--- date: "2009-04-08" title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2009-04-08" source: "2009-04-08-minutes-council-monthly.pdf" --- CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 8, 2009 Attended: Stan Horrell, Mayor Frank Primozic, Councilor Tim Coe, Councilor Carole Garrison, Councilor Jim Munyon, Councilor Chris Camarena Randy Oxford Richard Gray Wayne Baron Ruth McPherron Jennie Messmer Mary Alexander The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The roll was called, Roger McKinley and Bill Harrington being absent. Jim Munyon arrived at 6:10 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was recited. The minutes of the March 25, 2009 meeting were considered. MSP: To approve the minutes, Frank Primozic/Tim Coe. All members voted in favor. The Council recognized Mary Alexander who was there to request a social gaming license for the Oxbow Coffee House and Restaurant. MSP: To grant a social gaming license to the Oxbow Coffee House & Restaurant, Carole Garrison/Frank Primozic. Wayne Baron from 4R Recycling said he is interested in bidding on the garbage franchise and to bid on curb side recycling if possible. He has been working with the local recycling team and would like to expand the operation, making Prairie City a showcase area for eastern Oregon. He proposed the City utilize a DEQ grant to construct a building to expand the types of materials that can be accepted. He offered that he would assist the City in the process if needed. It was noted that it would be better to have a larger area to collect recycled goods and to expand the hours. It was proposed that the City’s industrial site property would be a good place for the building although it was noted that there are no services on the property, i.e., electricity. Ruth McPherron of the recycling team said she is very much in support of expanding the program. There was discussion of the popularity of having an outlet to dispose of white goods, tvs, and computers, etc. He was asked about his idea for curbside recycling and he explained that a container would be provided April 8, 2009 Minutes to participating residents in which they could mix materials (other than glass.) Sorting would occur at a recycle facility. It was pointed out that the franchise agreement is due to be renewed and that it is a good time for the City to rethink the type of program they want to support. It was generally agreed that the City would like to offer curb side recycling to the residents and recognized the successful efforts of the volunteers who run the recycle center. There was a concern regarding the provision of water, sewer and electric service to the industrial site and the cost. There was more discussion of what options the City has regarding the franchise. It was suggested that the Council revisit the agreement and outline what type of program they want. It was agreed that there are a lot of questions that need to be answered before making any decisions, but that in general the Council is in favor of expanding the recycling program. MSP: To include the expansion of collection services to include curb side recycling, Frank Primozic/Jim Munyon. 6:50 p.m. Public Safety: Chief Oxford explained that he ended up getting three cars from Bend and that one was given to the Sheriff’s Office. He said he intends to partner with the Fire Chief and make one of the Durango’s a fire command/police vehicle. He said Dean Hicks and Carl Stinnett have both been accepted as reserves. He said he would be giving Carl Stinnett a car to take home to John Day so he can respond quicker if needed. He said Richard Gray will keep one of the cars at his residence as well. Oxford said he will have one of the cars for his use and proposed having an additional car as an extra. Jim Munyon questioned giving a car to each officer and cited the additional cost of maintaining five cars. It was noted that the City approved getting one and possibly two cars with the idea that two of the other vehicles would be sold. The Recorder asked if the reserves are willing to show proof of homeowners insurance for coverage of the vehicles while at their homes. Oxford said they are. There were questions regarding personal use of vehicles and it was noted that the City’s insurance company has discouraged it. Oxford said the Reserves will volunteer eight hours per month at a minimum, one reserve per week. Munyon again expressed concern that the City doesn’t need five police cars and also cited that while it isn’t necessarily a bad idea, it is not Oxford’s place to make the decision of giving a vehicle to the Fire Department. There was discussion of whether or not the Rural Fire District would want a vehicle, but it was cited that it couldn’t contain the police gear. There was more discussion of the practicality of providing cars to the all the reserves. It was generally felt that five cars is too many for a small department and was not the original plan approved by the Council. Richard Gray was asked how many police officers and reserves John Day has and he said sixteen. He was asked how many cars they have and he said four and that reserves do not take cars home. The idea of having a car sit in front of a reserve’s residence most of the month when they only work one 8 hour shift per month was questioned. Jim Munyon made a recommendation that Oxford present a written proposal regarding his plan for the cars April 8, 2009 Minutes and reserves. At first Oxford said he would just get rid of the cars and then later agreed to provide a plan. 7:35 p.m. Landfill: A written report was received from Chris Camarena. Public Works: Chris Camarena reported that the water system is functioning well. The turbidity is well below critical levels. Stan Horrell reported that Joe Hitz has provided a proposal for updating the Landfill Site Development and Operations Plan and for re-staking. There was discussion of the need for re-staking. Horrell also said he had looked at a boom truck for $3,900 and recommended the City purchase it for pulling the sewer pumps. He said the seller would deliver it (from Beaverton.) MSP: To purchase the boom truck, Carole Garrison/Frank Primozic. The Recorder said a resolution should be passed to approve using money from the Equipment Reserve Fund. It was agreed that the resolution will be presented for passage at the next meeting. There was discussion of the telemetry system for the water system and whether or not it is done. Chris Camarena said the contractor is still working on it. It was noted that the City of Unity has hired a Public Works Director and will not require as much assistance from our public works department. 7:10 p.m. Accounts Payable: MSP: To pay the bills, Frank Primozic/Carole Garrison. The Recorder said Tim Cooley was interested in serving on the budget committee. MSP: To appoint Tim Cooley to the budget committee, Jim Munyon/Frank Primozic. The draft letter to the County was considered and it was generally felt it was too curt and discussed revising it. There was discussion of revising the City Charter. The Recorder said it was last changed in 1954 and must go to a vote of the public for approval. She said a model charter is available from the League of Oregon Cities and that she could put together a draft for their consideration. 8:45 It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Respectfully submitted: April 8, 2009 Minutes _____________________________ Diane Clingman, City Recorder Approved _______ and signed by the Mayor _____________________________ Stan Horrell, Mayor April 8, 2009 Minutes