1964 01 07a 54
COUNCIL MEETING
SPECIAL SESSION -8:00 P.M. -CITY HALL January 7,1^64
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Dietzen.Other Councilmen
present included Gordon Ebbert,Otto Skaug,Harold Stadshaug,William
Hilderbrand,Forrest Hardin and Fred Krueger.
Also present were six members of the Planning Commission,James
Ellinger,Glenn Farris,Harvey Vernier, David Kehl,0. C.Shadduck
and Selden Jones,many of the Council candidate.'-,Mr.Gaiser and
Mr.Beam of the Chamber of Commerce,and interested citizens.
Mayor Dietzen explained that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss
the possible hiring of an economic firm.
A letter was read from Ron Thompson,Chief Planner of Harstad and
Associates,stressing his revised opinion as to the most suitable
planning program for Moses Lake.The most urgent problem facing the
community is the preparation of an action oriented economic develop
ment program to pinpoint the growth potentials of the area.In
addition,some revision and updating could be carried cut within the
financial framework of the City's planning budget.
Mayor Dietzen reviewed for the group how this program was initiated.
In the budget hearings last September Council discussed an economic
survey,and finally decided that they would be willing to spend
$3,000.00 plus possibly half of Mr.Wright's time in putting this
program across.Proposals were received through November,of which
4-firms were decided upon to be interviewed.A meeting was held with
the Chamber and Payrolls Unlimited to explain the Council's feeling
that they were not trying to infringe en anybody's territory,that they
were in a position to help Mcses ,,jake in that they had a staff and
could provide some funds.Mayor Dietzen explained that his feeling
was that before we are going to be able to attract industry we are
going to have to present facts as to our raw materials,our market
and transportation costs.
Mr.MacMaster,who stated that he had several years experience with
Consulting Engineers,questioned the advisability of spending a large
sum of money to hire a Consulting Firm and Possibly receive only data
taken from their shelves and put on ours.He questioned hew the
information would be utilized after it was received.
Mr.Ellinger,of the Planning Commission,stated that he had attended
all but one of the presentations and he felt that all Consultants had
basic knowledge of what we want.He feels that Mr.Wright and Mr.
Waggener are very capable men and will keep a tight rein.
Mr.Gaiser said that the Chamber had no comments as an official body,
that they are willing to support the program.All four of the firms
are well qualified to do the work as far as technical aspects are
concerned.
Motion by Hardin,seconded by Stadshaug,that the public hearing be
closed regarding the choice of a Consulting firm.Motion carried.
Mr.Wright was asked for his opinions concerning these firms,and he
commented that he thought Beck,being so new in planning,should net
be considered,although the firm is doing a good job in certain fields
Ron Thompson of Harstad &Associates has quite a bit of knowledge,
and the firm shewed a complete switch in their thinking after our
earlier talks with them.Seeing the community opened up new fields
of interest as far as they were concerned.CSC is a new firm with
two bright young men,but Mr.Wright was disappointed in their presen
tation,feeling that it was a little soft.We need somebody more
forceful.Mr.Wright said that Clark,Coleman and Rupeiks would be
his choice.
855 JANUARY 7,1964
All Councilmen expressed agreement with Mr.Wright's opinion.
Motion by Stadshaug,seconded by Hardin that we retain the Consulting
Firm of Clark Coleman;.,and Rupeiks until the program has been
approved.Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
ATTEST:
-£.
Mary L<.tfiopley
City Clelrk
/JVIayor