--- date: "2006-04-12" title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2006-04-12" source: "2006-04-12-minutes-council-monthly.pdf" --- CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 12, 2006 Attended: Jim Hamsher, Mayor Tom McAuslan, Councilor Mark Wishard, Councilor Marvin Casebeer, Councilor Mike Springer, Councilor Don Strong, Councilor Jim Wood, Police Dept. Bob Titus, Public Works Lyn McDonald Etta Lou Hendriksen Rod Hendriksen Melanie DeJong Gary Rapp Trish Coburn Sandy Murray Stan Horrell Bill Harrington Darren Lemon Dennis Lynch Arlene Lynch Chuck Cason George Winegar Tim Cooley Bard Wishard Lynette Sullens (Much of the following occurred out of order, but I have grouped discussions together to lend continuity to these minutes.) Mayor Hamsher called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The roll was called, Roger McKinley being absent. The pledge of allegiance was recited. The minutes of the March 22, 2006 meeting were considered. MSP: To approve the minutes of March 22, 2006 as written, Tom McAuslan/Marvin Casebeer. The Council recognized Bill Harrington who introduced himself as the president of the GPCCA. He said the group is willing to lend assistance to the Texaco Property Development Committee by way of funding and volunteers. He also said they would be interested in helping with the signage for the property. Two volunteers, Marlene Eccles and Melanie DeJong were offered. There was discussion of the sign that had been proposed and funded by Chuck Cason. Sandy Murray said his donation of $1,000 was to Minutes April 12, 2006 put up a sign that welcomes people to Prairie City and advertises free parking on the property. Nomad signs was contacted and directed to build the sign, however, it was noted that Melanie DeJong had called and told them to also include a reader board which would cost another $1,912. There was further discussion of what condition the electrical wiring is in that already exists and what, if anything, the state may have to say about putting up a sign along the highway. Chuck Cason expressed concern that his check had been cashed some time ago but no sign is yet to be seen. He said he didn’t donate the money for a reader board and feels it would detract from the sign. His original intent was for a sign to point out free parking. There was discussion of having the sign maker provide a drawing of what has been proposed. The Council agreed they would like to see a drawing and agreed to pay $150 for it. MSP: To appoint Marlene Eccles and Melanie DeJong to the Texaco Committee, Mike Springer/Tom McAuslan. The Council Recognized Sandy Murray of the Texaco Committee who said the committee has been working on the concept of a sustainable building. She said the grant writer was no longer available leaving $10,000 unspent in the capital improvements fund. The committee has been looking into funding opportunities and money appears to be available for sustainable type buildings. She explained that sustainable means incorporating solar and other energy savings type construction. After all the “wish lists” from the department heads had been incorporated into a plan, an estimate of 2 to 3 million dollars was determined as the cost for doing the entire project. The committee recommended the City concentrate on expansion of the Fire Department as its first priority and plan the other improvements in stages. She asked the Council to commit to a workshop to establish direction and answer questions. Dennis Voigt was not present, however, it was noted that he might be late due to other obligations. The Recorder said he had asked her to explain to the Council that he was just touching base with them regarding their previous consent to consider vacating a portion of 13th Street. It was noted that he had approached the Council in 2001 regarding the proposed track renovation project at the school and that the SW corner is in the 13th Street right of way. At that time the Council supported the idea, but he was just checking in with them again since there are new members. Bard Wishard spoke up and the street is the old military road and that it is his understanding that it is historical. He asked if the city knows who owns it, them or the county? Mike Springer explained that the streets are dedicated to the city. Wishard said he thinks the city shouldn’t vacate any streets and that vacating that one would lower his property value. (It was determined that his property is outside the city limits.) He said he wanted to go on record as going against the vacation of the street. There was discussion of the various 100’ and 80’ streets and vacating them to 60’ streets. The Council considered the request by Dianne Lesniak to use a city owned tent for Camp Logan Days. MSP: To rent one tent to Camp Logan for $25, Tom McAuslan/Mark Wishard. Planning: The Recorder gave the Mayor a sealed envelope from Chuck Cason who had instructed it remain sealed until the meeting. Cason said not to open it now, but to open it Minutes April 12, 2006 after a decision on the fence issue is made. It was noted that this was not the public hearing for the fence issue, only the Planning Commission’s explanation to the Council regarding the decision. Etta Lou Hendriksen addressed the Council and Mr. Cason. She apologized to the Council for not attending the last meeting and giving them some background on the issue. She also apologized to Mr. Cason for not formally inviting him to the Planning Commission meeting in which the fence issue was discussed, but did remind him that meeting notices had been posted and he had been made aware verbally. She went on to explain the reasons for the decision and referred to a drawing on the chalk board. She said the commission questioned Cason’s right to first remove a fence from City property and then replace it with another one. She stated that the fence is City property blocking access to what would be 13th street if it were developed. The city’s attorney has advised against allowing