** DRAFT **

 

The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Tonasket was held on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 7:00 pm in the City Hall, Tonasket, Washington.

 

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

 

The City Clerk, Alice Attwood, administered the Oath of Office to Joyce Fancher who was re-elected to her position.

                                                                        Public Hearing/CDBG Water Project

This meeting has been advertised as a public hearing to review final project performance on the Well Pump Station and Main Replacement Project funded by a Community Development Block Grant. Mayor Walter opened the public hearing. Mayor Walter asked if there was anyone in the audience or on the Council that would like to comment on the project. There being no comments, Mayor Walter closed the public hearing.

                                                                        Harry Hayter/Coulee Corridor

Harry Hayter, Coulee Corridor/Okanogan Trails Guide publisher, was present to request funds from the city for his publication. The Council had previously decided to not fund the publication. Mr. Hayter stated the publication is distributed in many places such as Tacoma and Olympia and has had positive results. After further discussion and questions it was moved by Fancher and seconded by Ramsey to approve $450 from the Hotel/Motel funds for the Coulee Corridor publication for 2008. It was moved by Fancher and seconded by Ramsey to amend the above motion to approve $500 instead of the $450 for the Coulee Corridor publication for 2008. Both motions approved unanimously.

                                                                        B3 Skate Park                       

Chris Branch, Planning and Community Development Director, was present and updated the Mayor and Council on the B3 Skate Park Project.  Chris stated the contract and related documents are ready to be signed with William Emfinger. The negotiated price of the project is $177,705.

                                                                        Branch Report

Chris also reported that this will be his last Tonasket City Council meeting in his current capacity as Planning and Community Development Director. Chris will begin working full time for the City of Oroville in January of 2008. He stated there are a few organizations he feels will need a city representative since he will no longer will be able to be the city’s appointed representative. Those organizations are as follows; 1) Watershed Planning Unit, 2) North Central Washington Resource Conservation & Development

3) Regional Transportation Planning Organization and 4) Solid Waste Advisory Committee. He feels it would be beneficial for someone from the Council to be involved in these groups.

                                                                       

Chris reported he is considering contracting with Tonasket to finish up several projects. Chris stated he will be meeting with the City Clerk Alice Attwood and Kurt Danison, Highlands Associates, to talk about planning possibilities for Tonasket.

                                                                        B3 Skate Park

It was moved by Ramsey and seconded by Fancher to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract in the amount of $177,705 and applicable documents for the construction of the B3 Skate Park with contractor William Emfinger. Motion carried.

                                                                        Anderson/Annexation Questions

Jerry Anderson, a resident located just out side the city limits near Bonaparte Creek, was present to inquire about the process for annexations. He stated that he is interested in annexing into the city. The Mayor briefly explained the process for annexation. Mr. Anderson was invited to come into City Hall and get the information he needs to proceed.

                                                                        Salary Increase/Acct/Records Clerk

It was moved by Plumb and seconded by Ramsey to increase the Accounting Records Clerks salary in 2008 $50 per month. Motion carried. Clarkson voted no.

                                                                        Ordinance #648—2008 Budget

There was discussion on the 2008 budget. Councilmember Clarkson asked questions about the reserve accounts and also stated the city should lower it’s water rates because there is too much money.  There was also discussion regarding the city’s indebtedness and the interest income from investments. After discussion, it was moved by Fancher and seconded by Ramsey to adopt Ordinance #648. Motion carried. Clarkson voted no. Ordinance #648 adopts the budget for 2008 and fixes the salaries for 2008.

 

 

                                                                        Street Light-Sixth & Tonasket

Councilmember Clarkson stated again that he does not feel the street light at 6th Street  (SR 20) and Tonasket Ave. is necessary since the city installed the lights on SR 20 and he would like the light turned off or removed. City Clerk Alice Attwood stated there has been a request for a new street light on Tonasket Ave. near the home of Meg Lange. Superintendent Bill Pilkinton will contact the Public Utility District to research these matters further.

                                                                        Fire Hall

The Mayor was asked if he had met anyone regarding the old fire hall. He stated he will address this in January.

                                                                        Sign Complaint

Councilmember Ramsey reported there had been complaints regarding the sign at Rooster’s Espresso stand blocking vision. This matter will be looked into.
                                                                        Possible Retreat

Councilmember Fancher stated in January it would be a great time to have a strategic planning session with the new Councilmembers.

                                                                        Vehicle/7th Street

Councilmember Plumb reported there is a car parked on 7th Street that has not moved in weeks and is impeding the removal of snow. This will be looked into.

                                                                        Speeding/7th St.

Councilmembers Clarkson, Plumb and Ramsey all voiced their concern regarding the speeding traffic on 7th Street. Chief Burks will be notified of the problem.

                                                                        TIB Grant Approval

It was moved by Plumb and seconded by Fancher to approve the TIB Grant in the amount of $73,525 for an overlay on Locust Ave. Motion carried.

                                                                        Consent Agenda

It was moved by Plumb and seconded by Ramsey to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried. The consent agenda consists of the minutes of the previous meeting and the November Payroll (9329-9356) $49,858.14 and Claims (18444-18491) $97,152.19.

                                                                        Mayor’s Budget Message

Mayor Walter presented the 2008 Mayors Budget Message.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                    _____________________________

                                                                                    Patrick Walter, Mayor

 

 

_________________________________

Alice J. Attwood, Clerk-Treasurer