CITY OF REPUBLIC FEB. 17, 2009 REGULAR MEETING

Those present: Mayor Pro Tempore Alex Wirt. Council Members: Jim Burnside, Dave Michel and DiAnne Hewitt.

comGuests Present were: Ben Butler, Carl Sande and Brenda Starkey.

Mayor Pro Tempore Alex Wirt called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council reviewed the February 2, 2009 minutes. Jim Burnside motioned to approve the February 2, 2009 minutes. Dave Michel seconded; motion carried.

Ben Butler updated Council on the lower portion of South Clark Ave. that he has been working on. The property involved is owned by PUD, Doris Bacon, Coleman Oil, Lakeview Church and Ferry County. Mayor Pro Tempore Wirt informed Ben of a meeting on February 23, 2009 with the Commissioners to discuss this issue. Discussion followed.

Interim Chief of Police Bret Roberts updated the Council on several different items. There is a problem with the report program for the Police Department. Bret is having George Bonney come in as fix the problem. Bret also stated that there was a misquote in the newspaper which stated that the Stonegarden grant has been approved; it should have stated that the Stonegarden grant has been approved for review. Bret asked for permission for Linda Hall and himself to apply for another car grant. DiAnne Hewitt motioned to apply for another car grant. Dave Michel seconded; discussion followed, motion carried. Bret also stated that everything is going fine.

Mayor Pro Tempore Wirt opened the public hearing at 7:00. Discussion followed. There being no public comments, Mayor Pro Tempore Wirt closed the public hearing at 7:08 pm.

Council reviewed Ordinance #2009-03, vacating portions of Newton Street and 8th Street. Dave Michel motioned to approve Ordinance #2009-03. DiAnne Hewitt seconded, discussion; motion carried.

Council reviewed Ordinance #2009-04, repealing Ordinance #119 and Ordinance #2008-11. DiAnne Hewitt motioned to approve Ordinance #2009-04. Alex Wirt seconded, discussion followed; motion carried.

DiAnne Hewitt motioned to set March 16, 2009 at 6:45 pm as the date and time for a public hearing for an USDA-RD grant for the purpose of renovating the former Golden Age Club into the Republic Police Department. Dave Michel seconded, discussion followed; motion carried.

Clerk Treasurer, Margo Sattler discussed with Council about herself and Mayor Couse attending a conference in Pullman on March 12, 2009, if schedules allow. Jim Burnside motioned for Mayor Couse and Margo Sattler to attend a conference in Pullman on March 12, 2009 if schedules allow. Dave Michel seconded, discussion followed; motion carried.

Interim Chief of Police discussed the Criminal Justice Interlocal Agreement with Council. Things are progressing and hopefully it will be completed in a few weeks. Interim Chief Roberts also stated that there are some issues with the black & white police car. The grant paperwork from the PUD for the police department has been turned in to be reviewed. Officer Rainer is doing physical training at the hospital and there will be no charge for this from the hospital.

Council and Interim Chief of Police went into executive session at 7:35 pm to discuss a personnel issue for approximately 25 minutes.

Council came out of executive session at 8:00 pm.

Alex Wirt stated that Fred Bremner has purchased and donated the 3 new flags for the City Hall. Alex also stated that he had received an e-mail on the History of Republic DVD’s. They will be shipped soon.

Council reviewed the signed Memorandum of Understanding with the County for the Solid Waste.

Jim Burnside updated the Council on the SWAC meeting.

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

Council reviewed the building permit.

Jim Burnside motioned to approve payroll checks #103096-103102 in the amount of $3,460.00. Dave Michel seconded; motion carried.

DiAnne Hewitt motioned to pay claims checks #120140-120163 in the amount of $24,337.95. Jim Burnside seconded; motion carried.

Dave Michel motioned to pay grant check #752 in the amount of $5,696.48. DiAnne Hewitt seconded; motion carried.

DiAnne Hewitt motioned to adjourn the meeting. Dave Michel seconded; motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.

ATTEST: _________________________

Alex W Wirt, Mayor Pro Tempore

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Margo Sattler, Clerk-Treasurer