The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Tonasket was held on Tuesday, April 13, 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 were Superintendent Pilkinton, Chief Burks, Deputy Clerk Miller and City Clerk Attwood and Attorney Howe.

                                                                        Bert Beeman/Comancheros

Bert Beeman, representing the Comancheros Rodeo Club, was in attendance and discussed the 75th Anniversary of the Tonasket Rodeo coming up in June. Mayor Plumb is working with the Rodeo Club on banners for the street advertising the rodeo.

                                                                        Jason Vaughn/Skate Park Event

Jason Vaughn, a local resident, was present to ask Council’s permission to hold a skate event at the City’s Skate Park in May. There was discussion that those entering the event should sign waivers. Councilmember Ramsey suggested to Jason he should provide their own porta potties since the restrooms are quite a ways from the Skate Park. The Mayor and Council were supportive of the event and Mr. Vaughn will have an update at the next Council meeting.

                                                                        Mikkel Gredvig/Green Okanogan

Mikkel Gredvig was present to talk about the 3rd Annual Green Okanogan activity that will be taking place on April 17th. The event will be held at the Community Cultural Center and one of the main activities is they are collecting e-waste.

                                                                        Charter Franchise Agreement

It was moved by Fancher and seconded by Vugteveen to approve the Franchise Agreement with Charter upon the recommendation of Attorney Howe. The agreement will terminate 12/31/2010. Motion carried. This will give enough time for the Council to research and enter into a new franchise agreement with Charter.

                                                                        RFQ/Interviews        

Land Expressions and Johnston Architects, the two companies selected for interview have been contacted. The City Clerk will try and arrange a date in May for them to attend an interview meeting with the Mayor and Council.

                                                                        Personnel Policy

There was discussion on the Personnel Policy and how to address fitness for duty for employees. After much discussion, it was stated Chief Burks will research how other cities approached this subject.

                                                                        Arbor Day

Mayor Plumb read the Arbor Day Proclamation. Arbor Day will be held on Saturday April 24th, at 3 pm in the Day Park. The City will purchase trees and will be planted somewhere in town.

                                                                        Graffiti

The graffiti issue was discussed. It was suggested that the jail crew could possibly paint the graffiti and businesses could be asked to donate the paint. The Council said to find out how to cover up the graffiti for little or no cost.

                                                                        Street Striping

It was moved by Maden and seconded by Fancher to approve the striping agreement with WSDOT and the cost will be $850.00. Motion carried.

                                                                        4th Street/Whitcomb Ave

There was discussion on 4th Street and people making right turns from 4th to Whitcomb Ave. There is not a dedicated right turn lane from 4th to Whitcomb Ave and the Council would like to find out if there is a proper way for the street to be marked to discourage people from turning improperly. The City Clerk will contact Jenene Ring at WSDOT and ask her opinion.

                                                                        No Skateboarding/Sidewalks

Councilmember Ramsey asked when the “no skate boarding, bicycles, or skating on sidewalks” will be painted on the sidewalks. This matter will be researched.

                                                                        Maden/Report

Councilmember Maden reported she had attended the TVBRC meeting and the board is working to find volunteers to staff the facility and also funding.

                                                                        Vugteveen/Report

Councilmember Vugteveen reported the sign for Triangle Park has not been installed yet.

                                                                        Water Pressure/Day Park

Councilmember Ramsey asked Superintendent Pilkinton if the water pressure at the Day Park is still low. Bill responded that it should be fine now.

                                                                        Power/Baseball Fields

There was discussion about supplying power to the baseball fields at Chief Tonasket Park for a pitching machine. It was stated more information is needed. No action was taken.

 

 

                                                                        Drug Paraphernalia/Local Store

Councilmember Ramsey stated drug paraphernalia is being sold at a store in town and she feels it is inappropriate for it to be displayed where children have access to it. Councilmember Ramsey made a motion to direct the Mayor to write a letter to the store requesting the business not offer the items in plain view. There being no second the motion died.

                                                                        Police Complaint Process

Councilmember Ramsey asked Chief Burks what the process is for complaints regarding an officer. Chief Burks responded he reviews the complaints and if there is a conflict of interest then the Sheriff’s Department would handle the complaint.

                                                                        Code Changes

Councilmember Griffin stated that Tonasket Municipal Code 12.20.030 refers to the Tonasket Times and 8.16.030 and 8.16.040 refer to Pioneer Park and need to be changed.

                                                                        Mayor/Bike Track

Mayor Plumb reported he has talked to the young people at the bike track about the berm and he would like to put a fence on the backside of the berm so the bikers can use it as part of the track. It was stated that trees would look better than a fence and they would help with dust control. No action was taken.

                                                                        Sign/Chief Tonasket Park

There was also discussion about the old sign at the park and that it should be recycled.

                                                                        Mayor/Hotel-Motel Funds

Mayor Plumb suggested that some of the City’s hotel/motel funds be used to advertise the Founders Day Rodeo this year. No action was taken.

                                                                        Painting Light Poles

There was discussion on painting the light poles in town. This will be discussed at the next Council meeting.

                                                                        Mayor/ALP

The City Clerk reported that the Mayor has signed the Airport Layout Plan drawings and they have been sent to the state for final approval.

                                                                        Water Policy

The City Clerk stated that it is important the Council has a water policy to help with potential annexations. The most important issue seems to be the use of private wells when property is annexed. This will be discussed at the next meeting.

                                                                        Farmers Market

It was moved by Maden and seconded by Griffin to allow the Farmers Market to start using the Triangle Park the 3rd Thursday in May. Motion carried.

                                                                        Airport/Grant Funds

It was moved by Fancher and seconded by Maden to allow the City Clerk to pursue grant funds for the Airport. Motion carried.

                                                                        Ordinance #678

It was moved by Fancher and seconded by Vugteveen to adopt Ordinance #678. Motion carried. Ordinance #678 amends Chapter 8.04 of the TMC to delete references to the Town dump.

                                                                        Letter/Award

Councilmember Fancher read a letter stating City Clerk-Treasurer Alice Attwood has been awarded the “President’s Award of Distinction” at the Washington Municipal Clerks Conference.

                                                                        Approval of Consent Agenda

It was moved by Ramsey and seconded by Maden to approve the consent agenda which consists of the minutes of the previous meeting, the March Payroll $55,913.45 (1331-1370) and the April Bills $62,096.16 (1330, 1371-1420. Motion carried.

                                                                        Adjournment

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

 

 

 

 

                                                                                    __________________________

                                                                                    Patrick Plumb, Mayor

 

_______________________________

Alice J. Attwood, Clerk-Treasurer