** DRAFT **

The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Tonasket was held on Tuesday, July 28^th, 2009 at 7:00 pm in the City Hall, Tonasket, Washington.

Those present were Mayor Walter and Councilmembers Griffin, Maden and Ramsey who joined in the flag salute. Councilmembers Fancher and Vugteveen were unable to attend.

Also present were Chief Rob Burks and City Clerk-Treasurer Alice Attwood.

Approval of Minutes

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

Public Comments

Mayor Walter asked if there were any public comments. There being none the meeting continued.

Danison/Highlands Associates

Kurt Danison, Highlands Associates, was present to discuss the needs of the City regarding planning. The City Council, at a previous meeting, had stated their priorities which are annexations, the swim pool, downtown improvements and a trail system between Oroville and Tonasket. Some of the other items that are important are a Park Plan update, Comprehensive Plan update and critical areas, to comply with GMA. After further discussion a motion was made by Maden and seconded by Griffin to pursue an agreement with Kurt Danison for planning services. Motion carried.

Mark Varela/Varela Engineers

Mark Varela, Varela and Associates was present to introduce himself to the Council and to say thank you for selecting his firm as the City’s Engineers. Mark asked the Mayor and Council if there are any projects that need to be done. Mark stated he had spoken with Bill Pilkinton and they discussed water line concerns. The Council stated they would also like to research annexation of the Mill Drive area and south of town, downtown improvements and a new swim pool. Some of these items can be worked on in unison with Kurt Danison. Mark will put together some ideas for the Council to review.

Official Newspaper

Councilmember Ramsey reported the Committee had met regarding the bid on newspaper services. The main consideration of the committee is to buy local and they consider the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune as a local paper. It was moved by Maden and seconded by Griffin to retain the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune as the City’s official newspaper. Motion carried.

Business Registration

There was a discussion on business registration. It was stated that most of the business owners contacted were not in support of a business registration ordinance. Most of them thought that this matter could be better dealt with by the Tonasket Visitor and Business Resource Center.

Draft Airport Layout Plan

The Draft Airport Layout Plan was briefly discussed. Two typos were found that will be brought to the attention of Century West Engineering. There will be a meeting on August 18, at 5:00 pm for the purpose of reviewing the Airport Layout Plan. Airport Committee Members, Fancher and Griffin, Superintendent Pilkinton, Dave Hannah and Lee Orr, Eric Johnson Aviation and David Miller, Century West Engineering, will be at the meeting.

Airport Zoning

Mayor Walter mentioned how important it is that the County address zoning around the airport. The City Clerk will find out if this subject has been a part of the County’s current planning.

SUV/County Sheriff’s Department

Mayor Walter announced the Police Department has received a Ford Explorer from Okanogan County Sheriff’s Department for no charge.

Resolution 2009-06

It was moved by Maden and seconded by Ramsey to adopt Resolution 2009-06. Motion carried. Resolution 2009-06 declares these vehicles as surplus to the city’s needs: a 1985 Chevrolet Blazer, a 1995 Chevrolet Caprice and a 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis.

Proclamation

The Mayor read a proclamation in support of the 2010 Census.

4 Way Stop

There was a discussion on the subject of installing a permanent 4 Way Stop on Whitcomb Ave. and 4^th Street. Al Seccomb was in the audience and stated his support for the 4 Way Stop. It was stated the 4 way stop assisted in slowing the traffic and keeping it running smoothly. Jenene Ring, WSDOT, will be at the August 11, 2009 Council meeting to answer questions the public and the Council may have about the process of acquiring a 4 Way Stop.

Swim Pool

The City Clerk reported she has been in contact with representatives of the Recreation and Conservation Office funding agency and they stated there are funds available for a new or renovations for a swim pool. The Swim Pool is high on the Council’s priority list.

Request for Sign

A request from Georgine Epley has been submitted for a sign at the B3 Skate Park to recognize some of the contributors to the Skate Park and BMX Track. The Mayor put this matter into committee for a recommendation.

Dedication Ceremonies

The City Clerk stated it would be appropriate to have dedication ceremonies for B3 Skate Park and the Salmon Viewing Platform, maybe sometime in September.

Adjournment

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