--- date: "2012-10-10" title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2012-10-10" source: "2012-10-10-minutes-council-monthly.pdf" --- City of Prairie City CITY COUNCIL MEETING October 10, 2012 Attended: Alvan Cooley, Mayor Les Church, Councilor Carole Garrison, Councilor Gary Waterhouse, Councilor Georgia Patterson Richard Gray Zach Mobley 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 September 12 and September 19, 2012 meetings were considered. MSP: To approve both sets of minutes as written, Carole Garrison/Les Church. All members voted in favor. The Mayor recognized Richard Gray who identified himself as a candidate for the office of Grant County Sheriff. Gray said he has been paying close attention to the operation of the sheriff’s office the past two years. Being in law enforcement, he said other officers see more than the public does as to how things are being run and that there is a lack of leadership and communication within the department and other agencies. As a former sheriff’s deputy and currently an officer of 8 years with the John Day Police Department, Gray said he would use his experience to improve in those areas. He said that law enforcement is needed in Prairie City and supports the continued use of a law enforcement agreement between the city and the county, and also vowed to improve communication with the city and be accountable with regard to the contract. There were questions regarding Gray’s stance on BLM and Forest Service road closures and Gray stated he is not in favor of closures. He said it is important to collaborate with the agencies (“get the Forest Service on the ball”) to work out fair contracts because money is available to the county and the general fund needs it. In summation Gray said he is willing to step up to the plate if elected and address the important issues facing the county. Museum: Carole Garrison reported that the museum will close for the season after the 14th but that off season activities will continue. The museum will be open for Christmas on the Prairie November 17. She said volunteers will be needed to prep and paint the walkways and platforms. Public Safety: Mayor Cooley said the sheriff still has not responded to his requests for a meeting and accounting of the amount of time the contracted deputy spends out of the area. He recommended not addressing the request for additional fuel money or the addition of another officer until the original issues are resolved; the council generally agreed. Cooley said he would make another attempt to contact the sheriff the next day. Landfill: Report received. October 10, 2012 Public Works: Georgia Patterson said the painting of the reservoir had been completed and provided pictures. She said the contractor had done an excellent job that should last for 10 to 15 years. It was reiterated that the lead in the original paint had been dealt with by power washing and sealing the surface prior to painting. Accounts Payable: MSP: To approve the payables, Les Church/Carole Garrison. All members voted in favor. Mike Cosgrove entered the meeting and asked to be briefly recognized. He complimented the city by mentioning the positive comments being received by visitors regarding the friendliness of the merchants. Resolutions/Ordinances: The council was asked to sign their forms of acknowledgement and agreement to abide by the adopted Council Meeting Procedural Rules and City Council Policies of Conduct and Communication. It was suggested that the meeting rule portion of the resolution be amended to include Roberts Rules of Order. The Recorder said she would present the amendment at the next meeting for passage. All members signed the forms except Roger McKinley who was absent. The Council was asked to consider approval of a liquor license application for the new owners of Maria’s (formerly The Branding Iron.) MSP: To approve the application, Carole Garrison/Les Church. All members voted in favor. The Council was asked to consider writing a letter of support for PCCA to help with their efforts to obtain a grant to remodel and upgrade the community center. MSP: To provide a letter of support to PCCA, Les Church/Dennis Lynch. All members voted in favor. Dennis Lynch asked the Council to consider thinking about economic development and the future of the community. It was noted that the City pays a portion of the Grant County Economic Development salary and that Sally Bartlett would be the person to contact for direction. Carole Garrison also noted that the Recorder has attended some seminars provided by the Oregon Main Street program that provides some good information about community branding. Lynch said he would contact Bartlett to set up a meeting and report back. 6:40 pm It was moved and seconded to adjourn, all members voted in favor. ___________________________________ Diane Clingman, City Recorder Approved by the City Council this ____ day of ___________________, 2012 and signed by the Mayor. _______________________________ Alvan F. Cooley, Mayor October 10, 2012