1972 02 08J
COUNCIL MEETING -Regular Session
Council Chambers
February 8,1972
8:00 P.M.
1S87
MEMBERS PRESENT -Councilman Robt.E. Hill, W. B. Moe,Norman W. Johnson,Gordon V.Ebbert,
Otto M.Skaug,Ernest V.Lindell and Michael Boyle.
Mayor Skaug called the meeting to order.Before proceeding with the items on the Council Agenda,he
stated he wished to clarifythe election of the position of Mayor.Attention has been called to the fact
that the city of Pasco and Richland under the same formcf Mayor-Council government as Moses Lake,
whereby the Mayor is elected by the Council,has been criticizedvia the news media that the secret
ballot cast by the respective councils was illegal.Upon contacting the Attorney General'sotfice by
these cities,an opinion was submitted statingthe electionof mayor must be byopen ballot.So rather
than dispute the Attorney General's opinion,and since our mayor election was by secret ballot,and to
clear the air and remove the cloud whereby we elect our mayor,an election in compliance should be
conducted.We conducted a meeting on January 11,1972 inthat manner,butthe voting on the indvidual
was done by secret ballot and the result was announced by the City Clerk.Apparently the latter method
is the area in which the cloud exists,and pertaining to the issue,it might be well that the present
Council nominate candidates for mayor and then have the ballot conductedopenly.As your Mayor of
the last term I think I am right that I am yourMayor until my successor is duly elected,and as chair
man of the meeting I shall call for nominations.
Motion by Johnson calling for a unanimous nomination for Otto Skaugas Mayor. Second by Ebbert.
Motion carried.Motion by Hill that the nominations be closed and the unanimous ballot be cast for
Otto Skaug as Mayor,Second by Lindell.Motion carried unanimously.
/oof
Mayor Skaug commented that perhaps now
the Attorney General's opinion.
we have fulfilled the manner to the letter as indicated by
Minutes of the meeting of January 25,1972 were approved as written upon a motion by Lindell.
Second by Boyle.Motion carried.
REGUIAR BILLS
FUND
GENERAL
STREET
ARTERIAL STREET
PARK
LIBRARY
URBAN ARTERIAL
WATER/SEWER
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
RIREMENS PENSION
TOTAL AMOUNT PAID
$3,294.47
67.50
3,800.00
31,244.70
500.82
.5,705.50
5,862.24
502.34
8.41
Motion by Johnson that the bills be paid.Second by Hill.\••••':--.•-;•••-
Councilman Moe inquired regarding the bill for physical examinations regarding Erickson and Hale,and
the City Manager explained that they are required by State law to submit to quite a comprehensive
physical,very much beyond that expected by most physicals,and the EKG that Mr.Erickson had was
one that was conducted by a specialist in Spokane.While the local reading was submitted on this,
they specified a special examination,which turned out quite favorable for Mr.Erickson.Our physicals
for firemen previous were most annual examinations on a differentbasis,but these are the first employees
that come under the LEFF system that was established at the last legislative session and set authority
for a new set of guidelines and requirements that employees must meet.It assures that the employee
coming under the LEFF system is physically fit and is not a liability against the pension system for the
rest of his life,it is a rigorous physical,and the only time you will see this is on the entry physical.
The regular annual physical cost would be at a lower rate than this one.
Councilman Moe also inquired about another item involving Ron Hartley's expenses for Solid Waste
Management,and City Manager Chet Waggener explained that was reimbursement for a meeting he
attended in Spokane regarding discussion on guidelines regarding Solid Waste Management Act and
he represented the City for information about this Act.Councilman Moe state he is acquainted with
Council Minutes:2 February 8,1972
with Ron Hartley,but was not aware that he was a City employee.
The question was called regarding the motion to pay the regular bills.Motion carried.
Warrant No's.1892 through 1961 in the amount of $50,985.98 were approved for payment.
/ORDINANCE -AMENDING WATER SYSTEM CONNECTION CHARGES
A letter was read from the City Manager stating that the accompanying ordinance proposes to replace
Ordinance No.623,which established a schedule for reimbursement for water service extended into
the Longview Tracts area.Ordinance No.623 inadvertently included in the service area descripiton
.property lying outside the Longview Tracts.This ordinance proposed that.for those areas lying out
side of the described service area,water service be available through the normal procedure of pay
ment for a standard meter installation plus a front footage charge reimbursement for a city installed .
line.The option of paying $2.00 per month over a period of 20 years would not be available to that
area outside of Longview Tracts.
