1971 08 10U
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COUNCIL MINUTES -Regular Session
Council Chambers
August 10,1971
162 0
Members present:Councilman Robt.E.Hill,W.B.Moe,Norman W.Johnson,
Gordon M.Ebbert,Ernest V.Lindell and Michael Boyle.
Due to the absence of Mayor Skaug,Norman Johnson was appointed Mayor Pro Tern
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order.Minutes of the previous council meet
ing of July 27,1971 were approved upon a motion by Hill,second by Lindell.
Motion carried.
REGULAR BILLS
GENERAL
STREET
PARK
LIBRARY
URBAN ARTERIAL
SANITATION
WATER / SEWER
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
FIREMENS PENSION
TOTAL AMOUNT PAID
$7,462.32
3,917.88
960.72
874.43
50,412.12
7,257.64
28,412.12
2,252.32
56.63
Motion by Moe that the regular bills be paid.Second by Boyle.Motion carried.
Warrant No's.875 through 983 in the amount of $101,208.93 were approved for
payment.
ORDINANCE -Traffic Code -(first reading)
The ordinance was read by title only.The City Manager suggested the Council
would perhaps prefer to direct any questions regarding the Ordinance to Chief Bjork,
since he was the Project Director and worked closely with the Consultants writing
the new Traffic Ordinance.
Councilman Boyle -asked Chief Bjork regarding abandoned vehicles -just a
matter of information,- I believe if they are in a legal parking space for 24
hours,it cannot be considered an abandoned vehicle.What would happen in
a parking lot?
Chief Bjork - In a private parking lot,the owner has the right to tow a car away
that is placed there without his permission.
Councilman Hill - I did not see anything regarding bicycles on which side of the
street the child or adult should ride.
Chief Bj ork -With the traffic.Thi s is covered in the Rules of the Road under
the State Statutes'.
Chief Bjork continued,pointing out some of the changes -referring to Section 284
noting the change in fees for parking meter hoods has been increased from $10.00
to$35.00 annually.He noted that presently the City has approximately 15 hoods
signed out.
Councilman Hill -How do you justify $35.00 from $10.00?-
Chief Bjork - To be.more standard with other cities all over the State.Some
of the cities do not have meter hoods at all,and do not allow the privilege of
paying the fee.Another change he noted,that perhaps the Council might want
to study,is the overtime parking fees from 25£to 50$if paid within the hour.
Mayor Pro Tern Johnson - I think we will run into some opposition on that one.
City Manager Waggener - When our Committee discussed it,one of the things
taken into consideration is,- a lot people will not put money in the meter and
gamble they will not get caught, and if caught they can come down and pay the
25<r.That is not the intent -if the fee is so low they can afford to gamble,
then perhaps it is not realistic.
Councilman Johnson - I amthinking in terms of ourbusinessmen in town and
penalizing an out-of-towner.
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August 10,1971
City Manager - I think our feeling is that the normal fee is $1.00 for overtime
parking and if paid immediately they get a break of 50$.
Councilman Hill - I personally think that $35.00 for the meter bag is too big a
jump for a town our size*I think we can have a happy medium between $10.00
and $35.00 -like maybe $25.00.
City Manager Waggener - I don't know,I .think this is a decision for the Council
to make.
Councilman Lindell -Does this give the holder of a meter bag the privilege of
parking at an y meter and holding it all day ?
Chief Bjork -Yes,as long as he is issued the bag.
Councilman Lindell -Under those circumstances,$35.00 is a fair"fee.
Chief Bjork -The real reason for a bag is for service people that have no way
of knowing how long they will be working there-such as contractors,plumbers,etc.
Chief Bjork also informed the Council that since the drafting of the ordinance,
he received a resume of the new Act regarding Abandoned Automobile Hulks and
their removal and disposal and the procedure the State has set out which will
necessitate a change in this ordinance.We will have that change from the Engineer
in a few days.Under the new Act there is some conflict the way this ordinance is
written.The new act makes it much easier for police officers to handle the removal
and disposal without waiting 15 days before action can be taken,and without going
through authorization from the Sheriff.It makes it a lot easier for the owners of
the premises and tow truck operators to get rid of these things;before they had to
hold them too long.
Councilman Hill -Regarding Section 284,I move that permit for meter bags be
reduced to $25.00.Second by Moe.Motion carried.Opposed by Lindell and
Boyle.
Councilman Ebbert -This increase or decrease in speed limits -don't we
have that now,why does it have to be written in this part?
Chief Bjork - The present ordinance does not have any section specifically
setting for the limits on certain streets,and everything must come to the
Council regarding a maximum speed over 35 miles per hour.
