1981 10 133204
CITY OF MOSES LAKE
MOSES LAKE,WASHINGTON
CITY COUNCIL MEETING -REGULAR MEETING October 13,1981
POLICE/COUNCIL FACILITY 8 p.m.
Members Present:Robert Hill,Steve Shinn,Harvey Vernier,Charles Edwards,Norm
Johnson,Don Swanson, and Barry Ziegler
The meeting was called to order at 8 p.m.by Mayor Robert Hill.
Mr. Edwards moved that the minutes of the meeting of September 22,1981 be approved
as submitted,seconded by Mr.Vernier,and passed unanimously.
Mr.Johnson moved that the minutes of the meeting of September 23,1981 be approved
as submitted,seconded by Mr.Edwards,and passed unanimously.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
REGULAR BILLS AMOUNT
GENERAL $22,308.53
STREET 6,557.96
ARTERIAL STREET 41.37
STREET REPAIR &RECONSTRUCTION 1,332.81
BLOCK GRANT 14,128.39
FEDERAL SHARED REVENUE 0
FIRE EQUIPMENT RESERVE 725.15
WATER/SEWER 146,755.92
SANITATION 32,494.40
EQUIPMENT RENTAL 3,857.86
FIREMENS PENSION 87.34
TOTAL $228,289.73
Mr. Edwards moved that the bills be approved as submitted,seconded by Mr.Shinn,
and passed unanimously.
I.CITIZEN INPUT
None
II.CONSENT AGENDA
None
III.CONSIDERATION OF BIDS
BLOCK GRANT HOUSING
A letter was read from Richard Cook,Acting Chairman of the Citizens Advisory
Committee,which recommended that Fred &Bob's Construction be awarded the bid
for Jobs 048-AD and 050-AC.Job 048-AD was conditioned upon the homeowner's
agreement to pay $32.75,the amount over its eligibility.
Mr.Edwards moved that the bids be awarded to Fred & Bob's Construction,seconded
by Mr.Vernier,and passed unanimously.
IV.PETITIONS,COMMUNICATIONS,OR PUBLIC HEARINGS
COMMUNICATION -SHAFFER INSURANCE COMPANY
Aletter was read from Ityron Palmer of L.W.Shaffer Insurance Agency,which /0^
requested a change of broker on the city's insurance coverage.
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,stated that he had provided information to the
Council which explained the difference between an insurance agent and an insurance
broker.He stated that an insurance agent is an individual who acts on behalf of a
company and an insurance broker is one who can solicit insurance bids from several
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:2 October 13,1981
companies on behalf of one of its insureds.He did not feel that there was an
insurance broker in Moses Lake.He stated that the city uses a broker because the
broker is capable of discovering what kind of insurance the city needs and attempt
to place that insurance with the company who will give the best rates.With an
insurance agent,the city would have to do the work itself and try to discover what
type of insurance the city could get from various agents for what dollar.
Larry Shaffer stated that he would like the Council to consider bringing the insur
ance dollars back to the City of Moses Lake.He was speaking on behalf of six
local agents who are members of the independent association.Two of these members ,—*
have broker's licenses.'
Myron Palmer stated that he felt the money the city's spends should be spent in
Moses Lake if at all possible.
Bob Trask stated that they are only asking for an insurance agent in the city.
They are not asking for a change in company.He stated that they represent some
200 companies or better.He stated that they are only asking that the city spend
the money at home.He stated that the Shaffer Insurance Agency would be the main
controller of the policy but the Independent Insurance Agents Association in Moses
Lake will help them in governing the policy that the city would have.
Mr.Hill stated that the last information the Council received showed no brokers in
Moses Lake and he wanted to know who they were.
Mr.Trask stated that Don Andrews and Bud Morgan are brokers.
Mr.Ziegler wanted to know how the city would spend the money at home;would the
policy have to be rewritten,or what.
Mr.Trask stated that the city would designate Shaffer Insurance Agency as a broker
of record to represent the policy currently in existence.
Mr.Edwards stated that he was in favor of transferring to local business for this
project.He recommended that city staff met with the broker and work it out.r-\
Mr.Johnson stated that the city has gone through this before and nothing was !I
changed.However he felt that perhaps this request is a bit different than before.
