CITY OF REPUBLIC DEC. 1, 2008 REGULAR MEETING

Those present: Mayor Shirley A. Couse. Council Members: Linda Hall, Jim Burnside, Dave Michel, Alex Wirt, and DiAnne Hewitt.

Guests Present were: Teri Kinney, Randy Kinney, Linette Richie, Chris Vellinga, Loni Simone, Russ Foster, Valerie Hester, Jon Chrysler, Ralph Bremner, Marianne Bremner, Tom Hern and Brenda Starkey.

Mayor Shirley A. Couse called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Council reviewed the November 17, 2008 minutes. Linda Hall motioned to approve the November 17, 2008 minutes. Jim Burnside seconded; motion carried.

Linette Richie of Career Path Services asked Council if there was any way to increase the hours for the Library janitorial services. Mayor Couse stated that since the City was cutting back hours for one employee, it was going to be difficult to justify in increase. Further, it would put the fund over, do to the amount of rent received for the library. Council will look at the budget, but can’t make any promises.

Jon Chrysler from the Republic Regional Visitors Bureau discussed with Council about limiting the financial support to $100.00. Council told Jon that because at this time there is no way of knowing how much money that the City will receive from the State and there is no large amount of money available for financial support and that the $100.00 limit will remain in place until reserves are built up.

Mayor Couse opened the public hearing for the 2009 Budget at 7:04 pm. Council reviewed the Draft Budget for 2009. Mayor Couse stated that there is still some fine tuning to be done of the budget but it was basically done. There being no more comments, Mayor Couse closed the public hearing at 7:13 pm.

Council reviewed Ordinance #2008-08 which contains correct beginning balances for 2008 and amending Ordinance #2007-17 that contains estimated beginning balances. Alex Wirt motioned to approve Ordinance #2008-08. DiAnne Hewitt seconded, discussion followed; motion carried.

Council reviewed the 2009 computer software agreement with Vision Municipal Solutions. DiAnne Hewitt motioned to approve the above mention agreement. Alex Wirt seconded, discussion followed; motion carried.

Chris Vellinga, new owner of the Branding Iron (Hitch-n-Post) restaurant and lounge asked Council to remove one of the water services for the building. Public Works Director Casey Giddings stated that there is no problem with the removal of the meter. DiAnne Hewitt stated that once a meter is removed and if at a later date, the owner wants it replaced, it would be the owner’s responsibility to pay all cost involved. Chris stated that he understood. DiAnne Hewitt motioned to remove the above stated meter. Dave Michel seconded, discussion followed; motion carried.

Grant Administrator Linda Hall stated that she has received approval for the SR20 project.

Interim Chief of Police Bret Roberts stated that Patrick Rainer will be graduating from the academy on December 11 and is doing very well. Bret stated that he is working with Canfield and Associates on a $5000.00 grant for weapons. Bret also updated Council on the police department. Bret asked Council for permission for Ken Marcuson & Patrick Rainer to attend a FBI training for incident investigation on June 15 thru 19, 2009. The cost is $25.00 per person. DiAnne Hewitt motioned for the officers to attend the FBI training in June 2009. Linda Hall seconded, discussion followed; motion carried. Bret stated that the 2nd mandatory administrative training for Chief of Police in July 2009 which will cost $550.00. Linda Hall motion for Bret to attend the above stated training. Jim Burnside seconded, discussion followed; motion carried. The 3rd mandatory administrative training for Chief of Police is in August 2009 which will cost $700.00. Alex Wirt motioned for Bret to attend the above stated training. Dave Michel seconded, discussion followed; motion carried.

Mayor Couse left the meeting at 8:07 pm while Alex Wirt stated that the Stevens County Commissioners have extended the time for hauling garbage to Stevens County Landfill. Mayor Couse came back to the meeting at 8:13 pm.

DiAnne Hewitt stated that she owed Jim Burnside an apology for a statement that she made at the November 10, 2009 OHV special meeting, Jim accepted the apology.

Council reviewed all letters received into and sent from City Hall.

Council reviewed an e-mail form City Attorney Scott DeTro on the issue of the antique fire trucks. The trucks cannot be donated or sold for $1.00. DiAnne Hewitt motioned for the fire trucks to be surplus equipment and put up for bids. Jim Burnside seconded, discussion followed; motion carried.

Council reviewed the picture for a sign at the College. Discussion followed. Council tabled this issue until more information is available.

DiAnne Hewitt motioned to approve payroll checks #103031-103045 in the amount of $30,025.41. Alex Wirt seconded; motion carried. Linda Hall abstained.

Alex Wirt motioned to pay claims checks #120012-120033 in the amount of $16,066.36. Dave Michel seconded; motion carried.

Alex Wirt motioned to adjourn the meeting. Dave Michel seconded; motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

ATTEST: _________________________

SHIRLEY A. COUSE, Mayor

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MARGO ATTLER, Clerk Treasurer