Palouse City Council
Regular Council Meeting
March 8, 2016
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Echanove called the Council Meeting to order at 7:01 PM.
ROLL CALL: Council members present: Doreen Hanson; Bo Ossinger; Mike Hicks; Senja Estes; & Mark Wilcomb. Councilmember Hanson MOVED to excuse Councilmember Wekenman and Langsett’s absences. Councilmember Estes seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Staff present: Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin; Police Chief Jerry Neumann; Clerk-Treasurer Mike Bagott; & Deputy Clerk Ann Thompson.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilmember Hicks MOVED to adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of February 23, 2016. Councilmember Wilcomb seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: Supt. Griffin submitted a written report.
The new Dodge pickup is having intermittent transmission shifting problems. It has been to Wysup twice for diagnosis, but they have been unable to determine the cause of the problem. It’s still under warranty.
POLICE REPORT:
Officer Handley made a couple big arrests in Palouse lately including one that turned into a bust for heroin possession, driving under the influence of drugs, and counterfeiting. The Secret Service has taken over the case. The other arrest was for a DUI and stolen vehicle.
New summer tires are being purchased for Officer Handley’s and Chief Neumann’s police vehicles.
Chief Neumann is still working on putting in security cameras at a few locations in Palouse: sewer plant, skatepark/PD, city park, etc.
CLERK-TREASURER REPORT:
Joe from Apollo came down last week to review the solar grant application. The application was submitted on February 29 and we should hear back in approximately 30 to 60 days. The grant application is for $276,551. The local contribution would be $133,068. CT Bagott is evaluating financing options for the local contribution including the State Treasurer’s LOCAL program. If the grant doesn’t come through, we’ll reapply for funding next year.
Mayor Echanove, Engineer Munir Daud, & CT Bagott had a conference call with Bob Westby from the DOT regarding the West Whitman Project. The City will act as the payment administrator for the whole project. This project will follow the same procedures as done with the East Whitman Street project.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Echanove, CT Bagott, & project engineer Munir Daud met with the West Whitman Street residents and businesses for a preliminary meeting about the project. It was a positive meeting.
Varela & Associates will be at our next meeting to discuss the next phase for the new WWTP plan.
WSU Cycling Club would like to return to Palouse April 30th for their annual collegiate bike race.
The city received a special event liquor permit application for the Palouse Arts Council’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration March 17th. No council objections.
ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS: Councilmember Hanson MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed. Councilmember Hicks seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
The following checks are approved for payment:
Payroll Paid 2/29/16 Ck #7297-7313 & EFT $38,537.24
Claims Paid 3/8/16 Ck. #7314-7342 & EFTs $11,728.45
ADJOURN: Councilmember Hanson MOVED to adjourn. Councilmember Estes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council meeting adjourned at 7:37 PM.
APPROVED: ________________________________ ATTEST: ________________________________