REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – DRAFT ONLY
October 10, 2006
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Michael Echanove called the Council Meeting to order at 7:00PM
ROLL CALL: Council members present were: Darcie Bagott; Mike Milano; Andy O’Neill; Norm Schorzman; and Rick Wekenman. Absent: Jeff Snook and Mark Bailey. Also present were: Joyce Beeson, Clerk-Treasurer; Byron Hodges, Public Works Superintendent; Bev Pearce, Deputy Clerk; Steve Hailey; Daquarii Rock; Dale Murphy.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Norm Schorzman MOVED to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of September 26, 2006. Darcie Bagott seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
OPEN FORUM :
- Project Access-Daquarii Rock presented to the council Project Access a collaborated community education program for seniors in our rural towns. She handed to council flyers on the program, of which she is the project manager. Part of the program is a Gatekeeper service, where citizens receive training on how to help seniors in our town. She encouraged council members to sign up as gatekeepers. She left flyers for council to review and said that the same flyers are posted all around town.
- Dale Murphy is also part of Project Access and coordinates transportation for seniors. She is looking for volunteer drivers for the program.
- Steve Hailey introduced himself to council and spoke about his campaign.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT : Byron Hodges submitted a written report
Byron added to his report that Marc has begun some preliminary work on the green space ( Central Park ) in front of City Hall. Items that the city employees would like to see go into the space are, a bench, flagpole, the Preserve America sign, a trash can and an information/message board for the community, this will eliminate the flyers that are always stuck to the door at City Hall. The Mayor asked for a cost estimate on these items.
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Chief Neumann was not present, but he reported to the Mayor that one agency is currently working with the resident on Bluff Street to find alternate housing. Council Member Milano has spoken to the chief about the Whitman and Beach Street closure for Haunted Palouse. Council Member O’Neill is concern about the blockade fencing currently being used for events, he said that the some of the fencing blew over during Palouse Days and he would like to see more stability for the fencing.
OLD BUSINESS:
- Continued discussion of 2007 Budget-Clerk Treasurer Beeson reported that the Sick Leave Reserve is carrying a balance of $12,400 over to 2007. The result of Byron’s retirement will lower the fund and the city needs to look to the future for other employee’s retirements. Discussion on the Police Chief’s salary schedule and what is appropriate for a town of our size took place. The Mayor noted the 2007 budget does not contain any appropriations for the Fisher’s Addition project or the Public Works building. The future water reservoir upgrade project continues to receive monthly funds. Council Member Schorzman said that the finance committee will consider these items
COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS:
PARKS, CEMETERY & BUILDINGS : Mike Milano reported that the Palouse Scenic Byway committee will plan meetings in each rural town to review the grant requirements and needs of each community. The proposed plan for Palouse is to have a scenic byway information board at Heritage Park .
PERSONNEL & POOL : Jeff Snook Absent
FINANCE, PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT : Norm Schorzman No report
POLICE, FIRE & SAFETY : Rick Wekenman reported that he has been on vacation, but as far as he knows there has been progress on the Police Station, the chief plans on having the bathroom operational by Haunted Palouse, for the volunteers to use. He asked the council about the policy on our reserve officer Cassidy using a police vehicle to and from Pullman where he lives. The mayor indicated that Officer Cassidy was probably on-call on those particular days. This question will be reviewed with Chief Neumann.
POLICY & ADMINISTRATION : Mark Bailey absent-No report
STREETS AND SIDEWALKS: Darcie Bagott reported that she has been asked about a stop sign on Houghton and Bridge Street by the Federated Church . There is an increase of traffic and potential safety issues. She also questioned the council about making Alder and Cannon one way streets.
WATER & SEWER : Andy O’Neill – No report
MAYOR’S REPORT : The Mayor reported that a preliminary meeting for a planning commission was held last week. The turn out was small and a second meeting is scheduled. Council Member Bagott, Snook and the Mayor attended an AWC meeting last week. On Saturday during a live performance of Prairie Home Companion at the Beasley Coliseum singer/songwriter, Charlie Sutton, formerly of Palouse, mentioned Palouse to the audience. Great plug for our town on national radio.
ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS: Norm Schorzman MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed.
Darcie Bagott seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN : Rick Wekenman MOVED to adjourn. Mike Milano seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council meeting adjourned at 8:25PM
The following vouchers/warrants are approved for payment:
Claims Paid Warrants: # 11957 through # 11991 Payment: $8,753.42
APPROVED: ________________________________ ATTEST: ________________________________