--- date: "2003-08-27" title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2003-08-27" source: "2003-08-27-minutes-council-monthly.pdf" --- CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 27, 2003 Attended: Lance Delgado, Mayor Karen Jacobs, Councilor Anna Bass, Councilor Roger McKinley, Councilor Marvin Casebeer, Councilor Diane Clingman, City Recorder Dave Welch, Chief of Police Bob Titus, Public Works Lyn McDonald Sarolta Sperry Debbie Letosky Joe Hitz Stan Horrell Ryan Gerry Mayor Delgado called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. The roll was called, Jim Hamsher being absent. The pledge of allegiance was recited. Mayor Delgado recognized Kevin Purnell who addressed the Council regarding a sewer issue with one of the school buildings. Purnell said they had discovered that the maintenance shop had been being charged for sewer for 10 to 15 years but that there is no sewer hookup, only water. He estimated the school had been charged $30 per month for the past 3 years and $15 per month prior back to 1996 at least. No one could determine when the building was constructed but Bob Titus said he thought there was water to it in the early 80’s. Purnell acknowledged that the City has done work for the school free of charge in the past and that he realized there was probably no money available as a refund. The possibility of having the City work on sewer line problems at the football field in exchange was discussed, although it was not known the extent of work needed. It was generally agreed that the City would do the work but no dollar figures were discussed. Roger McKinley asked Purnell if the school would sign a hold-harmless agreement and he said yes. 6:15 p.m. Planning: Stan Horrell reported that the Planning Commission had approved 1 building permit and 1 partition application. Public Safety: Dave Welch reported that the replacement police car had been picked up and would be here by late evening. Abatement: Dave Welch reported that he had looked at the Cleo Larkin residence several months ago and said it could be considered a hazard. He also said he had talked with the Minutes August 27, 2003 City Attorney and that she had advised him to write a letter to the owner advising that he plans to inspect the property. She also advised that he have an engineer accompany him on the inspection. Regarding the Bailey property, Welch said he and the abatement committee had inspected the property several months ago and that he had taken a look at it again. He said the stagnant water is still there but lower. He said there was no feed for the horses in the lot and that they were eating their own feces, although he did say they appeared healthy. He said there is still a lot of animals on the property including an enormous amount of pigeons that appear to be at large much of the time. He said the photo he took shows the property is much like it was at the original inspection. Regarding the Tom Clemmens vacated residence, he recapped that Clemmens had been issued a citation 3 years ago on the building but that the citation had been dropped because Clemmens convinced the Council he would take care of the problem. The residence currently has very high vegetation around it, is accessible and probably unsafe. He said he had telephoned Clemmens in Burns and that Clemmens told him he had donated the building to a youth group 3 years ago and was no longer the legal owner (or wasn’t sure who the legal owner is.) Clemmens also indicated that he thinks 80% of the structure is on City property (3rd or 4th street?) and that the City should assist. Welch advised him that he (Clemmens) would still be responsible. Upon checking with the County, Welch found that Clemmens is in fact still the legal owner. He advised that the Council should proceed with abatement. Anna Bass asked if anyone had contacted Ron Jones of the Department of Agriculture regarding the Bailey property as decided at the last meeting but no one had. It was brought to the attention of the Council that the Bailey’s are renting the property and that the owner should also be informed of the problem. It was also mentioned that the $500 budgeted for abatement would not be enough to cover very many abatement cases and if more were spent it would (unfairly) cut into the police operating budget. It was suggested that the pending abatement cases be prioritized. Mayor Delgado said he felt the Bailey property should take precedence. Discussion followed as to the complaints about the standing water, numerous animals and noise from the birds and barking dogs. MSP: To send a letter to the owner and tenant at 253 West 12th Street advising that they are in violation of the City Nuisance Ordinance, 8.04.030, 8.04.050 b, d, and 8.04.110 b1. The City Recorder said she had been informed by the City Attorney that the date of September 8 would not work for a hearing on the Hicks issue because the Hicks’ had asked for a variance in their letter and the time frames for public notice are longer to consider a variance. She said the City Attorney is handling the issue at this point and will write a letter to the Hicks’ informing them of the next steps to be taken. Minutes August 27, 2003 The Mayor said the other issues would be put on hold for now and that Don Jones would be contacted regarding the Bailey property. It was also suggested that someone contact City County Insurance to see if they could lend assistance. 6:45 p.m. Landfill: A written report (sans picture) was given to the Council. Bob Titus said the site looks about the same. Discussion took place about whether or not to locate a diesel fuel tank at the site, but it was agreed that it would be simpler to have Voigt Chevron deliver fuel for the cat when needed. Public Works: Bob Titus reported that the lift station pump has not yet been returned. He was asked whether or not he is keeping a record of all the repairs and he said yes. He said the telemetry system had been inspected by the company that installed it and that the problem with false alarms had been fixed. Titus reported that well #2 is running and hasn’t started using the other well yet but wants to go to every other day watering. He also said the well driller had begun drilling but the equipment broke down. There was mention of the pending crack and chip sealing projects and that the chip sealing is tentatively scheduled for the week of September 3. Regarding the trees on Cozart Street, Titus said Mark Webb is going check them out and will let him know his findings. Titus wants to go ahead and remove the trees in Depot Park; it was suggested he contact the County first since they own the property. Sarolta Sperry said there is a tree behind her residence that needs removal and suggested that it be taken out while the creek is still dry. Bob said he would check it out. It was suggested that he contact OTEC as well. 7:05 p.m. Accounts Payable: Bob Titus was asked about the bill from Grant County Building Supply for restroom materials. He said he couldn’t say off-hand what materials it was for; probably molding, paint and plywood. The Council asked about the bill from the JWN for well drilling and it was noted that it was a progress payment for the well drilling project. MSP: To pay the bills, Roger McKinley/Anna Bass. Resolutions/Ordinances: Although on the agenda, it was noted that a resolution is not actually needed to accept the $2,400 for the totaled police car because it is not being appropriated in this budget year. Mayor Delgado brought up the restroom project and said that because public works has other work to do and that working on the restroom project takes them away from all their regular duties, the City should get bids to finish the interior and paint the exterior. It was noted that verbal bids could be used as long as at least 3 contractors are contacted. Titus said he had contacted Pat O’Hara about an estimated cost although he noted that O’Hara is not a licensed contractor. He said he didn’t think the panels would have to be removed. It was noted that there is approximately $5K left in the budget. Sarolta Sperry Minutes August 27, 2003 asked about the cracked concrete but it was noted that not much could have been done to prevent it and it can be sealed. 7:20 p.m. Other Business: Debbie Letosky asked to be recognized regarding the museum renovation project. She said the Transient Room Tax Committee had granted them $5,000. She said that they were approaching their goal of $80K with approximately $65,450 in donations currently received or committed. She asked whether or not the City was going to be able to do the ADA work as previously agreed or if it would have to be contracted out. It was noted that the City did not budget to pay someone else to do the work. It was also noted that the contents of the museum will need to be moved out of the building before the projected start date of November 15. 7:35 p.m. It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Respectfully submitted: ___________________________ Diane Clingman, City Recorder Approved this Date: ________________ _________________________________ Lance M. Delgado, Mayor Minutes August 27, 2003