CITY OF PALOUSE
November 22, 2005
Public Hearing – 2006 Final Budget
7:00 PM
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING-Draft Only
Following Public Hearing
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Michael Echanove called the Council Meeting to order at 7:00PM
ROLL CALL: Council members present were: John Sell, Jeff Snook, Steve McGehee, Rick Wekenman; and Norm Schorzman. Absent- Linda Dillard, Dave Willmore. Also present were: Joyce Beeson, Clerk-Treasurer; Byron Hodges, Public Works Superintendent; Bev Pearce, Deputy Clerk; Darcie Bagott; Kary Peterson; Joel Arter; Ed Gnaedinger; Mark Bailey; Andy O’Neill; Ben Tarbutton; Gary Baily; Theresa Smith; Marc Smith; Cheryl Johnson; Steve Brink.
OPEN PUBIC HEARING: 7:02PM
No Public Comment
CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING: 7:03PM
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Norm Schorzman MOVED to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of November 8, 2005. Steve McGehee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
OPEN FORUM : No comment
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT : Written report submitted by Byron Hodges
Cheryl Johnson asked Byron what he was doing on Illinois Street. Byron said that he was filling in a parking area for the Public Safety Building with gravel.
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Written report submitted by Chief Neumann
The chief introduced Jim Wright as the new second officer for Palouse. Council Member Wekenman asked Chief Neumann if the second officer is fully authorized police officer. The chief said that on the first day of hire Officer Wright is a fully commissioned officer, able to perform all police duties. The city has 6 months before he needs to attend the academy to complete his training. It has been planned for Officer Wright to begin his academy schooling on February 1, 2006. The state will reimburse the city for his wages during his schooling because we are a population of less than 10,000. The chief pointed out that Officer Wright has had training covering most police issues.
The Chief reported on the cost of outfitting two new officers, and the status of the $10,000 grant for a new police vehicle. He reported the following: 2 dog complaints; 2 hurt animal complaints; assist with Colfax Police and Whitman County Sheriff on a search warrant.
BUILDING INSPECTOR REPORT: Dan Gladwill
Dan reported the following building permits are active: 5 reroofs; 3 pole buildings; 2 stick frames; 1 remodel; 4 mobile home installations; 1 garage. Dan has 10 older permits that he will be addressing and trying to sign off on before the end of the year. Dan receives 3 to 4 calls a week; he feels that there will be on going projects throughout the winter months.
JOINT FIRE BOARD AND EMS UPDATE:
Chairman Snook reported that the Fire and EMS departments will be going through Hazard Material training in the next month. The insulation was put in at the Public Safety Building and rain gutters will be installed on the front of the building.
OLD BUSINESS:
- Kary Peterson, Ecology – Air Quality Program
Council Member McGehee began by explaining that the Policy committee met and with the additional information from Kary and the Dept. of Ecology it not in the best interest of the city to put in place an ordinance control or eliminating burning in the city limits. By putting an ordinance in place it would remove the authority the Department of Ecology would have over a potential legal issues. Council Member Snook agrees and stated that the city needs make available to the citizens alternatives to burning. Kary stated that the city has received a burn permit to burn the accumulated pile at the old city dump city. This burn is only for the City of Palouse Public Works Department. The permit has many restrictions and Kary will be working closely with Byron. Ecology would like to work with the city to develop alternatives that would work for the citizens, so burning is not the only way to get rid of leaves and yard debris. Ecology will be publishing a flyer in the next Boomerang edition as an educational tool for the citizens. Ecology will help the city with another ad after Christmas on the alternate ways to eliminate yard debris. Kary also provided the council with ordinances from local cities, for future reference. Steve Brink asked Kary what exactly is a citable offense. Kary said that he did not have a definitive answer. He said that Ecology gives out very few fines. He said the process starts with a letter informing someone of a complaint. This letter spells out the state laws and gives advice on how to burn properly or not at all. He said that 99.9% of the time when a person reads this letter there is no repeat of complaint. The Dept.’s goal is to educate citizens on proper burning and disposal of yard debris. In order for an offense to be cited and fined, a person from the dept. would actually have to be present to witness the offense. Chief Neumann asked if someone