**DRAFT**

 

                                                                        Public Hearing/Conservation District

The Tonasket City Council held a public hearing at 6:35 pm on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 to inform citizens of the possibility of increased property taxes if the City Council decides to become part of the Okanogan Conservation District.

 

Those present were Mayor Plumb and Councilmembers Griffin, Hines, Olson and Ramsey. Mayor Plumb opened the Public Hearing. The Mayor and Council wanted to let the citizens know the purpose of the Conservation District before a decision is made to become part of the District. Bob Clark, Okanogan Conservation District, gave a presentation of the benefits of belonging to the District. Some of those items Mr. Clark stated as benefits are technical assistance, grants, they coordinate with the Weed Control Board and help manage natural resources, provide irrigation plans and information on fertilizers.

 

Ron Martel, local resident and business owner, remarked that the Conservation District seems geared towards farms and local residents don’t have a use for it. Bob Clark replied that the Conservation District is looking for small lot owners to work with. Virgil Widmer, local business owner, commented that he questions the value of the District for the City and wonders if this is the best time to be increasing property taxes.

 

The Mayor stated the District could be helpful with erosion control and protecting watersheds and have valuable resources and also the District has contacts with state agencies.

 

After further discussion, Mayor Plumb closed the hearing and there was a one minute recess before the regular meeting started.

 

                                                                        Regular Meeting

The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Tonasket was held on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 7:00 pm in the City Hall Tonasket Washington.

 

Those present were Mayor Plumb and Councilmembers Griffin, Hines, Olson and Ramsey who joined in the flag salute.

                                                                        Excuse Councilmember

It was moved by Olson and seconded by Griffin to excuse Councilmember Vugteveen from the Council meeting. Motion carried.

                                                                        Discussion/Conservation District

There was discussion on the Petition for Inclusion in the Okanogan Conservation District. Councilmember Olson stated he will not be at the next Council meeting and he would feel more comfortable if the whole Council is present when action is taken on this subject. Councilmember Ramsey stated there is not a big push for this to happen soon. It was determined that this matter will be on the agenda again at the September 13, 2011 Council meeting.

                                                                        Interlocal Agreement/EMS

It was moved by Hines and seconded by Olson to enter into the interlocal agreement with the EMS District for the purchase of the City’s old Fire-hall building and property and allow the Mayor to sign the agreement. Motion carried.

                                                                        Land Expressions

The request from Land Expressions for additional payment was briefly discussed. Attorney Howe advised that the City is not responsible for this bill. No action was taken and the City Clerk will write a letter informing Land Expressions the City will not be paying the additional billing.

                                                                        Griffin Report

Councilmember Griffin reported on the following items; she attended the open public meetings forum, the National Night Out was held on August 3rd at the State St./Little Learners Park, the Nights of Veritas held a performance as part of the summer reading program behind the TVBRC, Councilmembers Ramsey and Griffin painted over graffiti, youth volunteers helped with the National night out, she will be attending the Budget and Fiscal meeting in Leavenworth, and the Engineer Selection Committee met to rate the 12 applicants. Councilmember Griffin also asked about the time line for the annexation. It was replied that Kurt Danison would be the person to answer that question.

                                                                        Olson Report

Councilmember Olson reported a few dogs have been running loose in History Park, the mosquito problem seems to be decreasing, there are people concerned that the swim pool will be closed next year and the Parks look great.

 

 

                                                                        Ramsey Report

Councilmember Ramsey thanked the Public Works Department for showing up so quickly when she called regarding a hole in 7th St. Councilmember Ramsey reported she has received a list of the names of the plaques in History Park that are located at the base of some of the trees.

                                                                        Hines Report

Councilmember Hines stated she is researching a way to fund free bike helmets for kids. Chief Burks stated there may be some funds left in the Criminal Justice Fund that could be used for that purpose.

                                                                        Mural Discussion

There was a brief discussion about a local artist painting a mural on the bathhouse at the City Pool or another place in town.

                                                                        Mayor Report

The Mayor stated that Douglas County PUD Parks are using 3 applications of the briquettes to get rid of their mosquitoes. He also stated he will be sending letters to invite certain individuals to be on his Economic Development Committee. The Mayor would like to contact the Railroad and ask them to consider donating the RV Park property to the City. The City Clerk will compose a letter regarding this request.

                                                                        Engineer Selection

It was moved by Griffin and seconded by Hines to select Varela and Associates as the City’s Engineers for Water and Sewer System Projects. Motion carried. The City received 12 applications for the RSQ for Engineers. The selection committee reviewed the applications and Varela and Associates scored the highest rating of the 12 applicants.

                                                                        LAG Approval

It was moved by Olson and seconded by Hines to approve the Local Agency Agreement Supplement for the engineering portion of the Pedestrian Way Project. Motion carried. The supplement adds an additional $5,627.00 to the previous $12,250.00 for a total of $17,877.00 for engineering.

                                                                        Advertise/Airport Project

It was moved by Hines and seconded by Olson to advertise for bids for the slurry seal project at the Tonasket Municipal Airport. Motion carried. The City has been awarded funds for the slurry seal project at the airport.

                                                                        Pool Closure

It was the consensus of the Council to have August 20th as the closing day for the Tonasket Swim Pool.

                                                                        Adopt Budget Dates

It was moved by Olson and seconded by Griffin to adopt the 2012 Budget Dates as follows:

Dates For 2012 Budget

 

Budget Requests Due to City Clerk             4:30 pm           September 19, 2011

Revenue Sources Public Hearing                 7:00 pm           Oct. 11, 2011 (Reg. Mtg.)

Preliminary Budget Hearing             7:00 pm           Oct. 11, 2011 (Reg. Mtg.)

Set Tax Levy                                                  7:00 pm           Oct. 11, 2011 (Reg. Mtg.)

Budget Workshop                                          4:30 pm           Oct. 19, 2011 (Spec. Mtg)

Budget Workshop Hearing              7:00 pm           Oct. 25, 2011 (Reg. Mtg.)

Final Budget Hearing                                    7:00 pm           Nov.  8, 2011 (Reg. Mtg.)

Adopt Budget                                                 7:00 pm           Nov. 22, 2011 (Reg. Mtg.)

 

Motion Carried.

                                                                        TVBRC Report

City Clerk-Treasurer Attwood reported that the TVBRC has had 622 visitors since it opened in the Spring and 16 bicyclist camping nights.

                                                                        Flag Pole/TVBRC/History Park

There was discussion regarding putting an additional flag pole at the Tonasket Visitor and Business Resource Center for the Canadian flag. Peter James was in the audience and volunteered to look into this matter. There was also discussion about the empty flag pole at History Park.

                                                                        Burks Report

Chief Burks reported he is setting up the polygraph and psychology tests for one of the police candidates he is considering for employment.

                                                                        Pilkinton Report

Superintendent Pilkinton reported the PUD installed 4 lights near the City Shop where City equipment is stored and he hopes that this helps deter the theft from occurring. He also reported he is working on the striping for the 4th St. and Whitcomb Ave. intersection.

 

 

                                                                        Consent Agenda Approval

It was moved by Olson and seconded by Ramsey to approve the consent agenda that consists of the minutes of the previous meeting, the July Payroll (2613-2633 &

7-27-2011 Direct Deposit Run) $69,773.57 and the August Bills (2611-2686) 

$35,649.64. Motion carried.

                                                                        Adjournment

It was moved by Hines and seconded by Olson to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.

 

 

 

                                                                                    ___________________________

                                                                                    Patrick Plumb, Mayor

 

_____________________________

Alice J. Attwood, Clerk-Treasurer