2003 06 24^J
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MOSES LAKE CITY COUNCIL
June 24,2003
Council Present: Lee Blackwell,Larry Tracy, Brent Reese,Steve Shinn, Richard Pearce,Ron
Covey,and Chris Blessing
MINUTES:Mr.Tracymoved thatthe minutes ofthe June 10 meeting be approvedas submitted,
seconded by Mr.Shinn and passed unanimously.
APPROVAL OF BILLS.CHECKS.AND PREPAID CLAIMS
Action Taken:Mr.Pearce moved that the bills,checks,and prepaid claims issued be approved,
seconded by Dr.Covey,and passed unanimously.
Vouchers auditedand certified bythe Finance Director as requiredby RCW 42.24.080, and those
expense reimbursement claims certified as required byRCW42.24.090,havebeen recorded on
a listing whichhas been made available to the City Council.
Claims:The vouchers included on the below listas modified by the Council and noted upon said
list for the Council meetingofJune 24,2003 for the funds listed belowareapprovedin the amount
of $286,301.34.
GENERAL FUND
TOURISM ACTIVITIES
PATHS &TRAILS
STREET
STREET REPAIR &RECON
EQUIPMENT LEASES
PARK &REC IMPROVEMENT
WATER/SEWER
W/S CONSTRUCTION
$73,221.53 W/S LEASES 1,692.17
1,000.00 SANITATION FUND 37,151.64
254.47 AIRPORT 33.27
36,873.14 AMBULANCE SERVICE FUND 10,229.41
113.94 AMBULANCE DEBT SERVICE 818.70
4,122.68 CENTRAL SERVICES 5,939.52
383.60 EQUIPMENT RENTAL 39,716.26
53,022.42 BUILD MAINTENANCE 8,239.50
13,399.09 FIREMANS PENSION 90.00
TOTAL $286,301.34
Prepaid Claims:Prepaid claimsapprovedbythe City Manager according tothe processestablished
by Moses Lake Municipal Code 3.42.030 and the internal control policy approved by the City
Council has been recorded on a listing which has been made available to the City Council.The
claims listed below are approved inthe amount of $1,042.42 for all funds.
GENERAL FUND $1,042.42
Prepaid Claims:Prepaid claims approved bythe City Manager according tothe processestablished
by Moses Lake Municipal Code 3.42.030 and the internal control policy approved by the City
Council has been recorded on a listing whichhas been made available to the City Council.The
claims listed below are approved inthe amount of $1,459.02 for all funds.
GENERAL FUND
EQUIP RENTAL
TOTAL
$1,350.51
108.51
$1,459.02
Prepaid Claims:Prepaid claimsapprovedbytheCityManager according tothe processestablished
by Moses Lake Municipal Code 3.42.030 and the internal control policy approved by the City
Council has been recorded on a listingwhich has been made availableto the City Council.The
claims listed below are approved in the amount of $6,189.64 for allfunds.
GENERAL FUND
STREET
$5,472.25 WATER/SEWER 615.39
30.76 AMBULANCE SERVICE FUND 71.24
TOTAL $6,189.64
Prepaid Claims: Prepaid claims approved by the City Manager according to the process established
by Moses Lake Municipal Code 3.42.030 and the internal control policy approved by the City
Council has been recorded on a listing which has been made available to the City Council.The
claims listed below are approved in the amount of $591,125.00 for all funds.
GENERAL FUND $125.00
PARK AND REC IMPROVE 280,000.00
L.I.GUARANTY
TOTAL
311,000.00
$591,125.00
Claim Checks:Checks 19494 through 19704 issued on June 11,2003 through June 20,2003
were approved for payment at the Council meeting held on June 24,2003 in the total amount of
$2,441,152.18.
Payroll:The payroll issued on June 20,2003 having been approved pursuantto the ruleof the City
Council set forth in Moses Lake Municipal Code 3.42.040,was paid by checks 31635 through
31808 in the total amount of $78,743.45.
