--- date: "2010-09-08" title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2010-09-08" source: "2010-09-08-minutes-council-monthly.pdf" --- City of Prairie City CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 8, 2010 Attended: Stan Horrell, Mayor Frank Primozic, Councilor Carole Garrison, Councilor Les Church, Councilor Tim Coe, Councilor Roger McKinley, Councilor Georgia Patterson, Public Works (see attached list of guests) Mayor Horrell called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The roll was called, Richard Gray being absent. The pledge of allegiance was recited. The minutes of the August 25 meeting were considered. MSP: To approve the minutes as written, Frank Primozic/Tim Coe. All members voted in favor, none were opposed. Mayor Horrell read the following excerpt from the August 25 minutes: 7:40 p.m. Other Business: The request by the Grange to be given water free of charge was re-considered. The original idea of finding enough citizens to pay at least once month’s bill was discussed, Garrison and Horrell saying they would be willing to do so. It was noted that the reason free water was given to the American Legion was because of their veteran status. The Council generally agreed to deny the request by the Grange. The City Recorder asked to make a comment for the record and said that a statement had been made that day in the office that she and Mayor Horrell had made the decision (outside of a council meeting) not to grant free water to the grange. She wanted the record set straight that she had nothing to do with the decision and had not even participated in the discussion with the Council. The Council confirmed that she had not participated in the discussion and that they had discussed the issue among themselves at the meeting, coming to the agreement that request be denied. Ruth Casebeer was recognized. The Recorder again asked to make a statement for the record. She said that the other comment made that day in the office was that September 8, 2010 Casebeer had indicated she thought the Recorder didn’t want her on the agenda. The Recorder stated that was not the case, and that the original agenda request was received too late to be on the agenda of the August 25 meeting so she followed City policy by placing her on the next meeting agenda. Casebeer denied making the comment and said she was just making sure she was on the agenda. Casebeer then said she was present to see what progress the Council had made on addressing her nuisance ordinance concerns. Frank Primozic said they had received a copy of an ordinance adopted by the City of Madras for consideration that addresses more issues than the City’s current ordinance and provides for easier implementation. She was informed that the Council has scheduled a one- hour town hall type meeting for September 22 at the Grange Hall at 6:00 p.m. to discuss concerns regarding nuisances, the difficulty in addressing them and to get the citizens on board to encourage city-wide cooperation. It was also stated that the meeting would by confined to addressing only that subject. The Council recognized Dennis Lynch who addressed them regarding various issue related to the City and the City Park. He said that a town hall meeting had been held about 10 years ago wherein citizens gave input to the Council regarding projects they would like to see and that a list had been compiled. He asked what had become of the list and said that he knew some of the projects had been completed. He thanked the City for finally getting the citizens clean water, but commented that the overall condition of the City is going downhill. With regard to the City Park, he said he has concerns about its poor condition, noting that he knew the trees needed to come out due to safety reasons however. In speaking with the staff about it he had learned there are some improvements planned but that no written plan was available. It was suggested that Lynch assist the City in drawing up a plan, although he noted that he would have to get all the information from staff in order to do so. Georgia Patterson said that there are indeed plans for improvements though not in written form and the Recorder said there were projects such as the fountain and refurbishing the flower bed, fixing up the basketball court and building a small stage that had been approved during the budget process. She said that a written plan has never been required and that it is usually up to staff to see that projects are planned and completed. She said a plan could be provided and asked how detailed and formal of one was being requested, i.e., blueprint type drawings? Lynch said if he were to help it would not include that level of detail. Gary Knight and Tim Cooley questioned the Council on whether or not anyone asked the public if they wanted any of the improvements and doubted that any of it would get used. They were reminded that meeting minutes are always available and that anyone is welcome to attend meetings to find out what is going on. There was discussion of the advantages of having a stage with electrical outlets for use during the car show, music in the park and other events. There was more discussion of providing a plan and to what detail. Georgia Patterson September 8, 2010 reminded everyone that her department is not just parks, but also water, sewer, streets and general maintenance. Discussion then went back to what ever became of the list that came from the town hall meeting and if what was still on it will be discussed at the meeting on the 22nd. The audience was reminded that the only issue to be addressed at that meeting is the nuisance and abatement problem. The Council said they did not want to combine the two in order to stay on track with the nuisance issue. Discussion then went back to the park plan and Lynch said he would get together with staff to get information. He outlined things he would like to see, such as more and bigger parks, walking and bicycle paths, and having the houses re- numbered. The audience was again invited to attend meetings and reminded that rather than talking to one Council member on the street they could get more attention by talking to them all. Museum/Depot Park: Frank Primozic said the museum now has a policy of not using nails in the walls to hang pictures or other items, noting that the building itself is an artifact. Les Church said he is working on the plans for the well pump building in the park. Landfill: Georgia Patterson stated that pit run rock had been spread on the landfill road getting it ready for winter. Public Works: Georgia Patterson reported that the City is on water restrictions and utilizing its wells. She said the reservoir is staying full at this time. She also said there had been a sewer transmission line break on the highway over the Holiday weekend and that it had been repaired. Mayor Horrell commented that Chris Camarena had done a good job of getting the work organized and completed. With regard to the proposed well project, Frank Primozic noted that the City still continues to struggle with its contact at the funding agency to get the loan amended and gain permission to proceed. Carole Garrison thanked the City Recorder for her efforts in writing the latest letter and asked if perhaps a letter from the Council and/or Mayor might help. Primozic and Garrison said they would draft a letter to be included with the latest request for information. It was also noted that the City should enlist the help of Senator Ferrioli in getting the agency to move on the item. Accounts Payable: MSP: To approve the payables, Frank Primozic/Carole Garrison. All members voted in favor. September 8, 2010 Other Business: The Mayor said AT&T had contacted him requesting to install a tower on City property near the water reservoirs. Roger McKinley said the City should check with the TV Cable company to make sure there aren’t any space requirements. The Recorder said she would provide the Council with a copy of the franchise agreement to see if anything was in it regarding that type of limitation. She also said that AT&T had provided an Option and Land Lease Agreement for the City’s consideration but had only received it just before the meeting. Due to the late arrival and the length of the document it was agreed that Council should consider it at the next meeting in order to have time to review it. Carole Garrison suggested the Council hold a workshop to review the proposed nuisance ordinance prior to the meeting on the 22nd in order to become familiar with it. It was agreed a one-hour workshop would be held at 4:00 p.m. on September 15. Frank Primozic referred to a letter submitted to the Council (and citizens) from Lindsay Rausch and family thanking Diane and Sandy and all involved in the playground project and commented that it should be posted for the public to read. 8:15 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 September 8, 2010