REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – DRAFT ONLY
March 24, 2009
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Pro-Tem Rick Wekenman called the Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
ROLL CALL: Council members present: Mark Bailey; Mike Milano; Andy O’Neill; Norm Schorzman. Absent: Mayor Echanove and Councilmember Bagott and Councilmember Snook. Also present: Clerk-Treasurer Joyce Beeson; Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin; Police Chief Jerry Neumann; and Deputy Clerk Ann Thompson. Public present: Dixie Reber.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of March 10, 2009. Councilmember Milano 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.
Dixie Reber, secretary of the Planning Commission asked for clarification about the Brownfields money. Mayor Pro-Tem Wekenman explained that the city has received approval on the $200,000 Integrated Planning Grant from the Washing ton State Department of Ecology. This grant will allow us to hire a consultant to help the city complete an integrated plan addressing the cleanup and reuse of the Palouse Producers site. The confusion she had was on the yet unused money from the river park project; and the question of whether or not the unspent funds from that grant could be used to acquire the Palouse Producers site. It was determined that the FCAAP program must result in an area with no infrastructure while the Ecology Brownfields program emphasizes reuse. Allowable costs will be paid 100% by the Integrated Planning Grant up to $200,000.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: Superintendent Griffin reported on normal operations such as cleaning, organizing, and taking inventory. They’ve done some road grading and are hoping to haul rock next week. As part of the Alder St project, they’re working on a plan to replace some cross-country sewer lines to within the city’s right of ways. They will be working with the homeowners and getting bids from material vendors. Storm drains will go in from I to K Streets. It’s already in the budget to do those two blocks.
The chipper pile is full again and they are scheduled to be here March 30th.
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Chief Neumann reported they’re continuing to catalog nuisance yards and junk vehicles. He will present a report to council when it’s complete.
Dixie Reber requested a clearer and more comprehensive explanation of the police department for updates to the comprehensive plan.
JOINT BOARD FIRE & EMS UPDATE:
JFB had a capital equipment improvement committee meeting. Chief Bagott is awaiting more info on a USDA firefighters grant. It’s a $50,000 grant that would be used to purchase about 30 sets of turnouts which include protective jackets and pants. The ones currently being used are very outdated and unsafe by today’s standards.
The finish work is underway at the Public Safety Building for its dedication ceremony on May 21st.
The CPR/First Aid renewal exam was held so everyone is now up-to-date.
Rick Wekenman spoke with Chief Bagott regarding the potential cost for the operator of the chipper. Chief Bagott feels it’s a good investment in regards to the reduction of nuisance fire calls and cleaner air.
NEW BUSINESS:
Chamber is not doing the city wide spring clean-up this year.
Preparation has started for the annual WSU/UI Bike Race on April 25th.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS:
POLICY & ADMINISTRATION : Councilmember Bailey reported we’ve been approved for the DOE grant for improvements to the compost facility. It was previously decided that a bobcat tractor and compost thermometer would be the most needed improvements. The paperwork is underway.
Dixie Reber stated that the public hearing for the proposed zoning changes will be April 27th, 7:00 pm at City Hall. Notices will go out through City Hall.
PERSONNEL & POOL: We will begin to advertise for a new pool manager. Once selected, the manager will put together a lifeguard staff.
STREETS & SIDEWALKS : Supt. Griffin reported that the engineers have begun their work on H Street for the new sidewalk project.
ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS: Councilmember O’Neill MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed. Councilmember Milano seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN: Councilmember O’Neill MOVED to adjourn. Councilmember Milano seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM.
The following vouchers/warrants are approved for payment:
Claims Paid 1168-1188 $11,567.53