---
date: "2010-07-14"
title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2010-07-14"
source: "2010-07-14-minutes-council-monthly.pdf"
---

City of Prairie City

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

July 14, 2010

Attended:

Stan Horrell, Mayor
Frank Primozic, Councilor
Carole Garrison, Councilor
Les Church, Councilor
Tim Coe, Councilor
Gary Knight
Brian Adams
Donita Adams
Ruth Casebeer
Delores Chism
Delores Young
Nancy Moffitt
Farrell Clark
Bruce Kaufman
Gene VanNewkirk

Mayor Horrell called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  The roll was called, Roger
McKinley and Richard Gray being absent.  The pledge of allegiance was recited.

The minutes of the June 23 meeting were considered.  MSP:  To approve the
minutes as written, Carole Garrison/Tim Coe.  All members voted in favor, none
were opposed.

Public Safety:  Undersheriff Todd McKinley addressed the Council and introduced
Zach Mobley as the deputy assigned to Prairie City on contract (began 7/1/10.)  He
explained it would be for 6 months and at that time the contract would be
reviewed, adjusted if needed, and renewed for a longer period, possibly two years.
He said Mobley is working in Prairie City 30 hours per week and spends 10 hours
per week on forest patrol.

Deputy Mobley then addressed the Council and gave some background on his
experience.  He said he would normally be working a Friday through Monday shift
and can be reached through dispatch, at the Prairie City office and by telephone at
541-820-3788 (Prairie City PD number.)

July 14, 2010

The Council recognized Ruth Casebeer who addressed them regarding her request
that the City consider adopting an ordinance to get rid of abandoned vehicles on
private property.  She said the town used to be beautiful but is looking bad.  She
also cited the problem of fire-damaged houses being a hazard as well as unsightly.
She voiced concerns over property values being lowered and people unable to sell
property because of the problems.  It was suggested that the Council should look
into the issue when they have a workshop to address the City ordinances.  There
was concern from other members of the audience regarding junk yards that are
appearing and more discussion over burned out houses.  Casebeer referred to an
ordinance adopted by the City of Heppner that addresses vehicles and a permit fee
they charge if someone wants to keep one.  The City Recorder said she had
obtained a copy of the ordinance and the application.  The Council agreed to look
into the matter.  There was discussion of sending a courtesy letter to property
owners in violation of the current ordinance but no decision was made to do so.
Members of the audience were advised that written complaints could now be acted
on now that the City has an agreement for law enforcement services.

The Council recognized Wanda Winegar of Talents N Treasures who asked for
permission to have a street dance and beer garden in the park next to City Hall on
August 7 from 5pm to 8pm.  She said food will be served.  There was discussion of
how well it went last year and that the City should encourage more such events.
MSP:  To allow Talents N Treasures to have their shindig in the City Park, Frank
Primozic/Carole Garrison.  All members voted in favor.

Museum:  Frank Primozic said he had the museum employees start using some
new forms in order to keep better track of the money.

Depot Park:  The Council considered the Depot Park Agreement from County
Court.  It was noted that there was a typo in Section 5; “alternations” should
probably read “alterations.”  There was some concern over the attorney’s note
regarding improvements.  Discussion then changed to watering the park and how
dry everything is getting.  MSP:  To accept the agreement as written with the
exception of the typo, Less Church/Frank Primozic.   All members voted in
favor.

Landfill:  It was noted that a landfill report was received.  It was also noted that the
DEQ inspection went well.

Less Church noted that a manhole at 123 S. 11th needs repair.  The Recorder said
she would make sure a work order was filled out and reminded everyone that they
need to call the office and have one filled out to report such issues.

Resolutions:  The Council considered three resolutions for approval.

July 14, 2010

MSP:  To approve Resolution 2010-07 Extending the City of Prairie City’s
Workers’ Compensation Coverage to Volunteers, Frank Primozic/Tim Coe.  All
members voted in favor.  MSP:  To approve Resolution 2010-08 CIS Group Self
Insurance, Carole Garrison/Tim Coe.  All members voted in favor.  MSP:  To
approve Resolution 2010-10 Appropriating unexpected funds, Tim Coe/Les
Church.  All members voted in favor.

Ordinances:  The Council considered the renewal of the Solid Waste Franchise
Agreement, 13.20-2010.  It was noted that three documents will be attached; the
proposed recycling services Clark’s Disposal will provide, the City’s goals as
determined in September 2009 and a rate sheet from Clark’s Disposal.  The
Recorder noted that the City Attorney is “cleaning up” the recycling and goals
documents and will be providing them via email.  She noted that Section 9 should
be revised to read “City Council” where ever “City Administrator” is referred to and
that there is a typo in that section as well.  It should refer to section “9.2” instead of
“8.2.”   The discussion changed to the City acquiring additional bins for recycling
and the Recorder said she had a quote for the 20 yard paper/cardboard bin at
approximately $6,000 and the 2 yard co-mingle bins at $496 each.  Members of the
audience interrupted and asked why the City does not required mandatory
garbage service.  It was explained that it would be a burden to many folks and
difficult to enforce.  Discussion went back to the recycle bins and it was agreed that
the City should order two of the co-mingle bins.  Discussion then went back to
considering the agreement.  MSP:  To approve the Solid Waste Management
Agreement 13.20-2010 with the noted changes and three attachments, Carole
Garrison/Tim Coe.  Horrell, Coe, Garrison, Primozic and Church voted in favor,
none were opposed.

In other business, the Mayor recognized Tim Cooley who asked the Council to
consider giving the Grange free water.  He explained the organization is
experiencing financial difficulties and cited the Council’s decision to give free water
to the American Legion.  He also noted that the hall is an asset to the community,
used for events, senior citizen dinners, funeral dinners, etc.  He said it is difficult to
get new members and that the membership dues of $31 are going up to $40, all of
which must go to the state.  He also said that if the grange closes, the state
mandates that the building must stay vacant for seven years so nothing can be
done with it.  There was discussion of options other than giving them free water
and Mayor Horrell suggested that perhaps one citizen per month could pay the $87
bill.  It was agreed that Council members would try to come up with a way to help
and address it again at the August 11 meeting.

The City Recorder said volunteers would begin work on the playground structure
on Friday and Saturday and invited people to come help.  Les Church and Frank
Primozic said they would be there.

July 14, 2010

7:20 p.m.  It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting.

Respectfully submitted;

___________________________________
Diane Clingman, City Recorder

and

Approved by the City Council this ____
day of ___________________, 2010

signed by the Mayor.

_______________________________
Stan Horrell, Mayor
Frank Primozic, Mayor Pro-Tem

July 14, 2010

