--- date: "2011-06-08" title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2011-06-08" source: "2011-06-08-minutes-council-monthly.pdf" --- City of Prairie City CITY COUNCIL MEETING June 8, 2011 Attended: Alvan Cooley, Mayor Tim Coe, Councilor Gary Waterhouse, Councilor Roger McKinley, Councilor Georgia Patterson, Public Works Mayor Cooley called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and roll call taken, Les Church and Carole Garrison being absent. The minutes of the May 11 meeting were considered. MSP: To approve the minutes as written, Tim Coe/Roger McKinley. An audible vote was taken, Waterhouse, Coe, McKinley and Cooley voting in favor, none opposed. It was noted that John Nash had submitted an agenda request but was not in attendance. It was agreed that no decision will be made on his request for an outdoor serving area and horseshoe pit at The New Branding Iron until he addresses the Council in person. Planning: Gary Waterhouse noted that an agreement had been reached with AT&T regarding the contract but is still contingent upon AT&T obtaining access through private property to the site. It was noted that Councilman Les Church had agreed to work with AT&T to provide access across his property in a separate agreement and has refrained from participating in discussions involving the City’s contract. Public Safety: Mayor Cooley said he and the City Recorder had met with Sheriff Palmer again regarding the Law Enforcement Contract and the services being provided. Palmer was cooperative in considering schedule changes to provide for more daily patrols. Due to the non-renewal of the Forest Patrol Agreement, Palmer said the deputy would be available to the City for an additional 10 hours per week and asked the City to consider exercising its option to contract for 40 hours per week service. It was stressed to Palmer that the Council will want to see the deputy in the area much more than he has been if they are to contract for full time. MSP: To contract with the County for Law Enforcement for 40 hours per week beginning July 1, Tim Coe/Gary Waterhouse. An audible vote was taken, Waterhouse, Coe, McKinley and Cooley voting in favor, none opposed. The mayor noted that the deputy is now providing daily logs that provide documentation of where and when he is on duty. He said the logs are for management purposes only. Abatement: The Council considered the complaint received regarding the accumulation of garbage and junk at a vacant residence located at 261 First Street. The Mayor said he had driven by the property and concurred that it appears to be a health hazard as well as unsightly. June 8, 2011 Councilman Waterhouse said he had filed the complaint on behalf of a neighbor who was afraid to submit the complaint for fear of retaliation by the property owner. In an effort to address complaints, the Mayor said he was appointing co-chairs Les Church and Tim Coe to investigate complaints when received and make recomendations. The Mayor also noted that complaints need to be in writing for the sake of consistency, but that the identity of the person complaining does not have to be disclosed unless it becomes legally necessary. The Citizen Comment form created by the Recorder was considered and it was generally agreed that it would work well and could be changed as needed. It was pointed out that the form provides a choice as to whether or not the person filling it out wants their name disclosed. Regarding the property at 261 First Street, Tim Coe said he would conduct the investigation and give the report to the Recorder with his recommendation by Friday. It was agreed that a courtesy letter should be sent to the owner of the property. It was noted that the owner is believed to be living in North Powder and that a mailing address is available. Landfill: Georgia Patterson reported that the road to the landfill has been muddy due to the weather. Well Drilling: The City is waiting to hear when the pre-construction meeting with Marciel Well Drilling will be held. Public Works: Georgia Patterson reported that there is a large amount of scrap metal around the City shop that she would like to dispose of and since prices are good for scrap at this time the City could recoup a substantial amount. She said her husband, Steve Patterson, has volunteered to haul it to Idaho free of charge using one of the City’s vehicles. A trailer is also available to rent for $50 per trip. Patterson said there is also brass and copper to sell but that Portland offers better prices for it. The Recorder said she had contacted the City’s insurance company to check on auto and workers’ comp coverage for the volunteer and was waiting for a response. MSP: To allow Steve Patterson to haul the scrap metal for the City contingent upon the City’s insurance coverage, Gary Waterhouse/Tim Coe. Waterhouse, Coe and Cooley voted in favor, McKinley opposed. Accounts Payable: MSP: To pay the accounts payable, Tim Coe/Gary Waterhouse. An audible vote was taken, Waterhouse, Coe, McKinley and Cooley voted in favor, none opposed. Ordinances/Resolutions: The Council considered Resolution 2011-4 Declaring the City’s Election to receive State revenues. MSP: To adopt Resolution 2011-4 Gary Waterhouse/Tim Coe. Waterhouse, Coe, McKinley and Cooley voted in favor, none opposed. The audit contract with Oster Professional Group was considered. MSP: To approve the audit contract, Roger McKinley/Tim Coe. Waterhouse, Coe McKinley and Cooley voted in favor, none opposed. It was agreed that a workshop would be held June 22 to review outstanding projects and prioritize them to be addressed throughout the year. Roger McKinley encouraged the Council to attend the informational event regarding constitutional rights being held June 14 at Grant Union High School in John Day. June 8, 2011 The Recorder reminded the Council that she would be attending required training the following week. 6:40 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 June 8, 2011