The ordinance was read by title only.Mr.Waggener explained that Ordinance 623 inadvertently
included 150 feet to the west and also included a strip to the south in that description.The intent
is the ordinance provides for those within the service area Options (a)and (b)and for water users
outside of that area,but immediately adjacent,option (b)only,which requires payment of $3.95
perfront foot plus meterconnectioncharges,which charge would be payable immediately upon installa
tion.-'-.,—.That basically is the change in this ordinance.He also commented that one will calcu
late $2.00 per month for 20 years,this of course,is a higher figure than the $3.95 per front foot plus
the meter installation charge.Although,the meter installation charge is only up to the meter,where
within the Longview Tracts area,the installation goes all the way to the house.The Engineering
Department started drawing up guidelines,and upon drafting the guidelines they could not do it,the
ordinance was more restrictive than that.
Motion by Ebbert that the first reading of the ordinance be adopted.Second by Johnson.Motion carried.
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LABOR AGREEMENT WITH LOCAL NO.2052,INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS.
A letter was read from Chet Waggener,City Manager,stating that the accompanying agreement has
been negotiated with the International Association of Fire Fighters,Local No.2052,and has been
approved by members of the bargaining unit.Appendix "A"of the agreement indicates the salary
schedule negotiated for 1972. He requests approval of the agreement by the City Council and authori
zation for the City Clerk and City Manager to sign the agreement on behalf of the City of Moses Lake.
Councilman Hill inquired as to what percent increase does the salary schedule consist of,and City
Manager Waggener stated it is also approximately 3.5%.If calculated exactly there would be probably
$1.00 or $2.00 difference on a monthly scale,but it is very very close.
Councilman Ebbert asked how much more does the education premium pay,and City Manager Waggener
stated that it is the same the City has been paying for.some time for the Fire and Police Departments.
At the request of Councilman Moe,Chet Waggener briefly went over each section of the union agree
ment that is to take effect February 1,1972 after Council approval and continues through December 31,
1972.He also stated that by not coming to agreement before this date,the actual loss in salary to
each fireman for the month of January would amount to approximately $20.00.
Motion by Johnson to accept the agreement and authorize the City Clerk-and City Manager to sign the
contract on behalf of the Cityof Moses Lake.Second by Moe.Motion carried.
PROGRESS REPORT -DESIGN OF LARSON SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT FACILITIES.
Presenting the report were Hal Murray,Vice President of Stevens,Thompson &Runyan,Inc.Consult
ing Engineers for the Grant County Airport Sewage Treatment Plant project,along with two other members
of the firm,- Jim Fulton,Sanitary Engineer,and George Nordby,Project Engineer for the sewage treat
ment plant.Hal Murray stated that it has been over a year since .presenting the preliminary design
and are here to present a progress report on the project,and for the Council to feel free to ask questions
as they go along with the presentation.
Council Minutes:3 February 8,1972
%JimFulton first gave a brief history stating that the need for the sewage treatment plant improvements
were to conform with water quality standards per Water Pollution Control Commission,Department
of Ecology Directive of May 26,1970 for Crab Creek Basin ground water.The City and Department
,j of Ecology agreed upon a schedule for implementing a sewerage study,providing construction plans
and specifications,and arrangement of financing and bidding the needed improvements.The Engineer
ing Report for this to be completed during the first quarter of 1971,and plans and specifications for
construction to be completed by the second quarter of 1972.The Sewerage Study completed in
*November 1970 also involved the Larson Sewerage Treatment Plant and a recommended design flow
to 1990.The City selected for the Larson Plant the aerated lagoon process,and the design was
commenced in the fall of 1971. The Department of Ecology suggested sedimentation basins in lieu
of minimum depth in leaching ponds.This provides added treatment to effluent,which would then
be allowed to "fast"perc in leaching ponds.Approval was granted by the Departments with the
' <recommendation that chlorination of the final effluent would not be necessary to provide the required
•level of treatment.He also used slides to further explain details.
ftZ.The description of design of the new seweragetreatment plant was presented by George Nordby.
With the help of slides he described and explained the function of basic sewerage treatment plant
elements,such as the headworks,aerated lagoons,sedimentation basins,leaching ponds and the
proposed control building.
