--- date: "2009-07-08" title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2009-07-08" source: "2009-07-08-minutes-council-monthly.pdf" --- City of Prairie City CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 8, 2009 Attended: Stan Horrell, Mayor Frank Primozic, Councilor Tim Coe, Councilor Carole Garrison, Councilor Roger McKinley, Councilor Bill Harrington, Councilor Georgia Patterson Wanda Winegar The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. The roll was called, Jim Munyon being absent. The pledge of allegiance was recited. The minutes of the June 24, 2009 meeting were considered. MSP: To approve the June minutes as written, Bill Harrington/Tim Coe. Horrell, McKinley, Coe, Garrison, Harrington and Primozic voted in favor, none were opposed. The Council recognized Wanda Winegar who was in attendance representing the Talents and Treasures organization. She asked the Council to consider allowing the group to have a beer garden in the City Park on August 1 after the car show. She said the hours would be from 5pm to 8pm and that there would be music and food as well. She said the area would be fenced and that licensed servers would be utilized. She also noted that the organization uses much of its funding for children and adult art classes. MSP: To allow the use of the park for the event, Bill Harrington/Frank Primozic. Horrell, McKinley, Coe, Garrison, Harrington and Primozic voted in favor, none were opposed. Planning: no report Public Safety: The Council considered the recommendations given to them by the City Recorder and Payroll Clerk and agreed that a workshop should be held to discuss and work on issues related to having a police department. It was recommended that the first thing that needs to be done is to determine whether or not the City will have a police department or pursue another option. There were concerns over the City’s ability to supervise the department effectively as well as how to ensure future Councils’ capacity to do so. It was agreed that the Council would hold a workshop July 18 at 10:00 a.m. to begin addressing options. July 8, 2009 Public Works: Georgia Patterson gave an update on the final completion of the water project and said she would be hosting an open house at the sand filtration site on August at 10:00 a.m. for the public to attend and learn about the system. She said the filters are functioning well and that the alarms are in place. She also noted that the well at Depot Park should be in operation by the next week. Accounts Payable: The Recorder noted that the payables were only a partial list due to time constraints. The discussion changed to street striping and it was suggested that it be put off until the fiber optics project is done. MSP: To pay the bills, Frank Primozic/Roger McKinley. Horrell, McKinley, Coe, Garrison, Harrington and Primozic voted in favor, none were opposed. Other Business: The Council was asked to consider signing a proclamation establishing July 2009 to be Oregon National Guard Month. MSP: To authorize the Mayor to sign the proclamation, Tim Coe/Carole Garrison. Horrell, McKinley, Coe, Garrison, Harrington, and Primozic voted in favor, none were opposed. The Council was asked to consider paying the test fees for three students that have completed the EMT course and passed their practical exams. MSP: To pay the $70.00 per test fee for each of the three students, Roger McKinley/Bill Harrington. Horrell, McKinley, Coe, Garrison, Harrington and Primozic voted in favor, none were opposed. There was discussion of the solid waste franchise and it was noted that it is not a violation of the franchise for someone to operate a recycling center. It was also noted that the City does not have to advertise the franchise for bid. In meeting with Nancy Moffit of Clark’s Disposal, the Mayor and Councilor Garrison said Clark’s is willing to do more toward collecting recyclable materials, i.e., plastic and tin as well as cardboard, paper and magazines. The Recorder addressed the Council and expressed concern that the Recycle/Franchise Committee had not given her any direction on proceeding with the grant opportunity offered by the DEQ. She stated that she could not wait until the last minute to apply and would like permission to pursue funding. The areas she had suggested to the committee included obtaining a collection bin for cardboard, paper and magazines, buying a chipper to process yard debris to reduce the amount being burned and possibly create a part time job, and to put up a better building or at least pave the area where the old recycling center is located in order to accommodate collection bins. Georgia Patterson expressed concern that the public works crew would have to operate the chipper, but it was agreed that part time help could be looked into. MSP: To apply for grant funding for a chipper, at least two collection bins, and to raze the recycle building and install a slab or pavement as appropriate for the bins along with signage and lighting, Bill Harrington/Tim Coe. Horrell, Coe, Garrison, Harrington and Primozic voted in favor, Roger McKinley was opposed. July 8, 2009 The Council was asked to consider approving a 2.8% Cost of Living Adjustment as recommended by the Budget Committee. It was noted that the employees receive no step increases. MSP: To approve the 2.8% COLA for 2009-2010, Bill Harrington/Carole Garrison. Horrell, Coe, Garrison, Harrington and Primozic voted in favor, Roger McKinley was opposed. Mayor Horrell said Brian Nelson had contacted him regarding the use of the rifle range on City property for a Hunter Safety course. The Council cited the agreement with the landowner that access to the property should be limited. It was recommended that Nelson be instructed to use the County facility located on Bear Creek. Bill Harrington offered to work on drafting a wage scale for the employees as provided for in the City’s Personnel Policy. It was recommended that he utilize the services of the Local Government Personnel Institute since the City is a member. It was generally agreed that Harrington should move forward with the project. The question was asked as to whether or not anyone had heard from the District Attorney regarding the Ford/Nunns abatement issue. The Mayor said he had not heard anything, however it was noted that the former police chief had gone ahead and issued a citation on June 30. The Mayor said he would call the DA and find out the status. It was suggested that the simple solution to the problem of chickens at large is to tell Ford to keep them contained. 7:20 p.m. It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Respectfully submitted; ___________________________________ Diane Clingman, City Recorder Approved by the City Council this ____ day of ___________________, 2009 and signed by the Mayor. _______________________________ Stan Horrell, Mayor July 8, 2009