1973 09 111873
!J.
COUNCIL MEETING -Regular Session September 11,1973
Council Chambers 8:00 P-M-
Members Present:Councilman Robert E.Hill,Norman W.Johnson,W.B.Moe,Gordon M.Ebbert,
Otto M.Skaug,and Michael Boyle.
Invocation -Dean Welch -Evangelical Methodist
The meeting was called to order, and Mayor Skaug called for approval of the minutes of the previous meet
ing. It was pointedout that the minutes of the special session held September 4 also needed approval.
It was moved by Johnson and seconded by Boyle that the minutes of the August 28 regular session beapprovedas written.Motion carried. It was moved by Hill and seconded by Johnson that the minutes of
the September 4 special session be approved as written.Motion carried.
REGULAR BILLS TOTAL AMOUNT PAID
FUND
GENERAL $7,967.95
STREET 2,796.20
URBAN ARTERIAL 21,097.80
WATER/SEWER 29,301.05
EQUIPMENT RENTAL 722.47
L.I.D.#27 4,323.15
It was moved by Hill and seconded by Boyle that the regular bills be paid.Warrants No.'s 5034 through •
5132 in the amount of $66,208.62 were approved for payment.
CONSIDERATION OF BIDS -POLICE RADIO EQUIPMENT .
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A letter from Moses Lake Police Chief Al Bjork,which read as follows:As per authorization of City Council
to call for bids and radio communitions equipment on specifications authorized by the Washington State Law
and Justice Commission,the City Clerk advertised the call for bids in the Columbia Basin Daily Herald,
August 9 and August 16,1973.Bids were opened on August 29,1973 at 2 P.M.by Acting City Clerk,
Freda Zimmerman,and myself."
"One bid was received from Motorola Communications and Electronics,Inc.I have examined the bid along
with Mr.Roland Kissler of Basin Communications,who maintains our electronic equipment,arid find the bid
to comply with the specifications,and equal or exceed all minimum specifications."
"I am enclosing a copy of the bid from Motorola Inc.along with their letter of transmittal,an!bid bond,
as required in the specifications,in the amount of 5%of the bid amount,and recommend the aoceptance of
this bid in the amount of total equipment $19,559.00,total installation $600.00,taxes $1,007.95,grand
total $21,166.95.Thank you for your cooperation."
The Council then asked for comment from Chief Bjork.Chief Bjork stated that In his opinion,the bid was
a good one,and mentioned it favorably in comparison with other bids received for the project.He also
stated that the project was on federal grant,by which 75%of the project cost is borne by State Law and
Justice Funds and the City pays 25%."This will give us a good radio communications system.He men
tioned that Mr Paleigh Burns of the Motorola Company was present,should the Council want to direct any
questions toward him.Gordon Ebbert asked for a completion date for the project.Chief Bjork stated that
the bid states 90%of the equipment is due within 90 days of contract,however it is felt by the company,
that because of the present market situation,an additional 30 days will be required,making a total of
120 days to completetion date.It was asked that the council include the additional 30 days in their ac
ceptance of the bid.Hill moved that the bid from Motorola Inc.be accepted,with a total of 120 days
to completetion date,rather than 90 days.Seconded by Johnson.Motion carried.
CONSIDERATION OF BIDS - CASCADE PARK COMFORT STATION ,„y//S/
A letter was read from City Engineer Richard L.Weaver,stating that a bid opening,had been held September 5
1973 for Cascade Park Comfort Station,Contract #73-08 and Comfort Station Concrete Slab,Plumbing,
Septic tanks and Drain Field,Contract #73-09.The letter also said that Super-Secur Comfort Stations of
Burlington,California,was the sole bidder on the Cascade Park Comfort Station (Contract #73-08)in the
amount of $6,395.55,tax included,with an additional bid of $315.00 for a gable roof.Mr.Weaver
recommended in the letter that the bid be accepted in the amount of $6,395.55.