receives the letter and they follow the rules, yet the complaints continue, what is to be done? Kary read from the WAC and said that the dept gives technical advice to the person burning. Kary explained that the Clean Air Act explains exactly what agency enforces this law. Cheryl Johnson handed a letter from an emergency room doctor, she asked him to read it. Kary said that it was not his place to read this letter, but he would put a copy of the letter in her file. Cheryl read the letter to the council. There was more discussion on this issue. Kary said that is looks like he will have to spend more time in Palouse. Byron Hodges said that the city has a very large area outside of town that could be used to dump collected leaves and yard debris. This site could hold years of waste and it would never have to be burned. The city crew could create a dump location for the citizens and move the pile when time allows. He stressed however, that this would not be the place to dump household garbage. Council Member Schorzman stated that the county would be willing to rent a chipper once or twice a year for the citizens of Palouse. Kary said that a DNR prison crew could be hired and a big chipper could be used for very large branches. He said the city needs to come up with the program and Ecology and Whitman County will be there for support and possible funding. Kary said that he knows where he can get money for fencing and signage around the proposed leaf dump site. The Dept of Ecology even has an air monitor unit that could be brought into the city for a short time.
- 2006 Budget discussion
Council Member McGehee asked Chief Neumann if he felt the proposed budget for 2006 was adequate for the new department. The chief said that the budget was doable and there would be no changes.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Resolution No. 2005-10 – Adopting the Salary Schedule for 2006
The Mayor read the resolution through in its entirety. Steve Brink asked about the mileage reimbursement. He felt that it should be increased. Discussion continued and the council decided to raise the mileage reimbursement to 40 cents per mile.
Council Member Snook MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2005-10. Council Member McGehee seconded the motion. The Mayor asked for any further discussion. Council Member Schorzman stated that the increases in salary for the city employees are in line and justified. The city has a good crew working for it.
Council Member McGehee-Call to Question. Council Member McGehee MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2005-10. Council Member Snook seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS:
STREETS & SIDEWALKS: Linda Dillard-Absent
FINANCE, PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT : Norm Schorzman-No Report
PARKS, CEMETERY & BUILDINGS : John Sell-No Report
PERSONNEL & POOL : Jeff Snook –No Report
POLICY & ADMINISTRATION : Steve McGehee-No Report
WATER & SEWER : David Willmore-Absent
POLICE, FIRE & SAFETY : Rick Wekenman
MAYOR’S REPORT : The council was sent a letter from Whitman County Dept of Public Works inviting council members or citizens to represent the city on the Whitman County Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Council Member McGehee said that he served on this committee and encourages anyone to join it.
The City of Pullman also sent a letter inviting the Mayor and Council to attend a Town Hall Meeting on December 13. This meeting does conflict with our city council meeting. Tammy Lewis is the new Economic Development Coordinator for Whitman County. She sent a letter introducing herself, gave information on a meeting for the Annual Downtown Revitalization Training in May. She would like to attend a council meeting in the future. A liquor license renewal was submitted to the city for The Green Frog Café. There was no objection and the license will be approved by default. On Tuesday, November 29, there will be a Public Hearing for a requested street vacation.
The Mayor indicated that when the November election has been certified the newly elected council members may take the place of the appointed council members. The Public Hearing is a legislative hearing and must have quorum.
The Mayor met with Keith Martin from the Department of Transportation. They discussed the reconstruction of Whitman Street, between Bridge and Hall. The DOT said that there may be funds available for pre-design work.
ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS: Jeff Snook MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed.
Steve McGehee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN Jeff Snook MOVED to adjourn. Steve McGehee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council meeting adjourned at 8:45PM
The following vouchers/warrants are approved for payment:
Claims Paid Warrants: # 11409 through # 11423 Payment: $8,215.70
VOID Claims Warrants: #11407 through # 11408
APPROVED:________________________________ ATTEST:________________________________