--- date: "2006-02-08" title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2006-02-08" source: "2006-02-08-minutes-council-monthly.pdf" --- CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 8, 2006 Attended: Jim Hamsher, Mayor Tom McAuslan, Councilor Mark Wishard, Councilor Marvin Casebeer, Councilor Mike Springer, Councilor Don Strong, Councilor Roger McKinley, Councilor Bob Titus, Public Works Russ Mansfield Stan Horrell Mayor Hamsher called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The roll was called, all members being present. The pledge of allegiance was recited. The minutes of the January 25, 2006 meeting were considered. MSP: To approve the minutes of January 25, 2006 as written, Tom McAuslan/Mark Wishard. Public Works: Bob Titus gave the Council copies of the draft DEQ Wastewater Permit. He noted that the major change concerned the cost to the City whether or not the land is grazed to remove the crop. If the land is grazed, the effluent must be chlorinated and tested. He said the landowner that has the first right of refusal to graze has indicated they don’t want to give up the right, but they also don’t want to pay. There was discussion of how much the City charges to graze and how to remove the crop by another means. The Council agreed to review the permit and address it at the next meeting. Well Drilling: Mayor Hamsher said John Coombs had said he would be interested in the 50% water rate option for the school as compensation for locating well sites on his property. It was noted that he also wants the City to “freeze” the rate so it never goes up. There was discussion of whether or not he would consent to freezing the rate after the anticipated increase or if he means to have the current rate kept in place. The Recorder said she had faxed the proposed agreement to the attorney and said she was looking into the legality of giving the school half price water. The attorney cited Section 39 of the City Charter may not allow it without a vote of the people. She also indicated it is important for the City to recognize the value of such compensation. There was also question of what would happen if the City developed 4 wells and in the future 2 of them were abandoned – would the school still get the same discount even though the City was receiving less water? Mayor Hamsher said he didn’t see the charter issue the same way and that another attorney should be consulted to interpret it. He said the City would be giving up approximately $2,500 a year in revenue, which at the currents rates would add approximately $1 to everyone’s water bill each month and didn’t think the average water user would have a problem with it. Mark Wishard proposed that the school would most Minutes February 8, 2006 likely use much more water if they only have to pay ½ price for it and was concerned with additional pumping costs. Hamsher said the more water the school uses, the more revenue (even and half price) the City would receive. He also noted that electric rates have been decreased by 16% and won’t be raised until October 2006. There was more discussion of the possible limitation of the charter and that going to a vote of the public would considerably set back the project. There was more discussion of how the public might feel about subsidizing the school’s water bill – some may feel their taxes already go toward the operation of the school and that they should pay like everyone else. Mark Wishard suggested the City establish a different rate class for the school instead of saying they get 50% “free,” but did not generally agree with giving them a discount. Mayor Hamsher said the City would have to start all over if a deal can’t be made with Coombs. It was agreed that another attorney should look at the charter. The Recorder suggested having the League of Oregon Cities legal department evaluate it. MSP: To ask the LOC legal representatives to review the City Charter as it pertains to reducing rates for the school as compensation to the landowner in exchange for well sites. Mike Springer/Don Strong. Springer also stressed that he would like to see the City consider and propose to Coombs that the rate only be frozen after the anticipated rate increase and that the City be able to revisit the agreement at 10 year intervals. It was agreed that the idea should be presented to Coombs and discussed again at a workshop or the next meeting. The Recorder said she had talked to the Fire Department about having the award ceremony for Natasha Gregg on February 16, however due to basketball playoffs it was suggested to have it on the 22 instead of a Council Meeting. It was agreed that the ceremony would be held on February 22 and that the Council could schedule a special meeting for business if need be. Landfill: A written report was received. Accounts Payable: MSP: To approve the payables, Mike Springer/Marvin Casebeer. Office: The Council was asked to consider their next move in regard to sewer rate increases. The Recorder stressed that the City will need to collect additional revenue for the remainder of the fiscal year in order to keep the Sewer Fund in balance. It was noted that by not increasing the rate at the beginning of the year the fund would fall short by over $65,000, however, due to a cash carry forward, to deficit is estimated to be around $22,000 at June 30. The Mayor stressed that the City needs to make sure it is paying its fair share, i.e., Depot Park should be paying more than one ERU and the City Park restrooms should also be charged for sewer. It was agreed that all business user charges should be reviewed and adjusted for accuracy July 1, 2006. Mayor Hamsher also said he would like to have a town meeting to inform the public as to why rate increases are needed and suggested having it after the award ceremony on February 22. It was agreed the ceremony would be at the Grange (if available) at 6:00 pm and after a short break the town meeting would be held. Mayor Hamsher said he would run the meeting and act as moderator. Minutes February 8, 2006 Ordinances: The Council was asked to consider Ordinance 9.14 prohibiting sex offenders from entering all public parks located in the City of Prairie City, repealing Ordinances 9.12 and 9.12A, and declaring an emergency. The Ordinance was read once by title and once in its entirety. MSP: To adopt Ordinance 9.14, Tom McAuslan/Roger McKinley. 7:50 p.m. The Council adjourned to Executive Session per ORS 192.660(2)(b) to consider the dismissal or discipline of a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or hear complaints or charges brought against such a person, if that person does not request an open hearing. 8:36 pm: The Council resumed its regular meeting. Mayor Hamsher said he would be abstaining from any votes with regard to the issues discussed because he had been involved in conversations with both Bob Titus and Butch Goslin. He went on to say he had never seen the (septic dumping) policy and doubted if anyone else had. He did note that the (July 2004) minutes reflected the Council’s decision to set a policy. Mike Springer pointed out that it was clear that the Council meant to control access to the lagoons. MSP: To immediately revoke the letter of authorization to the DEQ allowing Butch Goslin, dba Hank’s Sanitation to dump septic waste in the City’s lagoons, Mike Springer/Mark Wishard. Jim Hamsher abstained due to a conflict of interest. Mike Springer also made a motion to place a letter of reprimand in Bob Titus’s personnel file regarding violation of the City’s policy. Mayor Hamsher interjected that he didn’t feel Titus had done anything wrong or underhanded and was just following Hamsher’s direction as public works commissioner. Springer said he wouldn’t recommend the letter of reprimand unless it was the consensus of the council. Councilmen Casebeer, Strong and McKinley all stated that they didn’t want to see a letter placed in the personnel file. There was then discussion of what to do about the locks on the gate to the lagoon site in order to prevent Goslin from gaining access. Since there are a number of locks on the gate and it is unknown just how many people have access, it was agreed that all locks shall be removed and a new master lock will be placed on the gate. Other agencies and landowners authorized to enter the property will be contacted and advised that they must provide a new lock. 8:45 p.m. It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Respectfully submitted: ___________________________ Diane Clingman, City Recorder Approved this Date: ________________ _________________________________ Jim Hamsher, Mayor Minutes February 8, 2006