--- date: "2025-04-09" title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2025-04-09" source: "2025-04-09-minutes-council-monthly.pdf" --- City of Prairie City Council Meeting April 9, 2025 Attendance: Mayor Ed Clark Councilor Bradford Councilor McClung Councilor Davis Councilor Whale-Murphy Shonalie Oakes, City Recorder Chris Camarena, Public Works Director Marvin Rynearson, Fire Chief Rob Gaslin, CPA Trish Coburn, City Clerk Ben Richardson, Museum Visitors: Jon Cannon, Rally Networks Frances Preston Kady Nelson Sue Malaney Juan Rubio Loreli Clapp Colin Kolb Fran Bunch Rusty Wright Mary Brown Pam Gangler Georgia Patterson Steve Patterson Mike Cearns Mike Workman Larry Johnson John McCarthy Betsy Koncerak Mayor Clark called the meeting to order at 6:06pm, the Pledge of Allegiance recited, and the roll call was taken. Councilor Scott Clark was gone with an excused absence. Minutes: March 6, 2025, Workshop Meeting Minutes: The Workshop Meeting Minutes of March 6, 2025, were considered. MSP: To approve March 6,2025, Workshop Meeting Minutes. Councilor McClung/Bradford. YES: 5_ NO: 0_ March 12, 2025, City Council Meeting Minutes were considered. MSP: To approve March 12, 2025, City Council Meeting Minutes. Councilor McClung/Davis. NO: 0_ YES: 5_ March 27, 2025, Workshop Meeting Minutes were considered. MSP: To approve the Workshop Meeting Minutes of March 27, 2025. Councilor McClung/Bradford. YES: 5_ NO: 0_ Public Comment: Fran Bunch: Concerns about a burnt trailer needing demolition; discussions of potential city action. The trailer in question was repossessed by an east coast bank, so there have been difficulties getting them to communicate with us. Mary Brown: Spoke on past city council decisions affecting the community, specifically regarding a former police chief and the importance of finding a way to continue having a police presence. Frances Preston: Inquired about the proposed budget availability before committee meetings. Loreli Clapp: Questioned the water rate changes and how it will affect residents. Once the water resolution is passed there will be a letter to all residents that will go out with their next utility bill outlining those changes. Larry Johnson: Discussed the sustainability of the City continuing to fund law enforcement. Mike Workman: Criticized the survey on law enforcement funding. Workman said property owners are taxed enough, and that the County should pay for the patrol. Juan Rubio: Inquired if the Legion will be charged for water. Trish Coburn: Expressed concerns about the “availability charge” being exorbitant for residents and questioned the fairness. Water Resolution: Ongoing edits discussed, including availability fees and late fees. Consensus to continue reviewing and finalize in a special meeting. The meeting was scheduled for 6pm, April 14, 2025, at City Hall. Rally Network Franchise Agreement: ORDINANCE NO.2025-01 IS AN ORDINANCE GRANTING OREGON TELEPHONE CORPORATION, AN OREGON CORPORATION D/B/A RALLY NETWORKS, THE RIGHT AND PRIVILEGE TO PROVIDE AND OPERATE A TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION SERVICES NETWORK WITHIN CITY OF PRAIRIE CITY, AND TO PLACE, ERECT, LAY, MAINTAIN, AND OPERATE IN, UPON, OVER, AND UNDER THE PUBLIC STREETS, ALLEYS, AVENUES, THOROUGHFARES, HIGHWAYS, PLACES, AND GROUNDS WITHIN CITY OF PRAIRIE CITY, POLES, WIRES, WIRE CENTERS, CABINETS, AND OTHER APPLIANCES AND CONDUCTORS FOR A TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION SERVICES NETWORK. Ordinance No.2025-01 was read out loud for all present and was approved unanimously. MSP: To approve Ordinance No.2025-01. Councilor McClung/Whale-Murphy YES: 5_ NO: 0_ Fourth of July Event: Call for volunteers and planning assistance; chamber funding and community participation discussed. The agenda was amended to include OPRD: OPRD: Councilor McClung said community members have been asking him about Catalyst involvement with the City. Mayor Clark clarified that Catalyst would not have any decision-making power and would only work a the direction of the council. Consensus of Council to move forward working with Catalyst. All in agreement. Donations: Councilor Bradford, Councilor McClung and Mayor Clark donated $50 each of their own money to the Nursing Home for the community Easter Egg Hunt. Councilor Davis, Mayor Clark, and Trish Coburn, each donated $50 of their own money to Grad Night. Reports: Public Works:  P Works had to tear out part of the road to fix a major leak.  CCR Reports are complete. The public can anticipate those included with their next water bill  Working on fixing the compost facility to get in compliance with ODOT. Accounts Payable & Budget Discussion:  Budget: Rob Gaslin, CPA, requested the Council add appointing the Budget Committee members to the special meeting scheduled April 14, 2025: Five spots are open; encouragement for community participation.  Budget Meeting: Scheduled for April 29, 2025, at 6 PM. Accounts Payable: Rob Gaslin, read aloud the appropriations review, and the financial overview; road fund noted for potential budget amendment. The Council reviewed the check detail. MSP: To pay the bills. Councilor Whale-Murphy/Davis. Approved unanimously. YES: 5_ NO: 0_ Fire Department: Fire Chief Marvin Rynearson is now also the Grant County Fire Defense Board Chief. A meeting with the state fire marshal is scheduled for the 21st to discuss summer expectations and for fire disaster preparations. Also, the department is seeking volunteer firefighters. Adjourn: MSP: To adjourn the meeting. Councilor McClung/Davis at 7:59 pm. Approved by the City Council on this 14th day of May 2025, and signed by the Mayor. Ed Clark, Mayor Attest: Shonalie Oakes, City Recorder