MINUTES OF THE CITY OF HEPPNER CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HEPPNER CITY HALL, 111 N. MAIN STREET, HEPPNER, OREGON
7:00 PM, March 13, 2006
ATTENDEES:
Mayor Tim Van Cleave
City Manager, Dave DeMayo
Kay Robinson
Judy Buschke
Cindi Doherty, Council Chairman
George Koffler
Rusty Estes, Heppner Fire Department
Bruce Nelson, Public Works Director
Bill Kuhn, City Attorney
Sgt Randy Rayburn, MCSD
April Sykes, Heppner Gazette
ABSENT: Tom Wolff, Glenn Baker
Members of the Public:
Dale Bates
David Piper
Gary Ball
Pam Piper
Donna Ball
Cary Davis
Gene Doherty
Chuck Holt
Samarra Van Doorn
Elizabeth Ballard
Kevin Chick
Candy Chick
Kandy Boyd
Jeff Maben
Kathie Maben
Richard Jones
Sharon Jones
Melisa Drugge, GEODC
Liz Pettibone
Betty Wilhelm
Nate Arbogast
Mike Bergstrom
Martha Doherty
Jeff Thompson
Darcie Bergstrom
1. GENERAL BUSINESS
A. Call to Order. The March 13, 2006 meeting of the Heppner City Council was called to order at 7:04 PM by Mayor Van Cleave.
B. Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Van Cleave led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
C. Announcements.
1) Mr. De Mayo added that in addition to the correspondence stated in the agenda, there was also a letter from John and Sonja McCabe requesting that their names be removed from the letter submitted regarding the change of City Ordinance.
2) Mr. De Mayo added that Elizabeth Ballard is in attendance to announce her candidacy for County Attorney.
3) Mr. Van Cleave announced that Mr. Wolff and Mr. Baker are absent from the meeting. However, Mr. Wolff has furnished written comments on several issues to be discussed at tonight’s meeting and Mr. Van Cleave has discussed the issues verbally with Mr. Baker..
D) Correspondence
1) Letter, Heppner High School Class of 1956 requesting use of the City Park on July 15, 2006.
Motion by Mrs. Doherty allow the High School Class of 1956 to use the City Park on July 15, 2006. Seconded by Mrs. Robinson. Motion Carried.
2) Letter, Judith Laughlin, Resignation as a Member of the Budget Committee.
Motion by Mr. Koffler to accept the resignation of Judith Laughlin as a member of the Budget Committee. Seconded by Mrs. Doherty. Motion Carried.
3) Letter, Cruz-In Committee, Request for Closure of Willow Street on Saturday, March 18, 2006, for St. Patrick’s Cruz-In. Mr. Van Cleave announced that this is an annual event during the St. Patrick’s celebration.
Motion by Mrs. Robinson to Close Willow Street on Saturday, March 18, 2006, for use by the St. Patrick’s Cruz-in. Seconded by Mrs. Buschke. Motion Carried.
2. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. Mr. Van Cleave added that one item is listed. Elizabeth Ballard is in attendance to announce her candidate for District Attorney. She will be speaking prior to discussion of the item included in the agenda.
Ms. Ballard. Ms. Ballard thanked the Council for allowing her to speak at the meeting. She has worked in the District Attorney’s office and she has filed to run for the position being vacated by David Allen, present District Attorney. She has been serving Morrow County for three years. Her priorities are the meth issue which is very prevalent and troublesome in Morrow County. The State legislature has recently passed measures wherein pseudoephedrine cannot be purchased over-the-counter. However, this causes concerns that there will be increased imports from Mexico and increasing property crimes to support their habits. This ripples down to children and families which is a large concern in Morrow County. Another big consideration is domestic violence. There are a number of programs that are being implemented to support this.
A. Letter signed by City of Heppner residents expressing their wish not to change the City ordinance concerning parking trucks in residential neighborhoods. Mr. Koffler asked whether the draft ordinance revision included in the packet required action at this meeting. According to Mr. Kuhn this meeting is a preliminary meeting to discuss the issue. Depending on the outcome of tonight’s meeting, if Council decides to move forward on the revision, the public hearing process will be followed after required notification has been given. Mr. Van Cleave would like to combine all agenda items relating to this issue for discussion at this time. Individuals present will be given the opportunity to address their viewpoint on the issue, prior to a statement by Mr. De Mayo. The main City areas of concern are Summit Drive/Water Street, Elder Street, and Chase Street.
