Public Hearing – 2007 Final Budget
7:00 PM – Palouse City Hall

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING-DRAFT ONLY
November 28, 2006
Following Public Hearing

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

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; Bev Pearce, Deputy Clerk; Jerry Neumann, Police Chief; Dan Gladwill, Building Inspector; Cheryl Johnson; Randy Zehm.

OPEN PUBLIC HEARING: 7:01 PM

The Mayor asked for public comment on the 2007 Final Budget.  Cheryl Johnson asked about the Police Chief’s requested wage increase.  The Mayor told Cheryl that all employees will be receiving a 2% wage increase, with the exception of Marc Arrasmith who will be receiving 5%.  Cheryl stated her opinion and observations of the Police Chief and told them that she felt he did not represent the city appropriately.

The Mayor asked for any further comment on the 2007 Final Budget.  Hearing none he closed the public hearing.

CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING: 7:10 PM

OPEN REGULAR MEETING: 7:11 PM

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:   Mark Bailey MOVED to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of November 14, 2006.  Darcie Bagott seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT : Byron Hodges submitted a written report

Byron added to his report that the alternator in the snow plow went out and was repaired immediately.  The city crew ahs been plowing, removing snow and spreading sand and gravel.  On Friday, November 24, the pump on the North hill went out due to an electrical power outage.  The pump went back to on at about 11:30 AM.  The De-Watering system is set to be installed Dec. 5.  The electricians are all but done until the unit is installed.  Marc had a minor accident with the chain saw which required stitches.  This was turned into Labor and Industries.

POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Police Chief Jerry Neumann reported that things have been fairly quiet.  He has been working on the problem of barking dogs and at-large dog reports.  There was one accident in front of the car wash last week.  The new police station has some painting and floor finishing left to be done.  Byron said that the city will be parking the truck in one of the police station bays.  This is to prevent freezing and keep the truck ready to go in the mornings.  Council Member Wekenman said that Jason Cassidy, temporary second officer, is working on acquiring a bullet proof vest through a grant.  Rick said that the vests need to fit properly and Jason is using borrowed vests.  Chief Neumann said that he has a purchase program where one half of the cost is covered by his budget.  He informed the council that by January the permanent second officer decision will be made.  The Mayor and council feel strongly that our officers need the proper protection for their job.

BUILDING INSPECTOR REPORT: Dan Gladwill reported that he approved a new stick frame house to be built.  He has had many inspections and the department is caught up.  Dan said that 2006 has been less busy than 2005; the phone calls are about the same.  Council Member Wekenman informed Dan that the planning commission is in place and will be contacting Dan for input on relevant issues.

JOINT FIRE BOARD & EMS: Council Member Snook reported that the department reviewed the recent structure fire call and noted that the fire hydrant for this location was one block down and across the highway.  Using the new pumper tanker proved valuable, avoiding the need to stop traffic for the duration of the fire call.  The Fire Rating Bureau tested the department and based on pumper and tanker capacity, the rural was given a better rating.  Fire Chief Bagott is working with the Pullman Fire District on a mutual aid agreement for responding to structural and wildfires between the two districts.  The agreement would state that Pullman and Palouse would be automatically alerted on such a call, and turned back if not needed.  The JFB approved the Pullman/Palouse Ambulance Contract, with city attorney Bishop’s approval as well.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Resolution No. 2006-08 – 2007 Salary & Reimbursement Schedule

The Mayor read the resolution and asked if anyone had any adjustments to the salary schedule.  With no comment from the council, Council Member Snook MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2006-08.  Council Member Bagott seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS:

• START Assessment Report on Brownfield was received by the city last week for the Palouse Producers site on Main Street .  The EPA has a three phase plan:  1. assess the site, 2. clean up, 3. reuse.  The report states that the current data is old and anecdotal.  They recommend further testing of the site to determine if there is any remaining residue from past use.  There are three copies of the report, one will be kept at City Hall, one to the property owner and one for council review.

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS: 

PARKS, CEMETERY & BUILDINGS : Mike Milano reported that he will be surveying citizens about park and recreation use here in Palouse.  He would like to develop a Park and Recreation plan for the city.  He also reported that at the last chamber meeting it was approved to pay for a portion of the repairs of the barricades and look at a base redesign to stabilize the barricades for future use.

PERSONNEL & POOL : Jeff Snook reported that the committee will begin the search for Byron’s replacement in the New Year.

FINANCE, PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT : Norm Schorzman-Absent

POLICE, FIRE & SAFETY : Rick Wekenman-No report

POLICY & ADMINISTRATION : Mark Bailey-No Report

STREETS AND SIDEWALKS: Darcie Bagott reported that the city was awarded the TIB grant in the amount of $455,000 for the Whitman Street project.  The committee will be working with the State on the railroad portion of the project.  The engineering will occur in 2007, with construction in 2008.  The city’s website, www.visitpalouse.com has preliminary drawings of the project.

WATER & SEWER : Andy O’Neill submitted to Byron information on a bio solid spreader that the City of Pullman has put on surplus.  Byron said that the machine is in good condition and does not have many hours of use.  The minimum bid is $500 and he would like to see the city put a bid in.  The closing date for bidding is December 15.  The council gave Byron their approval to proceed with the bidding.

MAYOR’S REPORT : The Mayor reported that Whitman County will be increasing the tipping fees for the waste facility.  The fee will go from $65.00 to $95.00 per ton, with a $15 minimum fee.  The county plans to increase the cost at 2% every other year.  This is due to transportation costs and the fact that the fees had not been raised in 16 years.

The Department of Ecology will be paying for Data Loggers that will be replaced in the wells in Palouse.  These Data Loggers will provide consistent pumping information.  The replacement work will be done in conjunction with well maintenance.  Council Member Rick Wekenman presented to council a liquor license renewal for the Green Frog Restaurant.  There were no objections and the license was approved by default.

ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS: Jeff Snook MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed.  Mark Bailey seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURN Jeff Snook MOVED to adjourn.  Mike Milano seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council meeting adjourned at 8:16 PM

The following vouchers/warrants are approved for payment:

Claims Paid                   Warrants:  # 12050         through # 12069           Payment:  $7,582.85

APPROVED:________________________________   ATTEST:________________________________