The City Council met in regular session on December 7, 2015 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Scott Winkler
Mike Peterson
Beryl Grant
Shelley Dumas
Pete Lane
Wes Lester
City employees present were Chief Drew, Public Works Director McFrederick, Clerk Kennedy and Attorney Green.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MINUTES: The meeting was called to order and the minutes of November 16th were approved as presented by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilwoman Grant. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: A.J. Heath was present to discuss homeless care. He saw a recent KREM 2 broadcast which showed about 3,000 homeless children in Spokane County. In Region II there are around 94 homeless children. He would like to see a regional effort where people would think of ideas co combat homelessness. One such idea is “tiny houses” which have all essential living space in a 7’x15’ area.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilwoman Dumas provide an update to the Council on the City survey. The committee has met a couple times and will have a final meeting tomorrow night. They will have a recommendation soon.
Public Works Director McFrederick provided a Cash and Myrtle Well Update. The rehabilitation on Cash Well is almost complete. Once the City gets two 24 hour consecutive samples without errors, the well will go back online.
Myrtle Well has about 100’ of damaged pipe (of the 500’ total). The existing motor is being rebuilt and the City will buy new motor as a backup. The backup motor could be used for Myrtle or Cash well. Both wells will be done before spring and the project is coming in under budget.
HELICOPTER ORDINANCE: Mayor Walker stated the City received good information from the Grangeville EMTs. Attorney Green’s idea was to provide categories to think about that aren’t requirements but could be considered for the issuance of permit. After reading the letter from the EMTs, Councilwoman Grant felt the City needed to slow down and get the ordinance right. She would like to see a couple EMTs meet with a couple councilmembers to discuss ideas. Councilwoman Dumas agrees with Councilwoman Grant.
On motion by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilman Lane to table the ordinance for future discussion and revision. Mayor Walker stated if the ordinance is tabled, then all the people that came to the meeting to speak would not be able to comment. Councilman Lane rescinded his second on the motion. Councilwoman Grant then seconded the motion. Motion carried, Councilman Lane voting no.
Mayor Walker stated he was not going to create a committee tonight. The council will need to be careful with the open meeting law. The information will be digested and then the City will figure how to move forward.
LOCHSA LAND SWAP: Mayor Walker asked if the City has a position after individuals attended the Lochsa Land Swap. On motion by Councilwoman Dumas, second by Councilman Winkler to move that the City draft a letter opposing the Lochsa Land Exchange. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SURPLUS: On motion by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilwoman Grant to surplus the Masterbuilt 49 cubic feet non-working freezer. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CANVASSED ELECTION RESULTS: The canvassed election results are show below:
Amy Farris 185
Daniel Gautney 160
Peter B Lane 289
Michael B Peterson 261
On motion by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilman Lester to accept the 2015 canvassed election results. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
AUDIT AGREEMENT: On motion by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilman Lester to authorize the signing of the 2014-15 Audit Agreement in the amount of $19,000 with Millington Zwygart. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
319 GRANT: Public Works Director McFrederick stated the City received notification on the award of the grant to start this spring on the project. He would like to have Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute be the project manager for the grant. DEQ encouraged the City to participate in this grant; it’s a shading project to hopefully reduce the temperature of the creek.
On motion by Councilman Lane, second by Councilman Peterson to authorize Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute as project managers for the Three Mile Creek 319 Grant. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VACATION/SICK MIKE CURTISS: Councilwoman Grant explained Mike Curtiss had asked to meet with the personnel committee which included Councilmen Lester and Lane. Some of the discussion revolved around the intent of the motion from May 18th on a sick bank request.
On motion by Councilwoman Grant, second by Councilman Lane to give Mike Curtiss back his 14 days of vacation he asked for last May and carry it over in 2016 and make it an exception to the handbook. Mayor Walker questioned why Mike wouldn’t have to use his vacation before being granted sick leave when other past employees did need to use their vacation and sick first. Councilwoman Grant stated it made a difference because he had been here for 30 years and out of respect to him. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ITEMS TO NOTE: Revenue and Expenditure Reports 2014-15 Year End.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 P.M.
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Bruce Walker – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