He was in agreement with Mr.Edward's recommendation.
Mr.Hill requested that Mr.Shaffer meet with Mr.Gavinski to discuss this request.
Mr.Edwards and Mr.Johnson will also meet with Mr.Shaffer and Mr.Gavinski on
this request.
A COMMUNICATION -GRANT COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL
^0 A letter was read from Dave Young,Deputy Director/Community Services Director of
the Community Action Council,which requested the use of the basement of the old
Coast to Coast building to store donated food in an attempt to develop a Food
Recovery Center.This food will be distributed to eight food banks located in
Grant and Adams counties.
There was some discussion by the Council.It was pointed out that this would be a
distribution center for the food which would be handled through the rear of the
building in the alley.Mr.Shinn felt that if an agreement was worked out it
should include insurance coverage,some compensation for the use of the building,
and utility reimbursement.Mr.Swanson stated that he did not feel onions should
be stored in this building as the odor can get wery strong and may interfere with
commercial use of the ground floor of the building.
Mr.Hill moved that the City Manager be authorized to draw up and sign an agreement i
covering the cost for utilities,insurance,and minimum rental fee,seconded by Mr.v
Ziegler,and passed unanimously.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: 3 October 13,1981
COMMUNICATION -MOSES LAKE LIBRARY BOARD
A letter was read from the Moses Lake Library Board which requested time before the
City Council in order to express their views on the contract fee with the North
Central Regional Library.
A letter was read from Mike Lynch,Director for North Central Regional Library
Board of Trustees,which stated that the Board has authorized extending the cancel
lation date to November 15,1981.The Board has elected to remain with its earlier
budget decisions.
Mr.Hill stated that no action will be taken on this issue tonight.It is for
input and informational purposes only.
Mr.Edwards stated that he and Mr.Hill attended the Board meeting of the North
Central Regional Library Board in Wenatchee.Also in attendance were the Mayors of
Cashmere,Leavenworth,and Waterville.He stated that Mr.Hill emphasised that the
people in Moses Lake want a library but do not want to pay a 50%increase or
approximately $30,000 over what the city is currently paying.It was pointed out
that the city has other obligations besides the library such as salaries,etc.The
City of Moses Lake and the other towns in attendance requested that the librarys
remain as they are at this point in time.He stated that in Grant County there are
48,000 people with 22,000 registered voters.There were 1,403 affirmative votes on
the election,which is 6^%of the registered voters of Grant County.He stated
that the North Central Regional Library Board could not seem to understand where
the City of Moses Lake was coming from.The city is being assessed $9 per person.
People in the county are being assessed $9.They could not seem to realize that
the building belongs to the city,the city pays the utilities,insurance,and the
up-keep of the building,grounds,and parking.The city felt these costs should be
part of the city's contribution to the library district.The Library Board came
back with the fact that the city should feel proud to pay the $9 plus these other
expenses which add up to approximately $6 per person.He stated that the city
would be willing to consider a 10%increase which would be approximately $70,000
but keep the present library services;not expand them any.He stated that the
other Mayors present were in agreement with this amount of increase also.The
Mayor of Leavenworth stated that the time the library is in use would be greater
but there is nothing that shows it will be used by more people.He stated that
Cashmere has given cancellation notice already and Leavenworth and Waterville will
be doing so in the near future.
Herb Carr felt that Mr. Edwards had brought up some valid points.He stated that
he has three children and he wants a library but when everyone is trying to cut
down,why is the regional library trying to increase its costs by 50%.He stated
that he has not heard any complaints of service at the library and he felt the
Council had done the right thing in trying to negotiate it.He felt the Regional
Library Board was rather close-minded about it since they did not choose to nego
tiate.
David Herzog stated that he uses the library a good deal and would not like to see
any further loss of service.He did not feel a city the size of Moses Lake could
have the revenue base or interest to operate a library on its own.He would hate
the city to lose its excellent library system.
Betty Shambrook stated that she was in agreement with the comments by Mr.Herzog.
