REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – DRAFT ONLY
October 24, 2006
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Michael Echanove called the Council Meeting to order at 7:00PM
ROLL CALL: Council members present were: Darcie Bagott; Mark Bailey; Andy O’Neill; Norm Schorzman; Jeff Snook; and Rick Wekenman. Absent-Mike Milano. Also present were: Joyce Beeson, Clerk-Treasurer; Byron Hodges, Public Works Superintendent; Bev Pearce, Deputy Clerk; Jerry Neumann, Police Chief; Dan Gladwill, Building Inspector; Caitlyn McGehee.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Rick Wekenman MOVED to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of October 10, 2006. Norm Schorzman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT : Byron Hodges submitted written report.
Byron added that he has looked at the Houghton and Bridge Street intersection and will be putting a Stop sign at the West corner of Bridge and Houghton facing South and a yield sign at the East corner of Bridge and Houghton facing North. Council Member Snook asked Byron about the status of prep work for the new de-watering system. Byron said that the old system has been removed, floors are being jack hammered to allow for new plumbing. He and Don took a field trip to Asotin to view their new system. It was a very informative since it is identical to the one we are getting. Byron expects to have the new system in place in one month’s time. The Mayor asked about the pool, Byron said that it should be good for another year or two. He reminded council that a new heating system needs to be looked at in the future. Council Member Schorzman asked Byron where a good location would be for a new city shop. Byron said on the hill next to Well 3. The council asked about the leaf bag collection. All the bags have been distributed. The city staff will look into getting more bags.
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Chief Neumann reported that work progresses on the new police department with the plumbing and heating systems done. Left to be done is some painting, bathroom floor to tile. The Chief went to the school yesterday to begin the Red Ribbon week. This was started to honor a CIA agent who died in Mexico , He believed that one person can make a difference on the war against drugs. The Chief is also involved in a reading program to the elementary students. There have been traffic violations, vehicle stops, a DUI arrest and reminders that it is illegal to cross the double line on Main Street . The Chief will be following up on ordering the signs for no compression brakes. Haunted Palouse has been enjoyable so far; the police officers participated in a street scene. The damage to city property that occurred last Tuesday night is estimated at $3500 for the light pole and $2400 for the sidewalk repair. The damage to the St. Elmo building is being examined. The Stracks, owners of St. Elmo will not be pressing charges. Chief Neumann would like to follow a course where the charges are held for one year, with the offender doing community service during that time period. The council was in agreement with the Chief’s recommendations. The council brought up the dog ordinance. The Chief said that our current ordinance could be amended to include action for aggressive dog situations. Caitlyn McGehee asked if the city has a First Bite ordinance, the answer was no.
BUILDING INSPECTOR REPORT: Dan Gladwill reported that he is in town 3 to 4 times a month and answers many calls for proposed projects. He has attended training for the updated International Building Codes 2006. There will be some changes for the state. Council Member Wekenman asked if these codes were available to the general public, the answer is no because some of the codes are copywrited. Dan said that he is happy to share the codes with anyone who is interested. He will provide to the city the updates that affect city residents. Dan met a FEMA representative that can provide free flood training next fall. Dan would like to attend. Joyce said that Dan has a training budget of $1000 and she would like to increase this to $1500. She stated that the increase of knowledge that he provides to the city staff and citizens is invaluable. The Mayor asked about the resident and property on Bluff Street . The Chief Neumann replied that the property owner’s income is over the limit that would allow assistance for housing. The Adult Protective Services has offered to help with the cleaning up of the home, or the agency can act as a 3rd party to help sell the home. This last option is what the property owner would like to do, not being directly involved in the selling of the home. The council agreed that the last option may be best for all involved.
JOINT FIRE BOARD & EMS: Council Member Snook reported that the 2006 budget is looking great. The fire calls continue to be low. The EMS has interviewed 3 volunteers. The EMS squad is considering running two vehicles on each call because of recent overlapping calls. The second vehicle would be fire truck 413, which is equipped with oxygen and other basic items that are on the ambulance. Byron Hodges expressed concern about the cost of running two vehicles. Bev Pearce said that the squad has experienced three calls recently that required the crew to take private vehicles to respond. These vehicles do not carry the needed equipment to help patients.
Council Member Snook said that there has been no report about the grant for the new fire truck.
OLD BUSINESS:
- Continued discussion of 2007 Budget:
Council member Schorzman reported that the finance committee will meet one more time, and then meet with Joyce.
Joyce reported that the council will have a preliminary public meeting on November 14th, then the final public hearing on November 28th. She reminded council that the budget must be adopted at the December 12th council meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Appointments to the Planning Commission: The Mayor asked council to confirm the appointment of the following citizens to the Planning Commission: Mark Bailey (ex-offico); Maggie Breshears; Kevin Imel; Rick Wekenman (ex-offico); Sam Gregg; Jim Trivelpiece; Jay Iverson; Cory Laughary. The terms of each member is staggered to allow rotation on the commission. Council Member Schorzman MOVED to appoint these citizens to the Planning Commission. Council Member Snook seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS:
PARKS, CEMETERY & BUILDINGS : Mike Milano-Absent
PERSONNEL & POOL : Jeff Snook reported that the committee is working on the clerical assistant position and plan to start the search for Byron’s replacement either at the end of the year or the beginning of 2007.
FINANCE, PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT : Norm Schorzman – no report
POLICE, FIRE & SAFETY : Rick Wekenman had no report, but thanked Chief Neumann and his family for doing so much work on the police department.
POLICY & ADMINISTRATION : Mark Bailey reported that city attorney will have the revised sign ordinance ready for the next council meeting. He has not heard back from the Library District about the changes to the insurance coverage the city proposed.
STREETS AND SIDEWALKS: Darcie Bagott-No Report
WATER & SEWER : Andy O’Neill-No Report
MAYOR’S REPORT : The Mayor had no report, but did ask about the B Street situation. Council Member Bagott said that issue is now in the hands of the property owners in that area.
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 Norm Schorzman MOVED to adjourn. Jeff Snook seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council meeting adjourned at 8:12PM
The following vouchers/warrants are approved for payment:
Claims Paid Warrants: # 11992 through # 12010 Payment: $30,130.68
APPROVED:________________________________ ATTEST:________________________________