CITY OF REPUBLIC June 1, 2009 REGULAR MEETING
Those present: Mayor Pro Tempore Alex Wirt. Council Members: DiAnne Hewitt, Jim Burnside and Linda Hall.
Guests Present were: Arleen Tolliver, James Wutzke, Tom Hanson, Russ Foster, Loni Simone, Jacob Tresham, Linette Richie and Brenda Starkey.
Employees Present were: Casey Giddings and Bret Roberts.
Mayor Pro Tempore Wirt called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council reviewed the May 4, 2009 minutes, May 18, 2009 (no quorum) and May 20, 2009 Special Meeting minutes. Linda Hall moved to approve the May 4, 2009 minutes. Jim Burnside seconded; motion carried. DiAnne Hewitt moved to approve the May 18, 2009 (no quorum) minutes. Alex Wirt seconded, motion carried. Linda Hall moved to approve the May 20, 2009 Special Meeting minutes. Jim Burnside seconded, motion carried.
Jim Wutzke updated Council on the Ordinance #2009-09 that was reviewed by the City Council and City Attorney relinquishing an easement put into place by Ordinance #80 and repeated again in Ordinance #2000-15. DiAnne Hewitt moved to approve Ordinance #2009-09 relinquishing the easement stated above. Jim Burnside seconded; discussion followed, motion carried.
Fred Lee of AIA insurance brokerage firm updated Council on the insurance coverage for the City of Republic. Mr. Lee and the Council reviewed the scope of coverage being renewed. Mr. Lee asked for Council to review the uninsured motorist form and Mayor Pro Tempore signed said form. There will also be approximately a $2,200.00 decrease in cost to the City for the new renewal policy.
Matt Weyer discussed with Council about removing the water meter at 24 Knob Hill Road. Council asked Casey Giddings if the meter could be removed. Casey Giddings stated that the removal of the meter could be approved. Council discussed with Mr. Weyer that if he decided in the future to replace the meter that the cost would be his, not the City of Republic’s. DiAnne Hewitt moved to approve the removal of the meter at 24 Knob Hill Road. Linda Hall seconded; motion carried.
Arleen Tolliver asked Council for permission to close 6th Street between the Drug Store and Stone Soup Gallery with the alley being left open for traffic use. Jim Burnside moved to approve the Street closure as stated above. Alex Wirt seconded; discussion followed, motion carried. Ms. Tolliver asked Council about refuse containers for the Circus and Alex Wirt directed Ms. Tolliver to contact Couse’s Sanitation.
Jacob Tresham discussed with Council about developing the back of the sign that is in Hesse Park known as the West Portal of the Sherman Pass scenic by byway. Mayor Pro Tempore asked Mr. Tresham to proceed with a more specific proposal. Discussion followed.
Tom Hanson of WSDOT discussed public transportation for the Ferry County area, he stated that Okanogan County is looking into developing some type of public transportation as is Stevens County and the Colville Reservation has also been included in the study. Mr. Hanson discussed the different types of public transportation and the funding necessary to operate. Mr. Hanson asked Council if it would be feasible to pursue public transportation in our area. Council was in agreement that public transportation for our area should be included in the above state study.
Randy Kinney updated Council on the upcoming Motorcycle Rally that starts June 26th and runs through June 28th 2009. Discussion followed.
Linette Richie discussed the hiring of a cleaning person to clean City Hall and Council Chambers, discussion followed this was tabled to the next regular meeting June 15, 2009.
Deputy Clerk Treasurer CJ Stevens asked Council for permission to purchase a new drum for the laser printer. DiAnne Hewitt moved to approve the purchase of the new drum. Jim Burnside seconded; motion carried.
Public works director Casey Giddings updated Council on the I & I study that has been done on the sewer ponds, Casey stated that the ponds are full and he has begun pumping into holding ponds to help lessen the water level in the ponds. Mr. Giddings is following the Department of Ecology’s guideline on this. Monies needed for equipment for this project will be taken from Sewer reserve fund.
Grant Administrator Linda Hall updated Council that the sidewalk project has commenced and paving project will begin soon any questions should be directed to Linda Hall at her office in the Council Chambers or phone 775-3554. Linda Hall stated that she has received the Draft I & I report. Linda asked for approval for
Mayor Couse to sign the Engineering Agreement between the City of Republic and Varela and Associates. DiAnne Hewitt moved for Mayor Couse to sign the above stated agreement. Jim Burnside seconded; motion carried. Linda Hall asked Council for approval to reserve a room for lodging for the workshop she is attending in Moses Lake. DiAnne Hewitt moved to approve Linda Hall spending the night prior to the workshop. Alex Wirt seconded; motion carried.
Interim Chief Roberts updated Council on the various complaints that have come into the Police Department. Interim Chief Roberts updated Council on the repairs to the park cameras. Interim Chief Roberts updated Council on the flu problem and about problems that the officers are having with the radios due to the government mandated order to go digital.
Council reviewed letters received into and sent from City Hall.
Council reviewed letter from City Attorney.
Council reviewed Building Permits: 2009-07 through 2009-10
Jim Burnside motion to approve payroll checks #20352 -20367 in the amount of $29,626.72. Alex Wirt seconded; motion carried. Linda Hall abstained.
DiAnne Hewitt motioned to approve claims checks #20368 – 20383 & 20415 in the amount of $8,247.80, with checks #20368 and 20384 through 20399 voided due to printing error. Jim Burnside seconded; motion carried. Linda Hall moved to adjourn the meeting. DiAnne Hewitt seconded; motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
ATTEST: _________________________
Alexander W. Wirt, Mayor Pro Tempore
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Margo Sattler, Clerk-Treasurer