CITY OF REPUBLIC Feb 4, 2008 REGULAR MEETING

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

Guests Present were: Jacob Tresham, Bruce McAuley and Brenda Starkey.

Employees Present were: Casey Giddings and Chief Merritt.

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

Council reviewed the January 22, 2008 minutes. Dave Michel moved to approve the January 22, 2008 minutes. Alex Wirt seconded; motion carried.

Jacob Tresham from Tri-County Economic Development discussed with Council about financial support for the reprint of the Washington’s Frontier Country Adventure Guide. Alex Wirt moved to approve $2,500.00 for the reprint of the Adventure Guide. Dave Michel seconded; motion carried.

Mayor Couse called for a motion to change the next meeting date to February 19, 2008 due to February 18, 2008 being a holiday. Dave Michel moved to approve the change in the meeting date. Jim Burnside seconded; motion carried.

Clerk/Treasurer Chris Stevens discussed with Council three (3) purchase orders:
(1) To purchase a new City Seal; Dave Michel moved to purchase the new City Seal. Alex Wirt seconded; motion carried.
(2) To purchase two (2) surge protector strips; Dave Michel moved to purchase the surge protector strips. Alex Wirt seconded; motion carried.
(3) To approve the purchase of two (2) flash drives for storage of files. (previously reviewed, discussed and approved telephonically by the finance committee.)

Mayor Couse opened the public hearing for Development Regulations at 6:45 p.m.

Linda Hall discussed changes to the Draft Development Regulation that City Attorney, Scott DeTro suggested. Discussion followed. Linda Hall announced that there is a sixty (60) day public comment period, starting February 4, 2008. Mayor Couse closed the public hearing at 6:50 p.m.

Public Works Director, Casey Giddings discussed the purchase of ecology blocks costing $55.00 each to be placed along the fence line that belongs to Verizon in the alley behind Madonna’s. The blocks are needed due to the snowplowing and vehicles pushing against the fence. Casey Giddings discussed with Council the purchase of new water meters. Alex Wirt moved to approve the above stated purchases. Linda Hall seconded; motion carried.

Council went into executive session for approximately 15 minutes for a possible litigation issue at 7:35 p.m. Council came out of executive session at 7:50 p.m.

Chief Merritt discussed with Council about grants through USDA for the purchase of new police vehicles. Alex Wirt moved to approve Chief Merritt going forward with the grant process. Dave Michel seconded; motion carried. Chief Merritt updated Council that the State Department approved the City’s Emergency Management Plan. Chief Merritt asked Council to approve a purchase order for equipment for Officer Roberts that is needed for a special training he will be attending. Jim Burnside moved to approve the purchase order for Officer Roberts’s equipment in the amount of $228.91 plus shipping and tax. Dave Michel seconded; motion carried. Chief Merritt asked Council for approval to have a check written for the mailings for the Town Hall meeting on February 12, 2008 in the amount of $147.80 payable to Digital Documents. The cost of the mailings will be reimbursed by Community Services. Linda Hall moved to approve the check for $147.80 to Digital Documents. Dave Michel seconded; motion carried.

Grant Administrator, Linda Hall updated Council on the City’s small works roster and explained the costs involved. Linda Hall further stated that the County has a small works roster in place and with an interlocal agreement with the County the City might be able to use the County with no additional cost to the City. Alex Wirt discussed with Council an RCW in regards to the small works roster, and would like to see the City of Republic have its own; Alex Wirt will pursue putting a small works roster together.

Jim Burnside discussed with Council and Casey Giddings about the vacated street behind the old elementary school building. Jim Burnside asked some questions regarding the Republic Regional Visitor’s Bureau Bike Rodeo brochure and that the City of Republic was not mentioned. Jim Burnside discussed a past due bill, that had been incurred and not paid by tenants and the landlord/owner has agreed to pay one month and the full debt service amount. Deputy Clerk Margo Sattler will calculate the figures. Alex Wirt moved to approve the past due bill being handled as stated above. Dave Michel seconded; Jim Burnside abstained; motion carried.

Mayor Couse stated it was time to go over the City’s Personnel Policy. Mayor Couse discussed with Council about possible grant fund that will be coming available in dealing with yard waste, this will be looked into further.

Dave Michel motion to approve payroll checks #102805-102819 in the amount of $30,786.10. Alex Wirt seconded; Linda Hall abstained; motion carried.

Alex Wirt motioned to pay claims checks #19371-19393 in the amount of $12,933.70. Check #19368 through 19370 for Consumer Deposit refunds/claims. (See warrant register) Dave Michel seconded; motion carried.

Linda Hall moved to adjourn the meeting. Dave Michel seconded; motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

ATTEST: _________________________

SHIRLEY A COUSE, Mayor

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CHRISTINE J. STEVENS, Clerk Treasurer