She stated that the North Central Regional Library is known throughout the United
States as one of the best,most sensibly run and economically organized regional
library systems in the country.She felt that it was still possible to negotiate
with the members of the Regional Library Board.
Mrs.Teals stated that she would like to see the City Council continue to nego
tiate with the regional library board.She stated that having an excellent library
is as important to her as having police and fire protection.
Joyce Rector stated that she was in agreement with Mrs.Steele and requested that
the lines of communication remain open with the regional library board.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:4 October 13,1981
Bill Wndel 1 stated that he was in favor of a library and supported the comments
from Mrs.Steele and Mr. Herzog.He wondered if the city could operate a library
on its own and what would it be like without one.
Mrs.Charles Carter stated that she was in favor of the library.
Mary Lucke stated that the city spends $8.36 per capita for the library and $35 per
capita for Parks and Recreation.
Mrs. Horack wanted to know if the city was represented on the Board of Trustees for
the North Central Regional Library.
Mr.Hill stated that the city has no input on the Regional Board.
Margaret Brotherton stated that she is a member of the Moses Lake Library Board
which representes the city at the regional library board meetings.She stated that
the local board is charged with the task of implementing the decisions of the
regional board in the City of Moses Lake.
Margaret Jensen stated that she felt the library is something the city cannot get
along without.She felt it would cost the city more to run the library on its own
than if the city stayed with the North Central Regional Library system.
Nancy Bech felt that the service the library provides is excellent and she could
not imangine a city the size of Moses Lake doing without a library.
Mary Jean Sanders wanted to know if a petition from the citizens of Moses Lake to
the regional library board requesting that the services not be expanded would be of
any help in negotiating with the Regional Library Board.Mr.Hill stated that in
his opinion it would not.
Debra McVay stated that she hoped the city and the regional library board would
reconsider.
L.W.Bumgardner stated that in these economic times he did not feel there was a •—
need for the library to be open extra hours.
Helen Wilson stated that she is new in town but that the Moses Lake library is
comparable to any library in the City of Anaheim.
Don Skinner,Chairman of the Moses Lake Library Board,wanted to know how the city
would operate the library for the approximate $70,000 that the city is proposing.
Marie Kennedy stated that a library is one of the main stays of a town.A city
cannot do without a good library.She did not feel a locally run library could
survive as it is too expensive.She also felt that the citizens of Moses Lake
would help raise the needed $30,000 if necessary.
There were no further comments,so the public response was closed.
Mr.Edwards stated that the city no longer has a contract since it was cancelled.
He stated that the city has been paying a normal cost of living increase for the
library services over the years and this year a normal increase was anticipated.
Approximately $70,000 was considered to be the charge for library services for the
next year.However, a 50%increase was assessed.He stated that the city could
not really afford a 50%increase.He stated that the Council itself does not
understand why there is no room for negotiation but the North Central Regional
Library Baord said in essence "take it or leave it".
Mr.Hill stated that he was disappointed by the unbending,uncooperative,and
uncompromising attitude of the Regional Library Board.He stated that at this time
there are four cities that may stay in and seven cities have indicated they will or
may pull out which leaves about 13 cities that still have to hold meetings,but
they are leaning towards pulling out also.He stated that the Council does want to
keep the library here.Mr.Hill stated that in 1978 the city paid $46,000,in 1981
the city paid $63,000,and for 1982 there is no firm figure but are using $90,000.
At this time the city does not know how it will fund the library system.He stated
that he is concerned about it since the city is also considering not replacing two
policemen and one fireman.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:5 October 13,1981
Mr.Shinn stated that in voting to cancel 1 the contract with the North Central
Regional Library it was his position that the city was buying time.The city had
to act before October 1 on whether or not to continue in the regional library
system.This gives the city time to look into the problem and see about negotiating
with the North Central Regional Library System.He stated that the indications he
has received is that the Regional Library Board will not negotiate.He stated that
the city cannot raise its revenues to take into consideration the increase they are
asking for.
Mr.Swanson stated that he wanted a library and perhaps it might help if the
citizens of Moses Lake would attend the next meeting of the Regional Library Board
which will be held on November 12,1981.
