REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – DRAFT ONLY
March 13, 2007
CALL TO ORDER: Pro-Tem Mayor Rick Wekenman called the Council Meeting to order at 7:00PM
ROLL CALL: Council members present were: Darcie Bagott; Mark Bailey; Andy O’Neill; and Norm Schorzman. Absent-Jeff Snook, Mike Milano, and Mayor Echanove. Also present were: Joyce Beeson, Clerk-Treasurer; Byron Hodges, Public Works Superintendent; Ann Thompson, Clerical Assistant; Jerry Neumann, Police Chief; Scott Ellsworth, Caitlyn McGehee, and Heather McGehee.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Norm Schorzman MOVED to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of February 27, 2007. Darcie Bagott seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
OPEN FORUM : Caitlyn McGehee introduced her sister Heather McGehee. Heather will temporarily be filling in for Caitlyn as the Boomerang reporter.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT : Byron submitted a written report. Byron reported the city had one water leak that has since been fixed. The city crew continues with their seasonal chores and daily maintenance. Don has finished and turned in his Bio-Solids report for the year, which is a large undertaking. Marc has been installing & maintaining underground sprinklers to different locations. He continues work on the City Hall Park. The new mower and gator are here. The sprayer is set up on the gator. All the snow plowing equipment has been removed. Rick Wekenman asked Byron if they were happy with the de-watering system, to which Byron responded “super happy.”
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Police Chief Neumann reported things have been fairly quiet. He recently spent four hours at Pullman Hospital with a resident in distress. Illegal turning on Main Street continues to be a problem. Technically speaking, to make it a citable offense we have to establish a solid, 18”, yellow line and put up related signage. Rick Wekenman said that the City of Moscow allows the turning on Main Street and Scott Ellsworth said it’s not a problem in Colfax. Rick Wekenman suggested to Caitlyn and Heather McGehee to continue to mention it in the Boomerang. Jerry suggested a city ordinance and he will continue to look into it.
Police Chief Neumann received Officer Snead’s resignation. His wife has accepted an excellent job offer back East. Scott Ellsworth is interested in the position. Mayor Pro-tem Wekenman said the city doesn’t plan on advertising the position unless necessary. He stated that word travels fast and we’ll hear from others interested. The job description and pay range may be restructured.
Barking dogs and dogs on the loose continue to be a problem. Officer Neumann reminds the public to contain and control animals in own yard. “If you hear your dog barking, others can too.” There are options to help control your dogs: bark collars, put in house, etc. Dogs can be taken away if not controlled. If you can’t take care of your dog(s), let the PD know and they’ll help.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is coming up Saturday, March 17th, and the WSU/UI Bike Race is next month.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Selection of Engineer for Whitman Street Project – Darcie Bagott reported the committee met March 9th with three engineering companies. The committee consisted of: Darcie Bagott, Mayor Echanove, Andy O’Neill, Byron Hodges, and Joyce Beeson. One community member at large was invited but didn’t come. The company chosen was md+a out of Pullman . It was nice to have a local choice. All three were very qualified. Joyce Beeson stated that fee charged will be negotiated as part of a contract, using the lump-sum method and monthly progress payments. Darcie MOVED to allow Mayor to negotiate contract with md+a. Mark Bailey seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
B. Selection of Engineer for Breeding’s Sewer Extension – We have interviewed same three engineers but have not yet selected.
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Library Contract: Mark Bailey said the contract remained the same except reworded to say “EACH” party shall hold each other harmless. It had originally said that the City holds the Library harmless but it didn’t indemnify the City. Mark Bailey MOVED to allow Mayor to sign Library Contract. Norm seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
B. Council approved the liquor license for the Green Frog at their new locale.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS:
PARKS, CEMETERY & BUILDINGS : No Report
PERSONNEL & POOL : No Report
FINANCE, PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT : Norm Schorzman – No report
POLICE, FIRE & SAFETY : Rick Wekenman said they had a personnel meeting regarding Officer Snead. They will have another meeting March 15th at 5:00.
POLICY & ADMINISTRATION : Mark Bailey reported that Cindi Leper needs to sign off on the compost facility and then it’s done. It should be complete by next meeting. At this time it will take grass clippings and leaves only. Norm Schorzman inquired about a chipper. Mark recommended applying for grant with other communities to obtain a chipper to share.
STREETS AND SIDEWALKS: Darcie Bagott – no report.
WATER & SEWER : Andy O’Neill – No report.
MAYOR’S REPORT : No Report
Joyce Beeson asked the Council about the price quote for the data logger for Well 3. It costs $1203. DOE is waiting for us to buy so they can install it. The data logger will be a valuable tool for the PBAC aquifer study. Rick Wekenman said he believed the money was earmarked for this so go ahead.
ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS: Norm Schorzman MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed.
Mark Bailey seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN: Norm Schorzman MOVED to adjourn. Darcie Bagott seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council meeting adjourned at 7:42PM
The following vouchers/warrants are approved for payment:
Claims Paid Warrants: Payments:
APPROVED: ________________________________ ATTEST: ________________________________