Councilman Hill asked regarding consideration for increase for future growth,and Hal Murray
r stated that this design will go into 1990, so we are diking about 19 or 20 years.Thedesign does
'not take into account a wet industrial growth, such/packing industries,or organic waste.That
will require a different plant and to build a facility like that would not be economical.
Councilman Moe inquired whether in the event the population exceeds the capacity,what is in
volved,will that take care of the growth?Hal Murray stated that the aeration lagoons and equip-
"ment have been sized that the population can be increased by 1000 again just by additional blowers
and aeration in the lagoons,and if it should exceed 100%you would have to build more dikes.The
present design would take into account expectation of expansion of the residences,the increase in
the college and increased consumption of water overthe years.
Councilman Ebbert inquired if there would be any odor at all of this,or how about freezing?
Hal Murray explained that this type of plant has no digester that would create odors;sedimentation
.takes place in the basins and should not have any odors other than the normal sewage odors.The
State has also approved this method rather than transport the waste,because this method has not
contaminated the wells,which have been thoroughly checked for that.Hot air is not blown during
freezing weather,it heats slightly,but it is really cold air;turbulence will keep it from freezing.
Upon inquiry if the sediment ponds have a tendency to fill up with material,he stated that therewill
-be.some deposit of material over a period of years,which is decomposed.There is a concrete
bar where it can be cleaned out when it occurs,but it is not an expensive problem.The alternative
is going into more cost with digesters,and this takes closer operation and it also takes heat,and
after a secondary process it creates more solids and has to come back and be digested.
Hal Murray stated that the schedule for completion will be along about March,and will be bringing
to the Council the final setup then and will be prepared with further details at that time.
POTENTIAL WESTLAKE ANNEXATION
A letter was read from City Manager Waggener stating that legal authority to annex one city by
another is contained in RCW 35.10.200,and quoted excerpts applicable.He also submitted from
the Finance,Fire,Police and Public Works Departments,their appraisals of the existing conditions
ofWestlake and estimated requirements to the City of Moses Lake should the area be annexed.He
further stated that annexation of Westlake should provide improved city service to the citizens
residing in that area with lower fire insurance rates and with the protection of zoning and building
code.controls.There seems to be no obvious short-term disadvantages to the City of Moses Lake
because of annexation - nor are there any particularly strong advantages.The principle advantage
on a long-term basis lies in control of planning for future growth and development of that area.
This may be particularly important because of the close proximity to the City and because it lies
along the freeway at the west entrance to the City of Moses Lake.
16.83-Y.
Council Minutes:4 February 8,1972
He explained that the Town of Westlake had asked earlier for a study regarding feasibility of
annexation,therefore,information had been compiled by department heads to that effect,if
annexation should be considered.
Financial Review of Westlake•=Charles Davenport,Finance Director,submitted a report
stating the Town of Westlake according to the 1971-72 valuation,according to the County Assess
or's officers assessed at $23.0,799.The 1970 census for Westlake revealed that 258 citizens
reside within the present corporate limits.This valuation and population should remain fairly
constant,as both of these were after the acquisition of property by the Bureau of Reclamation.
The present water utility services 49 residence units,3 gas stations,1 bank,1 snack bar,1 marina,
and the State Park which has domestic water supplied to 3 comfort stations,1 with showers,9 stand-
pipes,1 snack bar,and 1 residence.He submitted a tabulated projected revenue estimated for 1972
that may be expected should Westlake be annexed,and predicted that no additional personnel would
be required because of the annexed area.The Town of Westlake had an approximate cash value of
$50,000 as of December,1971.
Fire Protection for Proposed annexation =•Fire Chief Russ Beeman stated the Washington State
Rating Bureau was contacted in regards to fire protection and fire insurance rating for the Westlake
area if they were annexed into the City of Moses Lake.The Rating Bureau's opinion was that
there may be some deficiency points added,due to longer response distance,and the inadequate .'
water supply,but would be very minor and would not affect the present fire insurance rating.
The insurance comparison would be approximately for a Westlake home valued at $8,000,a 3-year
premium would be $56,where that same valued home for Moses Lake,a 3-year premium would be
$40.These rates apply if building is same type of construction,area remaining the same,and
building use remain the same.The water suuply problems relate mostly to those fire hydrants on
the south side of Highway 90.There is not enough water flow for effective fire fighting and would
have to be supplemented with tank water in the event of a fire.This also would not create a major
problem as tank water would be available through mutual aid and the City water tanker.
