The City Council met in regular session on November 2, 2009 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Del Houger
Michael Peterson
Brian Lorentz
Wes Lester
Georgia DeHaas
Linda Aiken
City employees present were Public Works Director Gortsema, Attorney Green and Clerk Kennedy. Chief Sedam was absent.
The meeting was called to order.
AGENDA AMENDMENT: none
MINUTES: The minutes of the October 19th regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Peterson. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
STAFF UPDATE: Mayor Walker updated those present on staff issues. Claudia Roberts is gone until at least after Christmas as she is in Seattle with her husband as he begins stem cell replacement for cancer treatment. Chief Sedam recently found out he has lung cancer and will be starting treatments this week. Until his return, Lt. Hewson is in charge.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: The Police and Animal Control Report for October 2009 was moved to the next meeting agenda.
VISITORS: Rick Brazell was present to introduce himself as the new Clearwater and Nez Perce Forest District supervisor.
Andy McNab was present to voice his concern with banners on Main Street and the recent approval of a banner for a commercial business. He felt that the banners should be used only for non-profit organizations and community events and benefits. He submitted a letter to that effect, signed by various community businesses.
BANNER REQUEST REVIEW FOR THECAMAS.COM: Councilman Lorentz felt that the banners have been a nuisance since they first started but also felt until they caused a problem they could continue. Now there is a controversy and he felt banners should only be allowed for community events such as Border Days and Relay for Life. If a new community event comes up then that could be added. By doing this, Avista doesn’t have to hang up banners very often. Mayor Walker stated that the City has a current policy that states banner requests are reviewed on a case by case basis. Councilman Lester explained that he had asked Attorney Green to find out if the State prohibits banners. After talking to the State, he found out that a permit is required for advertising.
Derrick Oxnam was present for the discussion and would like to rescind their request if necessary as they don’t want to cause problems. He did feel that maybe a designation of non profit would be a good criteria to consider when making a decision on banners.
On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to rescind the decision to allow a banner for thecamas.com. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Mayor Walker brought up that in working with the Census, Councilman Peterson has a grant request in for a banner and cables that would go across Main Street. Councilwoman DeHaas doesn’t agree with allowing a Census banner. Councilman Houger felt the topic should be added to the next agenda for discussion.
VARIANCE APPLICATION: The variance application for the Wastewater Plant has been completed and is being introduced to DEQ. Tom Moore has a copy of the variance application and the Facility Plan. The City will wait for his review and any questions he may have before forwarding it on.
SPECIAL MEETING TO CANVASS THE VOTES: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger to set a special meeting to canvass the votes from the 2009 election on November 6th at noon. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
FESTIVAL OF TREES DONATION: On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Houger to donate a family pool pass to the Festival of Trees. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION EXTENSION REQUEST: Aaron Williams was not present for the request, nor did he submit a letter. Attorney Green will send him a letter.
ENERGY BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION: Keven Shreeve met with Mayor Walker and Public Works Director Gortsema a few months ago to let them know Forsgren and Associates would be interested in preparing an Energy Block Grant Application for the City of Grangeville at no cost. The grant is up to $100,000.00 and would evaluate efficiencies in energy in buildings or engines. The grant would only cover the evaluation, not the implementation; however additional monies may be available for implementation at a later date. Councilman Lester asked if Avista provided a report when they looked at the City. Gortsema explained that Avista only looked to see if it reduced the power enough to get the rebate. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger to authorize Kevin Shreeve with Forsgren and Associates to prepare an Energy Block Grant application for the City. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR NORTH MEADOW STREET REHABILITATION: On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson to authorize the Mayor to sign the Professional Services Agreement with Riedesel and Associates for the North Meadow Street Rehabilitation project. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to go into Executive Session according to Section 67-2345 (f) litigation. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: DeHaas, Houger, Lester, Lorentz, Aiken, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
The Council returned to regular session. No action was taken.
REPORT ON AREA OF IMPACT COMMISSIONER MEETING: Councilman Lorentz reported that Skip Brandt isn’t willing to change his mind on building permits, Jim Rehder left early and James Rockwell is on the City’s side. He felt there was no point in discussing the area of impact with the County.
ITEMS TO NOTE: A meeting will be held on the Grangeville Management Plan on November 16, 2009 at noon as Oscars Restaurant with Northwest Management.
City elections are November 3, 2009, noon to 8:00 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 P.M.
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Bruce Walker – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