Councilman Ebbert -This allows it to go to 60 mph?
City Manager Waggener - Atthe City Councils'discretion by Resolution.
Motion by Hill to approve the first reading of the ordinance.Second by Boyle.
Motion carried.
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RESOLUTIONS -TRAFFIC CODE
Resolutions were presented for information and review and will need to be
adopted by the Council following the second reading of the Traffic Code and
its adoption by the Council.They pertain to designating certain city streets and
alleys for one-way traffic;establishing parking meter zones; designating city
streets where stopping,standing and/or parking is regulated,and designating
certain streets as part of the arterial street system.The Resolutions are in
accordance with what exists.
Councilman Hill - On the parking meters,why is it so important to the Banks
that they have limited 12-minute meters.
City Manager -This was considered atthetime. Adetermination from the
Council needs to be made, since all the Banks have off-street parking.
Councilman Boyle -There are an awful lot of people-Utilizing the Bank parking
lots for their own personal use other than banking business.
Councilman Hill -That is the Bank's problem.
Councilman Boyle -When it comes to the point that they have to hire personnel
to check the parking in their lots ?
Councilman Hill -Why shouldn't every business not have that privilege.I
would object to the Banks having 12-minute parking meters unless someone can
give me a good reason.
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August 10;"1971
City Manager Waggener -We are not in a position to adopt a Resolution before
adopting the ordinance,but instructions for changes in the Resolutions are in
order.
Motion by Hill that the Resolution pertaining to parking meters omit the Banks
from retaining 12-minute parking meters.Second by Johnson.
City Manager Waggener - I suspect that the 12-minute parking meter was to pro
vide convenience to the people going in and making a quick deposit or cash a
check and come back out.We are trying to establish the Resolution according as
to the way it exists.Is it a convenience for the Bank or the people ?
Councilman Hill - I feel it is a convenience to the Bank,since each of the two
Banks have drive-in windows and one tripled its parking area.I think it is a
convenience for the Bank and I don't think it is the City's position to provide
parking meter convenience for the Bank.
Councilman Lindell -Was this established prior to the"Banks having their own
parking facilities ?
Chief Bjork -This was established years ago before the drive-in window, and
it was a convenience to the public more than anything else.
The question was called for.Motion carried.Opposed by Boyle.
Councilman Hill -The Resolution pertaining to stopping,standing or parking,
restricts parking from Hill to Highway 17?
City Manager Waggener - Because the street width is designed for four-lanes
and not enough to allow parking.
Motion by Boyle to close the discussion on the Resolutions.Second by
Johnson.Motion carried.
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MUNICIPAL AIRPORT FEES
City Manager Waggener stated there was a question raised at the last Council
meeting about the sale of gasoline,prohibiting commercial operators from
furnishing gasoline to the public. On September 11,1962 the City Council
determined that airport developmentwould be discouraged unless commercial
operators were allowed to provide their own pumps and gasoline tanks,sub
ject to a provision that they notbe allowed to dispense gasoline to others.
The provision has been constantly in effect,with the Moses Lake Pilots
Association allowed to dispense gasoline to their members,so it was avail
able at off hours.
The lease to the Moses Lake Air Service was approved,but did not contain
the provision;it implies it,but not setting it forth specifically.We dis
cussed it with Darald Welch,and he was agreeable to sign a new lease,
and it is presented for the Councils consideration.The lease would change
that provision,referring to Section 4 and Section 14,which defines a little
more specifically and exactly how he can use the premises.
Would like to recommend that commercial operators and the Moses Lake
i Pilots Association continue to provide gas to themsleves,with the additional
provision that the Moses Lake Pilots Association sell gasoline to members of
J their association,but other lease holders not be allowed to sell to others,
J[only for their own use,unless the lease specifically allows them to do so.
We have one fixed base operator at the present time,and he should be allowed
to sell gasoline to anyone.
Motion by Moe to accept the Lease with Moses Lake Air Service with correction
in Section 4 and Section 14.Second by Hill.
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August 10,1971
Councilman Ebbert -On this particular lease,it does not give them the privilege
of selling gas;what about sub-leasing for tie-down space?
City Manager Waggener -It is strictly for his own business.
Councilman Moe -Nor can he repair any other airplanes that are not his.
Councilman Ebbert -What about water - are they going on a meter?
City Manager Waggener -The City Council approved at the last meeting the
recommendation regarding meters.They can be metered at the present time,
but we have to take a look at the water supply,which is provided by a well.