Mr.Hill stated that there is an annexation process but the North Central Regional
Library does not recognize the annexation process.If the city annexed into the
region,it would give the city a tax break.He stated that the city is looking
into the alternative.He stated that there is bill in the legislature concerning
fee structures and the city will also be looking into that.
Mr.Johnson stated that he is in favor of keeping the library but the city just
does not have the extra $30,000 that it is being assessed.
PUBLIC HEARING -ORDINANCE -AMEND 1981 BUDGET -2ND READING /0/0
A letter was read from Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,which presented an ordi
nance amending the 1981 Budget.
The public hearing was opened.There were no comments so the public response was
closed.
Mr.Ziegler moved that the public hearing be closed,seconded by Mr.Johnson,and
passed unanimously.
The ordinance amending the 1981 Budget,Ordinance 992,to appropriate unanticipated
revenues and to provide for the expenditures of these same funds was read by title
only.
Mr.Edwards moved that the second reading of the ordinance be adopted,seconded by
Mr.Johnson,and passed unanimously.
V.ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
ORDINANCE - PROPERTY CONDEMNATION - SECOND LAKE CROSSING - 1ST READING
A letter was read from Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,which presented an ordi
nance which authorizes the city to proceed with condemnation proceedings on land
necessary for right-of-way for Yonezawa Boulevard.
The ordinance providing for the condemnation,appropriation,taking and damaging of
land and other property necessary in the building of Yonezawa Boulevard and a
second lake crossing over Parker Horn was read by title only.
Mr.Ziegler moved that the first reading of the ordinance be adopted and a public
hearing be set for October 22,1981,seconded by Mr.Shinn.
Donald Liggett,owner of the property in question,stated that he would be glad to
sell the land to the city but the city is offering less than what he paid for it.
Mr.Gavinski stated that the city had the property appraised and a letter was sent
to Mr.Liggett offering to purchase it for the appraised value.
Mr.Liggett stated that it was appraised for less than what he paid.
The motion passed with Mr.Swanson abstaining.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:6 October 13,1981
VI.REQUESTS TO CALL FOR BIDS
BLOCK GRANT HOUSING -REQUEST FOR RE-AUTHORIZATION -JOB 049-AB
A letter was read from Richard Cook,Acting Chairman of the Citizens Advisory
Committee,which stated that Job 049-AB was authorized to go to bid by Council on
September 8,1981 with painting the existing exterior siding rather than installing
new vinyl siding.The Committee had recommended vinyl siding.The homeowners
filed a grievance with the Committee and after review the Grievance Committee
recommended vinyl siding.The Citizens Advisory Committee reviewed and discussed
this recommendation and then voted to recommended to City Council that this house
be authorized to have vinyl siding.
Mr.Hill pointed out that the minutes of the Citizens Advisory Committee point out
what poor condition the siding on the house is in.
Mr.Edwards moved that the house be approved to go to bid with vinyl siding,seconded
by Mr.Johnson,and passed unanimously.
BLOCK GRANT HOUSING -REQUEST TO CALL FOR BIDS -051-AD,052-AE, 053-AF, and 054-AG
A letter was read from Dean Hagerty,Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee,
which requested authorization to call for bids on Jobs 051-AD,052-AF, 053-AF,and
054-AG.
Mr.Johnson moved that the staff be authorized to call for bids,seconded by Mr.
Vernier,and passed unanimously.
WELL 12 CONSTRUCTION
A letter was read from Robert Townsend,Public Works Director,which requested
authorization to call for bids for the construction of Well 12 which is needed for
the industry along Wheeler Road.
Mr.Townsend stated that the City Council had authorized the purchase of the well —
and staff is requesting authorization to go to bid for the construction and develop
ment of this wel1.
Mr.Shinn felt the city should go ahead with the well but he wanted to know why the
city is proposing a 200 hp pump and upping the pumping capacity to 1900 gpm.
Mr.Townsend stated that the well produced in excess of what was anticipated and
was pumped up to 1800 gpm to 2000 gpm.He felt that the city could get the use out
of the well and felt it would be best to put a pump in there that could use the
well to its full potential.He stated that Western Kraft has agreed to pay for the
over-sizing of the well so it is not an additional cost to the city.
