City Council met in regular session on April 17, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Lester presided:
Councilmembers present:
Mike Peterson
Beryl Grant
Scott Winkler
Dylan Canaday
Pete Lane
Amy Farris
City employees present were City Administrator Kennedy, Public Works Director Mager, Chief Newman and Attorney Jessup.
MINUTES: The meeting was called to order and the Council minutes of April 3rd were approved as presented by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Canaday. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Joel Cleary was present to introduce himself as a candidate for a Syringa Hospital Board Trustee position.
Krista Baker, CEDA and Dave Taylor Nez Perce County did not attend.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: Public Works Director Mager stated the department worked on drainage ditches and will be fixing potholes soon. The road to the steel tank is in and it’s dry and firm. They are working on fencing to keep cows out of the job site.
WATER TANK PROJECT: City Administrator Kennedy stated the preconstruction meeting took place in late March and dirt work is scheduled to begin soon. Councilor Grant asked when completion is scheduled. Mager responded the end of November.
On motion by Councilor Winkler, second by Councilor Peterson to authorize payment to T Bailey, Inc. for Pay Application #1 in the amount of $14,250. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Canaday, Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Winkler to authorize the mayor to sign Block Grant Fund request #9 in the amount of $23,420. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Canaday, Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
POLICE AND ANIMAL CONTROL REPORT: Chief Newman reported the City had 77 calls for service and 22 reports taken for March 2023. They are making progress with new trucks. The first of the 2022 pickups arrived and ERS is installing equipment in one of them. It may be ready in a couple weeks. The department is participating in the drug take back program this Saturday from 10am-2pm. Councilor Lane asked how the trailer enforcement is going? Chief Newman stated they are making progress with Officer Vance running on it. They are getting good compliance and haven’t had to tow any yet, but they have to watch them pretty close.
FIRE MINUTES: On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Farris to accept the Fire Minutes of February 13th and 27th, 2023. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CARGO CONTAINER STEVE CLARK 806 S A: Administrator Kennedy stated she reached out to Steve to check in on the progress of their repairs. They cleaned out and removed one container in October and they hope to have the remaining container empty and scheduled for pick up by the end of the month.
BILLS: The bills, in the total amount of $354,802.11 (Financials $222,211.84, March Payroll $132,590.27) were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds, on motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Grant. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
DANGEROUS BUILING 224 W NORTH 5TH: Administrator Kennedy explained the house at 224 E North 5th Street burned in December 2022. The property owners were sent a dangerous building letter requiring demolition of the remaining structure. At this time no action has been made to start cleanup. Attorney Jessup ordered a litigation guarantee for the property in preparation for a hearing and potential lawsuit to condemn the nuisance house. Once it is received, the City will know who to provide the notice of hearing before the Council to.
BANCORP 2023 FORD POLICE LEASE: On motion by Councilor Winkler, second by Councilor Peterson to authorize the mayor to sign the lease agreement with The Bancorp for the 2023 Ford police vehicle on a three-year lease to own schedule. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson, Canaday. NO: none. The motion passed.
ITEMS TO NOTE:
• 2023 Spring Clean Up Week is set for May 15th – 19th
• CEDA Annual Meeting – April 27th
The meeting adjourned at 6:20 P.M.
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Wes Lester – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
