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1973 02 13u u 1801 COUNCIL MEETING - Regular Session February 13,1973 Council Chambers 8:00 P.M. Members present:Councilman Robt.E. Hill, W.B.Moe,Norman W.Johnson,Gordon M.Ebbert, Otto M.Skaug,Ernest V.Lindell and Michael Boyle. Invocation:Rev. E.Godfrey White,St.Martins Episcopal Church. Mayor Skaug called the meeting to orderand called for approval of the minutes of the previous meetingofTanuary23,1973.Motion by fohnson,secondby Boyle to approve the minutes as written.Motion carried. REGULAR BILLS TOTAL AMOUNT PAID FUND GENERAL $2o'5nn'l? ••UUPHM0-^o-xZ&XU^-it,177.00 l1**'*3 & MotionbyXindell that the regular bills be paid. Second by Hill. Motion carried. Warrant No's.3788 through 3910 in the amount of $114,430.82 were approved for payment. RECOGNITION OF BOY SCOUT WEEK ijOQ In observance of Boy Scout Week,many of the Boy Scouts of the different troops of our City had been '' assigned various positions in the City during the day and others again had been assigned to positions of legislative City government, through coordination of Scout Master Wally Morris. Scouts assigned for the Council meeting were as follows: Mayor Skaug Lavar Jensen,Troop 96 Councilman Ebbert Jim Melville,Troop 55 Councilman Lindell Kirk Holben,Troop 93 Councilman Boyle Wes Bentley,Troop 65 Councilman Hill John Spottedbird,Troop 77 (not present) Councilman Johnson Val Issacson,Troop 97 Councilman Moe Jim Justesen,Troop 43 City Manager Chet Waggener Francis McDowell,Troop 77 City Attorney,John Calbom Marty Ross,Troop 77 Mayor Skaug thankedWally Morris, in charge of the Troops,and appreciated these young men attending the City Council and afford them some insight as to City government. CONSIDERATION OF BIDS - TRAFFIC COUNTERS ,_;o/7 A letter was read from Public Works Director Weaver,stating that bids were opened at 2:00 P.M.on February 7,1973 for providing seven digital traffic counters and one tape reader machine, and attached a bid summary. After investigation of the bids and a statement by the Fischer & Porter Company representative that they would have trouble warranting their tape reader, he recommended the City Council award bid for providing seven digital traffic counters to Leupold and Stevens,Inc.,including one tape reader machine. Motion by Hill to accept the high bid of Leupoldand Stevens for $5630.63. Second by Boyle. Motion carried. CONSIDERATION OF BIDS - THREE QUARTER TON PICK-UP TRUCK Aletter was read from Public Works Director Weaver, stating that bids were opened at 2:00 P.M. on /£>/yFebruary7,1973 for purchasing one 1973 3/4 ton pickup truck. He recommended acceptance of Boyle Chevrolet-Cadillac Inc.bid in the amount of $3,259.61. Motion by Boyle to accept the bid of Boyle Chevrolet-Cadillac Inc.,in the amount of $3,259.61. Second by Johnson.Motion carried. CONSIDERATION OF BIDS - TWO 1973 FOUR-DOOR POLICE SEDANS Aletter was read from Public Works Director V/eaver,stating that bids were opened at 2:00 P.M. on //?/~yFebruary7,1973 for purchasing«#P 1973 four-door policesedans.He recommended acceptance ofthe /'' bid from C & V Auto in the amount of $7,519.10. Motion by Johnson to accept the low bid of $7,519.10 submitted by C &VAuto Sales &Service. Second by Lindell.Motion carried.r 1802 Council Meeting Minutes:2 February 13,1973 RESOLUTION NO.593 -STREET VACATION -ELDER STREET \0*Aletter was read from the Community Development Director Larry Hibbard,stating that at the lastICityCouncilmeetingtheCouncilset a public hearing for February 27,1973 to considerthe vacation of a section of Elder Street.However,State Statutes require that the public hearing for street vaca tions be set by resolution.This requirement was overlooked and the hearing was set without the adop tion of a resolution.He recommended the Council adopt the accompanying resolution setting a hearing on March 13, 1973 for consideration of vacating a portion of Elder Street and cancel the hearing scheduled for February 27,1973. Motion by Johnson to adopt Resolution No. 593 setting March 13, 1973as the public hearing date for consideration of vacating a portion of ElderStreet and cancel the previous date of February 27,1973. Second by Hill.Motion carried. Councilman Hill requested the engineerinq orints of preliminary sketches of the curb cuts on East Broadwayattnepublichearing,and was iniormed they would be made available. ^RESOLUTION NO.594 -STREET VACATION -MARINA DRIVE )0 Aletter was read from Community Development Director Larry Hibbard,stating that Payrolls Unlimited requested the vacation of a portion of Marina Drive last Summer. An informal hearing was held by the Planning Commission and their recommendation was referred to the Council,but no action was taken at the request of Payrolls Unlimited. Plans for development are now progressing and Payrolls Unlimited has requested that the Council set a, hearing to consider the vacation of a portion of Marina Drive.The Planning Commission recommended the street be vacated subject to rededication of a right of way to serve the adjacent state property and