PRESENT: Mayor Jepsen; Council Members: Jerri Sly, Kay Robinson, Skip Matthews; Assistant Police Chief: Merle Cowett; Public Works Director: David Winters; City Attorney: Bill Kuhn; City Manager: Gerald Breazeale; Planning Commission: Tom Sly

ABSENT: Councilors Loretta Nairns, Mike McGuire, Tim Van Cleave.

VISITORS: Floyd White (Neighborhood Watch), Tom Sly (Planning Commission Representative)

(Unless otherwise noted, "MOTION CARRIED" indicates all in favor.)

1.GENERAL BUSINESS

A) Call to Order. Mayor Jepsen called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM.

B) Pledge of Allegiance. City Attorney Bill Kuhn led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

C) Announcements - Mayor Jepsen welcomed everyone and introduced Floyd White with Neighborhood Watch and explained that Tom Sly was taking the place of Suzanne Jepsen, as Planning Commission Representative. Mayor Jepsen reported that there was a quorum present. Tim Van Cleave was at a church conference and Mike McGuire was taking leadership training through the US Postal Service. Mr. McGuire will be gone until June. Councilor Loretta Nairns had contacted the Mayor to inform him that her husband was back in the hospital and she may have to move to Bend. Mayor Jepsen asked City Manager Breazeale if there were any other announcements to make at this time. Mr. Breazeale reported that he wished to add item C to Communications From the Public, Request for Animal Permit.

1. Approval of the Minutes of March 8, 1999. Motion by Kay Robinson to approve the minutes, Second by Jerri Sly. MOTION CARRIED
1. Report from Planning Commission Tom Sly reported on the Planning Commission Meeting held April 5, 1999. He stated that there were no public hearings but the Commission did consider taking over management of the Urban Growth Area. The Commission decided to proceed with modification of the Urban Growth Area Management Agreement with Morrow County to allow the City of Heppner to manage the area within the Urban Growth Boundary. Under old business, the Commission considered changing the zoning of the Commercial Zone North of Highway 207 to Residential. The area is now in residential use and the zoning would be helpful in reducing potential conflicts with the highway traffic. Another proposal considered was some changes for the classification system and design standards for the street system within the City. A proposed pedestrian and bicycle trail that would follow Willow Creek through town was discussed with the consensus being that the proposal should be left in the plan. Tom Sly also reported that Ron Anthony representing the high school, proposed closing the street at the rear of the school. The street would be used for bus loading and unloading and would be gated at other times. Mr. Anthony also proposed to make the existing street in front of the school a two way street and leave it open for public travel. Both streets are owned by the school district. There had been discussion about shared maintenance of the road in front of the school. Attorney Bill Kuhn stated that the school would like the City to eventually take over the street in front of the school. Mayor Jepsen stated that there was discussion of bringing the street up to City Standards and then the City could assume maintenance and ownership of the street. City Manager Breazeale stated that the City would look into the proposal and determine what would be necessary for the City to take over the street.
7. Correspondence Mayor Jepsen stated that there was considerable correspondence in the packet, some of which would require Council action. Mayor Jepsen referred to the letter from the City of Helix requesting tiles from the old swimming pool. City Manager Breazeale reported that the old pool is scheduled to be filled and that the City of Heppner had no use for the tiles. MOTION by Skip Matthews to give Helix Park and Recreation District permission to remove the tiles from the old pool. SECOND by Jerri Sly. MOTION CARRIED.

1. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
2. Oral Communications from the Public not on the agenda. - None
3. Neighborhood Watch Committee-Floyd White. Mr. White gave a report to the Council about the progress of the Neighborhood Watch Committee. He reported that the City had invested in the program by placing the Neighborhood Watch signs throughout the City. He explained that last Summer, there was concern about a growing number of youth causing problems in the City prompting the formation of the committee. The committee has distributed flyers giving phone numbers to call if citizens have concerns about crime. The Neighborhood Watch people will not try to intervene when a crime is in progress, but will assist in reporting the incident to the police. He then read some passages from the correspondence submitted to the Council. He commended the police for the job they have done in addressing crime in the City. Mr. White stated that the Neighborhood Watch helps people who may be afraid to report incidents of crime on their own. The organization can help these people by doing the reporting and by their strength in numbers. Assistant Chief Merle Cowett explained that many people are afraid to report an incident yet expect the police to act on it. The police can not take any action if they do not know an incident occurred. Mike Sweek is the officer assigned to work directly with the Neighborhood Watch Committee.
4. Request for Animal Permit The Unruh family is requesting a permit for 4 rabbits, 3 pigs, 5 hens, and one rooster for a period of one year. Councilor Kay Robinson reported that the family has had a permit every year and that this was merely a renewal. MOTION by Kay Robinson, SECOND by Skip Matthews, to approve the animal permit. MOTION CARRIED.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS

A) Supplemental Budget Hearing A public hearing was held regarding adoption of the supplemental budget. No persons appeared to testify for or against the adoption of the supplemental budget. MOTION by Kay Robinson to approve Resolution No. 359-99, A Resolution Adopting the City of Heppner Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Year 1998-99, and Making Appropriations. SECOND by Jerri Sly. MOTION CARRIED.

1. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CHIEF OF POLICE
   1. Code Enforcement Assistant Chief Merle Cowett explained that a complaint had been received regarding the Judd property at 425 and 435 Water Street. Mr. Cowett showed a video to the Council where he had taped a record of the conditions as they exist presently. Mr. Cowett explained that the property was quite clean at this time. There was one vehicle that was inoperable owned by someone else which was going to be removed. The other vehicles at the property were properly registered and operable. During the taping of the video, one resident of the property was interviewed. The resident indicated that they were moving as rapidly as possible to be in compliance with City code. Assistant Chief Cowett explained that he thought the complaint had come about regarding the vehicles parked at the property. He reported that there has been a lot of cleanup done to the property. With the exception of one vehicle which had an expired license which would be licensed within a few days, the property was in substantial compliance with the ordinance. No further action was recommended at the present time.
   2. Activity Report Assistant Chief Cowett reported that there were four dogs on Green Street where the owner had left and made no arrangements for the care of the dogs which are running about the neighborhood. Mr. Cowett said the owner would be cited when he returned. One of the neighbors has provided food and water for the dogs while the owner is away. Mayor Jepsen reported that Chief Rathbun had visited with the students at the high school and the students, working with the High School, would be cleaning up trash in the area of Morgan Street and would be watching speeds on the street.
      
2. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR.
   1. Video - Working Together for Safe Water Public Works Director Dave Winters played a video for the Council which explained the hazards associated with cross connections with the public water system and methods used to protect the system from contamination. Mr. Winters stated that the State of Oregon requires that Cities have a cross connection control program to protect against hazards associated with backflow. Backflow protection devices must be placed on services where there is a high risk of contamination and these devices must be tested regularly. A record of the tests must be kept by the City and a report submitted to the State annually. Mr. Winters explained that he wanted the Council to be aware of the need for the program and the requirements of the State. Councilor Skip Matthews reported his experience with having backflow devices installed at the swimming pool. There was a problem getting someone to inspect and explain what protection was required. Mr. Winters explained that both the Building Codes Agency and the State Health Division have regulations dealing with backflow prevention and the types of devices required. He also went on to explain that the City needed to get more involved in the inspection and requirements for testing. Finding a certified tester to do the tests can be a problem. Mr. Winters went on to explain that the devices sold for spraying lawns with fertilizer and weed killer were extremely bad since they were attached directly to the end of the house creating a cross connection.
   2. Declaration of Surplus Property - 1976 GMC Pickup Truck serial no. TKU1467511920. Dave Winters stated that the subject truck was no longer needed by the Public Works Department. MOTION by Kay Robinson to declare the truck surplus property, SECOND by Skip Matthews. MOTION CARRIED.
   3. Acceptance of Bid on 1976 GMC Pickup Truck City Manager Breazeale reported that bids had been received from three individuals wishing to purchase the surplus truck. Paul Breeding had submitted a bid of $299, Dennis Miller Construction submitted a bill for $351, and Charles W. McConnell submitted a bid for $505. Charles McConnell was the high bidder on the pickup truck. MOTION by Kay Robinson to accept the bid of $505 from Charles W. McConnell. SECOND by Skip Matthews. MOTION CARRIED.
   4. Activity Report Public Works Director Dave Winters reported that the department had repaired a leak on Morgan Street, repaired a leak at the Fairgrounds, will be replacing a fire hydrant at the grade school. A new hydrant will be installed on the 8 inch water line rather than having one on the 4 inch line as it is now. The hydrant will be installed with the pipe live and the water will not have to be shut off. Roger Ermantraut had finished placing the named bricks in the downtown sidewalks. The telemetry system on Well No. 2 went out over the weekend. It is still not operating properly. The programmer on Well No. 3 went out some time ago and the department is still waiting to have it serviced. Mr. Winters also reported that the final inspection on the new police evidence room had been obtained. Mr. Winters reported further that the department would be installing a new water main and fire hydrant off of Skyline Drive. The survey is still underway and there are discrepancies in the property descriptions and previous surveys that need to be resolved.

