--- date: "2013-03-27" title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2013-03-27" source: "2013-03-27-minutes-council-monthly.pdf" --- City of Prairie City CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 27, 2013 Attended: Alvan Cooley, Mayor Carole Garrison, Councilor Gary Waterhouse, Councilor Dennis Lynch, Councilor Georgia Patterson Chris Camarena Scott Moore The meeting was called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Roll call was taken, Les Church, Butch Goslin and Viola Rose being absent. It was noted that Les Church had telephoned and said he would not be able to attend. The minutes of the February 13 meeting were considered. MSP: To approve the minutes as written, Carole Garrison/Dennis Lynch. All members voted in favor. Economic Development: Dennis Lynch presented a draft letter to the Council for approval. He said the letter of approval for him to represent the City is needed for the various agencies he has been in contact with regarding economic development and the development of the industrial site. He read the letter aloud. MSP: To approve the letter in order to pursue options of development of the industrial site in Prairie City, Carole Garrison/Tim Cooley. All members voted in favor. Lynch also said there are other ideas for the site such as using it for a shooting range or exchanging the land for a more suitable site. Georgia Patterson reminded the Council that the city’s main sewer transmission line goes through the property. It was noted that the property has been surveyed although some of the markers are difficult to locate. Lynch also mentioned the idea of a greenbelt or walking/cycling path as potential attraction for the city. Museum: Carole Garrison reported that $715 had been awarded to the museum from the Oregon Cultural Trust Coalition to help pay for the exhibits being made by the students. Public Safety: Mayor Cooley referred to the letters received from Mr. Keeton complaining about his neighbor and pointed out the response he sent to Keeton regarding the issues. Nothing further has transpired. The Mayor praised Deputy Moore for his efforts and said he has been receiving positive feedback from citizens regarding Moore’s presence in the community. Landfill: A landfill report was received. Mayor Cooley said the Council would make a decision at the April 10 meeting as to whether or not to continue operation of the landfill when the current trench is full. Public Works: Georgia Patterson reported that they have begun reading meters again. She said the backhoe had needed some repairs and that they are getting ready to open Depot Park. There is a couple interested in being park hosts for the month of May and she will continue to advertise the position. March 27, 2013 The Council was asked to consider implementing a fee for turning water off or on after regular working hours. There was discussion of establishing a clear policy and it was decided that other cities be contacted regarding what they do. Accounts Payable: MSP: To pay the bills, Dennis Lynch/Gary Waterhouse. All members voted in favor Resolutions: The Council considered Resolutions 2013-01 and 2013-02 authorizing budget transfers. It was explained that the public works director had budgeted the wrong amount for the reservoir painting project (too low) and that a transfer is needed to cover the total cost of the project. The budget transfers are allowed by budget law and are a tool to avoid budget violations when expenses exceed budgeted estimates. MSP: To approve Resolutions 2013-01 and 2013-02 authorizing budget transfers, Carole Garrison/Gary Waterhouse. All members voted in favor. Other Business: Mayor Cooley addressed the Council and asked to correct a procedural error regarding the appointment of a Mayor Pro-Tem. He said he should have nominated a candidate and called for a vote instead of appointing. He then nominated Gary Waterhouse as Mayor Pro-Tem and asked if there were any other nominations. There being none, he asked for a second. The nomination was seconded by Carole Garrison. All members voted in favor of Gary Waterhouse to serve as Mayor Pro-Tem. Carole Garrison reported that she had attended the County budget meeting where Secure Schools Funding was discussed regarding whether or not any monies would be distributed to the cities. She said the cities were well represented and that the Mayor of John Day did a very good job in stressing the cities’ need for additional funds. Each city was asked to submit a prioritized list of street projects and improvements to the County and Garrison said the Public Works Director had done so. Dennis Lynch had also attended the meeting and he asked the Council to consider writing to the legislators and the Forest Service regarding the funding and to encourage timber sales. He said the more letters the better and said he urged the other entities to get all the eastern Oregon counties and cities involved. It was suggested that perhaps a sample letter could be included with the water bills or in the newsletter that citizens could use as a template and customize. The Mayor asked Carole Garrison and Dennis Lynch to draft a letter for consideration. Mayor Cooley said he thought visiting with the Forest Supervisor is a good idea. 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 ___________________, 2013 and signed by the Mayor. _______________________________ Alvan F. Cooley, Mayor March 27, 2013