suitable agreements with the'PUD and the City for relocation of utilities. He also recommended that Council Initiate the consideration of vacating the portion of Marina Drive through the state property.This section of street would be isolated if Payrolls Unlimited request is approved.Following the hearing the Council may then vacate all or part of the right of way described in the resolution setting March 13,1973 for a public hearing to consider this street vacation. Motion by Ebbert to adopt Resolution No. 594 to set a date for public hearing on March 13, 1973 for consideration of vacating a portion of Marina Drive.Second by Lindell.Motion carried.1 I ORDINANCE -AMENDING ZONING ORDINANCE RELATED TO OUTSIDE STORAGE AND DISPLAY (1st reading). (\3 I Aletter was read from Larry Hibbard,Community Development Director,stating that the Council adopted]^Ordinance No.654 amending the Zoning Ordinance regulations for storage and display on October 24,1972. While the ordinances*todopted in 1972 were being codified,several mistakes were found in the construction of the ordinance.No substantive changes were made;the content of the ordinance is identical to Ordi nance No.654 which the Council adopted.Ordinance No.654 contained clerical-type errors such as amending non-existing numbers of a section and in another instance putting in new sections but using old numbers,and the construction of the ordinance was using an erroneous method repealing a paragraph. Therefore,this new ordinance to clarify. City Manager commented that City Attorney John Calbom informed him that a public hearing in this instance may be waived since this is merely a corrective procedure,but it does require two readings on the ordinance, Motion by Lindell to accept the first reading of the ordinance.Second by Moe.Motion carried. COMMUNITY GOALS \ffi Mayor Skaug asked the Council if they had any particular input in the questionnaire presented to the v^City Council on February 6th during their open study session,which was opposed to being sent out as a survey,and have it made known that we can reflect that input into that piece of literature. Councilman Hill commented that they made the same survey about five years ago and this is almost identical in context.Whereupon Mayor Skaug stated that he could recall a number of surveys were re turned and no action was taken,and it is hoped that this particular survey will refer attention at least ito some areas,and that Council consideration no doubt will be required on any of the areas that seem .to ring the loudest with people in their particular evaluation,and it could be an area of some goals. It is hoped that the input and the results of this particular information is one that can spearhead the studies.I can assure you that when we are done,implementation will be sought from the Council in the areas of action. City Manager Waggener commented that also the method of conducting the survey and the intended follow- up on the survey be quite different,and the one made previously had no follow-up. Councilman Hill inquired if they are going to anyone at random or random taxpayers?Some want a particular thing done,and the next question is,would you be willing to pay more taxes for it?Of course,no they don't want to pay more taxes for it.Mayor Skaug stated,you asked if only taxpayers will be asked to complete the survey.All residents are taxpayers,in effect a tenant is helping to pay taxes.The Fire Department does not refuse to respond to a church because they are not paying taxes. n i i u 1803 Council Meeting Minutes:3 February 13,1973 Councilman Moe --Some don't -some Fire Departments are run by subscription in some towns. On the other hand -an action being taken that the City will be involved and the Council will be Involved in,but has not been involved in the past. Mayor Skaug - The Council has not been mandated in any of the areas.If there is an overwhelming area of response in a particular area of performance,I think the Council should be and must be involved.The questions as you read them,I think,are very general,an answer of "yes","no" or "maybe"is all that is necessary if they wish.Then perhaps one of them appears as one of most interest,could be the concern. Councilman Moe - I question the direction given to the questionnaire to go ahead and spend city time and money.The Council still hasn't given anyone direction which way to go. Mayor Skaug - The Council,as to my information,was informed that such a thing would be in the mail here early this year. Councilman Moe -This thing started way last Tall.Mayor Skaug - It so happens that you were alerted on this way last Fall. Councilman Lindell - I would like to make a motion that this letter be sent out as it is presented to the Council.I see nothing wrong with the letter,we are not obligated.If my colleague wants to take action, we can now,and maybe we can satisfy everybody on the Council.Second by Boyle.Motion carried. In favor =Boyle,Lindell,Skaug and Ebbert.Opposed =Hill,Moe and Johnson. Councilman Moe asked to qualify his vote - I am just showing my