--- date: "2004-01-14" title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2004-01-14" source: "2004-01-14-minutes-council-monthly.pdf" --- CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 14, 2004 Attended: Lance Delgado, Mayor Roger McKinley, Councilor Jim Hamsher, Councilor Anna Bass, Councilor Mike Springer, Councilor Marvin Casebeer, Councilor Dave Welch, Chief of Police Sarolta Sperry Mayor Delgado called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The roll was called, Karen Jacobs being absent. MSP: It was moved and seconded to approve the minutes of the December 10, 2003 meeting. Mayor Delgado recognized Shane Giffon of ODOT who addressed the Council regarding concerns over the City’s practice of snow removal that creates a burm on the highway. He stated that the plow needs a 16’ wide space to pass through safely and that the burm impedes passage. While recognizing the City’s concerns for parking, he stressed that the state must look out for all highway users, not just Prairie City. Due to safety reasons, he said any large accumulation or burm must be removed within 72 hours and that snow must not be piled on the storm drains. He also said the crosswalks were not cleared sufficiently and that the use of barricades to prohibit parking during snow removal was not done legally. The City must contact the highway department and they will provide the proper equipment and procedures for the use of barricades. It was noted that the state has the primary responsibility for clearing the highway and that the City’s role is to assist. He said he would like to work with the City to come up with a solution and suggested temporary no parking signs be utilized, possibly during the hours of 11pm to 4am. He said there could be some flexibility in the hours, but due to not being able to predict exactly which night the plow would be in the area, he stressed the importance of keeping the parking spaces clear during a snow event. Discussion followed regarding the use of no parking signs, enforcement, and the impact on businesses. Suggestions included using temporary signs, clearing parking lots to provide parking, utilizing the media to inform people not to park on Front Street during the designated hours during a snow event, and asking the businesses for their cooperation. Giffon pointed out that signs would be subject to ORS requirements. It was agreed that the City would coordinate with ODOT, the media and the businesses during a major snow event to alleviate future problems. Discussion also followed regarding the numerous complaints about snow removal procedures throughout the City and it was agreed that improvement is needed. Bob Titus was instructed to formulate a plan for city street snow removal by the March 24, 2004 meeting. Minutes January 14, 2004 Planning: No Report Public Safety: Discussion continued regarding snow removal issues. Abatement: It was agreed that the occupants of the Schatz property should be given additional time to work on cleaning it up and the Mayor agreed to write a letter of confirmation. The matter is to be re-addressed in April. Landfill: A written report with a picture was received by the Council. Public Works: Bob Titus said ABS picked up the wastewater pump for repair but that he had not heard anything yet. The Council questioned Titus about the status of the letter Scott Nebeker was going to draft, but he didn’t think it had been done. It was decided that something should be done by the next meeting and Titus said he would call Nebeker. The Recorder said she would contact the city attorney to see if she had been briefed on the subject. Titus told the Council that he would be taking the following day off. Mayor Delgado noted to the Council that Chris Camarena is off due to surgery and that Georgia Patterson sustained an injury earlier in the week prohibiting her from doing any heavy lifting. He stressed his concern to Bob Titus about being short-handed and asked what sort of back up plan he has for when he (Titus) takes time off. Titus said nothing would probably happen. Jim Hamsher said he would volunteer to help out if needed. Mayor Delgado told Titus to make sure his commissioners are aware when he takes time off while his crew is short- handed. Well Drilling: Mayor Delgado said he still has not been able to meet with Russell Ricco. Roger McKinley said he had talked with John Coombs and needs some information from Joe Hitz in order to work on an agreement. McKinley agreed to meet with Joe and bring an update to the February 11 meeting. Accounts Payable: The Council questioned why the City bought manure from Bonnie Nance. Bob Titus said it was for the trees being planted at Depot Park. Jim Hamsher said he would provide all the manure the City needs free of charge. MSP: It was moved and seconded to pay the January bills. MSP: It was moved and seconded to approve change order #1 for the water and sewer line project, Anna Bass/Roger McKinley. It was noted that the repair work was the result of no mapping of water lines being available and that it was not in the contract to haul and spread the rock, however, the final bill will show less units on the contract total. Property Purchase funding sources should continue to be explored. : Mayor Delgado said the possible uses of the property and potential Resolutions/Ordinances: None Minutes January 14, 2004 Personnel Issues: The date of February 3, 2004 at 6pm was set for the Executive Session to discuss personnel issues. Other Business: There was discussion regarding a request from the owner of Shoshoni Winds that the City write a letter of support with regard to their ADA access. In exploring the possibility of acquiring lottery machines, the owner was informed by the lottery commission that although the entrance to the restaurant does not meet ADA requirements, it is acceptable. The commission representative suggested he obtain a letter from the City, however, citing the historic quality of the building would be compromised aesthetically if the full requirement were to be implemented. Mayor Delgado expressed concern whether or not the restaurant should be allowed to have lottery machines, although it was noted that the owner was not asking for permission from the City and is not required to. It was pointed out that he was asking for the City’s support only from the ADA standpoint and that the City should remember their role in encouraging economic stability. MSP: To write a letter of support, Jim Hamsher/Mike Springer. Lance Delgado opposed. 7:20 pm MSP: It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Respectfully submitted: ___________________________ Diane Clingman, City Recorder Approved this Date: ________________ _________________________________ Lance M. Delgado, Mayor Minutes January 14, 2004