We felt that perhaps we should hold off and look to another season because of
insufficient time,being in the middle of a season.r—
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The question was called.Motion carried.I
Motion by Moe that all commercial operators will be able to have access to their
own tanks and gasoline for their own use only,and that Moses Lake Pilots Associa
tion be allowed to sell gas to their members only,and all fixed base operators be
allowed to sell gasoline publicly;any other fixed base operator be upon approval
of the City-Council before becoming a fixed base operator.Second by Hill.
Motion carried.
b.Status of Airport Facilities
A letter was read from Richard L.Weaver,Public Works Director,stating what
has been done and indicating some things needed to be accomplished at the
Municipal Airport.(1).Runway lights have been repaired and restored.
(2).Wind tee has been repaired and restored.(3).Wind socks have been
placed at two locations.(4).A new area for 6 transient tie-downs has been
constructed adjacent to the public restrooms.(5)*The east side of the Air
port has been divided into commercial areas and all leases brought up to date.
(6).Commercial Area No.3 has been completely replaced-to allow parking
space for eleven planes instead of six.Also proper drainage facilities to [
meet Department of Agriculture standards regarding Moses Lake Air Service's j
waste water from insecticide mixing and spray tank washing.^j
He stated further that installation of the lawn and operation at the airport has
brought to light four problems:(1).Additional or extension of water service
to all the facilities without replacing the original pump in the well has created
a critical situation.(2).Evidence of installations of illegal telephone and power
poles not authorized by the FAA.(3). Absence of any security lighting makes
theft and damage to aircraft and facilities a serious problem. (4).Unlimited
access from the North to the West end of the field and absence of an access road
connecting the East and West sides resulted in promiscuous use of taxiways and
runways by .automobiles and trucks,,resulting in spring break-up of the taxiways.
He recommended that with the funds remaining in the Budget,we work on the problems
listed.
Councilman Ebbert -What type of security lights are we planning on?
City Manager -Just mentioned the lack of them is a problem.Undoubtedly they
will be similar to our residential street lighting,small'mercury vapor.Will
have to be a little careful about mercury lights on poles.I would frankly
think that on the East end where power is available,each commercial operator
install lighting on their buildings only.The major problem is at private hangars
or where there is no power.
Councilman Moe -The budget we set aside for this facility was quite skimpy
and the amount of improvements made have been considerable,and I think this
facility is of a necessity for those engaged in the application of insecticide for
the farmers,and I think with a few dollars more we can improve it and approve
same in the budget for next year.I think there is some left in the budget?
Councilman Boyle - How much is there left?
City Manager Waggener - We spent almost nothing yet,practically everything
we did out there was scrounged.
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August 10;1971 1624
Councilman Ebbert -Do you have any plans on that North end,such as fencing,etc?
City Manager Waggener -We are eligible for surplus materials for fencing.So
far we foave missed on the items we really wanted.We are hoping we can pick up
some fencing.It is a sensitive thing at an airport,need fencing to keep out
livestock,etc,but still needs to be low enough for the planes.Fencing on the ,•'"'.
West side would stop the horse club that has been running their horses-on the
air strip.
CASCADE PARK ACQUISITION
Aletter was read from Bill Skeels,Park &Recreation Director,stating that j/£/
the Inter-Agency Committee for Outdoor Recreation,the agency we are dealing
with for 75%matching funds for park acquisition and developmentrf is meeting
with the Board of the Department of Natural Resources to negotiate purchase of
Cascade Park,rather than the lease we had originally applied for.An outright
purchase of the property is,of course,a much better arrangement for the City.
The DNR is also quite interested in the City purchasing at the same time the
40 plus acres across Valley Road,and extending to the fairgrounds.This would
increase the size of our acquisition from 46 acres to approximately.90 acres.
From discussions with the IAC,it appears that we could purchase the entire
90 acre package at a cost not much greater than just the 46 acre Cascade Park.
He requested permission from the City Council to inform the IAC that the City
is interested in negotiating for the 90 acres,and purchase it if the price and
the other arrangements are satisfactory.
Councilman Ebbert -What other arrangements do you rave in mind here?
City Manager Waggener - I think we should wait until they come to us with
an appraisal and deed and see what conditions are attached to the deed.Also
we need ap proval from Council before we can consider the additional acreage
proposal.Evidently the DNR prefers not to be left with a'40-acre site to
manage,with one-third of it on a hillside and consequently of very little
value by itself.They have assigned an appraiser from the (MAI)Master
Appraisal Institute.Apparently,the realtors think highly of this institute.