The letter stated that no bids had been received for th*»Concrete slab,plumbing,septic tanks and drain
field,for which he requested authorization from the Council to negotiate a contract (73-09).Mayor Skaug
then asked if the Council members had any questions to ask Mr.Weaver.Johnson asked whv there were
no local bidders for the contract.Mr.Weaver answered that two local bidders had been interested,but
when a metal comfort station was decided on,it became economically unfeasible for the local companies to
bid.Mr.Weaver also stated that the comfort station would be shipped from a Washington branch of the
California company,and constructed by the City crew.Mr.Weaver Mso reminded the Council that the
$6,395.55 amount did not include the concrete slab,plumbing,septic tanks or drain field.These items are
on a different contract.Mayor Skaug asked Weaver if he could estimate how much more the second contract
(73-09)would cost.Mr.Weaver answered that the to^al estimate was originally $9200.
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Council Minutes:2 September 11,1973
Mike Boyle moved that the Council accept the bid from Super Secur Comfort Stations for Contract #73-08,'-
and that Mr.Weaver be authorized to negotiate a contract for the Concrete Slab,Plumbing,Septic Tanks "•
and Drain Field.Motion seconded by Hill,motion carried.
GRANT COUNTY PUD - Conservationof Electricity '1_'
Chester Waggener,City Manager,introduced to the Council Mr. Larry Peterson of Grant County Public "•
Utility District.Mr.Peterson stated that he appreciated the opportunity to talk to the City Council about
the conservation of energy.He explained that the PUD had started a campaign both with individuals and
with companies and municipalities to cut back on the use of energy in any way possible.Mr.Peterson
quoted statistics that showed the entire northwest in a possible situation of a shortage of energy for the winter
season.The PUD is looking,through a collective effort,for a 7%decrease in electric energy use.Mr.
Peterson said that the reason for the shortage is lack of precipitation this year in the northwest,which has
decreased the level of water in the reservoir.He said that while a good year of precipitation this winter
could put the situation back to normal,increased demand will keep the energy shortage a real threat until
1982.He also reminded the council that another dry year would increase the severity of the shortage.
The PUD would like to encourage voluntary curtailment of energy use before mandatory curtailment becomes
necessary.Individuals are encouraged to save energy in their homes by turning down thermostats,turning
dowi water heaters,making sure TV,radio,etc.are turned off when not in use.They also suggest turning
off water heaters when there is no one home.The small Inconvenience now will save us a big.inconve.rilence
later.For the City,the PUD will work with the staff and employees and decide how much energy can be
lived without.Some suggestions were turning off certain groups of street lights,alternate street lights,
and turning on street lights at a later hour and turning them off at an earlier hour,etc.It was stressed that
the saving of energy would not take precedence over traffic and pedestrian safety.It was also stated that
no residential areas would be left without lights.Mr.Peterson concluded by saying that a good example
could be set by the City in getting the campaign started in the City of Moses Lake and the surrounding area.
The PUD also plans to do the work of disconnecting and reconnecting when necessary,at no charge to theCity.Discussion followed concerning how the City staff and the Council could determine where energy could
be saved.It was suggested that PUD and the City staff work together and after their findings,report back to
the Council,after which a Resolution will be created determining steps to be taken within the city for the
conserving of energy.The suggestion was made into a motion by Johnson and seconded by Ebbert.Motion
carried.
RESOLUTION NO.639 - CITY PROPERTY TRADE WITH MONTY HOLM__—————————————f
iDT Aletter was rsad from Richard L.Weaver which stated that Mr.Monty Holm of Moses Lakt Iron and MetalICompanyhadrecentlyouichasedproDertyinthe1100blockofMarinaDrive.After having a survey done on
the property ho discovered that a small piece which he thought he had just purchased,was ii-fact City rightof way. Therefore, Mr.Holm would like to obtain the property. Mr. Weaver's letter stated that after his
review of the request he feels that if the City keeps a sixty foot street right of way providing access to the
Standard Oil Company property that the remaining property Mr. Holm desires for his development could be
traded to him for a ten (10)foot wide strip along Marina Drive.The piece of property Mr.Holm wants isnot needed for City street use and the ten foot strip is to give us the standard sixty foot rioht of way for
the Marina Drive extension."I recommend that the Oity Council authorize the City Manager to execute
the enclosed deeds on behalf of the City of Moses Lake".
