The City Council met in regular session on August 1, 2016 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Scott Winkler
Mike Peterson
Beryl Grant
Amy Farris
Pete Lane
Absent: Wes Lester
City employees present were Chief Drew, Clerk Kennedy and Attorney Green. Public Works Director McFrederick absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MINUTES: The meeting was called to order. The minutes of July 18th were approved as presented by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilwoman Grant. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Nancy Asker, Melinda Hall and Rachel Kelley were present to review Octoberfest events and activities. They would like a road closure on North and South State Streets. They would like them closed Saturday – Sunday afternoon to allow setup and take down. They do not plan to close Main Street.
Larsons Department Store and Umpqua Bank have allowed them to use their parking lot for events. Heritage Square will also be used all day. They would like to have the Beer Garden to the west of the Bell Equipment lot between Bell Equipment lot and BK Tire, which is in the street right of way access into Heritage Square. The Beer Garden will be maintained at all times and should have one entrance. They’ll have wrist bands after IDs are checked. Those that don’t have a wrist band will have ID checked.
On motion by Councilwoman Grant, second by Councilman Peterson to accept the proposal for Octoberfest including the beer garden located between BK Tire and Bell Equipment lot and close State Street between South 1st and Main and North Street and Main. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Rachel Kelley was present to ask permission to coordinate the Flamingo Fun Run for her senior project. They will start by the Umpqua parking lot around 9:30 and proposed ending about 1045. On motion by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilwoman Farris to accept the proposed route and the Flamingo run as presented by Rachel Kelley. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Jessaca Austad, Ida-Lew presented the Ida-Lew Business Plan. She is working closely with UI, LCSC, Walla Walla Community College and CEDA. If the City needs anything we should let her know.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Assistant Library Director Ellissa Crowl requested permission to have Art in the Park two days in 2017 – July 3rd and 4th. Art in the Park was very successful. Ellissa had talked to vendors that came and many travel long distances. It would make it worth their while if it was a two day show instead of one. They could have a one day charge and a two day charge. They may need to hire security overnight. Mayor Walker thought it was a good idea. Councilwoman Grant asked if she had talked to Border Days. Councilman Winkler thought it was a good idea. Border Days dates vary, so they should work with Scott before setting the dates.
On motion by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilwoman Grant to allow the library to have a two day Art in Park for Border Days. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SURPLUS: On motion by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilwoman Grant to surplus the 1973 Chevy Sludge truck at the WWTP. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Councilman Peterson said it is probably worth more than $1,500; it’s a very neat safe. He thought the value should be $3,500. On motion by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilman Lane to surplus the old safe at the Public Works Building for a value of $3,500. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
TENTATIVE BUDGET: Mayor Walker stated Public Works Director McFrederick has requested a 3% salary increase. He felt all department heads including the City Attorney should be considered for the increase. Councilwoman Grant clarified that the City Attorney was an independent contractor. Councilwoman Grant stated something needs to be in place for the review process for department heads. All of them deserve a raise. It was pointed out Chief Drew had requested a 3% increase during his budget session and it was approved at that time. Councilman Lane verified McFrederick and Kennedy weren’t included in the increases discussed during the budget meetings for their employees. Councilman Lane stated he would like to say he appreciates Jeff, Morgan, Tonya and Adam’s work and they definitely deserve the increase.
On motion by Councilwoman Grant, second by Councilman Lane to adopt the 2016-17 Tentative Budget. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ITEMS TO NOTE: 2016-17 Budget Hearing – September 6, 2016
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 P.M.
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Bruce Walker – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
