The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Tonasket was held on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 7:00 pm in the City Hall, Tonasket, Washington.

 

Those present were Mayor Walter and Councilmembers Griffin, Maden, Ramsey and Vugteveen who joined in the flag salute. Councilmember Fancher was absent. Also present was Police Chief Rob Burks, Superintendent Bill Pilkinton and City Clerk-Treasurer Alice Attwood.

                                                                        WSDOT/4 Way Stop

Jenene Ring, Washington State Department of Transportation, was in attendance to discuss the proposed 4 Way Stop at 4th St. and Whitcomb Ave. Ms. Ring stated the traffic counts have been done and the results show that a 4 way stop or light is warranted for Tonasket. Before any construction takes place the left turn process needs to be reviewed. She also suggested bump outs at the corners to make the pedestrian crossing distance shorter. Superintendent Pilkinton stated there are utilities in the ground and the bump outs would cover the access to the utilities. Ms. Ring agreed that it could be costly if the bump outs had to be removed for repairs. Ms Ring also stated there are funds available from the state for installation of a 4 Way stop. There were several people in the audience that were not in favor of a stop light or a 4 Way Stop. There was discussion to have a pedestrian crossing light instead of a 4 Way Stop. Concerns were also voiced regarding the Assisted Living residents and their safety. The Mayor and Council thanked Jenene Ring for attending the meeting. The Council will continue to research and consider this subject.

 

There were no public comments.

                                                                        B3 Skate Park Sign

Councilmember Griffin reported the Committee had met with Georgine Epley regarding her proposed “thank you” sign for the B3 Skate Park. It is the Committee’s recommendation to approve the sign as proposed. The top portion of the sign would thank the whole community and the lower portion would show the names of large contributors. Georgine Epley will be paying for the sign. It was moved by Maden and seconded by Griffin to approve the sign as recommended. Motion carried.

                                                                        Highlands Associates Agreement

It was moved by Ramsey and seconded by Maden to approve the agreement with Highlands Associates for planning services and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement. Motion carried.

                                                                        Surplus Vehicle Sold

It was moved by Maden and seconded by Vugteveen to accept the bid on the 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis for $250 from Wayne Wisdom. Motion carried.

                                                                        Surplus Vehicle Sold

It was moved by Vugteveen and seconded by Ramsey to accept the bid on the 1995 Caprice for $556 from Ernie Rampley. Motion carried.

                                                                        Surplus Vehicle Sold

It was moved by Vugteveen and seconded by Ramsey to accept the bid from Jim Bretz on the 1985 Blazer in the amount of $478.00. Motion carried.

                                                                        Computer Upgrade

It was moved by Maden and seconded by Vugteveen to accept the quote from Cascade Computer Maintenance in the amount of $4,232.61 for computer hardware upgrades. Motion carried.

                                                                        Police/Grant Application

It was moved by Ramsey and seconded by Griffin to allow Chief Burks to apply for a grant for $9,999 and authorize the Mayor to sign applicable documents. Motion carried. The grant funds will be used for surveillance equipment, radar units and for security and an anti-crime program.

                                                                        Police Department Building

The Mayor asked the Councilmembers to go to the Police Department to look at the condition of the building. The building is in need of major repair or complete replacement.

                                                                        Capital Facilities Plan

It was moved by Vugteveen and seconded by Griffin to authorize payment to Spencer Consulting in the amount of $2910.00 for the Capital Facilities Plan. Motion carried.

                                                                        Hughes/Contract Increase Request

Teresa Hughes, the janitor for the City Hall/Library Complex, has asked for a 5% increase to her contract amount of $550. There was discussion as to whether this should be addressed at budget time or now. No action was taken.

                                                                        Fall Clean Up

The City Clerk stated she would like to have a Fall Clean up for the City. The Public Works Department would not have to pick up any trash. The bins could be located at a specific place and residents could dump their own refuse. It was stated an e-waste day will try to schedule the e-waste the same day. It was the consensus of the Council to proceed with this activity.

                                                                        County Draft Comp Plan

The City Clerk was instructed to ask Attorney Howe to review Okanogan County’s Draft Comp Plan regarding Tonasket Municipal Airport and if there is protection for the city. The Mayor is concerned that there may be encroachments and possible dangerous activities around the area if precautions are not taken.

                                                                        Last Day for Swim Pool

It was moved by Maden and seconded by Ramsey that the last day of the season for the Tonasket Swim Pool is Thursday, August 20th, 2009. Motion carried.

                                                                        Approval of Consent Agenda

It was moved by Vugteveen and seconded by Maden to approve the consent agenda which consists of the following: the Minutes of the previous meeting, July Payroll

(9930-9967) $64,405.59and July Bills (19547-19601) $58,759.95. Motion carried.

                                                                        Lorz Billing and Recall Billing

It was moved by Ramsey and seconded by Maden to approve the bill submitted by Lorz and Lorz for $395.00 for boom truck service on well #5 and a Recall bill for shredding services for $62.57. Motion carried.  These bills were not included in the consent agenda but need to be paid before the next billing cycle.

                                                                        Adjournment

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

 

 

 

 

                                                                                    _____________________________

                                                                                    Patrick Walter, Mayor

 

 

________________________________

Alice J. Attwood, Clerk-Treasurer