A letter wat also read from Mr. B.I.Middlebrooks who requested the trade on behalf of Moses Lake Iron Oand Metal Company,stating that the action would "be of benefit to the Ctiy and the Company in clearing a ,^
title defect."{32
City Engineer Richard L.Weaver then presented a map to the Council and pointed outthe property inquestion..^Ebbert asked Mr.Middlebrooks,who was present, what th«plar.^for development are on the property, to which ~*
Mr.Middlebrooks replied that he did not know how the property would be developed.•'w«
At this point CityAttorney John Caibom stated that his understanding was that in earlier history ofthe City,a private deed was made to the County for the property in order to insure the Standard Oil Company that there
would be access across the railroad so they could reach their property. The 60 foot right of way is in theareawheretheroad now crosses the railroad.The property was inherited from the County by the City.
The resolution was read by title only. It was movedby Johnson and seconded by Boyle that the resolution
be adopted as written.Motion carried.
'"i "'7 /'-,Q ORDINANCE NO.677 -CITY PROPERTY TRADE WITH MONTY HOLM ..-
)""An ordinance providing for the exchange of real estate between the City of Moses Lake and Moses Lake
Iron and Metal Pursuant to resolution herefore entered."The ordinance was read by title only.It was moved ' '
by Bob Hill and seconded by Norm Johnson that the ordinance be adopted. Motion carried.
/COMMUNITY SURVEY RETURNS(p
|v- Mr.Larry Hibbard,Community Development Directorrecalled to the Council that a letter had been sent to r^pCe>them recently which contained all the percentage returns ofthe recent Community Goals Survey.He was /;?_£___
present at the Council meeting to answer any questions that the Council may have.Several council mem
bers suggested that the comments made by the citizens be submitted to the Council.Johnson asked that
the returned comments be compiled into a list form and be brought to council and published.It was the
general concensus of the council that they would like to see the comments. Mr. Hibbard explained that such
Council Minutes:3 September 11,1973
a list was in preparation and that it would be ready for the council at it's next meeting.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTIVITIES REPORT FROM CHAIRMAN
Al Munson, chairman of the Planning Commission,began by thanking the council for its support during
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the past year,and went on to say that he would like to inform the Council about the various present and -""//P /future activities of the Planning Commission.Mr.Munson explained that earlier this year severai members/
of the planning commission felt that they had been receiving an excess of zone change requests.They feltthat somechanges might be due in the Zoning Ordinance . Acommittee was composedof Larry Hibbard, Cyd
Combs and Wayne Rimple with the assignment to study zoning ordinances and laws of other cities of our
size and type and come upwith somedrafts forthe commission to work with.He stated that through the
summer,regular Planning Commission meetings had been alternated with study sessions on the off weeks.
Mr. Munson felt that the Commission was about 3/4 finished with the rought drafts.He also stated that
the Commission also plans to revise the subdivisions ordinance,and work on the Shorelines Master Plan.
Council asked if the Commission had looked at the present Highway Service zone,to which Mr.Munsonreplied in the affirmative, stating that that particular zone had been one of the primary reasons for revisionof the Zoning Ordinance.He said that land use studies had been made of the city,and they showed that
Moses Lake was fairly close to what was considered good zoning standards.Mr. Munson invited the Council
members to come to any of the Planning Commission,meetings they desired to and also welcomed suggestions
and ideas from the Council concerning the projects the Commission is undertaking.
Mr.Munson also mentioned that the Moses Lake Planning Commission has enjoyed a good working relation
with the County Planning Commission in areas,of mutual concern during the past year Mayor Skaug thanked
Chairman Munson for his report.
PIONEER WAY SIGNAL MODIFICATION -ACCEPTANCE OF COMPLETED CONTRACT
///7AletterwasreadfromRichardL.Weaver:"Tyee Electric has satisfactorily completed all work on Contract
#73-03,Pioneer Way Signal Modifications.I recommend the City Council accept the work and enter the
thirty (30)day lien period."
Favorable comments were made concerning the work done on the Pioneer Way signals,and Johnson moved
to accept the work and enter the 30 day lien period.Seconded by Hill.Motion carried.
WATER AND SEWER RATE ANALYSIS -FINAL REPORT
A letter was read from Public Works Director,Richard L.Weaver,which contained a report providing legal
basis for the new Water and Sewer Rate Schedule that has been adopted by the City Council.