6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FIRE CHIEF - Chief Estes was not present

1. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
2. Resolution No. 359-99 A Resolution Adopting the City of Heppner Supplemental Appropriations. (This resolution was adopted following the public hearing.)
3. Resolution No. 360-99, A Resolution Establishing Pay Ranges and Policy for Employee Compensation for Fiscal Year 1999-2000. City Manager Breazeale explained that this resolution would follow policy set by the previous administration. The resolution provides for merit pay raises for good evaluations. The current merit increase will sunset at the end of the fiscal year. Passing the resolution would allow the current schedule to remain. The pay ranges referred to in the resolution includes a 1.6 cost of living increase. MOTION by Jerri Sly to approve Resolution No. 360-99. SECOND by Kay Robinson. MOTION CARRIED.
4. Resolution No. 361-99 A Resolution Approving Accounts Payable for Payment. MOTION by Skip Matthews, SECOND by Jerri Sly. MOTION CARRIED.
5. Water Rates - Rate Comparison & Suggested Rate Increase. City Manager Breazeale informed the Council that he had conducted a rate comparison with other nearby cities in Eastern Oregon. Adjustments had been made to provide a comparison on the same basis of base rate for 1,000 gal. and considering all usage above 1,000 gallons as excess usage. The current City of Heppner water rate is billed at $11.75 for the first 1,000 gallons. The next 2,000 gallons is billed at a rate of $0.50 per 1,000 gallons. The next 5,000 gallons is charged at $0.25 per 1,000 gallons. Any usage above 8,000 gallons is charged at the rate of $0.40 per 1,000 gallons. Breazeale recommended that the City charge $0.80 per 1,000 gallons, which is slightly below the regional average. Mayor Jepsen asked how the commercial accounts would be handled. Breazeale reported that the rate, other than the base rate as it now is, would be billed the same as for residential. Councilor Matthews asked if the first $0.25 for the first 2,000 would be eliminated. Breazeale answered that it was proposed that all usage above the first 1,000 gallons would be billed at the $0.80 per 1,000 gallon rate. Upon Council concurrence Breazeale stated that he would prepare a resolution to set water rates for the next Council Meeting. CONSENSUS was to prepare a resolution for consideration at the next Council Meeting.
6. Flood Map Modifications Breazeale reported on the status of the application for having the City Flood Map modified. Breazeale stated that the Corp. of Engineers has lost the packet sent to them. The engineer, Ken McGowen, had informed Jerry that it didn’t matter much anyway, since the Corp. did not have any money to perform the hydraulic analysis that would be required. Also he stated that the request for a map revision would have to come from FEMA and they would have to supply funding. He indicated that since FEMA receives their funding through the premiums charged for property in the flood zone, that they would not be anxious to fund a study that would reduce the area under the flood coverage. Breazeale stated that he also had been working with the NRCS to see if they could perform the necessary hydraulic analysis. He stated that the person from FEMA that he talked to, indicated that the study could be performed by any Federal Agency. Breazeale stated that he would continue to pursue both tracks. The City may need to pay some cost share to get something to happen.
7. Volunteer Recognition City Manager Jerry Breazeale stated that he thought that it would be appropriate and beneficial to recognize those people who perform services for the City that directly benefit the City. The end of the year would be a good time to give a certificate of recognition for volunteer of the year. The award could be followed with an article in the paper to let the public know about the service performed by some of the community citizens.
8. Dog Issues Mayor Jepsen reported that the police have been enforcing dog complaints within the City.
9. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY ATTORNEY

A) City Attorney Bill Kuhn reported to the Council that he has issued the foreclosure decree on the Rita Heath property. All that is left to do is to arrange for the sale of the property at a Sheriff’s sale. He reported that he had talked with Ms. Heath and City Manager Breazeale and had given her some options to remove the property from the sale. He has not heard back any response to date. If Ms. Heath does not comply, the property will be sold for costs.

1. COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR/CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
   1. Councilor Jerri Sly reported that she and City Manager Jerry had been working with the Police Chief to get the abandoned vehicle removed from the City parking lot. Someone had removed the engine from the vehicle and left the shell in the parking lot. The owner of the vehicle has been informed by Chief Ratbun that they must remove the vehicle. (This discussion was handled under the Communications from the City Manager, but is placed here to conform to the agenda.)
   2. Councilor Sly reviewed with Council the issue of starting a "Shadow Council" with high school students. Councilor Sly asked Council if Council would like to pursue this project. Councilor Robinson stated that she would be supportive of the project if the students were interested. Councilor Matthews stated his support also. Jerri Sly stated that she would continue to approach the school about starting a project next Fall. Councilor Sly stated that she felt that this may be a good way to get students involved in City government. The current youth need to be prepared to take over in the future.
   3. Councilor Matthews reported that the Park and Recreation District is starting to get the pool ready for the coming season. They would like to start a little earlier this year. Near the middle of May they would start getting the lifeguards trained. City Manager Breazeale stated that the agreement for furnishing of water to the Park and Recreation District needed to be reviewed. Mayor Jepsen asked that the agreement be prepared to come before Council next meeting.

ADJOURNMENT.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:18 PM.