objection to the way the whole thing was handled. Mayor Skaug asked -would you have a similar objection if it had come out over Mr.Hibbard's signa ture? Councilman Moe - I don't think it be in his position to have such a letter be sent out. Mayor Skaug -Then it must reflect that over my signature is the whole objection to the whole matter. .Councilman Moe -No,people were appointed to it (committee)without obtaining what their intent was and six months later the whole action was taken by various other men.You mentioned several people and then in another sentence you mention several others.That would affect the question on the letter sent out.I don't know what they mean or what their intent is.If you are going to get results why only those questions,why not cut it down to three or four.I don't object to your signature,!don't think the Council was informed. Councilman Johnson -It looks more like a Chamber project.Councilman Boyle -It might get more reaction if it came from the Chamber,but the Chamber can't fund it. Mayor Skaug - I maintain the impact would be greater with the Mayor's signature than than Mr.Hibbard's, Mr.Combs,Mr.Hicks,etc.v 0 '* Councilman Moe - I still think they should have received Council action last Fall. Mayor Skaug -The Council is not relieved from this particular area of action. Councilman Moe - I still think the Council was being by-passed and obviously everyone is not being as concerned as I have been. Mayor Skaug - A majority voted in favor of it now,Mr.Moe. STREET LOAD LIMITS Aletter was read from Public Works Director Weaver,stating that the Council passed a Resolution on ///"7 December 26,1972 establishing load limits on City streets as the need arose.With the alternating freeze thaw cycle that began in early January,load limits were posted on January 18,1973 and have with cooperation of the Police Department enforced them.With alternate freeze thaw cycle still occurr ing we could experience Spring road break-up worse than last year.The Public Works Department is intending to keep the load limits Imposed and are requesting that the Police Department strictly enforce them.We have granted a few waivers to the load restrictions on a case by case basis.The waiver re quests have been evaluated,and under this procedure escorted some overweight trucks that must come into town on streets that are able to carry these loads,and will continue with this procedure. This was submitted for information purposes to the Council,and no action required. INSURANCE CLAIM -Tames W.Young Aletter was read from the City Manager stating the accompanying claim has been forwarded to our //^<^/ insurance agency for processing,and suggests that the Council minutes merely note receipt of the claim.Mr.Young claims damages for demolition of property. 18&4 I9 Council Meeting Minutes:•:February 13,1973 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS CORRESPONDENCE A letter was read from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Eugene Whitehead Post and Auxiliary #5926, extending their thanks to the City for participating in the "Respect for Peace"program recently presented. D/WATER & SEWER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND RATE PROPOSAL A letter was read from City Manager Waggener,stating that detailed water and sewer capital improve ment program and proposed structure to finance that program was presented to the City Council on their last regular meeting of January 23,1973,and was again considered in an open study session on February 6.,1973. He requested Council approval of the proposed capital improvements program and authorization to draft a proposed'ordinance establishing water and sewer rates for their consideration.He suggested approval be given with the specific understanding that only Phase I of the proposal be funded and that a specific decision regarding construction of a storage reservoir and its related piping will be made following following simulation studies of the entire system.Phase II of the program will then need to be referred back to the City Council in approximately five years,at which time the program would need to be re-evaluated in view of conditions then existing. Another letter was read from the City Manager pertaining/me Financial Consultant retained for financial assistance on a water and sewer rate study and for follow up financial assistance on bonding.At the open study session on February 6,1973,Councilman Hill raised the very legitimate question regarding our using Willard Vadman acting on his own behalf as financial consultant,whereas the contract author ized by the City Council was with Blyth &Company,Inc. On April 25,1972 the City Council authorized our entering into a contract with Blyth &Company, represented at the Council meeting by Wjllard Vadman,for financial assistance on a water and sewer rate study and for follow up financial assistance on bonding.On July 12,1972 a letter was received from Blyth &Company,advising that they had determined to significantly alter its activities in the financial consulting field both as to direction