I am assured the firm is totally impartial.We cannot do very much until we
see the appraisal.We don't want the appraisal to proceed without the City
Council's consent to show interest in the additional acquisition.
•Councilman Hill -Of what value is the 40 acres to the City within the next
ten years ?
City Manager Waggener -In 10 years,-nothing.Try to look at it in terms of
value within 50 years,according to the IAC.
Councilman Ebbert -Who sets the price on this ?
City Manager Waggener -The DNR would probably set the price and the IAC
will participate in helping the City purchase with 3 for 1 matching funds.We
have no idea what they want for the extra 40 acres.They seem to indicate the
40 acres along with 46 acres would not cost vary much.
Councilman Hill -Would the County be interested in the 40 acres?
City Manager -They well may be,and eventually be a joint City-County project.
Motion by Hill recommending that Bill Skeels be authorized to go to the IAC
\indicating that we/uiterested inthe appraised price of the 46 acres and as a
^side interest what the price would be for the total 90 acres.Second by Moe.
Motion carried.
ACCEPTANCE OF WORK.WELL NO.10 -ELECTRICAL -CONTRACT NO.71-03
A letter was read from the Public Works Director,Richard L.Weaver,stating
he recommended acceptance of the completed work, and to start the 30-day
lien period required before release of the 10%retainage of the total cost of the
electrical construction.Tyee Electric is the Contractor.
Motion by Moe to accept the work and start the 30-day lien period.Second
by Lindell.Motion carried.
1625 August 10,;1971
ACCEPTANCE OF WORK,WELL NO.10 -PLUMBING -CONTRACT NO.71-04
A letter was read from the Public Works Director,Richard L.Weaver,stating
Leonard Plumbing and Heating has satisfactorily completed the above project,
and recommended acceptance cf the work and start the 30-day lien period which
is required before the release cf the 10%retainage of the total cost of the plumb
ing project.
Motion by Boyle to accept the work and start the 30-day lien period.Second
by Hill.Motion carried.
WATER SYSTEM INFORMATION
P^Aletter has been submitted bythe Public Works Director to the City Manager |
and for the Councils information regarding water system problems,in the City
System and also the Grant County Airport system.He stated the City is current
ly experiencing difficulties meeting peak demands in both systems during the
last 20-day high temperature period above 100 degrees.The peak daily demand
on July 20,1971, -10,040,000 gallons were required from the City system and
4,900,000 gallons were required from the users at Grant County Airport.Total
consumption for the 20-day period was 171 million gallons City and 92 million
gallons at Grant County Airport.Annual average daily use is 3.3 million gallons
for the City system and 1.4 million gallons for Grant County Airport.Summer
average daily use is 6.7 million gallons/day and 3.0 million gallons/day
respectively.
The above figures reveal that approximately one-half as much is used at Grant
County Airport with approximately 3000 people compared to the amount used by
the City with approximately 10,000 people.Also within the City we are supply
ing industrial plants that are heavy users,such as Arden Farms.The big differ
ence,probably,is because the entire housing at the Airport is not metered;they
are not paying water directly,and there is no effort really to conserve water.
The total consumption of a 20-day hot period if it continues at the peak,probably .—^
would be just over 200 million gallons.j
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We are experiencing difficulty in the transmission lines at the Grant County
Airport system resulting in low pressure in some areas.Jf they want maximum
pressure in the area,then we need to open those areas up for a free flow by
installation or activation of additional meters.We have been discussing this with
them and probably the hot weather will be over before we come to some agreement.
Well No.8 has air in the water in the Montlake area.The water table in this
well has dropped enough that the pump is drawing some air into the system.To
eliminate this we are faced with removing the motor and lowering the pump bowls
by adding to the ten inch column that is now in existence.
Well No.4 has developed a leak in the well casing,allowing water to enter be
tween the 80 and 100*level and often pumping air and injecting it into the lines.
This,well is going to require new shaft bearings and rebuilding the packing
gland during the wi nter months,and also additional column for lowering the
pump bowls.Also studying the feasibility of removing the casing and repairing
it at the same time the pump is being repaired.
Recommendations will be made regarding the 1972 Budget after more details are i—j
available.! j
City Manager Waggener also stated that we have been concerned over the years I /
where the water is coming from and what effect it has on our water table.The
recent State survey restricted the area East of us and they are very concerned about
it.Their maps definitely put us in a separate basin.Perhaps they should restrict
wells in this basin until they have more information.Our concern is,are we in effect
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August 10/1971
mining water or is the water being replaced every year from the irrigation.We
are encouraging the State to make these surveys for us.
