Palouse City Council
Regular Council Meeting
May 12, 2015

CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Echanove called the Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

ROLL CALL: Council members present: Doreen Hanson; Bo Ossinger; Mike Hicks; Senja Estes; Rick Wekenman; Bev Pearce; Christopher Langsett. Staff present: Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin; Police Chief Jerry Neumann; Clerk-Treasurer Mike Bagott; & Deputy Clerk Ann Thompson.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Under old business, add “… representatives from Berk Consulting and the Watershed Company”. Councilmember Wekenman MOVED to adopt the amended minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of April 28, 2015. Councilmember Hanson seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: Supt. Griffin submitted a written report.
WSDOT accidentally drilled a hole through the city’s water line today near Tidwell Road. Public Works spent the day repairing it.
WSDOT approved S & M Mini Storage plans but they can’t touch/alter the handicap ramp.

POLICE REPORT:
Officer Joe Handley was present to meet council. Chief Neumann has been taking him to morning coffee, senior meal, etc., to meet some locals. They also toured Whit-com and will go through booking procedures at the jail later this week. Officer Handley has completed duty weapon qualification.
Chief would like to periodically go to senior meal and educate seniors on protecting them from phony scams, etc.
Chief put the radar trailer on 272 coming into town from Potlatch.
The Whitman Co. Humane Society interlocal agreement is up for renewal at the end of this month.
Officer Handley was sworn in by Mayor Echanove.

CLERK-TREASURER REPORT:
First half property tax payments will be coming soon from the county so we’ll have a good idea of where we’re at revenue-wise.

CT Bagott presented the Council with a letter that was received from Nicole Wood and Jim Farr’s attorney, Howard Neill, containing four questions regarding development issues on their properties. Each of the questions was discussed with CT Bagott and Superintendent Griffin providing input. CT Bagott asked if Council would entertain a motion to allow their contractor to work in the public right-of-way. No motion was put forth as Council feels that clarification of their plans is needed before providing such authorization. CT Bagott will draft a response to their attorney with answers to each of their questions and seeking clarification of construction plans.

Over the years the city has been the recipient of many memorial benches which can be seen throughout town and we’re very appreciative. However, the city doesn’t need any more. Deputy Clerk Thompson encouraged council to brainstorm new items or needs that could be suggested for memorials. Some ideas tossed out were: new tree plantings, or perhaps having the PCC, the museum, the skate park, etc., come up with memorial ideas.

OLD BUSINESS:
Skate Park agreement: Mayor read aloud the agreement in its entirety. Attorney Bishop wrote the agreement. Councilmember Pearce MOVED to authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement as written. Councilmember Hicks seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS:
Ordinance No. 931 – PMC 13.20.110 lien for delinquent accounts: Mayor read aloud the ordinance in its entirety. Councilmember Hicks MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 931 as written. Councilmember Pearce seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS:
Personnel & Pool, Chair Pearce – City hired Annie Leendertsen as manager and Erin Witthuhn as asst. manager. We still need two full-time lifeguards which city staff is working on. There is a cost of $250 for kids to get certified and take these classes so Councilmember Pearce wants to discuss with her committee different options to help kids afford it.

MAYOR’S REPORT:
The last date to file for elected offices in Whitman County is May 15th.

ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS: Councilmember Langsett MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed. Councilmember Wekenman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURN: Councilmember Wekenman MOVED to adjourn. Councilmember Estes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council meeting adjourned at 8:39 PM.

The following checks are approved for payment:
Payroll Paid 4/30/15, 14 employees Ck. #6532-6549 & EFT $37,892.69
Void Ck. #6550
Claims Paid 5/13/15 Ck. #6551-6583 & EFT $25,825.60

APPROVED: ________________________________ ATTEST: ________________________________