REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – DRAFT ONLY
March 11, 2008
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Michael Echanove called the Council Meeting to order at 7.00 PM.
ROLL CALL: Council members present were: Mark Bailey; Mike Milano; Andy O’Neill; Jeff Snook; and Rick Wekenman. Absent were Council members Darcie Bagott and Norm Schorzman, and Clerk-Treasurer Joyce Beeson. Also present were: Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin; Police Chief Jerry Neumann; and Deputy Clerk Ann Thompson. Public present were: Heather McGehee; Holly White; and Sandra Schorzman.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilmember Bailey MOVED to adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of February 26, 2008. Councilmember Snook 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.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: In addition to his submitted written report, Dwayne Griffin added:
Public Works still has some repairs to do on the F St. Bridge. Mayor asked about the damage the beavers are causing to the trees along the river. Councilmember Rick Wekenman suggested leaving the downed trees there so the beavers don’t damage more trees. Dwayne Griffin reminded council that homeowners are responsible for keeping sidewalks free of gravel and debris.
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Chief Neumann reported that he and Officer Merry cleared out a theft and burglary and recovered several stolen items. In doing so they depleted their evidence stock for packaging them. Chief dealt with a burn issue and said not everyone is clear on the burn ban. He reminds the public that there is no burning of yard waste, junk wood, wet wood, etc. Dry, seasoned firewood is the only thing allowed to burn in a recreational fire burn. Officer Merry is fitting in well. The Northwest Collegiate Cyclists Bike Race is coming April 26th.
NEW BUSINESS:
Resolution 2008-02 – Review Interlocal Agreement for Criminal Justice Services. The language is still the same other than the cost. There is a 12% increase in fees due based on Palouse’s population of 1,010 persons. Councilmember Wekenman MOVED to adopt Resolution 2008-02 authorizing the Mayor to execute an Interlocal agreement for criminal justice services to be provided to the City by Whitman County. Councilmember Snook seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Ordinance No. 840 – Repealing Ordinance No. 837 and adopting Palouse Municipal Code 2.14.030, thereby relocating those portions of Ordinance No. 837 pertaining to the creation of the office of Deputy Clerk from Palouse Municipal Code Chapter 2.12 to Chapter 2.14. Councilmember Bailey MOVED to approve Ordinance 840. Councilmember Milano seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS:
PARKS, CEMETERY & BUILDINGS:
Councilmember Milano is looking into grants from the state Recreation Conservation District (RCD) to possibly double our funds. He would like to submit a pre-grant application. Councilmember Snook MOVED to appoint Councilmember Mike Milano to be city representative for the grant application process for playground equipment to the RCD. Councilmember O’Neill seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Councilmember Milano asked the county for a six-month grant extension on the RV Park. He’ll hear back from the commissioner’s office on March 17th. He decided to suspend the water/sewer purchase until we hear back from them. If any citizens or groups would like to purchase a park bench, forms are available at City Hall. They cost approximately $600. Councilmember Milano is also working on possible funding options for the Palouse Community Center Building.
POLICE, FIRE, & SAFETY:
Councilmember Wekenman reported that they held a committee meeting to discuss the burglary situation. We’re pleased with hiring Officer Merry. The Intrepid has been repaired. The trade-in value on the Intrepid is substantial; there’s a good possibility of getting enough money out of the Intrepid to purchase a Dodge Charger. It was suggested looking into possibly surplussing or auctioning the PD’s old Crown Victoria.
POLICY & ADMINISTRATION:
The Planning Commission meets on the 20th with the landscaping design on the trailer park. Councilmember Bailey has done some research on junk vehicles. He needs further direction on where we want to go. We need clearer language on defining junk vehicles. Are we going to change our current ordinance or draft a new one? Is this something we’ll actively enforce or just enforce based on complaints only? It was suggested to have a couple committee meetings to reword it. Councilmember Bailey said they will draft a proposed change and make sure the wording is very clear.
PERSONNEL & POOL:
Councilmember Snook spoke with a possible candidate for pool manager. Personnel committee will discuss it. Superintendent Griffin said public works staff hasn’t decided whether or not to hire summer help.
MAYOR’S REPORT :
The City received a signed sale agreement for the MH Park. It’s set to close March 25, 2008. Whitman Street is out to bid. Closing bid date is March 18th. The City continues to receive compliments on the snow removal this winter. The city spent approx. $13,200 on snow removal, gravel, sand, and overtime this winter.
Sandy Schorzman requested the Mayor’s signature approving the Palouse Arts Council selling liquor at their Saint Patrick’s Day dinner. Councilmember Milano MOVED to authorize the Mayor to sign. Councilmember Wekenman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Councilmember Wekenman asked the Chief to reiterate the city’s dog policy. Dogs must be walked on a leash, they cannot run at-large or loose, and people cannot own more than 3 dogs except for a litter for 6 months. Dogs also cannot be nuisances, such as constantly barking.
ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS: Councilmember Snook MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed. Councilmember Bailey seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN: Councilmember O’Neill MOVED to adjourn. Councilmember Snook seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council meeting adjourned at 8:11 PM.
The following vouchers/warrants are approved for payment:
Claims Paid warrant # 12933 – 12964 $17,145.50
Voids: warrant # 12949
APPROVED: ________________________________ ATTEST: ________________________________