The report was divided into two parts and is copied in entirety below:
PART I.Review of the City's Existing Water-Sewer Rates and Operations:
A review of the allocation of cost and revenues in the present water and sewer system of the City
of Moses Lake and at the Larson Air Force Base system showed that inequities existed in cost
share and distribution.It also showed that the present rate schedule for both water and sewer
systems would not provide sufficient income to meet operation expenses and needed improvement
costs.
With inequities of cost sharing and insufficient revenues a rate adjustment was mandatory.
PART n.Projections and New Water-Sewer Rate Recommendations:
Taking the Council's approved Five Year Capital Improvement Program and data on operations and
maintenance,income'requirements for the two separate systems were projected.These income
requirements were projected on the results of a cost allocation done of the two systems with the
major items for that cost allocation being the commodity costs of:
1.Source of supply
2.Pov/er and pumping
3.Transmission and distribution
4.Service and maintenance
5.Fire facilities
6.Distribution and storage
7.Customer accounting
8.Administration and general salaries
9.Debt service
10.Taxes
On the basis of the cost allocation of these income requirements using the above items a rate schedule was
proposed.After the rate schedule was proposed it was checked using a one hundred percent rample of the
City's customers,on our computer using 1972 consumptions,to see if any inequities would result from this
rate schedule.None were found.
Since the water and sewer system is a utility in competition with other water and sewer utilities,the proposed
water and sewer rate was compared with our competitors.This is important for future development of the City
and Larson area because we must stay competitive if we are to .stay in business.It was found that our pro
posed water and sewer rate,even though it represented a substantial increase over what we were charging,
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(6C Councilman Bob Hill brought up some-questions directed at Mr. Weaver concerning the drilling being done
on the lake for testing the lake bottom.Mr.Weaver explained that the tests were being done for a future
project of another lake crossing.Mayor Skaug asked if there were any danger of the holes opening a pet-
cock in the bottom of the lake and draining it.Mr.Weaver's answer was negative,and City Manager Chet
Waggener assured the Council that STR had checked into the dangers before beginning the test holes.Bob
Hill asked where the City got the authority to drill the holes."Is it the City's right to drill a hole in the
lake without permission from anybody?"Mr.Weaver stated that the holes drilled in the banks of the lake were
done with the permission of the property owners,and the firm of STR v/erc under the supervision of someone
geologically trained for such projects.It was also mentioned that the same kind of tests were make by
the Highway Department in the construction of 1-90 crossing the &ke.Mr.Hill asked ifvthe Irrigation and
Rehabilitation District was aware of the tests being done.Mr.Waggener stated that the Irrigation and
Rehabilitation District was concerned only with the top three feet of water on the lake.
Council Minutes:4 September 11,1973
would leave this utility in a good competitive position.On the basis of this report the City Coucil
adopted the recommended rates by Ordinances 666 and 667."Mr.Weaver was then open to question;
from the Council concerning the Water and Sewer Rate Study,which was done for the City by the en
gineering firm of Stevens,Thompson and Runyan.
TAKE BOTTOM STUDY /&
City Attorney John Calbom stated that the statute establishing the Irrigation and Rehabilitation District
leserved to the cities the right to carryouttheir governmental proprietary functions in conjunction with
the lake.
GRANT COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PIAN
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Mayor Skaug referred to the completed Solid Waste Management Plan which had been distributed to the
Council Members.The plan has incorporated those things we discussed,and our resolution has been
attached to the plan as submitted to the State Department of Ecology.We shall expect to act with the
county commissioners in the administration of the things decided on.
1973 MEETING OP AWC /6£
ftiP The 1973 meeting of the Association of Washington Cities will be October 4,1973,on a Thursday in Ephrata
at Galfano's Restaurant.It was discussed among the Council Members and decided that all members of the
Council should attend the meeting if possible.It was moved by Johnson and seconded by Bc-,le that Mr.
Waggener make reservations for the entire council.
There being no further business before the Council,the meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
Mayor Otto M .Sk
ATTEST:
Acting City Clerk --'Freda Zimmerman
H