Mr.Shinn moved that staff be authorized to call for bids,seconded by Mr.Ziegler,
and passed unanimously.
VII.REFERRALS FROM COMMISSIONS
None
VIII.OTHER ITEMS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
FACILITIES PLAN -STEP II -AMENDMENT TO STRAAM AGREEMENT
n
A letter was read from Robert Townsend,Public Works Director,which requested
authorization for the City Manager to sign an amendment to the agreement with
STRAAM Engineering for the Facilities Plan.The Department of Ecology has requested
that the city perform additional seismic exploration work in the sand dunes for the
proposed wastewater treatment facility.This must be done as a part of the Step II
phase of the project.An amendment to the agreement with STRAAM is required since
they are doing the work for the city.This will increase the contract by $6,387.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:7 October 13,1981
Mr.Townsend stated that he has received authorization from EPA for their portion
of the grant increase.
Mr.Shinn moved that authorization be granted for the City Manager to sign the
contract amendment,seconded by Mr.Edwards,and passed unanimously.
STREET OVERLAY PROJECT -ACCEPTANCE OF WORK tf/9
A letter was read from Robert E.Townsend,Public Works Director,which recommended
that work on the street overlay project be accepted and the 30-day lien period be
entered.
Mr.Shinn moved that the work be accepted and the 30-day lien period be entered,
seconded by Mr.Edwards,and passed unanimously.
IX.COUNCIL QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
RAILROAD CROSSING
Mr.Shinn stated that he wished to commend the city for removing the railroad
tracks on the Alder Street Fill.
WEEDS
Mr.Edwards wanted to know if something could be done about the unsightly weeds#
growing up around the city.Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,stated that this*
problem had been discussed during budget sessions and the city is looking into it.
TOURS
A tour of the city was arranged for the Council on 9:30 a.m.on October 21.
BUDGET
Mr.Hill stated that the City Manager will be giving the Council the budgets about
October 20.Study sessions have been tentatively set for October 28,November 2,
November 4,and November 9 at 8 p.m.
X. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND COMMENTS
RAMM ROAD
//^
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,stated that a franchise for a water line had been
requested along Ramm Road and the question was raised on why the city did not
require it.to be extended to the end of the property.
Robert Townsend,Public Works Director,stated that the franchise is for the state
for a water line to be extended from Kittleson Road up Ramm Road to serve the new
state maintenance yard.They are extending the 8"line to the end of the short
plat.The other portion of the state property is unplatted and it is not required
to be extended through there until it is developed or platted.
DIVSION STREET PROJECT
/o/f
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,stated that Division Street between Nelson Road
and 1-90 is being looked at as a project for 1983 for construction.He stated that
the design work is being anticipated and budgeted for in 1982.However,the con
struction would depend upon receiving grant monies from the state since it is a
$500,000 project.This would be funded with UAB funds.
ASH PILE STABILIZATION
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,stated that the contractor has been directed to
disc in the material that remains and to commence hydroseeding.It should be
completed in two weeks or less.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:8 October 13,1981
STRATFORD ROAD SPEED STUDY
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,stated that the radar work has been done on the
Stratford Road Speed Study and the engineering report will be completed and a
report given to City Council at the next meeting.
,1 NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL LIBRARY
P
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,stated that the city is looking into the cost of
providing library service if the city should decide to withdraw from the North
Central Regional Library System. A report will be completed by the first of Novem
ber and given to Council for their information.
/AWC COMMUNICATIONS -HB749/REVENUE SHARING
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,stated that AWC has sent information concerning
two bills before the legislature.One concerns the local option on an additional
h%of sales tax and the other is on proposed cuts in federal revenue sharing monies.
The AWC is asking for support for both of these items.
It was the consensus of the Council that they were opposed to raising the sales tax
but Congress should keep their commitment for Federal Revenue Sharing monies
through 1983.
It was the consensus of the Council that no further action be taken on the h%sales
tax but that a letter be sent on the Federal Revenue Sharing monies.
The regular meeting was adjourned to an executive session at 10:25.The executive
session was adjourned at 11 p.m.and the regular meeting was reconvened.The
regular meeting was adjourned at 11 p.m.
ATTEST:
City Clerk