He further stated that the City has a rate structure that frankly encourages
wasting of water.We have a rate that is 5£for the City and 6£for the Base
for 100 cubic feet of water,or 750 gallons of water delivered for 5£.This was
deliberately dene in Moses Lake because we have such a dry climate,that it
would encourage people to keep lawns green.Maybe in the future years we
will have to look at that more economically,whether we can afford that rate
structure or not.
Councilman Hill asked Water Superintendent M.G.McLanahan,-If this
hot weather continues do you expect to need to ration water?
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Mr..McLanahan -Have found more water is used during the ration period than
water used as they wish.
SANITARY LAND FILL REPORT
City Manager Waggener stated that the City of Moses Lake has been operating a
fill procedure at the Sanitary Land Fill that has become unacceptable to the Depart
ment of Ecology and the Game Department from whom we lease the land.We have
now been required to go into a trenching type operation and fill that and cover.
It is more expensive than the previous method.We had some help in cutting the
first trench from the Job Corps and rented a cat and scraper.That trenching has
now filled more rapidly than anticipated,probably because of the closure of the
Block 40 site.We negotiated with the Job Corps to come one more time to
excavate a new trench.It is estimated it will take them about five months.The
cost of equipment is borne by the contractor.The Job Corps justifiesJit because
they have to train people in operating equipment to grade stakes.
We have also been asked by both departments to put some cover material on top
of the old cells.Borrowing a pump from the Job Corps and planting crested wheat
grass and poplar trees there to hold the soil.Burning is being phased out by the
Department of Ecology.Sanitary land fill operation is the only type allowed.
Councilman Hill -Does the County give any indication that they want to extend
their agreement?
City.Manager.Waggener -We need.to have a.discussion with the County and the
Airport.For the amount of refuse,we are not getting paid an adequate fee structure.
We are making out O.K.as long as the Job Corps is doing the work for us.The
County pays the contractor to keep the fill open for the week-ends for about $300 a
month.
Counc ilman Hill - I think,when we renew the agreement we should work up a fee
schedule for the County.
City Manager Waggener -They estimated a much"smaller amount a year"ago than
we find we are receiving.What is difficult,we don't know on week-ends what is
County and what is City.The County will probably agree there needs to be a
fee schedule for everyone dumping.
STATUS OF CONSTRUCTION PROTECTS
A letter was read from the Public Works Director,Richard Weaver,stating the
City now has Fifth Avenue,Locust Lane and Wheeler Road projects under con
struction.We have broken our construction projects into two contracts (1)for
grading and storm sewer installation work (2)for curb,gutter,sidewalk and paving
installations,and the third step is installation of electrical items such as street
lighting and traffic signals.This has been done primarily for scheduling and
financial reasons.There is more competition for grading and storm sewer work
on a straight-forward job,and the breaking of the job into two parts gives the
staff time to provide surveys in advance and allows for design changes required
by underground utilities not being in the proper location.Although,if the time
limit is overestimated,we are left maintaining a street in an unfinished condition
.over a longer period of time.
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162*August .10*-1971
The contract for Wheeler Road and Locust Lane for grading and installation of
storm sewers was awarded to Murphy Bros,for $101,878,or approximately
$70,000 under the Engineer's estimate.The final contract payment was for
$96,370.The time estimate was 65 days and the job was completed in 49 days.
The contract for Fifth Avenue was awarded to E.M.Gostovich Company at a
bid cost of $45,828.39 or approximately $20,000 under the engineer's estimate.
The time limit was 45 days to complete and it appears it will require the contractor
53 days to complete..
On August 18th bids will be opened for Schedule 2 (paving etc.)for Fifth Avenue,
Locust Lane and Alder Street.We will also open bids on the Pioneer Way Phase II-A
Project for landscaping.With the award of the bids on these contracts,we will
be on schedule on development of all Urban Arterial Projects.
On Wheeler Road we are using asphalt treated base in place of crushed ballast
and top course.It appears at this time that the use of asphalt treated base is
working and the advantages are significant.
LAW &TUSTICE -BUDGET &FISCAL IMPACT CONFERENCE
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\-p The City Council was informed that the Association of Washington Cities has
scheduled a conference in Seattle on August 19th to discuss funding for Law and
Justice Programs and discuss possible new Fiscal Impacts on City Budgets.
City Manager Waggener is attending this conference,and should it be possible
for any of the Councilmen to attend this one-day conference,he would be pleased
to have them accompany him.
Meeting adjourned at 9:40 P.M.I
is Mayor Pro Tern,Nprman W.Johnson
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