Police Department appraisal =Police Chief Bjork reported there would be some necessary patroling
and traffic enforcement,but would be very minimum,including enforcement of the dog ordinance.
The advantage of this area coming in the City would be,to be able to maintain law and order out
there and not have the area get out of hand on the entrance to our City.Should the Town of Westlake
disband and not annex to the City,it could become rundown and get out of hand,and would be a
blight on the edge of Moses Lake.It would be well worth the cost to the-Police Department in the
long run to have it annexed to the City so that we would be able to police the area.
Public Works Department appraisal =Public Works Director,Richard*!-:Weaver.-Sewer System =
stated that the area at the present time is served by individual sewer systems in form of cesspools
and septic tanks.The County Health Department indicated that the systems installed were generally
too small and have had tree root problems,but the soil readily accepts this type of disposal.
Garbage Service =at the present time people in the Westlake area are not receiving garbage service
of any kind,but we found the area to be remarkably clean.Planning &Zoning =the town of West-
lake does not have a Comprehensive Plan or Zoning Ordinance.Building Survey =the buildings
on the north side of Interstate 90 are all type 5,frame construction that are mostly military surplus,
buildings moved in during the years of 1946 and 1947.These buildings,although not up to our
standard because of grandfather clauses in all codes,would .not be subject to any action unless
a definite fire or definite life hazard was immediately apparent.Water System =Westlake has
two wells;with Well No.1 operational,and it needs inspection and repair of well casing;modifi
cation of pump house and repair compressorand modify electrical controls.Well No.2 is not in
operation,but it needs reconstruction of the pump house;new electrical controls;installation
of chlo'rination;installation of drain system and obtain title to well and property from the U.S.
Bureau of Reclamation.Both wells would have to be integrated into our City telemetering system,
and the repairs listed are necessary so that the system would be brought up to our standards.He
also recommended installation of needed fire hydrants and water meters for each user.Total
upgrading cost.is estimated at $52,000 installed,with well repairs costing approximately $30,000
of that amount,and does not recommend a connection with our existing system acrossthe lake
at the present time if the.Westlake wells are repaired.Streets =consist of crushed base and
light bituminus surface treatment.Total length of the street system is approximately six miles,
with no drainage.Street lighting exists at most intersections.The Washington State Highway
Council Minutes:5 February 8,1972
Department inthe event we annexed would turn over maintenance ofthe frontage road to the City
of Moses Lake.Monumentation in the streets and survey control data does not exist.The platted
*—'streets in the residential area are 60feet wide; one collector arterial is platted at 75 feet wide.
The rightof way for Westshore Drive is 100 feet wide.These areall adequate right of way widths.
Concerning Bureau of Reclamation purchased property,it is usuallythe Bureau's policyto get rid
ofthis land, eitherto anotherFederal or State agency or possiblyto the CityofMoses Lake.The
townof Westlake at the present time has a license from themto use the second well on the south
side of the freeway. Possibly if the area is annexed the well and all rights to the well may be
turned over to the City of Moses Lake.
His general recommendations and opinions are basedonthree future items.(1)-good potential
• water users located aroundthe golf course and alongWestshore Drive.(2)- the possibility of
'QO annexingthe City of Moses Lake's present landfill area.(3)- Wherewe are committing street
&*»•funds from the Public Works Department for operation and maintenance of beautificationonthe
'*jjH 'Interstate 90off-ramp,it would seem logicalthat controlling growth and making surethat Westlake
ltd 'becomes a good entrance to our City would protect this investment.
O %'Councilman Hill inquired - are we premature in considering this before a resolution is beingsub
mitted by the Town ofWestlake,without any action by the Town of Westlake?
CityManagerWaggener stated this was placed onthe agenda because the City Councilof Moses
v Lake did have an open study session with the people ofWestlake,and we did indicate at thattime
to bring it back to the Council for consideration; should youwish to consider it or wait until you
have an actual form of resolution.The Mayor of Westlake is not present,he is out of town.
