REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – DRAFT ONLY
June 10, 2008
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Michael Echanove called the Council Meeting to order at 7:01 PM.
ROLL CALL: Council members present were: Darcie Bagott; Mark Bailey; Mike Milano; Andy O’Neill; Norm Schorzman; Jeff Snook; and 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: Jana Mathia; Loren Estes; Bruce Beeson; Brian Dentler; Cheryl Rajcich; Brian Conklin; and Randy Zehm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Under the Mayor’s Report we need to change the wording from “three requirements” to “three phases”. Councilmember Snook MOVED to adopt the amended minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of May 27, 2008. Councilmember Wekenman 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.
Loren Estes, Lions Club, discussed the gazebo that they want to purchase and install at Heyton Greene City Park. He explained where at the park it would work best for different events such as music events, weddings, etc. It will be elevated to approximately 3’. It should be low maintenance since it is vinyl clad with composite decking. Councilmember Wekenman asked if it is flood-proof. It’s as flood-proof as anything down there. If approved, they’d like to begin work soon. Exact placement would be determined so as to avoid sprinklers or anything else underground. The City would provide electrical. Councilmember Wekenman reminded them that the foundation will have to pass the critical areas process and that Heidi Kite may have some insight on where to locate it. Councilmember Bailey MOVED to authorize Palouse Lions Club to purchase and install a gazebo at Heyton Greene Park. Councilmember Snook seconded it and the motion passed. Councilmember Wekenman voted no. Councilmember Wekenman stated that perhaps a gazebo is not what the city needs for music, he’d rather see a covered stage with storage. Loren pointed out that bands bring and haul home their equipment and wouldn’t need storage. Loren reminded everyone to check out the memorial rose garden at Heritage Park. Mary Estes and Jill McKinney would be working with Marc to install a drip watering system.
Chief Neumann introduced Brian Dentler, candidate for the open police officer position. Brian has interviewed with the personnel committee and both mayors. He wanted to introduce himself and meet council.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: Supt. Griffin reported that they have a few more days left of work on Whitman. They discovered the PD needs new sewer service. A & R Construction is making good progress on Breeding’s. No one has been hooked up yet to sewer. Approximately 10 Y’s have gone in so far. Mayor stated we need approximately 25 hook-ups to make the program a wash. The new solar system has been installed at the pool. The heater at the pool has a hairline crack so it did not pass state boiler inspection. We contacted two HVAC companies and Reidinger Heating was the only one to respond. They will submit bids to fix or replace it. Lightning damaged some of our street lights; Strom Electric repaired them.
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Chief Neumann reported they have been at Garfield for over a month now; things are going well. Chief thanked the Jennifer Marcus family for donating to the PD a service weapon that belonged to Roger Marcus. Councilmember Snook added that in his interview with the personnel committee, Garfield residents praised the PD for their work.
OLD BUSINESS:
MH Park Update: Bids for removal . Mayor Echanove met with Tim Davis of the Whitman County Landfill to further discuss disposing the mobile homes at the MH Park. The city will be charged $75/ton for empty ones; $95/ton for non-empty ones. Non-empty homes will need to be scheduled in, whereas empty ones won’t. The average weight is 10 tons. Mayor contacted 3 recycling companies. They all indicated that due to the price of fuel, labor, and landfill fees it would not be profitable. Two bids will be considered for removal: Base Construction bid is $1,740.00 per unit; Ace Elliott bid is $2,744.25 per unit. They both have Washington Contractor’s Licenses. Councilmember Wekenman suggested making sure the City is released from any damage caused during transport; Attorney Bishop will take care of that. Avista is going to cut gas off at all units but #3. Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to accept Base Construction Inc., bid for $1,740.00 per unit, subject to contract being put together by our attorney. Councilmember Snook seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. All things of value that are removed from the homes will be surplused. We will inventory anything of value prior to removal of homes. Mayor is still working with the owner/occupants at the MH Park.
Resolution 2008-06: Salary Schedule . Due to a scrivener’s error, the Police Chief’s salary was incorrectly stated in Resolution 2008-04. It should have read $3,650.00-$3,900.00 per month. Councilmember Milano MOVED to adopt Resolution 2008-06. Councilmember O’Neill inquired what happens to the salary if the Garfield contract gets discontinued. Councilmember Snook explained that is what the smaller amount in the range is for. Councilmember Snook seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS:
PARKS, CEMETERY & BUILDINGS : Councilmember Milano talked to the UI regarding the Raymond Hansen memorial. They have come up with a mounting for the plaque and would like to place it at Heritage Park prior to the Ice Cream Social on July 13th. Mike is off to the Recreation Conservation Office in Moses Lake to review the park project with the grant managers. He will be getting together with Marc Arrasmith to discuss placement of the new swing at Heyton Greene Park. DOT will be here and Councilmember Milano plans on discussing with them the possibility of having a bridge installed connecting Lions Club Park to Heyton Greene Park. The Antique Car Club “Cranker’s” will be passing through Palouse on July 6th, bringing approximately 300 people with them.
POLICE, FIRE, & SAFETY : Councilmember Wekenman stated that the Personnel Committee interviewed the potential new officer.
POLICY & ADMINISTRATION : Councilmember Bailey reported that the Planning Commission met last week to discuss the zoning map. A few changes were made in R2 and, incorporating the Critical Areas.
STREETS & SIDEWALKS : Councilmember Bagott reported that the public hearing for the 6-year street plan is set for next council meeting on June 24th. She presented the preliminary plan.
MAYOR’S REPORT : Pete Hertz gave the Mayor correspondence regarding recycling funding programs available. Councilmember Bailey reiterated that Ecology will not grant-fund anything that is not on city property and a possible site has not been located. Mayor thanked everyone who went to the TIB dinner.
ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS: Councilmember Schorzman MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed. Councilmember Snook seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN: The council meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.
The following vouchers/warrants are approved for payment:
Claims VOID #13109 – #13111
Claims Paid #13112 – #13147 $38,413.05
Payroll Paid #6839 – #6865 $33,515.76
APPROVED: ________________________________ ATTEST: ________________________________