CITY OF PALOUSE
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING-DRAFT ONLY
AUGUST 24, 2004
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Michael Echanove called the Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
ROLL CALL: Council members present were: Norm Schorzman, John Sell-arrived at 7:02PM, Jeff Snook, Rick Wekenman, and Steve McGehee. Absent were: Linda Dillard and Dave Willmore. Also present were: Joyce Beeson, Clerk-Treasurer; Bev Pearce, Deputy Clerk; Byron Hodges, Public Works Superintendent; Randy Zehm, Police Chief; Rex Kayser; Karen Kayser; Steve Witthuhn; Darrel Goertzen.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilman McGehee made a correction to the minutes, the word presents changed to presence. Steve McGehee MOVED to approve the amended minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of August 10, 2004. Norm Schorzman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
OPEN FORUM :
The mayor requested that the Palouse Chapel Men’s Shelter be put on the agenda for the next council meeting.
Rex Kayser is concerned about the men’s shelter and council action.
Councilman Wekenman stated that he not aware of any problems from the shelter and asked Rex Kaser if he had any problems. Rex stated that people are aware of where the Union Gospel Missions are, yet the community was not made aware of a men’s shelter being operated for the past eight years. What drew his attention to the shelter was Dave Caudle (pastor of the church) and his driving back and forth to the church in the evenings. Councilman McGehee stated that his intention is to introduce a motion to the council to request that the church report quarterly or bi-annually as to the number of residents and the success of the program. Karen Kaser asked what the council is going to do to make her family feel safe. Steve Witthuhn commented that he didn’t think it was the council’s responsibility. The Mayor mentioned that he has spoken to the Police Chief and the city attorney on this matter.
The Open Forum closed being no further discussion.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT : Written Report Submitted By Byron Hodges
Byron added that a storm drain was plugged on H Street and has been fixed. The hydrostat went out on the mower and was taken in for repair; the cost will be covered under warranty. Byron was concerned about the Shadylane trail that is being done by the Eagle Scouts. He was under the impression that it was going to be a walking path. He has estimated that it will take 10 loads of gravel at $110 per load. The construction of this trail using the mini-excavator will cause more weeds to return. The Mayor stated that the council voted to support this project and provide the needed gravel. Councilman Wekenman commented that the actual amount of gravel never was given at the beginning of the project. The Mayor said the project has already been started. Councilman McGehee asked Byron what percentage of gravel has been used; Byron said that 6 loads have been put down, with a total 10 loads to be used. Byron concern is that he thought the trail would be more of a natural approach which would use wood chips or something similar and less disturbing of the surrounding property.
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Written Report Submitted By Chief Zehm
Chief Zehm added that his conversations with Catherine Schulhauser have been toward a general agreement to retain the same agreement with the Whitman County Humane Society as 2004. Councilman Wekenman MOVED to renew the contract with the Whitman County Humane Society for 2005 with the same terms as the 2004 contract. Councilman McGehee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Chief Zehm confirmed the Ride Around Washington event was a success and the bicyclist had only good words about Palouse. Councilman Schorzman also commented that in his conversations with the club members they complimented our police department and the citizens of Palouse for its hospitality. The business owners had good reports of sales as well. The Mayor asked the council if the city should work on codes or ordinances in regards to people camping in the park area. Chief Zehm commented that perhaps getting more information to the community about events and the parks usage. Councilman Schorzman stated that this event involved responsible adults and that is why it went well. The Mayor asked the Admin/Policy Committee to review this event and future events like it.
JOINT BOARD FIRE & EMS UPDATE:
Award Bid for Structural (building) Portion of Public Safety Building:
Councilman Schorzman stated that bids went out 10 days ago and only 2 came back, incomplete. Doug Willcox is working with the lowest bidder of the two. No action was taken by the council.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Ordinance 801 – Adopting Property Tax Increase for collection in 2005
The Mayor read this ordinance through in its entirety, then by Title and Number only, then by Title only.
This ordinance is for the City of Palouse’s 2004 property tax levy for collection in 2005 in the amount of $95,134, plus and increase of $951, which is an increase of one percent, plus an increase equal to the amount allowed under the new construction provisions of RCW 84.55.010, plus any increases in state assessed property values. Councilman Schorzman MOVED to adopt Ordinance 801. Councilman Snook seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
- Resolution 2004-06 – Proposing a one year excess levy for street oiling and street improvements:
The Mayor read the resolution in its entirety. This is a request to place the following proposition on the November 2, 2004 General Election Ballot, to be voted upon by the voters of the City of Palouse:
“For the purpose of funding street oiling and street improvements, pursuant to RCW 84.52.052, to impose an excess property tax levy upon all taxable property within the City in the amount of $35,000 an estimated $1.10 or less per thousand dollars of assessed value in the year 2004 for collection in 2005, as provided in Resolution 2004-06.