AWARD
Mr.Blackwell displayed a plaque the city received from the Association of Washington Cities
Employees Benefit Trust forbeing a"Well"city.The award is for excellence in promoting employee
health.
EMPLOYEE PRESENTATIONS -None
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 24,2003
CONSENT AGENDA
/03f Request to Sell Fireworks:Moses Lake High School Booster Club has requested permission to
sell fireworks at 831 S.Pioneer Way.
/03<P Request to Sell Fireworks:The Adventure Club Seventh Day Adventist Church has requested
permission to sell fireworks at 1025 N.Stratford Road.
/OY(p Resolution -Accept Donation -St.Moritz Security Services.Inc.:Aresolution was presented which
accepts $25 from the St.Moritz Security Services,Inc.The funds are to be used to purchase
equipment forthe Tactical Response Team.()
ActionTaken:Dr.Covey moved that the Consent Agenda be approved,seconded by Mr.Reese,
and passed unanimously.
CONSIDERATION OF BIDS -None
PETITIONS.COMMUNICATIONS.OR PUBLIC HEARINGS
////SINKIUSE SQUARE -MURAL
Colleen Trefz,Friends of Chief Moses,stated that they would like to paint a mural on the side of
the GMAC building facing Sinkiuse Square.The mural would depict the history of this area and
would also honor Chief Moses.The cost of the project is about $15,000 and they requested the
city participate in the project by contributing the initial $2,000.
Mr.Blackwell pointed out that the Rotary Club will be making improvements to Sinkiuse Square and
this mural is being discussed by their Long Range Planning Committee.
Mr.Tracy was concerned about completing the project.
James A.Whitaker,City Attorney,stated that there would need to be a contract with the building
ownerfor the painting ofthe mural and perhaps a fund set up with the provision that the city would
contribute when a certain amount was reached to ensure that the project would be completed.
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There was some discussion and it was the consensus of the Council that it is a good project but
additional information is needed and other funds should be raised priorto the city allocating any
funds for the project.
Action Taken:Mr.Pearce moved the project be reconsidered when a contract is provided between
the building owner and the Friends of Chief Moses and a fund has been established,seconded by
Dr.Covey,and passed unanimously.
WEEDS
Richard Beeson requestedthe removal ofthe tumbleweeds along the chain link fence that parallels
Wanapum Drive, from Lakeshore Drive to Peninsula Drive.
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,stated that this area is in Department ofTransportation right-of-
way and the city willnotify the DOT to remove the weeds through the nuisance regulations.
//3f FIRE AND AMBULANCE SERVICE
The majority of the City Council Ambulance Committee has requested discussion on the issue of
fire prevention and inspection services and ambulance services.
Mr.Blessing stated that the majorityof the Committee feltthe Council should discuss the issue of
ultimately annexing the cityto Grant County Fire District #5. This determination was based on the
financial savings to the city.
Joseph K.Gavinski, City Manager,statedthat the process begins with the adoption of an ordinance
bythe Councilasking for anannexation electionand asking the Fire Commissioners to concurwith
this decision. A transition agreement would be needed between the cityand the Fire District.The
Fire District Commissioners than adopt a resolution agreeing to the annexation and the proposed
annexation is forwarded to the Grant County Commissioners and Auditor and an election is set.
The annexation request must be inthe hands of the GrantCounty Commissioners and Auditorat /"N
least45 days prior tothe election date.Both the city's residents andthe District's residentsmust _'
vote in favor ofthe annexation.Once the results ofthe election are certified,the result takes effect
immediately.
Mr.Tracy,member of the Committee, stated that by annexing to the Fire District,the city may
potentiallysave between $387,000 to $550,000 peryear. The Committee feltthis potential savings
to the city warranted bringing itto the Council for discussion.
Dr.Covey, dissenting member of the Committee,stated that a number of questions need to be
answered, such as type of fire and ambulance response,what type of training the Fire District
personnel have and how qualifiedthey are, how many are full time, parttime, orvolunteers, etc.
