CITY OF PALOUSE
November 8, 2005
Public Hearing – 2006 Preliminary Budget
7:00 PM
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING-DRAFT ONLY
November 8, 2005
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Michael Echanove called the Public Hearing to order at 7:02PM
ROLL CALL: Council members present were: John Sell, Jeff Snook, Linda Dillard, Dave Willmore, Steve McGehee, Rick Wekenman; and Norm Schorzman. Also present were: Joyce Beeson-Clerk-Treasurer-Byron Hodges, Public Works Superintendent; Bev Pearce-Deputy Clerk; Jerry Neumann-Police Chief; Jim Wright; Michael Allen; Lisa Fisher; Andy O’Neill; Michael Wolf; Sharon McGinnis; Katrina Shelton; Linda Arrasmith; Steve Gill; Cheryl Johnson; Tom Wysong; Brian Johnson; Marc Smith; Theresa Smith; Dennis Kittelson; Dave Caudle; Julie Kerr; Pete Hertz; Greg Partch; Steve Brink.
OPEN PUBLIC HEARING-2006 Budget: 2006 Budget Public Hearing opened at 7:02PM
The Mayor complimented Joyce on her work on the budget. The city has experienced loss of income in the past, but with conservative spending recently the city has weathered fairly well. The upcoming year looks good for the city.
CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING: 7:06PM
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Jeff Snook MOVED to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of October 25, 2005. Steve McGehee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
OPEN FORUM :
- Carl Cozad-Community Action Center: Carl introduced himself as the new Executive Director for the Community Action Center. He explained that the center will be working on the new bill HB2163. This is a house bill to end homelessness in Washington State. The Center was contracted by the county to work on this project. The Mayor asked Carl what constitutes a homeless person. Carl said anyone who does not have a permanent shelter to live in.
- Greg Partch-County Commissioner: Greg said that he was on his yearly tour of the cities which he represents.
Council Member McGehee invited Carl back after the first of the year, as new council members will be in place. Greg Partch continued by reminding the council that he now sits on the TIB board, he also said that there is an opening for another board director. The board meets every other month. The Mayor asked Greg how the county budget was doing. Greg said that it looks better; they have had to consolidate offices and cut jobs. They hope to start 2006 without having to use the county’s reserve funds. The ballot that was passed in September helped the county a lot. Continued work on the Streamline Tax is being done. Greg presented the Mayor with a portion of the ribbon used on opening day of the Palouse Cove Road.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT : Byron Hodges
The crew has finished the water line on Ellis Street. Don has read the meters for the last time of the season. The Hayton Green Park restrooms are closed for the season and the pool has been filled for the winter. The Mayor asked Byron to pass along a Thank You to Marc for the work he did on the barricades.
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Chief Nauman reported:
The chief went on a ride along with Officer Snead and Ellsworth; he was taken to the county facilities as well. So far everything is going well. Chief Nauman will be the Emergency Response Coordinator for the city. He will also be spending a lot of time at the school. The Mayor said that 2006 will be the year of the Police Department in Palouse.
OLD BUSINESS:
- Leaf disposal update
Council Member Schorzman met with County Solid Waste Disposal Coordinator Cindy Leper to discuss different options the city may use for disposal of yard debris. The county will furnish the citizens of Palouse with paper or biodegradable bags as one option. These bags will be available down at city hall when they come in. Several households on the South Hill of Palouse received letters from the Department of Ecology. These citizens discussed the content of the letters and more discussion continued on the issue of burning legal debris. Mike Allen asked about the dumpster that was discussed at the last council meeting. Council Member Schorzman said that it would cost the city $450, for a one time dump and the dumpster would need to be monitored to make sure that only yard debris was put in. Most of the citizens in attendance were not in favor of a burn ordinance for the city. Council Member McGehee said that the ordinance would be more strict then the current state laws. The Mayor stated that the current letters and burn issues need to be taken up with the Department of Ecology. Those issues are not city issues. Cindy Leper and Kary Peterson will both be at the next council meeting.
- 2006 Budget discussion: There have been four council meetings that included discussion about the 2006 budget. There will be a public hearing on November 22.
- Hearing Request by John Sell for partial Street Vacation on Illinois Avenue
The Mayor asked Joyce if the application is valid, she said yes. Council Member Willmore MOVED to set a public hearing 20 days from this council meeting, Tuesday, November 29, 2005 7:00 PM at City Hall. Council Member McGehee seconded the motion. There was discussion on a verbal decision made by a past mayor and council to no longer allow street vacations. The current council is following the current codes and ordinances in place. The motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS:
STREETS & SIDEWALKS: Linda Dillard-No Report
FINANCE, PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT : Norm Schorzman-No Report
PARKS, CEMETERY & BUILDINGS : John Sell-No Report
PERSONNEL & POOL : Jeff Snook
Council Member Snook reported that the Fire Rating Bureau was in town to evaluate the city. The Rural rating is at 8A and the City is at 7. These ratings can affect consumer insurance rates.
POLICY & ADMINISTRATION : Steve McGehee-No Report
WATER & SEWER : David Willmore-No Report
POLICE, FIRE & SAFETY : Rick Wekenman
Council Member Wekenman will be setting up a meeting with the new chief to discuss the future of the department.
MAYOR’S REPORT : Joyce and the Mayor will be attending a funding conference in Wenatchee. AWC will be having a meeting on Thursday at the Hilltop restaurant. He asked any council members to let Bev know if they wanted to attend.
ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS: Jeff Snook MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed.
Norm Schorzman 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 8:47PM
The following vouchers/warrants are approved for payment:
Claims Paid Warrants: # 11380 through # 11406 Payment: $22,414.64
APPROVED:________________________________ ATTEST:________________________________