** DRAFT **

The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Tonasket was held on Tuesday, November 27^th, 2007 at 7:00 pm in the City Hall, Tonasket, Washington.

Those present were Mayor Walter and Councilmembers Clarkson, Fancher, Maden, Plumb and Ramsey who joined in the flag salute.

It was moved by Clarkson and seconded by Maden to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried.

Final Budget Hearing

This meeting has been advertised as the final budget hearing for the 2008 budget. Mayor Walter opened the hearing and postponed it until later in the meeting.

Street/Vacation Public Hearing

This meeting has been advertised as a public hearing on a petition for vacation of Second Street between Whitcomb Ave. and Western Ave. and the north 100 feet of the alley lying between Second Street and Third Street submitted by Okanogan County Hospital District No. 4 and Dr. Robert Nau and Rosalind Nau. Mayor Walter opened the public hearing. At this time the hospital board opened their meeting and approved the addendum to the petition for the street vacation, then closed the meeting. The public hearing continued. Dave Franklund, architect for the hospital, gave a presentation showing options the hospital district is considering for its facility. Hospital Administrator Warner Bartleson asked the Council to consider postponing the public hearing on the Street Vacation until January 8^th, 2008 so the parties involved would have time to resolve several issues. There were many people in the audience wishing to voice their concern regarding the matter. Mayor Walter asked those with comments and/or questions to speak individually. Jack Rawley, Eagles Manager, stated the Eagles have been involved in the community and donated to many causes. Dennis Allen, Eagles Vice President, stated they are not against the hospital or expansion. Brad Wood stated he is concerned about the“unfriendly” manner regarding the hospital district’s approach to the Eagles, and if the city vacates the street it will give the hospital an open door to take over the Eagles property. There was much discussion regarding the subject of eminent domain and whether the hospital plans to use its authority to take over the Eagles property. There were many other comments for and against the hospital district. It was moved by Clarkson and seconded by Fancher to continue the public hearing on the street and alley vacation submitted by the Hospital District and Robert and Rosalind Nau until the January 22, 2008 Council meeting, at 7:00 pm. Motion carried, Plumb and Maden abstained from the vote. The public hearing was closed.

It was moved by Clarkson to adjourn the meeting. The motion died due to the lack of a second.

Public Hearing/Variance Request

This meeting has been advertised as a hearing on a request for a Zoning Setback variance submitted by Rich and Deb Michels for property located at 203 S. Locust Ave. Mayor Walter opened the hearing. Building Official Christian Johnson presented his staff report. The Planning Commission has reviewed this request and recommends to approve. After further discussion Councilmember Maden stated she recommends to move forward with this request. Mayor Walter closed the public hearing and a motion was made by Maden and seconded by Fancher to adopt by reference the Staff’s Findings of Facts & Conclusions and approve the variance request TON VAR 07-1 filed by Mr. and Mrs. Michels with the following conditions; 1. The installed carport is generally indicated in the application in scope and size, and 2. When the subject tree dies or is removed, the variance is vacated and the carport installation will have to comply with standard setback provisions. Motion carried.

Budget Message

The Mayor stated that due to the length of the meeting he will present his budget message at the next meeting.

Branch/Report

Chris Branch, Planning and Community Development Director, will be at the next meeting to discuss the progress of the B3 Skate park and other items.

Final Budget Hearing

The Mayor opened the final budget hearing. The distribution of the Hotel/Motel Funds for 2008 was discussed and Councilmember Plumb stated the city should not contribute to the Coulee Corridor publication. Lisa McCoy asked the Council to continue the $250 for the manager position at the TVBRC. It was moved by Fancher and seconded by Maden to approve the following distribution of hotel/motel funds for 2008; Airport Improvement Club $600, Rodeo Club $2250, Garlic Festival $400, Car Club $500, Chamber of Commerce $4250, Promotion of Tonasket at NW Aviation Conference $700. Motion carried. Plumb voted no.

It was moved by Fancher and seconded by Maden to approve the increase of $57.35 for health insurance per employee per month, and to continue the $30 per month per employee for the deferred comp program, or the employee can use the money to offset family health insurance. Councilmembers Fancher and Maden voted yes, Clarkson, Ramsey and Plumb voted no, motion failed. It was moved by Plumb to approve a $25 per month health insurance increase. The motion failed for lack of a second. Superintendent Pilkinton stated the insurance is appreciated by the employees. Councilmember Maden stated benefits are a good way to retain our employees. It was moved by Fancher and seconded by Maden to approve the increase of $57.35 insurance costs per employee per month and the $30 per month per employee for the deferred comp program. Motion carried. Clarkson and Plumb voted no.

It was moved by Plumb and seconded by Fancher to pay $200 to the Bus Replacement Program until Omak pays its fair share. Motion carried. Ramsey voted no.

It was determined there would not be a donation to the Red Cross this year.

There was discussion on the request for a $200 per month per employee wage adjustment. It was moved by Ramsey and seconded by Plumb to give the employees a 3.5% cost of living increase for 2008. Motion carried. Fancher voted no.

It was moved by Fancher and seconded by Maden to amend the above motion and give the employees a 4% cost of living increase. Motion failed. Maden and Fancher voted yes, Clarkson, Plumb and Ramsey voted no.

It was moved by Plumb and seconded by Fancher to approve the requests submitted by Superintendent Pilkinton and to add the $1000 previously to be used for the Red Cross and allocate those funds to the picnic tables. Motion carried. The list of the requests will be part of the final budget document.

Councilmember Clarkson stated the city should set aside funds for a new street sweeper.

It was moved by Fancher to approve the Police requests as listed. Motion failed due to lack of a second. It was moved by Plumb and seconded by Maden to approve $8000 for a patrol car, $1000 for a scanner, $1000 for jumpsuits and $50 per month for the police clerk. Motion carried.

It was moved by Fancher and seconded by Maden to approve the list submitted by the City Clerk. Motion carried. Clarkson and Plumb voted no. The list will become part of the budget document.

It was moved by Plumb and seconded by Fancher to approve the $500 requested by the Building Official for a file cabinet. Motion carried.

Olson Appointed To Civil Service

It was moved by Fancher and seconded by Maden to approve the appointment of Scott Olson as a Civil Service Commissioner. Motion carried.

Winterfest Activities

It was moved by Plumb and seconded by Ramsey to allow the Winterfest Activities to take place in the City Hall and the TVBRC property. Motion carried.

Floating Holiday

It was moved by Ramsey and seconded by Maden to approve December 24^th, 2007 as the floating holiday for the city hall staff and the public works department. Motion carried. Plumb voted no. The Police Department Staff take their floating holiday throughout the year.

CDBG Public Hearing

It was moved by Plumb and seconded by Maden to set December 11, 2007 as the CDBG public hearing date for the closeout of the Water Project. Motion carried.

It was moved by Ramsey and seconded by Maden to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.

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Patrick Walter, Mayor

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Alice J. Attwood, Clerk-Treasurer