--- date: "2013-09-11" title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2013-09-11" source: "2013-09-11-minutes-council-monthly.pdf" --- City of Prairie City CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 11, 2013 Attended: Gary Waterhouse, Mayor Carole Garrison, Councilor Les Church, Councilor Dennis Lynch, Councilor Butch Goslin, Councilor Viola Rose, Councilor Georgia Patterson Ray Winegar Connie McKinley Joy Waterhouse Mike Springer The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and roll call taken, Butch Goslin being absent. The minutes of the August 28, 2013 meeting were considered. The Recorder noted she had made a punctuation correction on the first page after the minutes had been mailed. MSP: To approve the minutes as written and corrected, Carole Garrison/Les Church. All members voted in favor. Butch Goslin arrived at 6:05pm. The Mayor recognized Connie McKinley who addressed the Council regarding her concerns about increasing crime and vandalism in Prairie City. She said that in talking with other citizens they want to be part of a solution. She said there is a coalition in John Day that addresses such issues and hopes that a similar group can be formed in Prairie City. Her question was if the City would want to be a part of it and what roll they would take. She said the group could possibly become a non-profit organization which would be eligible for grant funds. She said it wasn’t exactly “Neighborhood Watch” but more of a non-police security patrol. She was asked what roll the City of John Day has in the program and how it is structured. She didn’t know but said she would get more information if the City is interested. McKinley said their group would hope to provide additional resources and solutions in conjunction with law enforcement. It was noted that currently the City does not have an active law enforcement presence but hopes to soon. She said the process in is the formative stage and that they are mostly looking for input and interest. It was generally agreed it would be a good idea, although the City would have to look into its liability depending on what capacity it served. McKinley said she would be meeting with more people and would get back to the Council with additional information. Museum: Joy Waterhouse read the written report provided by Museum Director Kathy Smith. She said Bonnie Nance had pointed out there is a tree limb on the roof of the museum that should be removed before winter. Georgia Patterson said public works could use the man lift and would remove the limb. Waterhouse presented a volunteer application for the Council’s consideration. MSP: To approve the application of Robert Miller as a museum volunteer, Viola Rose/Dennis Lynch. All members voted in favor. The question was raised as to whether or not the September 11, 2013 applications still need to be presented to the Council for approval now that there is a department head at the museum. Carole Garrison said the policy was established because volunteers handle money and valuable artifacts. It was asked if background checks are done on all applicants and it was generally agreed they should be. MSP: To have background checks done on all museum volunteers, Viola Rose/Dennis Lynch. All members voted in favor. It was noted that the museum director could order the background checks which cost approximately $25 each and that all volunteer applications must be presented to the Council for appointment. Law Enforcement Services: The Mayor reported the City Attorney is still working on the contract issue. Abatement: Carole Garrison said a citizen had approached her regarding vehicles parked in the City’s right-of-way near 911 Overholt, one of them partially dismantled and one not licensed. She asked if a letter could be sent to the occupant. She was asked if a written complaint had been turned in but one had not. The Mayor said it would be looked into if a written complaint is received. It was noted that a bill for the City’s abatement of the trash and tall grass in the McHaley Trailer Park had been sent to the owner, John Nash. It was noted the Public Works and the community service worker had done a good job. Landfill: A written report was received. Public Works: Georgia Patterson reported that the community service worker had finished painting the restrooms in the City Park and would be painting the covered picnic area next. It was noted that he had done a very good job. Patterson presented 4 quotes for garage doors for the city shop. NEHI Enterprises $3,275.00 Door Guy $2,874.00 Overhead Door $5,490.00 Double C Construction $5,480.00 Although the bid from the Door Guy appeared to be the lowest, it was noted that he had not included framing and materials. MSP: To award the bid for garage doors to NEHI of Baker City for $3,275.00, Carole Garrison/Viola Rose. All members voted in favor except for Les Church who abstained. Patterson was asked to check into what type of warranty is included. The subject of the Public Works Director position was addressed. The Recorder reported that the current job description had been reviewed by LGPI who said it was well written and very thorough. Only minor changes had been suggested. The Council was asked to agree on advertising criteria. There was discussion of whether or not the City should fill the position if they plan to reorganize, but it was pointed out that reorganization could take a year and a director would be needed in the meantime. Carole Garrison referred to the ad the Recorder had drafted and said she felt it was comprehensive. There was a question regarding what the position pay starts at and it was noted that since the City does not have a pay scale in place the new hire typically starts at whatever the last person in that position was making. Beyond that there are no step increases as in other towns, only annual cost of living adjustments which other cities also give. They were referred to a pay scale for September 11, 2013 the City of Halsey, population 915, showing what the starting wage would be. Patterson’s current wage fell between year one and two of the scale. It was suggested that creating a pay scale should be included in the reorganization. Carole Garrison moved to post the starting salary at the current salary amount, Les Church seconded. Garrison, Church and Waterhouse voted in favor, Goslin, Rose and Lynch opposed. Motion did not pass. It was suggested that the starting salary be lower until after the probation period. There was concern that it will be difficult enough to attract certified applicants by not having a pay scale and that lowering the salary wouldn’t help. There was more discussion of pay scales, certification processes and reorganization. Dennis Lynch recommended starting the position at $45,000 per year ($870 per year less than current.) It was agreed that Council needed to come up with a figure. MSP: To set the starting salary at $45,000 per year and increase it to $45,870 upon hiring at the end of the probation period, Dennis Lynch/Butch Goslin. All members voted in favor. The Recorder asked the Council if the draft advertisement was satisfactory. MSP: To authorize the Recorder and the Mayor to finalize the ad for the Public Works Director position and to advertise it, Carole Garrison/Les Church. All members voted in favor. Accounts Payable: MSP: To pay the bills, Dennis Lynch/Butch Goslin. All members voted in favor. Resolutions/Ordinances: Ordinance 9.16 authorizing the City of Prairie City to offer and pay a reward of up to $200.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person who has committed a specific crime, including graffiti-related offenses, within the City limits and providing a mechanism by which the City may collect the sum paid by the City as a reward from the person who is convicted of or plead guilty to the specified crime was read once by title and once in entirety. MSP: To approve ordinance 9.16, Dennis Lynch/Les Church. All members voted in favor. 7:25 pm: 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 ___________________, 2013 and signed by the Mayor. _______________________________ Gary Waterhouse, Mayor September 11, 2013