PUBLIC HEARING FOR 2009 BUDGET
followed by
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – DRAFT ONLY
November 12, 2008

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

ROLL CALL:  Council members present:  Darcie Bagott; Mark Bailey; Andy O’Neill; Norm Schorzman; Jeff Snook; Rick Wekenman.  Absent:  Mike Milano.  Also present: Clerk-Treasurer Joyce Beeson; Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin; Police Chief Jerry Neumann; and Deputy Clerk Ann Thompson.  Public present: Nathan Cocking, Pete Hertz, Dixie Reber, Diane Mecham, Steve McGehee.

PUBLIC HEARING:   Mayor Echanove opened the 2009 Budget Discussion Public Hearing at 7:00 pm:  No public comment.  Public hearing closed at 7:01.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:   Councilmember O’Neill MOVED to adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of October 28, 2008.  Councilmember Snook seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT:  Superintendent Griffin reported on normal maintenance and preparation for the winter.

POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT:  Chief Neumann reported that the monthly police log is now available for public viewing on the City of Palouse website.

The Palouse Chamber of Commerce donated $200 to the PD to be applied to the youth safety program.

We had our 6-month review pertaining to the Garfield police services contract.  Both sides are satisfied and the contract will continue for another 6 months.  At that time (1 year mark), if both sides agree, we’ll begin setting the contract for yearly renewal.  Either party needs to give 6 month notice for cancellation of the contract.

We are moving ahead with the patrol car contract and seeking a lease-return car.  Palouse currently owns two active patrol cars but we need three since we are a 3-officer department.  Garfield’s intentions are to retain their vehicle for emergency back-up.  Councilmember Wekenman MOVED to surplus the PD’s Crown Victoria by sealed bids.  Bids will be opened at the December 9th council meeting.  Councilmember Snook seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS:
Resolution 2008-15:  Authorization to purchase used police vehicle under special market conditions .  Mayor read the resolution in full.  Councilmember Wekenman MOVED , and Councilmember O’Neill seconded to adopt Resolution No. 2008-15.  The Palouse PD is seeking to purchase a used or lease return 2007 or 2008 Dodge Charger with the following specs: 2.7 V-6 liter with traction control or 3.5 liter high output V-6; silver, blue, or white; under $15,000.00; mileage shall not exceed 30,000.  The vehicle will be modified for police after purchase.  We found vehicles with these specs in Spokane and in Oregon. Bagott Motors is also able to meet these specifications.  Councilmember O’Neill pointed out that the new destination-based sales tax doesn’t apply to vehicles.  Purchasing locally, however, enables the city to recoup sales taxes.  Chief Neumann will work very closely with Clerk Beeson on this to ensure that the bid laws are met and Councilman Wekenman, chair, Police, Fire and Safety will provide council input and direction into the purchase.  The plan is to replace the Intrepid in 2009 and begin a 5 year cycle for each car.  The intrepid still has a value between $8,000-$9,000 if traded by next summer.  Motion carried unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS:
2009 Budget Message:  Mayor read the 2009 preliminary budget message.  Clerk Beeson included in this version, budget to re-side the buildings at the cemetery.  Also, the funds in 305 (building maintenance fund) are set aside for a PW shop/building project although it probably won’t be spent in 2009.  Joyce has been analyzing the breakdown of personnel labor and is increasing the percentages that go to water and sewer.  She has forecast the revenues low to be on the safe side.  She’ll be working on budgeting the RV Park numbers for next year as spending still continues.  She’s hoping to pay the retainage for A& R and Spokane Rock still this year.  Even if the retainage to Spokane Rock isn’t able to be paid this year, she’s hoping they’ll close out so TIB can make their final payment.  Clerk Beeson also outlined her intent to service and pay off the short-term commercial loan of $70,000.00 for the Breeding’s Addition Sewer Extension Project.  The original loan payoff timeframe needs to be extended due to the unanticipated solid rock costs incurred in the project.  It is estimated that the loan balance will be approximately $56,000.00 by January, 2009.

Brownfields Update :  There was a Town Hall meeting on Monday to discuss the city’s potential Brownfields project.  Councilmember Wekenman thinks it’s something we should go forward with.  DOE reps were here and they stated that this is a viable and straightforward project that can be accomplished within a few years.  John Means, Dept. of Ecology, indicated to the group that perhaps up to 90% clean-up funding could be available to Palouse.  Non-eligible costs include property acquisition and any legal fees.  The city would also be responsible for any match funds.  Pete Hertz attended the meeting and voiced his support for moving forward.  There will be another Town Hall meeting on December 8th to continue the public discussion.   

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS: 

STREETS & SIDEWALKS :  Councilmember Bagott reported that we should hear November 20th whether or not we got the sidewalk grant from TIB.

WATER & SEWER :   Councilmember O’Neill attended a meeting of the Wastewater Advisory Certification Committee.  He explained that Don will have to have all his CEU’s completed by the end of 2009.  In three years he’ll need 30 hours training, 10 of which are wastewater specific.  Currently, in the state of Washington, there are approximately 1,972 certified wastewater people and over 4,000 water certified people in the state of Washington.  Also, as of February 2009, any and all certifications will be done by computer.

MAYOR’S REPORT :  The Mobile Home Acquisition Project enters phase 2 tomorrow as the city will meet with the Palouse Conservation District to discuss restoration and replanting efforts.  The conservation district is a $10,000 partner in the project and will provide assistance and guidance for the new park.

The mayor read a Liquor License application for Bank Left Gallery for in-house beer and wine service.  No objections.

A thank you note was read from the chamber expressing their appreciation to the city for the services provided during Haunted Palouse.  The note also stated that a net profit of $31,000 was raised at the event.

Mayor asked Dwayne about the storm water work behind the new gym.  Dwayne indicated that he is awaiting direction and materials to proceed.

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

ADJOURN:  Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to adjourn.  Councilmember Wekenman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  The council meeting adjourned at 8:02 PM.

The following vouchers/warrants are approved for payment:
Claims Paid     #13465 – #13499         $49,348.66