Councilman Snook MOVED to approve Resolution 2004-06. Councilman Schorzman seconded the motion. Councilman McGehee asked Byron if there were any funds leftover. Byron said it is all spent. The motion carried unanimously.
- Resolution 2004-07 Proposing a one year excess levy for operation & maintenance of the swimming pool:
The Mayor read the resolution in its entirety. This is a request to place the following proposition on the November 2, 2004 General Election Ballot, to be voted upon by the voters of the City of Palouse:
“For the purpose of funding the operation and maintenance of the swimming pool, the City Council of the City of Palouse proposes, pursuant to RCW 84.52.052, to impose an excess property tax levy upon all taxable property within the City in the amount of $26,000 an estimated $.82 or less per thousand dollars of assessed value in the year 2004 for collection in 2005, as provided in Resolution 2004-07. Councilman McGehee MOVED to approve Resolution 2004-07. Councilman Wekenman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
- Ordinance 802 – Setting Regular and Special Levy Amounts for collection in 2005:
The Mayor read the ordinance in its entirety, then by Title and Number, then by Number only.
This ordinance sets the regular and special levy amounts for the Budget Year 2005 as follows:
Special Street Levy – $35,000
Special Pool Levy – $26,000
Special EMS Levy – $16,489
General Levy – $ 96,895
Total amount to be raised by taxation – $174,384
Councilman McGehee MOVED to adopt Ordinance 802. Councilman Wekenman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
- City Insurance Carrier Review – Steve Witthuhn
Steve began with an explanation that there are competing insurance pools for city insurance coverage’s. He did a comparison for the city between the current coverage and the offered policy from AWC. If a claim is filed the city pays the first $1,000 of the deductible and the insurance pool pays the remaining amount. Property damage deductible is $250 and liability is also $250. The premium cost with the current insurance company, Canfield is $600 less then the offer from AWC. The broker commission, which is charged by AIA insurance, is not covered under the premium. Steve is willing to reduce that commission to $1200. The Fire Department and City both use Canfield and the policy can overlap for certain claims. Steve noted that the same type of services offered by AWC is also offered by Canfield. Councilman McGehee recapped Steve’s presentation. The Mayor stated that if the city wishes to change insurance companies, a one year notice must be given to the company. Steve Witthuhn explained that the long notice is required due to the pool concept of this type of insurance. Councilman McGehee stated his wishes to stay with the local insurance company. The rest of the council agreed.
OLD BUSINESS:
Lease agreement between the City of Palouse and the community center. The center wishes to lease approximately 40’ of city owned land west of the community center building:
Councilman McGehee MOVED to accept the lease agreement between the city and the community center.
Councilman Snook seconded the motion. Councilman Wekenman pointed out a spelling error and correction was made. With correction motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS:
STREETS & SIDEWALKS: Linda Dillard-Absent
No Report
FINANCE, PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT : Norm Schorzman
No Report
PARKS, CEMETERY & BUILDINGS : John Sell
No Report
PERSONNEL & POOL : Jeff Snook
No Report
POLICY & ADMINISTRATION : Steve McGehee
No Report
WATER & SEWER : David Willmore-Absent
No Report
POLICE, FIRE & SAFETY : Rick Wekenman
No Report
MAYOR’S REPORT :
The Mayor reported that Ride Around Washington (RAW) went well and again asked the Admin/Policy Committee to look a more formal policy on the park usage.
Joyce noted that November 8 is her deadline to have a 2005 preliminary budget available to the public so committee work must begin soon.
Joyce is also researching information on the Palouse Chapel Men’s Shelter regarding zoning and if the city can legally request the church to provide reports to the council.
Byron Hodges complimented the pool manager and its crew for a job well done this year.
The Mayor asked Byron about the sewer lines on Division Street. Byron stated that during the street renovation a couple of years ago, the city asked the two home owners to redirect their sewer lines during the construction. The homeowners declined. At this time the homeowners are having sewer problems and now must bore under the highway on Division to connect to the current sewer lines.
ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS: Norm Schorzman MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed.
Steve McGehee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN: Norm Schorzman MOVED to adjourn. Rick Wekenman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM
The following vouchers/warrants are approved for payment:
CLAIM VOIDED due to mail damage Warrant: # 10571 replaced with # 10582
Claims Paid Warrants: # 10583 through # 10598 Payment: $3,572.25
APPROVED:________________________________ ATTEST:________________________________