Mayor Skaug commented that he presumed with this information submitted, the Council could make
/,some determination as to the feasibility of such an annexation from the City's standpoint.,,
*"•Marshall Burress,a resident of Westlake,was present and stated that in the absence of their
. J..Mayor,Gib Kaynor,it is both his and and people ofWestlake's desire ifin some way the Moses-
..Lake City Council could give some indication at this point, or at least to encourage them to go
'.'•"'.into considerable time regarding formalities of petitioning,submitting a resolution,etc.,and have
a feeling of confidence as to how the Council may react toward proposed annexation,and then pro
ceed from there..-,.-'
Councilman Hill inquired why would the City Engineer suggest the possibility of annexing the land
fill,and City Manager Waggener stated that perhaps to be specific,under the present legislation
unless the Department of Ecology eventually supersedes the statutes of the State of Washington,
if the site is within the corporate limits we can continue operating on our city landfill,if not,"then
we have no choice but to use the one designated by the County,and if the County chooses a sile
a long distance from us,this may be some value in annexing the sanitary landfill site.The rules
and regulations may eventually be that we may really have no choice.
Motion by Moe to wait on this until we do have some action from the Town of Westlake in the form
of a resolution or indicate their desire to be annexed or whatever it takes from them.Second by
Boyle.
Councilman Hill stated that our citizens of Moses Lake have not had the chance through the rews
media for any of the facts.I believe Mr.Burress indicated some action from the City Council,
therefore,I think that the citizens of Moses Lake read some of the facts and figures and let us
know how they feel.**"'"'.'"•^'"*"":
Councilman Boyle commented that the time element involved would be our next meeting of two
weeks hence.
/)'-Councilman Moe inquired as to how long would it take for the Town of Westlake to do'.this ?
Marshall Burress commented,we could call for a petition for permission by the next council meeting,
J
The question was called for regarding the motion by Councilman Moe.Motion carried.
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Council Minutes:6 February 8,1972
Councilman Johnson commented that we can assume we will have a petition from the Town of
Westlake in two weeks.
SANITARY LANDFILL CHARGES
A letter was read from City Engineer Weaver stating that in October of 1970,at the request of the
Grant County Commissioners,the City of Moses Lake agreed to accept refuse from the County.'.
At the present time we are accepting approximately the following amount of refuse at the sanitary
landfill:
2,600 yards -City Garbage
400 yards -Grant County Airport Garbage
2,100 yards -Rural and Industrial Refuse
400 yards -Residential County and City Refuse
as you can.see the breakdown of refuse is approximately 50-50.The cost including personnel,
equipment and overhead for our Contractor and for the City of Moses Lake to administer this land
fill is approximately $2,500 to $3,000 per month.These costs were accumulated over a period
when the Department of Ecology was requiring us to go from the old side hill method to the trench
method of sanitary landfill operation.The revenue received at the landfill is about'$150 a month
for vehicles dumping refuse and the Contractor received a direct subsidy payment of $325 a month
from the County for maintaining landfill operations on Sunday.The City at the present time is in
the position of subsidizing County solid waste disposal at a rate of $1,500 a month.He recommended
that negotiations be initiated with the County concerning their paying a fair share of the cost and
that we do a re.-evaluation of sanitary landfill charges.
City Manager Waggener informed the Council that he discussed this letter with Mode Snead on
Thursday of last week.
Motion by Johnson that re-negotiations be instigated with the City and County and to re-evaluate
the landfill charges.Second by Hill.City Manager Waggener stated that if.it meets with approval of
Council,he will contact Mode Snead and go to the next County Commissioners meeting and discuss
it with them.
The motion carried.
APPOINTMENTS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Mayor Skaug requested confirmation of the following terms to the Moses Lake Planning Commission.
Re-appointment of Leonard Mathews -term to expire 12-31-1977.
Re-appointment of Brad Ekstedt -term to expire 12-31-1977.
Appointment of Wayne Rimple -term to expire 12-31-1977.
Motion by Hill the Council confirm the appointments to the Planning Commission.Second by Johnson.
Motion Carried.
APPOINTMENTS TO THE INTER-RACIAL COMMISSION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Mayor Skaug requested confirmation of the City Council for the following appointments to the Inter-
Racial Commission for Human Rights.
Re-appointment of Darlene Skeels -term to expire June 1,1973.
Re-appointment of Bob Ballinger -term to expire June 1,1973.
Motion by Boyle that the Council confirm the appointments.Second by Lindell.Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 P.M.
MAYOR,Otto M.Skatfg
ATTEST:
ty Clerk,Charle^r Davenport