mail fraud complaints. He reports that scam artists are contacting citizens with a story that they have won a lottery and if they send them $300 or $400 dollars that they can receive their big winnings. What the Chief has found is that these phone calls are coming from Canada . The US Post Office has a web site that explains this type of scam. He told council that citizens should not give out personal information over the phone and if they receive any calls like this they should contact the Police Department. The new Police Department is moving along, sheet rock, flooring and new doors are being worked on.
The Mayor asked the chief to hold up the handicapped signs that have come into city hall. The signs will be posted as soon as possible.
BUILDING INSPECTOR REPORT: Chief Neumann reported that he and the building inspector are working on a nuisance complaint which has brought in about 4 other agencies to deal with the situation. The building inspector has placed a 14 day notice on the property in question, if not complied with the city will need to take action.
JOINT FIRE BOARD & EMS: Council Member Snook reported that the JFB met last night, August 21, and reviewed the budget and everything looks good, noting that so far the calls are low. The new sign for the Fire Station is in the works. Chief Bagott is proposing a burn ban policy with a time frame for next year. Currently there is no ban and he is being watchful of the conditions. Council Member Milano mentioned that notifying the citizens has been an issue. Discussion on how to inform all citizens continued.
OLD BUSINESS:
- Substitute Ordinance # 820 – Authorization for the acquisition of the sludge press system
The Mayor reviewed the minutes from the July 25 council meeting. The Mayor entertained a motion to suspend the reading of the revised Ordinance. Council Member Snook MOVED to suspend the reading of revised Ordinance No 820. Council Member Schorzman seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. The Mayor read Joyce’s note explaining that the first written ordinance was submitted to the State Treasurers office, but it had a few errors and corrections would be needed and a substitute ordinance would need to be adopted and filed. Council Member Schorzman MOVED to adopt the Substitute Ordinance #820. Council Member Bailey seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS:
PARKS, CEMETERY & BUILDINGS : Mike Milano reported that he continues to receive information from the RV park consultant and has talked to the Whitman County Parks and Rec. manager. He has great resources for grants and indicates that the city needs a comprehensive plan for parks and recreation to qualify for most of the grants.
Council Member Milano feels this will be a great winter project for the committee.
PERSONNEL & POOL : Jeff Snook reported that he has talked to Joyce and she is requesting additional office staff before the end of the year, an administrative assistant, starting wages at about $11.00 per hour. This year’s budget will be able to carry the additional position. He will have more to report at the next council meeting.
FINANCE, PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT : Norm Schorzman reported that Joyce is coming right along with the budget work and all departments need to report to her their financial requests.
POLICY & ADMINISTRATION : Mark Bailey reported that he is working on the compost grant application to the county. The proposed compost site will not be in place before the falling of leaves this fall. He would like to arrange with the city’s service groups a distribution of leaf bags, then a pick up of the bags when full. The goal is to eliminate leaf burning this fall and in the future.
STREETS AND SIDEWALKS: Darcie Bagott
The TIB grant application is on the verge of completion. Council Member Bagott MOVED to allow the Mayor and herself to sign the grant application. Council Member Schorzman seconded the motion. The Mayor reminded council that after the application is submitted the city should know within 90 days if it has bee approved. The motion carried unanimously.
WATER & SEWER : Andy O’Neill
The city needs to start thinking about replacing Byron’s position prior to his retirement
MAYOR’S REPORT : The Mayor reported that Council Member Bagott, Schorzman and himself met with the EPA and reviewed the Brownfield property. The committee has also contacted the Fire Chief.
Council Member Snook attended the Small City Roundup, held by AWC. Many small cities were represented and talked over their needs, concerns and issues in each city. AWC will compile the information and publish the results.
No bills presented at this council meeting
ADJOURN Darcie Bagott MOVED to adjourn. Norm Schorzman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council meeting adjourned at 8:45PM
APPROVED: ________________________________ ATTEST: ________________________________