---
date: "2006-09-13"
title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2006-09-13"
source: "2006-09-13-minutes-council-monthly.pdf"
---

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

September 13, 2006

Attended:

Marvin Casebeer, Councilor
Mike Springer, Councilor
Don Strong, Councilor
Roger McKinley, Councilor
Tom McAuslan, Councilor
Mark Wishard, Councilor
Jim Wood, Police Dept.
Bob Titus, Public Works
Lyn McDonald
Stan Horrell
Mona Lindsey
Joe Hitz
Melanie DeJong
Bill Harrington
Linda Harrington
Frank Primozic
Andy Day
Dianne Lesniak
Andy Demko

Mike Springer called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Roll call was called, Jim Hamsher being
absent.  The pledge of allegiance was recited.  The minutes of the August 9, 2006 meeting were
considered.  It was noted that Mark Wishard was present at the meeting although not listed.
MSP:  To approve the minutes of August 9, 2006 as amended, Marvin Casebeer/ Mark
Wishard.

The Council recognized Andy Day who said he had sent a bill in the amount of $854.60 to the
City for repairs he had to make to a connection to the main sewer line.  He said he had to hire a
backhoe to dig up the connection because the line had become plugged.  He found that when the
City had back filled from the main to the property line, the material had settled 4 to 5 inches
causing the fitting to break.  At that time he met with Bob Titus at the site and Titus had agreed
that it was the City’s fault.  After Day submitted a bill for the repairs he received a letter from
Titus stating the City was not responsible.  Day questioned the City’s policy of not installing the
hookups and stated that it is highly irregular for a city not to.  There were questions as to what
the City’s actual policy is and the Council was given a copy of the sewer ordinance.  Bob Titus
said he didn’t know what the policy was, just that they’d been doing it that way for a long time.
When asked why he didn’t think it was the City’s responsibility, he then said he had thought
about it and that maybe it was run over by a backhoe while being back filled.  MSP:  To pay the
bill of $854.60 if it appears to be the City’s responsibility, Tom McAuslan/Mark Wishard.

Minutes September 13, 2006

Mike Springer told Bob Titus he needed to get clear on what the City’s policy is on installing
hookups.  Andy Day asked for a copy of the City’s ordinance.

The Council recognized Dianne Lesniak and Andy Day who addressed them regarding Camp
Logan Days.  They explained that they need to find a permanent site for the event because they
are burning people out setting up and taking down the buildings each year.  They said they would
like to use the City’s property just below the wastewater lagoons as a permanent site, and said
they realized there might be some problems associated with the property.  Lesniak said she had
talked with Bob Titus and that he had thought it was a good idea.  She said they would need
access to the property one month out of the year and maybe at some other times as well.  She
also said they would be placing a container on the property for storage.  Lesniak said she had
contacted the DEQ regarding public access issues that may be limited per the City’s wastewater
permit and that she had been told it might be alright if the lagoons were fenced off and signage
placed warning against trespass.  She said the school would be willing to find a way to install a
fence and signs at no cost to the City.

Mike Springer cautioned that the City must maintain a good relationship with Russell Ricco (the
adjacent landowner) and that his original agreement to allow an easement through his property
was for City use only.  Since that time a shooting range has been put into use and at times there
is a lot of other traffic going in and out of the area.  It was noted that wastewater sites are not
usually accessible to the public.  There were also concerns over liability, however Lesniak said
the school’s insurance would cover everything.  She said the event itself is also covered by
insurance.

It was pointed out that the road is only one lane and that the access to the highway is very
dangerous.  There was also concern that when it rains (as it usually does in May) the ground in
that area becomes extremely soggy and would pose parking problems.

Lesniak was asked how much land is needed and she said 5 to 6 acres to accommodate the
Military Camp, Dixie Town and parking.  She also said they would like to plant trees on the
property.

Mike Springer again stressed the importance of keeping good landowner relations and said that
all the adjoining landowners would have to be aware and in agreement before a decision could be
made.  Lesniak said she would talk to Ricco and Nance and try to convince them.  Springer
advised that she not approach them saying the Council has given their approval, but that they
would remain neutral on the subject at this time.  Lesniak said she would look into the issues of
concern and also talk with the Tribes about use of their land before getting back to the City.

