REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – DRAFT ONLY
May 22, 2007

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

ROLL CALL: Council members present were: Darcie Bagott; Mark Bailey; Mike Milano; Andy O’Neill; Jeff Snook; and Rick Wekenman. Absent: Norm Schorzman.  Also present were: Joyce Beeson, Clerk-Treasurer; Byron Hodges, Public Works Superintendent; Jerry Neumann, Police Chief; Scott Ellsworth, Second Officer; Dwayne Griffin, Public Works; Mike Wolf.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mark Bailey MOVED to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of May 8, 2007.  Jeff Snook seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

The public hearing on the agenda was cancelled due to non-completion of the SEPA process.  Mike Milano MOVED to set a Public Hearing for the Critical Areas Ordinance on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 7PM.  Darcie Bagott seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

OPEN FORUM : Mike Wolf asked council about any updates for the Breeding’s Addition sewer project.  Council Member Bagott stated that the aerial mapping has been done.  The mapping included an area west of the cemetery, Whitman Street project, Breeding’s Addition project.  Munir Daud asked in the city would be willing to pay an additional $2500 to map the whole city.  This amount is in addition to the three projects already being billed. The council agreed to pay this cost and it will be split evenly between four funds – Streets, Water, Sewer and Current Expense.  Munir Daud will be present at the June 12th council meeting.  He wants to set up a meeting with the property owners affected by this project shortly thereafter.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT : Dwayne Griffin reported that the department has decided on a digital camera and   Amazon offers it at the best price.  The Mayor asked if funds were available to make the purchase.  The council gave general agreement to the purchase.  The public works department will also look into a computer for their department.  Byron reported that in addition to routine maintenance, Griffin has been blading the gravel roads to prepare for oiling on May 31st.  The crew changed the fire hydrant on 8th Street.  Well #3 has been pulled, some non-mechicanical problems occurred.  This is the first time the pump has been pulled since installation.  The compost site is being developed with a temporary pad so grass may be taken there now.  The permanent pad is not yet done.  Dwayne has been leveling the ground at the RV Park site.  Council Member Milano asked about the water conservation devices for the park and cemetery.  Byron said that Marc is looking into that.  The construction company that will be doing the work on the Potlatch highway this summer would like to purchase water from the city.  They would be charged the standard city rates for water.  Council Member Wekenman stated that the current railroad operator informed him that he will not be spraying the weeds along the railroad line through Palouse.  Stan, the operator, said that the State owns the track and should be responsible for the weed control.  Chief Neumann cited the city ordinance stating that property owners are responsible for weed control and must limit any potential fire danger.  The Mayor asked Byron what the cost would be for spraying just within the city limits.  Byron said it could cost up to $1000.  The Mayor stated that he would contact WSDOT regarding the weed issue on railroad property.

POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT:  Chief Neumann reported (1) event of forced entry into a downtown business (the department is working on leads) as well as (1) criminal traffic arrest.  National Night Out is August 7th.  The department used the motorcycle during Garfield’s May Day event.  The officers are wearing mourning bands across their badges in remembrance of the fallen officer in Moscow.  Officer Ellsworth requested the city flag be flown at half staff until after the Friday funeral of the Moscow officer, a letter written to the widow from the City of Palouse, and letter written to the injured officer as well.  The Mayor said the city will send flowers to the widow as well.  Discussion followed as to how Palouse would handle such an event.

BUILDING INSPECTOR REPORT: Dan Gladwill reported he has multiple permits going and has been doing inspections.  Dan has been talking to the towns of Garfield and Farmington as they would like to hire him as their building inspector.  The two cities will be asked to pay a portion of Dan’s monthly cell phone bill.  Joyce has determined that $25 per city would help pay for the phone charges, maintenance and upkeep to Dan’s phone.  The council agreed with this arrangement. Council Member Bailey asked Dan if he was familiar with the Critical Area Ordinance.  Dan said that he has been aware of it.  Discussion continued on the subject with Dan agreeing to read the ordinance and ask questions.  Byron informed council that Steve McGehee will be building a house off of Church Street and wants to include his new sewer line into existing private lines in that area.  Byron is very much opposed to this and recommends that the new home hook into the sewer main off West Church St.  He wanted council to know that the public works department does not agree with this new construction sewer plan, as this can be a potential problem for the existing property owners.  The city does not maintain lines on private property.

JOINT FIRE BOARD AND EMS UPDATE: Council Member O’Neill reported that the Fire Truck Grant application has been submitted and they should know the results by August or September.  The EMS received a grant to purchase an additional AED unit, which will be placed at the Public Safety Building.  There have been 14 fire calls this year.  The proposed burn ordinance will be put on the next council meeting’s agenda.

NEW BUSINESS:

Council Member Bailey MOVED to set Monday, June 25th as the Public Hearing for the Street Vacation request by Neal and Bev McDonnell.  Council Member Bagott seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

The Mayor read the ordinance in its entirety, a second reading by Title and Number only, the final reading by Title only.  Council Member Snook MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 830.  Council Member Wekenman seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS: 

PARKS, CEMETERY & BUILDINGS : Mike Milano reported the public meeting in regards to the RV Park is set for Wednesday, June 13 at the school cafeteria at 7:00 PM.  Council Member Milano asked Council Member Bailey to help draft the rules and policies for the RV Park.  Council Member Milano stated that Chris and Donna Langsett have done archival work at the cemetery and will be bringing the information to the city.

STREETS AND SIDEWALKS: Darcie Bagott reported that four aerial maps have been ordered in conjunction with the flyover for aerial mapping.  The full city flyover and elevation mapping costs will be approximately $10,510 of which will be distributed between four active projects.  In order to have complete aerial maps of the city an additional $2,500 would need to be paid by the city.  After discussion it was decided that $2,500 will be split between four city funds: current expense, streets, water and sewer.

MAYOR’S REPORT : The Mayor read a liquor license renewal for the Palouse Tavern Act II.  There were no objections and the license is approved by default.
Clerk-Treasurer Beeson reminded council that the budget process is about to begin.  The public hearing for revenue will be no later then the second council meeting in July.  The Six-Year street plan update needs to begin in June.  The Mayor reminded council that three council positions are up for election next year.  It’s time to file in Colfax.

ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS: Darcie Bagott MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed.  Andy O’Neill seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURN Darcie Bagott MOVED to adjourn.  Jeff Snook seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council meeting adjourned at 9:15PM

The following vouchers/warrants are approved for payment:
Claims Paid                   Warrants:  # 12383         through # 12397            Payment:  $11,455.66
Payroll Paid                   Warrants:  # 6492          through # 6515               Payment:  $29,036.56

APPROVED: ________________________________   ATTEST: ________________________________