and degree and suggested that we may wish to continue our relationship exclusively with Mr.Vadman,either as a private consultant or as an affiliate of another firm.As contracting officer for the City of Moses Lake,the City Manager contacted both Blyth &Company and Mr.Vadman and determined that the work contracted for had progressed to the extent that it was advantageous tc the City to continue the study with Mr.Vadman acting as a private consultant. This decision was made with the concurrence of Blyth &Company both by letter and by telephone discussion,inasmuch as they were at that time phasing out of municipal consulting work.We do not at this time have either a financial or legal obligation with Blyth &Company,although the City Manager I J concurred that this should have been made a matter of record in the Council minutes,and trusts this letter will suffice for that purpose. Motion by Boyle that this informatioa.be made part of the .minutes.Second.by Johnson. Mayor Skaug commented that this letter then substantiates the reasoning Mr.Waggener pursued in view of Blyth &Company's withdrawal from that particular field of activity. Upon Councilman Moe's inquiry,City Manager Waggener stated,no money has been paid Blyth &Co. The question was called -motion carried. At this time Public Works Director Weaver presented slides of the existing sewer and water system facilities and pointed out deficiencies of both systems,after which the meeting continued. Mr.Waggoner commented that for the Council's information,during the interim periodisince the open study session,he and the Public Works Director and the Finance Director have met with the Port District Commissioners and they have a complete understanding of the program,but they had no desire to come to Council,and their approach is that the study indicates consideration,and they will abide by the City Council's decision without any further questions. Mayor Skaug inquired if any of the federal funds proposed are in jeopardy -are they fundable,now? The City Manager stated,we were anticipating some money from HUD,and with the change of status, those funds are frozen.This program plans to use only EPA funds on the sewer program and we are assured of that.We are not anticipating any money on the water program.We will bond for 1.1 million dollars. Councilman Ebbert inquired if there ever was funding available for the water,and City.Manager Waggener stated,those funds were very difficult to procure.There were a lot of factors to procure these funds, and therefore,we do not anticipate any funds for water. Councilman Ebbert then inquired if this bonding includes any of the sewer project at the Base going on now, and Mr.Waggener stated,yes,it does,our financing on that at the present time is interim financing and it wiil take bonding to take care of that.It is part of the 1.1 million dollars that we are proposing. n LJ Council Meeting Minutes:5 February 13,1973 Councilman Moe asked - In your letter you referto simulated studies.This was something that wasnotdone? City Manager Waggener stated,we are trying various ways of operating the system and also findout what areas have deficiencies.To determine the best job of improving the system, we have to look at all of them.At this point we don't know which reservoir will do the best jobof improving the system.We propose to do the major portion of this work ourselves.There are areas where will need assistance. Motion by Boyle to approve the Capital Improvements Program and Rate Structure with the understanding that only Phase I of the proposal be funded and a decision regarding construction of a storage reservoir and its related piping will be made following simulation studies of the entire system.Also authorize the City Manager to prepare an ordinanceforthe Council's considerationat a Council meeting in the future whenever this can be done.Second by Lindell. Councilman Hill commented that he thinks the rates are entirely too high. It will put a burden on people and it will depreciate the appearance of our city as lawns turn brown.A rate structure to reduce water consumption is a negative approach to a water rate Increase. Councilman Moe - Aprogram taking the middle road costs as much as the proposed increase.It willcostdoubleforwasting ofwater with the newrates.There was time we could justify 100 cubic feetfor5<?,butit is costing more to maintain the system,and willcost more in the future too for improve ments.I don't know the answer. Mayor Skaug- Therehas been comparatively little study to the reasoning for no rate increase for thelast15or 20 years, and now facing a sizeable increase.A5%or 10%increase over a period of years would have been more palatable. City Manager Waggener stated,we are faced with costs that have happened in the last few years, thatwerenon-existant three or fouryears ago; principally with FederalStandards. Weare looking at aninfiltrationproblemthat was not with us five years ago and some of these are very severe. The question was called - Motion carried.Opposed by Hill. Meeting adjourned at 10:00 P.M. 18(55