the fence to remain and cited liability issues as well as limiting access by fire trucks. She stated it also denies access to further development of residential lots in the area. It was noted that the street had been partially used in the past. She gave the Council members photographs of the fence for reference. There was discussion and comments from various members of the public who opposed the fence and didn’t feel it was fair to allow Cason to fence in City property for his own use. Cason said he had gone to the adjacent property owner and proposed putting in the fence and that she had agreed. It was noted that the property has since sold. Cason said he hadn’t heard anything about the City putting in a street and offered to take it down if they do. He stated that if he takes down the fence the City will not cut the grass or take care of the property and it will be a fire hazard in the summer. He said there is a ditch running down the middle of it, but other residents disagreed. There was also discussion that perhaps this shouldn’t have been a Planning issue but a trespass issue. Jim Hamsher said there are fences across City property all over town, but Hendriksen said she was under the impression they were to address each case as they came up. The question was raised as to why the Council shouldn’t support the Planning Commission’s decision. Hamsher again said there are other fences in violation. Mike Springer said this one was before them now and asked if he’d like to have them all addressed. Hamsher said no. There was more discussion and concern from citizens about blocking the right of way. The Council was asked to set a date for the hearing in response to Cason’s appeal of the decision. Cason then stated that he would move the fence back to his property line and see what happens with the weeds and mud from the property being torn up by four wheelers. Public Safety: Jim Wood recited the public safety log and indicated things have been quiet. He said he had been obtaining quotes on a laptop computer and had a bid from Davis Computers for $1,114. It was noted that the hostage drill at the school had gone well. Landfill: No written report was received. Bob Titus reported that the landfill is still closed due to weather. Public Works: It was agreed that the shower meters at Depot Park should be adjusted from $1.25 for 10 minutes to $2 for $12 minutes. There was also discussion of raising rates at the park. The Recorder said she would prepare a recommendation and resolution Minutes April 12, 2006 for the next meeting. There was discussion of having to move the cemetery water hookup because the existing line came apart. Bob Titus asked for direction from the council. He was told to go ahead. Titus said they would begin irrigating at the lagoon site soon, but didn’t have any further information on the leaking cell. It was noted that the cell will have to be drained to inspect it and determine the extent of damage. Titus also said he is going to test the meter at Kircher Corner because the water usage seems unusually low. Melanie DeJong was about to leave the meeting and was asked when the tires would be removed from the industrial site property. She said there are approximately 200 left and that 15 a day were being removed. Accounts Payable: MSP: To approve the payables, Tom McAuslan/Marvin Casebeer. The Council was asked to review the museum curator contract for yearly renewal. MSP: To approve the museum curator contract, Tom McAuslan/Marvin Casebeer. Resolutions: The Council was asked to approve Resolution 2006-03 approving a budget transfer of $1,500 from the General Fund Contingency to the Police Car Reserve Fund and voted unanimously to approve it. Other Business: Jim Hamsher asked the Council if they would consider asking the voters for approval to sell the entire industrial site property. The Recorder reminded him that the issue would need to be included on the agenda in order for them to make a decision and noted that there are a number of people who may want to comment. It was agreed the issue would be discussed at the next meeting. It was agreed that the solicitation for real estate brokerage services be cancelled and revised to only include the request for a market analysis. The Recorder asked if the Water Committee could take on the task of reviewing and revising the sewer ordinance as it would be easier to work with a smaller group to come up with a draft. It was agreed the Water Committee would work on it. Dennis Voigt joined the meeting and was advised that the adjoining property owner had indicated he was not in favor of vacating the street. Voigt said he had talked with him a couple of years ago and the landowner had been in favor. Voigt was asked how the project was coming along and he stated they should know about the grant funding in June. He said that if the street cannot be vacated, the track would have to be decreased to lanes (instead of 8) or the tennis court would have to be taken down, either way it would cost much more. He asked the Council to please keep it in mind and said he would talk with the opposing landowner. Well Drilling: The water committee reported that they are close to having an agreement with John Coombs for lease of the well site. They said Fred Winegar was requesting support in the zoning change of his property on Dixie Creek or the extension of the UGB. Minutes April 12, 2006 Mike Springer said he had talked with the County Planning department but didn’t think they were very optimistic. He said he would continue looking into it. It was noted that the advertisement for bids would be in the following week’s paper. Well drillers will also be contacted directly by Joe Hitz. It was determined that drilling could start in May. 7:55 p.m. It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Respectfully submitted: ___________________________ Diane Clingman, City Recorder Approved this Date: ________________ _________________________________ Jim Hamsher, Mayor Minutes April 12, 2006