Planning:  Lyn McDonald said there will be a meeting with the LCDC on the 26th or 27th of
September to discuss the possibility of expanding the UGB.

Public Safety:  Officer Wood recited the police, fire and ambulance logs and said the fire
department had provided 2 days of mutual aid in Mt. Vernon.  He said the police department
may be getting 3 digital cameras free of charge compliments of MAD and the FBI.

Minutes September 13, 2006

Abatement:  Officer Wood said he is still waiting to hear from the DA regarding the abatement
issue in regard to the property at 253 West 12th Street.  Mike Springer said a letter should be sent
to the complainant regarding the status.  The Recorder said she had already done so.

Public Works:  Bob Titus reported that there had been a leak in the main transmission line going
to the wastewater lagoons and that is had been repaired.  There was no mention of whether or not
it was reported to the DEQ.  Titus said if the City wants to repair cell #2 with bentonite it cannot
be done in house.  Joe Hitz said the City’s permit requires a plan to be submitted to DEQ and
said one could be prepared by the end of September.

It was noted that only one quote for the repair of the City Hall roof had been received and no
quotes for repair or replacement had been received for the sidewalk.  Bob Titus said he didn’t get
any for the sidewalk.  He said he checked with the school about some type of sealer or coating
instead but didn’t have any answers.  MSP:  To accept the bid from Kaleb Voigt for the roof
repairs, Mark Wishard/Roger McKinley.  It was agreed that the sidewalk (in front of City
Hall) needs to be replaced.  Titus asked the Council to look at it and mark off what portion they
want fixed.

Well Drilling:  It was reported that the two holes drilled so far have hit water, one estimated at
gpm and the other at 50 gpm.  Mike Springer said there are three more approved sites and
the City must decide whether to develop these sites or drill additional holes.  He said they could
drill close to the 300 gpm hole and hopefully get another 300 gpm.  It was noted that the City
should not operate with only one well and pump given their history with pumps.  Joe Hitz said
drilling 20 yards away would influence the first well somewhat but it would depend on how fast
it recharges and that flow testing will reveal more information.  It was noted that a generator will
be needed to perform pump testing.  Bob Titus was told to make it a priority to get it on site.  Joe
Hitz also said the State will require seals or abandonment of the unused holes.  He stated that
sealing would cost more but does give the opportunity for future use, whereas abandonment
requires filling the hole with concrete.  It was agreed that the holes should be cased and capped.
It was noted that it must be done before the well driller leaves the site which could be Monday.
Hitz said the well driller needs to know what to do next as far as drilling and asked if the City
wants to start with an 8” hole and expand to 12”.  Roger McKinley said the water committee
would need to meet in the next couple of days and would make the call.  Joe noted that the
contract is for three 8” holes and that enlarging to 12” would incur additional costs.

Accounts Payable:  MSP:  To pay the bills, Roger McKinley/Marvin Casebeer.

Resolutions/Ordinances:  none.

Other Business:   The offer from DR Johnson Lumber Company of $70,000 for the purchase the
advertised 10.1 acres was considered.  It was noted that since PWP is an adjoining landowner the
City would not have to pay for a land partition.  MSP:  To accept the offer of $70,000 for the
purchase of the 10.1 acres from DR Johnson Lumber Company, Roger McKinley/Mark
Wishard.

Minutes September 13, 2006

Roger McKinley asked that a letter of thanks be sent to Dale Duby for modifying his loading
zone area and removing the on street parking hazard in front of his building on Main Street.  The
Recorder said she would write the letter.

The City Recorder said she has been receiving questions about whether or not any streets are
going to be paved and whether or not 13th street is going to be opened.  Roger McKinley said he
would look into it.

7:35 p.m.  It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting.

Respectfully submitted:

___________________________
Diane Clingman, City Recorder

Approved this Date: ________________

_________________________________
Jim Hamsher, Mayor

Minutes September 13, 2006