Ifthis annexation were to take place, the citywould have no controlover the firedepartment ifthere
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 24,2003
was dissatisfaction with the service.Another concern is whether or not the amount of savings
would justify the changes that would occurwith a nearly all volunteer fire service.He requested
some additional information on the amount of savings the city would see ifthis annexation were
to take place.
Mr.Gavinskistatedthatthe rangeofsavings depends onwhetherornotthe citywereto retain plan
review andinspection services.Ifthe city continueswith fire inspection and plan review thesavings
wouldbe about $387,000. Ifthe cityeliminates fire inspection and planreview,the citywould save
approximately $550,000.These savingsdonottake into account the amount the city would save
withthe reduction inpersonnelinthe Fire Departmentnorthe department increases thatmayoccur
in 2004.
Letters have been received from P. J.Debenedetti and Duane Leitzke which are opposed to the
proposed annexation to Fire District #5.
DerekBeach,representing the Moses Lake Fire Department,provided some information onthe
difference in cost of service between Fire District #5 and the city's Fire Department.
Mike Merrick,Moses Lake Fire Department, stated that in 1956 the city made a serious service
commitment to the citizens of Moses Lake by providing for a professional fire department. Over
the years that service commitment has been reinforced with the purchase ofa ladder truck,fire
inspector,fire marshal,new fire stations,and an ambulanceservice.
Wayne Rimple,2047Belair,mentioned thatthe professional fire service hasbeen provided bythe
city for over40 years.He pointed outthat Moses Lake isoneofthetop small cities in the nation
and was concerned about the city relinquishing control over a major service to its citizens. He
recommended that the Council take time to look at allthe aspects of such a proposed change.
GrantNichols,920 Edgewater,spoke againstthe cityannexing into Grant County Fire District #5
and urged the cityto look at all the facts and issues involved.
Mike Brown,847 Kiefer,stated that the issue is the possibility of saving money forthe city. He
pointed outthatifthe annexation weretotake place,the citizens ofMosesLakewould vote for the
firecommissioners and would retaincontrolthat way. He had questions concerning whetherornot
the citizens would benefit and ifthe fireratingwould be reduced.He was concerned how the cut
backs in the city's Fire Department would affectservice. He felt thatthere area lot of issues and
questions that need to be addressed.
^J Mr.Tracy questioned why an election could not take place and why there is insufficient information
to hold an election.
Mr.Pearce pointedout that fire protection is one of the main responsibilities of citygovernment.
A lotoftime, effort,and money goes into providing manpower,equipment, and buildings to provide
that service. He mentioned thatthe cityand GrantCounty#5 have had an adversarialrelationship
inthe past and he was concerned about turning over fire protection of the city,especiallyifthe
annexation were to be reversed at a later date and the city provided its own protection services
again in the future.
Mr.Shinn felt that the issue is whether or not Grant County #5 can provide the level of service
currentlybeing provided by the city's existing Fire Department at a lesser cost and with some type
of control. He feltthat the possibilityof reducing the city's costs should be seriously considered.
He pointed out that the Fire Department is funded solely from the General Fund. He suggested
that a committee be established to meet with Grant County #5, city fire fighters,and interested
individuals to address the issues that have been raised.
There was additional discussion by the Council.
Itwas the consensus ofthe Council that the Committee consisting of Mr.Tracy,Mr.Blessing,and
Dr.Covey research the issue and report back at a later date.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
ORDINANCE -MAYOR AND COUNCIL - 2nd READING
An ordinance was presented which adds Commission Appointments as a separate agenda item
i j and adds Awards under Employee Presentations.
The ordinance amending Chapter 2.08 of the Moses Lake Municipal Code entitled "Mayor and
Council"was read by title only.
Action Taken:Dr.Covey moved that the second reading ofthe ordinance be adopted,seconded
by Mr.Shinn,and passed unanimously.
ORDINANCE -AMEND 2003 BUDGET -1ST READING
An ordinance was presented which amends the 2003 budget.
