REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING-DRAFT ONLY
October 11, 2005
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Michael Echanove called the Council Meeting to order at 7:06PM
ROLL CALL: Council members present were: John Sell, Jeff Snook; Dave Willmore, Steve McGehee. Absent-Linda Dillard, Rick Wekenman and Norm Schorzman. Also present were: Joyce Beeson, Clerk-Treasurer; Byron Hodges, Public Works Superintendent; Bev Pearce, Deputy Clerk; Mark Bailey; Tiana Gregg; Darcie Bagott; Cheryl Johnson; Thinh Nguyen.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Jeff Snook MOVED to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of September 27, 2005. seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
OPEN FORUM :
- Tiana Gregg-Thanksgiving Day Fun Run: Tiana presented to the council a fund raiser for the Palouse Library. She proposes a fun run on Thanksgiving Day morning. The route would be from all Creatures Vet Clinic around the Palouse Grain Growers grain bins and back again, this equals one mile. Participants would get sponsors to raise money for new books, CD’s and DVD’s for the children’s section of the Palouse library. Tiana did not need any traffic assistant. The council gave its blessing for this event.
- Cheryl Johnson–Burn Ordinance: Cheryl asks the council when a burn ordinance would be put in place. She explained to the council that when her neighbors burn she becomes ill. The Mayor explained that the Policy and Administration committee has been working on this issue. Council Member McGehee said that his committee has about 75% of the ordinance done. He has contacted the Department of Ecology and they have made promises to attend council meetings to discuss the legal aspects of a burn ordinance, but so far, no one has shown up. City Attorney, Stephen Bishop commented that the committee is proceeding as it should and he stated that it is usually difficult to have a general consensus on burn ordinances.
- Cheryl Johnson–Rock on Illinois Street: Cheryl asks the council when the rock on Illinois Street, between Echanove Ave. and Pine Street would be removed. Byron said that he will get the job done.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT : Byron Hodges
Byron reported that Eddy’s pit was open and a crusher came in. The city purchased 2,000 tons of rock.
The city crew put in a couple new services, swept streets. Marc is continuing winterizing, and trimming trees.
Don has finished reading meters, with the usage being a lit lower this month.
Work on Ellis street continues for the Foster’s new home, old clay sewer lines were replaced with 6” line on the North hill. Byron has also been working on the budget with Joyce.
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Officer Snead submitted a written report
In Officer Snead’s report he listed arrests for MIP. Council Member McGehee addressed this issue by stating that when a juvenile is arrested it could affect their chances for receiving college loans or even being able to enter a college. He stated that in the past this community has looked the other way when it comes to arresting a juvenile for drinking. Officer Snead reminded council member McGehee that he has sworn an oath to the State of Washington and the community of Palouse to uphold state and city laws and ordinances. He would be breaking his oath if he looked the other way.
The Mayor told the council that he has asked Officer Snead to remain as Interim Chief of Police for a period of four months. This position will be fully compensated with benefits.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Resolution No. 2005-08 – dedicating “ Pauline Lane”: this item was not addressed.
OLD BUSINESS:
- 2006 Budget Discussion: The Mayor noted that finance chair, Norm Schorzman is absent.
- New radios for police dept.: At the September 13 council meeting Officer Ellsworth mentioned the possibility of needing new digital radios for the police department. Mark Bailey stated that he asked the Pullman Police Department about this and found out that due to the cost of these types of radios, they would not be purchasing them within the timeline as directed by the State. And it would be highly unlikely that other departments would be able to do the same.
- Police Chief Salary: Council Member McGehee discussed that fact that the current salary is at $36,000, this is on the low end of the range for this position. The committee has discussed an increase. Council Member Snook said the Police, Fire and Safety committee recommends a $4,000 increase. Council agreed and a revised salary schedule would be presented when a candidate is chosen.
- Building Inspector Salary: Council Member Snook stated that initially the personnel committee agreed to a $500/year increase, but discussion with Dan Gladwill and his request for an additional $100/month increase has lead the committee to rethink their original proposal. The building inspector is currently certified, he continues to upgrade his certification level and his work load has increased. The committee recommends a $1,000/year increase. Council Member Willmore has a problem with this increase. Council member Snook reiterated the fact that the city now has a certified inspector, who continues training and certification for his position. Treasurer Beeson reminded the council that the city paid more for two uncertified building inspectors in the past.
- Tennis Court Nets: Council Member McGehee stated that he had requested for the 2005 budget two new nets for the tennis courts. He would like to make that request again.
The Mayor read through the projected budget for 2006 and discussion continued.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS:
STREETS & SIDEWALKS: Linda Dillard-Absent
FINANCE, PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT : Norm Schorzman-Absent
PARKS, CEMETERY & BUILDINGS : John Sell-No Report
PERSONNEL & POOL : Jeff Snook –No Report
POLICY & ADMINISTRATION : Steve McGehee-No Report
WATER & SEWER : David Willmore-No Report
POLICE, FIRE & SAFETY : Rick Wekenman-Absent
MAYOR’S REPORT : The Mayor stated that the Police, Fire and Safety Committee has worked hard to bring good candidates to him for the Police Chief position. The last interview went well and he is waiting for word from our insurance Canfield and Associates on the background check. When the report comes in he will forward to the committee. There was discussion about increasing the Police Chief salary for the remaining portion of this year, if a new chief is hired. Thinh questioned the council on how they collected the recent applications and that if a new chief was hired, where would Officer Snead stand with his four month contract.
Council Member McGehee stated that the committee met, reviewed all options and approaches to the criteria for the position. The Mayor answered the question about Officer Snead by saying that he would complete his four month contract.
ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS: Dave Willmore MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed.
Jeff Snook seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN Steve McGehee MOVED to adjourn. Dave Willmore seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council meeting adjourned at 8:55PM
The following vouchers/warrants are approved for payment:
Claims Paid Warrants: # 11340 through # 11365 Payment: $20,152.17
VOID Warrants: #11337 through # 11339
APPROVED:________________________________ ATTEST:________________________________