REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 2, 2008
Officials in attendance were Mayor Clancy Bauman; Councilmembers Carra Nupp, David Haskell, Barbara Mowrey, Sharon Ludwig, Bruce Nupp, Roberta McMillin and Greg Rolstad; City Administrator Curt Kelling; City Attorney Pat Monasmith; Clerk/Treasurer Pamela McCart.
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Agenda Additions, Deletions, Changes: None.
Audience Comments:
· Mike Normandeau, BPA Account Executive, gave a briefing on the upcoming 20 year contract proposal that will be offered to all public utilities within the northwest. BPA is a federal agency, under the US Department of Energy, that markets wholesale electrical power and operates and markets transmission services in the Pacific Northwest. The City’s current 10 year contract ends in September of 2011. As a full service customer, BPA provides energy to meet 100% of the City’s load. The contract includes transfer service over Avista’s transmission system. A separate contract exists with BPA Transmission Services that provides for the transmission of energy from generation to load. BPA is proposing to offer 20 year Regional Dialogue contracts for post-2011 power deliveries. The proposal for new, long-term contracts includes a tiered-rate structure.
Closed Session to Discuss Collective Bargaining Unit for Public Works Department
Mail Received and Announcements:
· Contributions totaling $6,200 have been received from Safeway, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Chewelah Associated Physicians, Chewelah Insurance Agency and the AIA Insurance toward the purchase of defibrillators to be used by various departments of the City.
· The Mayor and C/A attended the AWC conference in June.
· The Mayor read a letter of appreciation from the representative of Chokes & Spokes Car Club for the City’s contribution.
Consent Agenda:
· Motion by Councilman Rolstad to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of the June 4th Special and Regular Minutes; payment of claim vouchers # 56792 and 56794 – 56937 totaling $187,033.04; payment of pre-authorized debits to BPA totaling $39,415.00; and payment of payroll warrants #18861 – 18945 and 918863 totaling $150,886.57, seconded by Councilman Haskell. Roll call vote taken with all in favor. Motion carried.
Committee Reports: None.
City Administrator Report:
· The C/A stated that a preliminary approval recommendation for the Vista Ridge Subdivision was issued from the Planning Commission and Council needed to set their meeting. Motion by Councilwoman Ludwig to set Decision Meeting for Vista Ridge Subdivision as August 6, 2008 seconded by Councilwoman Nupp. Roll call vote taken with all in favor. Motion carried.
Old Business:
· Motion by Councilwoman Ludwig to read Ordinance # 803 by title, seconded by Councilman Haskell. Roll call vote taken with all in favor. Motion carried. Mr. Monasmith read Ordinance # 803 by title. Motion by Councilman Rolstad to adopt Ordinance # 803 Adopting Zoning Map Amendment REZ-01-03, seconded by Councilwoman Nupp. Roll call vote taken with all in favor. Motion carried.
· Motion by Councilman Rolstad to schedule Public Hearings for Nash AND Harrison Annexations for August 6, 2008, seconded by Councilman Haskell. Roll call vote taken with all in favor. Motion carried.
· The C/A explained that the airport paving project has been put out to bid three times – all three coming in over the budget of $27,270 of which $25,906.50 is funded by grant. In September 2007 a bid of $46,711 from Arrow Concrete was received and rejected. In March 2008 a bid of $51,535 from Road Products, Inc. was received and rejected. After the scope of the project was scaled down, a bid of $37,613.30 was submitted by Ace Seal & Stripe on June 27th. The C/A recommended acceptance of the bid by Council. The grant expires in June 2009 so that the taxiway really needs to be paved within the next two months. There are sufficient funds in the general fund to accommodate the shortfall but he would first like to contact the State regarding additional funding. Motion by Councilwoman Ludwig to accept bid of Ace Seal & Stripe for Airport Paving in the amount of $37,613.30 with direction to the C/A to propose to Council at the next meeting how the budget shortfall should be accommodated, seconded by Councilman Nupp. Roll call vote taken with all in favor. Motion carried.
· Councilman Haskell reported that the City clean-up day resulted in over 12 tons each of metal and garbage being hauled.
New Business:
· The C/A stated that the City has an existing contract with Welch Comer for the entire water plan, the draft version of which is in hand. The second step, mandated by the Department of Health, requires the City to analyze water use efficiency and come up with water conservation programs. This needs to be completed this year and requires an additional service agreement with Welch Comer. Motion by Councilman Rolstad to approve Additional Professional Services Authorization with Welch, Comer & Associates, Inc. regarding the Water System Plan Update with the stipulation that the agreement be rewritten to include language stipulating a “not to exceed $4,420” clause, seconded by Councilwoman Mowrey. Roll call vote taken with all in favor. Motion carried.
· The C/A explained that through the budget amendment process Council had authorized the purchase of a dump truck/snow plow for $85,000. That estimate was improperly arrived at – the cost is more along the lines of $143,000 - $210,000. The City is also in need of a new street sweeper as both pieces of equipment are over 25 years old. The Clerk/Treasurer contacted the State Treasurer with regard to its LOCAL program which is a State sponsored lease program -- the City would actually borrow the money for the lease from the State instead of a private vendor. In doing that, we can employ one purchase contract for the two pieces of equipment. An ordinance is required in order for the State to move forward with its process. The following ordinance has been drafted for a maximum lease of $350,000. The City won’t wind up borrowing that entire amount but an amount needs to be stipulated in the ordinance – other steps will follow in which a dollar amount will be locked in. The C/A state that his intention is to attempt to use $100,000 in reserve funds and borrow approximately $250,000. Estimates from the Public Works Department continue to fluctuate and so an amount has not yet been locked in to an actual amount off of the State contract. The amount will depend on the rate of the lease and its term. Mr. Monasmith read introduction of Ordinance # 804 Authorizing the Acquisition of Personal Property and the Execution of a Finance Contract and Related Documentation.
· The C/A stated that the Police Chief is willing to give up his status as an overtime eligible employee and become an exempt employee. In the last six years his overtime costs have ranged from $12,000-$15,000. In consideration for this change in status, this contract has been drafted to carry his medical costs differently from other non-union employees with the City paying for 90% of his and his dependents insurance costs. This is a one time deal -- anyone else employed in this position would automatically be classified as “exempt” and the position would be advertised that way – this contract would not carry over. Motion by Councilwoman Mowrey to approve Personal Services Contract with the Police Chief, seconded by Councilwoman McMillin. Roll call vote taken with all in favor. Motion carried.
· Motion by Councilwoman Nupp to approve Mutual Understanding Agreement between St. Joseph’s Hospital and the City of Chewelah for Utilizing the Civic Center as an Alternate Care Site in Incidence of Emergency, seconded by Councilwoman McMillin. Roll call vote taken with all in favor. Motion carried.
Audience Comments: None.
The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:20 PM.
Mayor ___________________________ Clerk/Treasurer ___________________________
