REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – DRAFT ONLY
May 8, 2007
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Michael Echanove called the Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
ROLL CALL: Council members present were: Mark Bailey; Mike Milano; Andy O’Neill; Norm Schorzman; Jeff Snook; and Rick Wekenman. Absent was Darcie Bagott. Also present were: Joyce Beeson, Clerk-Treasurer; Byron Hodges, Public Works Superintendent; Ann Thompson, Clerical Assistant; Jerry Neumann, Police Chief; Dwayne Griffin, and Sam Gregg.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of April 24, 2007 were approved with two corrections: 4,000 tons of gravel changed to 1,000 tons under Public Works Report, and FCAPP changed to FCAAP under Old Business. Jeff Snook MOVED to approve the amended minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of April 24, 2007. Rick Wekenman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT :
Byron Hodges submitted a written report. Byron stated that Dwayne Griffin is doing a great job.
We have received two bids for our concrete pad for the compost facility. Byron warned council of the potential odor of the compost. Mark Bailey looked into that concern and said that it’s supposed to smell like dirt. If there are odors, there’s something wrong, but can be easily remedied.
Byron met with Munir Daud and showed him the area of the Breeding’s sewer extension. Byron said it’s fortunate that there’s already an 8” sewer pipe under the tracks which will save the city a lot of money.
Byron and Dwayne would like to purchase a digital camera to track all the PW projects. Mike Milano suggested getting CAD on a computer also.
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Chief Neumann said the evidence room is up and ready, cataloged, etc. They still need a secure room for the evidence. The initial estimate is $400, to come from PD capital outlay. He will proceed with the construction.
Things have been fairly quiet, a few barking dog complaints, and burning complaints. The bike race was excellent. New officer Scott Ellsworth is doing a good job. He will go into the Police Academy on August 15th.
OLD BUSINESS:
- Critical Areas Ordinance Update – Set Public Hearing
Mayor Echanove explained that the State is working with communities in WA to pass this ordinance by Dec. 2007. A consortium of communities in Whitman County rehired Studio Cascade Consulting from Spokane to review and update each members plan. When the Palouse plan was received it was sent to the Planning Commission for review. Sam Gregg, chairman of the Planning Commission, then reported to the council the Planning Commission’s comments. They included concerns regarding all future development tying into the sewer. That section needs a case-by-case clause explaining where and how it affects individual property owners. The Planning Commission was also initially concerned with the potential economic impact to the city if all of downtown is considered protected. Upon further review, they walked away with their concerns eased. In April, Studio Cascade was asked to review and better define the maps, which they did. In May, the Planning Commission again met to review and deliberate. They moved to send the ordinance to City Council. It then went to Attorney Bishop who put it into a cohesive ordinance form. Joyce questioned the permit requirements and stated the need to adopt permit applications and processes for administering this plan. It was agreed upon that Palouse’s building inspector Dan Gladwill will have to be up-to-speed on this issue. The council set the Public Hearing date for May 22, for the Critical Areas Ordinance. Studio Cascade, a county commissioner, and our attorney will be invited to be present.
- RV Park Update
Mike Milano said he received a letter on 4/30/07 from the county commissioners, awarding .08 funds up to $37,250 for the development of an RV Park. This grant must be spent within one year. Milano also said that he will talk to the right people regarding their policies on issues such as noise. Milano will plan a date for a public meeting for people to voice concerns. Mike spoke with the Lions Club about participating in this project and perhaps dedicating the park. The RV Park will be a self-serve kiosk with signage regarding city businesses and services, perhaps on the flat house building. Whitman County Parks will help with landscaping advice. Milano will work with Joyce to assure that the budget is set to begin. The majority of the work will be done by our public works crew, with electrical and concrete work being bid out. There is a concern about off-street parking, which Mike is looking into.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS:
PARKS, CEMETERY & BUILDINGS : Mike Milano
Heritage Park enhancements are under way. Palouse Welding is donating labor on the signage. D-8, a company in Potlatch, will help with construction of the signs. DOT should provide highway signage once we’ve completed this project. Mike is also looking into a memorial bench program. People can purchase benches with engraved plaques which would then be placed around town.
PERSONNEL & POOL : Jeff Snook
Jeff Snook said he got Toshia Berend, the pool manager, hooked up with the Cub Scouts who will be using the pool for their jamboree. There might be costs associated with hiring more lifeguards to handle the crowded pool. Mike Milano spoke with Shawn Buckendahl about getting a $150 donation to help with costs. The pool opens June 6th.
POLICY & ADMINISTRATION : Mark Bailey
Mark Bailey said that bids for the concrete compost pad are 30-40% higher than last year. He’s waiting on one more bid. The burn ordinance is complete and the city should be receiving it from the attorney soon.
MAYOR’S REPORT :
Mayor Echanove has submitted the paperwork for the SR 27/ Palouse River Flood Plain Mobile Home Park Acquisition project. Eligible projects will be selected later this year.
The Whitman Street Project is moving along great. Councilmember Bagott will have the project in order and ready for bid by December. Mayor Echanove reminded council that the time for filing for re-election is almost here.
ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS : Mike Milano MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed. Jeff Snook seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN : Norm Schorzman MOVED to adjourn. Rick Wekenman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM
The following vouchers/warrants are approved for payment:
Claims Paid Warrants: # through # Payment:
APPROVED:________________________________ ATTEST:________________________________