--- date: "2010-10-13" title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2010-10-13" source: "2010-10-13-minutes-council-monthly.pdf" --- City of Prairie City CITY COUNCIL MEETING October 13, 2010 Attended: Stan Horrell, Mayor Frank Primozic, Councilor Carole Garrison, Councilor Les Church, Councilor Tim Coe, Councilor Roger McKinley, Councilor Richard Gray, Councilor Georgia Patterson, Public Works Alan Guttridge Teresa Uriate Dan Bishop Sally Bartlett Alvan Cooley Dennis Lynch Mayor Horrell called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The roll was called, all members being present. The pledge of allegiance was recited. The minutes of the September 8 and September 22 meetings were considered. It was noted that Richard Gray was in attendance at the September 22 meeting and a typo in the September 8 meeting was pointed out; the word be should be substituted for the word by on page 2, line 9. MSP: To approve the minutes as corrected, Frank Primozic/Carole Garrison. All members voted in favor, none were opposed. Kathy Smith was not present. The Council recognized Alan Guttridge and Teresa Uriate of the USFS Malheur National Forest. Guttridge explained that the Forest Service is purchasing a piece of property from DR Johnson as part of the process of constructing a new office building. In researching the records it has come to light that a portion of the property includes a vacated alley from 1928, however, none of the deeds reflected the change in property lines after vacation. The portion of land that was formerly an alley is not included on any tax records. Their proposal was that the City October 13, 2010 terminate the vacation order and re-dedicate it as an alley, but Oregon Revised Statutes do not provide for termination of the vacation. The City Recorder explained that she had been informed that the remedy would be to locate the heirs of the property and acquire a quitclaim deed. If that is not possible, the other option is to file for a Suit to Quiet Title. The process involves retaining an attorney, posting extensive public notices and petitioning the court for title to the property. She suggested that either of the adjacent property owners could pursue that option since the City was not at fault and should not have to bear the cost. Guttridge explained that it would take the Forest Service years if they were to take that action. It was suggested that the City talk to their attorney to see what the best avenue to pursue would be and to determine an approximate cost. It was agreed that a call be made the next morning and that Guttridge and Uriate would contacted with the information. Museum: Frank Primozic reported that the Museum would be closing for the season at the end of the week. He also said that the tours were successful and resulted in additional donations. He suggested a full program of tours be implemented next year. Public Safety: It was noted that the contract with the county for law enforcement services seems to be working out well. The Recorder reminded the Council that the temporary contract expires at the end of the year. Landfill: A written report was received. Public Works: Georgia Patterson said that Ray Wenger had completed his six- month probationary period and made the recommendation that he be hired as a full time employee. She also noted that his job description requires certification in water within 1 year of hire, but stated that it is impossible to attain in that time frame. She suggested it be changed to 2 years. MSP: Make the change in the job description, Frank Primozic/Less Church. All members voted in favor. MSP: To approve the recommendation to hire Ray Wenger as a full time employee, Les Church/Carole Garrison. All members voted in favor. Patterson said she had talked with the school board about their interest in using the City’s extra generator to operate the lights at the football field. They offered to build a flatbed trailer for the City in exchange for the generator and Patterson asked the Council their thoughts on the idea. Richard Gray opposed the idea due to safety and insurance concerns and suggested perhaps something else be traded. There was discussion of having the school build signs for either end of town but it was noted that Talents and Treasures had already proposed having signs made. There was discussion about the generator and whether or not the City has any use for it. It was noted that originally when it was replaced at the main October 13, 2010 sewer plant by another generator, it was intended to be used for backup power at City Hall, however another generator has been acquired for that purpose. There was discussion of the pursuit of grants for replacing the sewer pumps and Georgia Patterson said Jake Salcone of RCAC is going to set up a conference call with the various funding agencies to determine the best options for the City. Frank Primozic volunteered to sit in on the call. It was noted that Brad Baird had not provided any further information in response to the latest request by Gary Viehdorfer of OECDD/OBD. The Mayor said he would contact Baird about it the next day. Accounts Payable: MSP: To pay the bills, Tim Coe/Frank Primozic. All members voted in favor. Carole Garrison noted the receipt of the first quarter Revenue and Expense Report and thanked the Recorder for providing it. It was noted that the town meeting for the nuisance ordinance issue went well and Frank Primozic was thanked for doing an excellent job facilitating it. Other Business: The Council was asked to consider allowing AT&T to locate a cell tower on City property near the reservoirs. It was noted that a conditional use would be need to be approved and that public notice and a hearing would be required. It was also noted that upon review the TV franchise does not seem to contain anything that would prohibit installing a tower. MSP: To continue on the path to allowing AT&T to locate a cell tower on City property, Roger McKinley/Frank Primozic. McKinley, Primozic, Garrison, Church, Coe and Horrell voted in favor, Gray opposed. McKinley said the City should have some say in the actual location of the tower. The Council recognized Sally Bartlett who addressed them regarding the Enterprise Zone and said two additions to it have been proposed; the industrial park in Seneca and 1.5 square miles of the Silvies Valley Ranch. She explained that a vote of confidence is needed by all the cities to move forward and that a resolution would also be needed. She gave some background on the proposed destination resort planned for the ranch property and provided other written information to the Council regarding the Enterprise Zone. MSP: To give a vote of confidence, Carole Garrison/Frank Primozic. All members voted in favor. It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Garrison opposed the motion and asked if the Council would be having a meeting on the 27th or a workshop. It was agreed to have a workshop to continue working on the nuisance ordinance unless pressing business came up that would require a regular meeting. October 13, 2010 Discussion then began regarding a letter received by Susie Combs regarding her concerns over pigs being kept in residential areas. Primozic suggested the Mayor respond to Combs. There was further discussion and concern that the facility provided by the school (for 4-H and FFA to raise pigs) is not adequate and poorly maintained resulting in students raising the animals at home. It was suggested that Combs (being affiliated with the school) be asked to talk with the school board about improving the facility and encouraging students to utilize it. It was agreed that once the new ordinance is adopted it would be enforced which would include making sure the raising of animals is not a nuisance. The Recorder suggested it be a part of the overall education segment of the plan to make sure students and their families know they will have to abide by the ordinance. It was again moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting. All members voted in favor. 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 October 13, 2010