The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Tonasket was held on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 7:00 pm in the City Hall, Tonasket, Washington.

Those present were Mayor Walter and Councilmembers Fancher, Griffin, Maden, Ramsey and Vugteveen who joined in the flag salute. Also present was Police Chief Rob Burks, Superintendent Bill Pilkinton, Accounting/Records Clerk Deniece Miller and Utility Clerk Vernie McDaniel.

Co-Op Motorist Sign

Alice Simon, manager of the Tonasket Natural Foods Co-op, was present to discuss their request to D.O.T. for a motorist service sign. The sign would be a blue

36” x 18” sign with a logo for the Co-Op. The criteria for the sign is that the establishment needed to be open at least 6 days a week, have a telephone, restroom, serve meals for at least 8 hrs, be licensed with County Health, and be within 3 miles of an interstate highway. The Co-Op has approached Tonasket Pizza about them possibly joining with the Co-Op for the sign. The Co-Op will be paying for the yearly fee for the sign. It was moved by Griffin and seconded by Maden to approve writing a letter of support for the Okanogan River Natural Foods Co-Op’s request to D.O.T. for a motorist service sign. Motion carried.

American Legion/Vandalism

Jeff Bergh, American Legion, was present to inform the Council of vandalism done to the Legion. Recently two flags were burned, trash dumped, night lights ripped out, and a POW and US Flag stolen. Others in town who have had problems are Smith & Nelson who have had computers and tools stolen and graffiti on their walls, Tonasket Feed & Supply, and the Tonasket Saloon. Chief Rob Burks stated that there is a grant for surveillance cameras that he is looking into. The grant would help purchase 7 or 8 cameras and the equipment to record the video. Chief Burks will be researching the grant further. He also reported on how foot patrols have been stepped up and more contacts for sources of the crimes have been interviewed. Bergh also stated that there currently is a reward for $500.00 from the American Legion, $500.00 from Smith & Nelson and $100.00 from the Tonasket Eagles for the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in the vandalism. Ken Montanye, George Hill and Dave Kester were also present and gave input on the graffiti and vandalism. Councilmember Maden felt this issue should be strongly addressed.

There were no further public comments.

Unfinished Business

Councilmember Fancher discussed the 4-Way Stop on Fourth Street & Whitcomb Ave. Councilmember Ramsey felt what is needed is a Town meeting outside of Council to get the citizens involved. It was the consensus of the Council to schedule a public hearing at the October 13, 2009 meeting after the budget hearing. Jenene Ring, Washington State Department of Transportation will be contacted and asked to attend the public hearing and it needs to be advertised.

Appointment/Miller

Mayor Walter appointed Accounting/Records Clerk Deniece Miller as Clerk Pro-tem.

Committee Reports

Councilmember Ramsey reported that the Chamber has the materials to finish the gazebo. Also, the TVBRC has requested that the City appoint a member for the board. If anyone knows of someone they should let Councilmember Ramsey know.

There were no further committee reports.

Cities Insurance Association

There was discussion concerning the increase to the City’s insurance coverage with Cities Insurance Association. The Council was surprised by the increase. Mayor Walter explained the pool process that Cities Insurance Association uses, and how our City has more vehicles than in the past. It was moved by Fancher and seconded by Ramsey to approve the payment of the premium for the City’s insurance with Cities Insurance Association for $45,083.00. Motion carried.

Mayor Walter/Grant Proposal

Mayor Walter discussed a grant proposal that the nonprofit Institute for Washington’s Future presented to him. They want to develop a plan for small cities and towns to support locally produced, renewable energy that is cost effective, establish a load fund to buy the equipment needed to switch over to using a new source of energy and getting word out about the programs developed. There will be no cost to the City but a letter of support needs to be received by them by Friday, September 11, 2009. It was moved by Fancher and seconded by Maden to write a letter of support for the grant proposal to the Washington State Department of Commerce for a cooperative energy efficiency project and for the Mayor to sign all applicable documents. Motion carried.

Department Head Reports

Superintendent Bill Pilkinton asked the Council’s approval to pay for the new mower when it comes in. It was moved by Fancher and seconded by Vugteveen to approve the payment of the mower for $11,849.55. Motion carried.

Bonaparte Creek Landowner Meeting

There will be a meeting on September 24, 2009 at 6:00 pm in the Tonasket City Hall for the Bonaparte Creek Landowners. Kurt Danison, Tonasket City Planner, will be present to discuss the potential for annexation and sewer and water connections for the residences located below the falls. Mayor Walter requested that a sign be posted announcing this meeting.

Approval of Consent Agenda

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

(9968-10003) $60,352.61 and August Bills (19602-19653) $75,352.79. Motion carried.

Adjournment

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

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Patrick Walter, Mayor

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Deniece Miller, Acct./Records Clerk