--- date: "2011-04-13" title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2011-04-13" source: "2011-04-13-minutes-council-monthly.pdf" --- City of Prairie City CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 13, 2011 Attended: Alvan Cooley, Mayor Carole Garrison, Councilor Les Church, Councilor Tim Coe, Councilor Gary Waterhouse, Councilor Georgia Patterson, Public Works Dianne Lesniak Cheryl Hoefler Sally Bartlett Delores Young Ruth Casebeer King Williams Mayor Cooley called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and roll call taken, Roger McKinley being absent. The minutes of the March 9 and March 17 meetings were considered. MSP: To approve the minutes as written, Carole Garrison/Tim Coe. An audible vote was taken, all members voting in favor, none opposed. Mayor Cooley reminded the audience that in order to keep the meeting moving along, participants would have 3 to 5 minutes to speak on issues when recognized, but if anyone starts to repeat themselves they will be cut off. The Mayor also announced that the City Recorder is working on a website for the City that would provide information, forms, minutes etc. Dianne Lesniak was recognized and addressed the Council regarding a request to put up inflatables in the City Park on the 4th of July. She explained that one slide would have water. She also noted that the theme for the parade is “All Fired Up” and that the Grand Marshall(s) would be the Prairie City Volunteer Fire Department. The Public Works Director stated that she didn’t think the inflatables would be a good idea because the park will have just been re-seeded. Lesniak was advised to consider another option for the event in case the park was not ready to be used by the 4th of July. She then addressed the Council regarding a request to use Depot Park for a Heritage Festival on September 24 and said she would need the covered picnic structure and the three RV spaces behind the Museum. She said setup would be on Friday with the event on Saturday and that things would probably be taken down that evening. She stressed that Camp Logan is an important part of Prairie City’s history but is not portrayed anywhere. Stating that there is no room in the Museum, she asked the Council to consider letting her put up a permanent kiosk in the park or to construct a log cabin type building that would house information and be used for events. She said she realized the April 13, 2011 park is actually owned by the County and that she had approached them as well. The idea was tabled for future consideration. In considering the request to reserve the park it was pointed out that the City does not have a reservation policy for the spaces but could make notes on the calendar that an event is planned for the 23rd/24th of September that would utilize the covered picnic shelter and gazebo area. Lesniak said she would pay for the spaces (which would include water, sewer and electricity.) It was generally agreed that the Council should support her efforts to put on the event. It was also pointed out that the gazebo next to City Hall was originally intended for kiosks. MSP: To allow the use of the Depot Park covered picnic shelter for the Heritage Festival September & 24 and to work on providing the spaces next to the museum as best we can, Carole Garrison/Tim Coe. Church, Waterhouse, Garrison, Coe and Cooley all voted in favor, none opposed. The Council considered the request from the Northeast Housing Authority to write a letter of support to obtain grant funding to preserve and rehabilitate the Strawberry Village Apartments. It was noted that Ms. LaMont was not present but had volunteered to attend via telephone to answer questions. The letter would include the City’s support of providing low-income housing. There were concerns expressed over the caliber of tenants, the numerous problems law enforcement has with them and how it affects the neighbors. Tim Coe said he had talked with Ms. LaMont for some time about the issues and how they plan to address and prevent future problems but didn’t really feel satisfied with her responses. It was suggested that an on-site manager would make a big difference and that it can’t hurt to improve the property rather letting it continue to deteriorate. MSP: To write the letter of support and include the City’s request that they have on-site resident manager on the premises, Les Church/Gary Waterhouse. Church, Waterhouse, Garrison, and Cooley voted in favor. Tim Coe opposed. Sally Bartlett was recognized next and explained her reason for addressing the Council was to ask the City to consider participating in the funding of her position as the Economic Development Coordinator for Grant County. She gave the history of how the position was established and that the cities and county supply the funding beyond whatever grants she is able to obtain. She said the City’s portion of the cost would be approximately $5,000 in 2011-12 and asked the Council to urge the Budget Committee to recommend the appropriation of funds. King Williams, the president of GREAT, addressed the Council and said that with two plants sitting idle in Prairie City it would be a good time to get on board and take advantage of the opportunities that come through Bartlett’s