The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Tonasket was held on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 7:00 pm in the City Hall, Tonasket, Washington.

 

Those present were Mayor Plumb and Councilmembers Fancher, Griffin, Maden, Ramsey and Vugteveen who joined in the flag salute. Also present was City Clerk-Treasurer Alice Attwood.

                                                                        Approval of Minutes

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

                                                                        CIAW

Phil Riche, Cities Insurance Association of Washington, the City’s insurance carrier, was present to update the Mayor and Council on the status of the cease and desist order that they had received from the State. CIAW has submitted a plan to the State that includes a re-assessment which is the only method of collection the State will accept. Members will have to pay an assessment over a period of 5 years. There was more discussion and then the Mayor and Council thanked Mr. Riche for coming to Council.

                                                                        Corso/Skate Park

Rose Corso, Tonasket resident that lives by the B3 Skate Park, was present to voice her concern over the noise coming from the BMX track and that the berm that was supposed to be a buffer between her house and the park is being built up by the youth to use as a jump. This matter will be looked into further.

                                                                        Graffiti

There was a question about graffiti on buildings in town, Mayor Plumb stated he will write a memo to the Police Chief regarding the graffiti.

                                                                        Planning Report

Kurt Danison, the City’s contract planner, was present to update the Mayor and Council on the Okanogan County Comprehensive Plan, and the Shoreline Master Program.

                                                                        RFQ’s/Swim Pool

Request For Qualification’s have been received for a feasibility study for a new swim pool. The Committee has reviewed the RFQ’s. A motion was made by Fancher and seconded by Griffin to spend $50,000 on a feasibility study, Fancher amended the motion to spend up to $45,000.Councilmembers voiced their thoughts on the proposal. Councilmember Griffin stated she would like to see it done. Councilmember Ramsey stated she is concerned about being fiscally responsible. Councilmembers Maden and Fancher stated it is the right time and we have interested people. Councilmember Fancher rescinded the two previous motions. A motion was made by Fancher and seconded by Griffin to spend up to $45,000 on a feasibility study contingent on the state auditor’s opinion on whether the use of  Real Estate Excise Funds can be used for the study or not and ask Land Expressions and Johnston Architects to come to Council for an interview. Motion carried. Ramsey and Vugteveen voted no.

                                                                        Interview Consultants

The Council would like to interview the two consultants, Land Expressions and Johnston Architects, on April 13th, at 5pm prior to Council.

                                                                        Ordinance #677 Approval

It was moved by Maden and seconded by Vugteveen to adopt Ordinance #677. Motion carried. Ordinance #677 is a budget amendment ordinance.

                                                                        Sign/TVBRC

Councilmember Ramsey reported the Chamber of Commerce would like to put up a reader board for community events possibly at the Day Park/TVBRC. There was discussion that maybe a combined sign could be constructed since the TVBRC will also be putting up a sign.

                                                                        E-Waste Day

It was announced there will be an E-Waste Day on April 17th.

                                                                        Sign/Triangle Park

Councilmember Vugteveen announced the new sign at Triangle Park should be up soon.

                                                                        Personnel Policy

There was discussion on the Personnel Policy. On page 19, letter G. of Resolution 2005-08, the Personnel Policy, it says the Mayor will “require” someone to attend the Chamber of Commerce meetings and the Council would like to change that to “encourage”. There was discussion also that whoever is attending those meetings and having lunch should turn in those receipts for reimbursement. That is allowed in the policy. Councilmember Fancher asked if the Personnel Policy requires those employees that engage in physical activity to have a physical exam annually. The policy does not cover that but those employees that are required to hold a CDL (for driving trucks) are required by law to have a physical to hold onto their CDL. The Clerk was instructed to talk to Attorney Howe regarding possibly adding this to the Personnel Policy.

 

 

                                                                        Wellness Program

Councilmember Maden asked about a wellness program for the City and how much money could the City save on health care premiums if a program was put in place.

                                                                        Charter Communications/Franchise

Charter Communications sent a letter to the City asking to approve a franchise agreement extension until the end of 2010 to give us both plenty of time to negotiate a new agreement. The City Clerk was instructed to contact Attorney Howe and ask his advice on the situation.

                                                                        Airport Insurance

It was the consensus of the Council to authorize and continue with the airport insurance for 2010-2011.

                                                                        Correspondence

Correspondence was read from Sara Kaiser regarding her concern for pedestrians on Western Ave. Mayor Plumb will contact her to discuss this matter.

                                                                        Tree Board Meeting

The Tree Board will meet on March 29th to discuss and make plans for Arbor Day.

                                                                        Adjournment

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

 

 

 

                                                                        ________________________________

                                                                        Patrick Plumb, Mayor

 

 

_____________________________

Alice J. Attwood, Clerk-Treasurer