The ordinance amending Chapter 2.08 of the Moses Lake Municipal Code entitled Mayor and
Council was read by title only.
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CITY COUNCILMINUTES June 24, 2003
Action Taken:Dr.Covey moved thatthe first reading ofthe ordinance be adopted, seconded by
Mr.Reese,and passed unanimously.
REQUEST TO CALL FOR BIDS
//fa(f SEWER REPAIR PROJECT
Staff requested authorization to call for bids for the 2003 Sewer Repair Project.This project
includes replacing 350'of 4"sewer force main along Reisner Road and spot repairs on sections
of sewer main that will be lined laterthis year.
ActionTaken:Mr.Pearce moved that staff be authorized to call for bids,seconded by Mr.Shinn,
and passed unanimously.
REFERRALS FROM COMMISSIONS -None
OTHER ITEMS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
//££WASHINGTON TRUST BANK -USE OF CITY RIGHT-OF-WAY
Washington Trust Bank is remodeling its building at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Ash Street.
The existing overhang of the building extends intothe city's right-of-way by 48". The remodeled
portion of the building will only extend 6" intothe city's right-of-way.Washington Trust Bank is
requesting authorization from the city to encroach 6" into the city's right-of-way along Fourth
Avenue.
ActionTaken:Mr.Shinn moved that permission be granted for the new overhang forWashington
Trust Banktoencroach6"intothe city'sright-of-way along Fourth Avenue,seconded by Mr.Tracy,
and passed unanimously.
//07 LELAND CONSULTING -DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION
An agreement between the city and Leland Consulting Group for Phase II for the downtown
revitalization was presented.Authorization was requested for the City Manager to sign the
agreement.
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,explained some of the contract provisions for the Council.
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Action taken:Dr.Covey movedthatthe City Manager be authorized to sign the contract,seconded
by Mr.Reese,and passed unanimously.
GRANT COUNTY EDC
Grant County Economic Development Council has requested the city increase its contribution by
$5,000 inorder to aid the Districtinits economic development efforts forthe city. This will increase
the city's contribution from $15,000 to $20,000.
Mr.Blackwell stated that the Grant County EDC has experienced some extraordinary expenses
with its efforts to bring the ethanol plant to the city and to submit a proposal to Boeing for the
proposed 7E7 assembly plant.
Itwas pointed out that both the county and the PUD have also increased their contributions to the
Grant County EDC.
Action Taken:Mr.Tracy moved that the City Manager be authorized to execute an amended
agreement with the Grant County EDC for an additional $5,000,seconded by Mr.Shinn,and
passed unanimously.
non-agenda items and public questions and comments
council questions and comments
//SSl use of city right-of-way
Mr.Shinn was concerned about the encroachment of awnings,etc.that have been erected over
city right-of-way and the fact that currently they have tobeapproved bytheCouncil.He requested f""^
that a process be established so that staff could approve those encroachments.
Joseph K. Gavinski, City Manager,stated that an ordinance would be drafted for Council review
which would give staff authority to grant the encroachments.
AIRPORT COMMISSION
Mr.Pearce reported that the Airport Commission is working on establishing rules and regulations
for the operation of ultra lights at the Municipal Airport. Itwas discovered that ultra lights cannot
get insurance.The Commission is looking for some advice from the City Manager and City
Attorney on this issue.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 24,2003
KOREAN DELEGATION
Mr.Blackwell reported that a delegation of 17 people from South Korea will be inthe cityinAugust
and a dinner will be held on August 14 to whichthe legislators and the Governor will be invited.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND COMMENTS
AMBULANCE REPORT //3f
The ambulance report for May 2003 was presented.
INVESTMENT REPORT
The investment report shows that the city received $30,440.07 in investment income for May 2003./DOZ
DOWNTOWN PAVER PROJECT
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,distributed a reportfora proposed downtown paverproject.
The regular meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
ATTEST:Mayor