office. There was discussion of what the estimates are to get the Co-Gen Plant functional and other discussion of Enterprise Zone benefits since Prairie City’s industrial site has the designation. It was noted that the reason for the City not funding Bartlett’s position in the past was that they did not feel they got anything for their money. Bartlett noted that she is presently assisting a local business with developing a business plan. The City Recorder addressed the Council and said that more and more the City will need to look for outside funding sources and need to make a commitment to supporting that effort. She also said she cannot do all the work on it alone, would welcome the resources available from the economic development office and suggested they try funding it for a year to see how well it works out. The Mayor also suggested committing to funding the position for one year and asked for a motion. Gary Waterhouse made the motion to pay the fees for one year in the amount of $4,943 and it was seconded by Carole Garrison. Waterhouse, Garrison and Cooley voted in favor. Coe and Church opposed. It was noted that there are still negotiation and access issues related to the AT&T contract. April 13, 2011 Public Safety: The Council was asked to consider making a recommendation to the Budget Committee on whether or not to increase funding to address Dog Control. It was agreed that the Council would work on the idea this year and make a recommendation for FY 2012-13. Landfill: Georgia Patterson said she had prepared a landfill report but had left it on her desk. Well Drilling: The Council considered the well drilling bids. It was noted that the engineer had forgotten to advise that new laws require Notice of Intent to Award Contract and Responsibility Determination Forms be mailed to all the bidders allowing a 7-day protest period. It was advised that the Council may award the contract to be effective April 21 on the condition the protest period passes with no protests. MSP: To award the contract to Marciel Well Drilling in the amount of $131,635.00 on the condition that the protest period passes without protest, Carole Garrison/Les Church. Church, Waterhouse, Garrison, Coe and Cooley all voted in favor, none opposed. Public Works: Georgia Patterson reported that the crew had cleaned the sand filters and that both are back online. She said they had been working on installing the bbq stands at Depot Park and repairing the gazebo. She said next they would start on the tree removal, tree planting, grass planting and completion of the fountain project in the City Park. Accounts Payable: MSP: To pay the accounts payable, Tim Coe/Gary Waterhouse. An audible vote was taken, all members voted in favor, none opposed. Ordinances/Resolutions: The Council considered Ordinance 8.05. The Ordinance was read once by title and once in its entirety. MSP: To adopt Ordinance 8.05 providing definitions of nuisances, penalties, process for nuisance abatement and repealing Ordinance 8.04, Carole Garrison/Tim Coe. Church, Waterhouse, Garrison, Coe and Cooley all voted in favor, none opposed. The City Recorder said she would be submitting a Resolution to adopt the related forms at the next meeting. It was noted that importance needs to be put on educating the public about the intent to actively enforce the ordinance and that the notice provision in the ordinance should be implemented by placing it in the newspaper. Ruth Casebeer was in attendance and thanked the Council for following through with updating the ordinance. Other Business: The Council was asked to consider authorizing signature of the contract and purchase order from Western Display Fireworks for the fireworks display package. It was noted that the City Recorder had collected $515.00 in donations at last year’s event to increase the amount of fireworks and length of the show. MSP: To approve the contract, Carole Garrison/Tim Coe. Church, Garrison, Waterhouse, Coe and Cooley all voted in favor, none opposed. The subject of the City hosting the fireworks for the County was discussed and it was noted that originally the fireworks were supposed to rotate from town to town but somehow they had landed and stayed in Prairie City. The Mayor said he had been on the radio in an interview and let it be known that the City would be happy to help out another town if they were interested in taking them on but none had stepped forward. It was noted that the City Recorder ends up coordinating the event without much help and the suggestion was made that perhaps the City partner with another town such as Dayville to trade back and forth or combine their 4th of July celebrations. The City Recorder said she would give them a call. It was also suggested that a letter could be sent to the April 13, 2011 other cities letting them know the fireworks event was available if they wished to host it and that Prairie City could lend their support. 7:30 p.m. It was moved and seconded to adjourn, all members voted in favor. Submitted by; ___________________________________ Diane Clingman, City Recorder Approved by the City Council this ____ day of ___________________, 2011 and signed by the Mayor. _______________________________ Alvan F. Cooley, Mayor April 13, 2011