Individual statements are as follows:
Mike Bergstrom. Stated that the intent of the letter was not personal toward any one individual. He is sorry that it has gotten this far out of hand. The issue began as a difference of opinion due to damage to his landscaping. He approached one of the parties (Ball) and requested that he avoid their landscaping when driving his truck in the neighborhood. He would like an explanation of the ordinance by City administration. Seven years ago he purchased a home. At that time there were no trucks in the neighborhood. About a year ago, a truck appeared in the neighborhood. Mr. Bergstrom did not know there was an ordinance, but assumed there was because there were no trucks around Heppner to speak of. He works on trucks around Heppner. At 2:00 AM, being awakened by a truck driving by his house is not appreciated. He is now concerned about his safety and the safety of others because of his sleep deprivation. As stated in the letter, there are concerns about the quality of the streets since the streets in Heppner are not very good. He doesn’t want to pay extra taxes to have better streets. He wants to live in a peaceful neighborhood.
Another issue is the potential for trucks to be parked in every house in Heppner. He saw the proposed ordinance which brings them off the street, but this concerns him because the trucks are still there. The re-sale on your property may be diminished, the livability of people living here could also be diminished. He would hate to see that. For these reasons, he opposes the vehicles in his neighborhood. He understands emergency and utility vehicles in the neighborhood.
Mr. Van Cleave stated that at the last City Council meeting they had a discussion of a complaint that had been discussed at the last Police Commission meeting. The Police Commission recommended that the issue come to the City Council for resolution. At the last Council meeting, they decided to either enforce the ordinance or revise it. Trucks have been parked in the City for some time.
Martha Doherty. Did not sign the letter, but if she had had the opportunity she would have. She has a neighbor who has driven a log truck for years. He has never driven the truck in the neighborhood. She is absolutely opposed to changing the ordinance. The new proposed ordinance contains the wording that Heppner desires to promote the livability of the City. If the City is going to allow trucks on residential streets it will disrupt the community. She would encourage the Council to look at alternatives for parking trucks that are not in residential areas. She would like a solution that can be lived with that doesn’t put trucks in residential neighborhoods, i.e., parking at Les Schwab or the Grain Growers.
Dave Piper. Asked if anyone has heard the noise from a Cummins Diesel which is the vehicle Mr. Ball owns. It is louder than a log truck. Ms. Doherty’s neighbor did not own his truck. There are people that live near Les Schwab and the Grain Growers. The original ordinance did not talk about loaded trucks but imposed a weight limit.
Mr. Van Cleave read the original ordinance which defined a truck as any motor vehicle designed or used for carrying, conveying, or moving over the highways of the state any freight, property, article, or thing and having a combined weight of more than 8,000 pounds. The original ordinance also defines truck routes in the city and restricts trucks on certain streets. Violation of the ordinance will be deemed as civil infraction and assessed a Class C forfeiture.
Chuck Holt. Mr. Holt stated that he lives at the base of Water Street. He was not aware of a truck coming down the hill. He is in favor of changing the ordinance. He doesn’t think Heppner can afford to run any small businesses out of town. Trucks are small businesses and spend a lot of money in Heppner. As far as the trucks waking people up, try going to bed on a Friday or Saturday night and have about 300 people coming down Water Street hill after a basketball game. He has talked to some people on the Summit Drive hill and they stated that the Ball’s truck never woke them up and they didn’t even know it was there. As far as the streets of Heppner being in poor repair; if this was true, load limits should be imposed on all the back streets for propane trucks, etc. The landowner’s landscape affects the width of the street. He does not feel that changing the ordinance would be conducive to having a truck in every yard. Heppner has been a logging town for years. He feels the community should be a little more tolerant since Heppner can’t afford to run any more businesses out of town.
Donna Ball. Stated that before she and Mr. Ball bought a truck she did contact at least nine of her neighbors and asked their opinion of their truck. She was not aware that they were bothering anyone. They have spent $23,000 since July 27 in fuel where Mr. Bergstrom works. They bring money into the community. They have lived in their house for 30 years.
Johann Wood. Has lived in her house for 40 years. The trucks are not as noisy as the traffic from young people and people leaving the bars when they close.
Martha Doherty. Asked the Balls when Mr. Ball started driving the log truck was that when he started parking it at his house. Mr. Ball stated that he had just bought the truck recently and has parked it at his residence in order to prevent vandalism to the vehicle and to perform maintenance.
Kathy Maben. Stated they have a logging company and have been in business for 25 years. They can’t afford to go out of business. It is not safe to park in the truck parking areas, due to vandalism. They need to have their trucks where they are safe.
Liz Pettibone. Stated she is glad she doesn’t have to make a decision on this issue.
Candy Chick. Feels that log trucks bother other residents in the area when they start them up early in the morning.
Mr. Van Cleave asked how long the trucks have to be warmed up. Mr. Ball stated it takes about 15 minutes.
Mr. Rollis. Stated that in the winter, they have to warm their truck up for sometimes as long as an hour.
Mr. Ball. Stated that trucks have to be warmed up to save wear and tear on the engines.
Kevin Chick. Lives on Elder Street. Asked about the City taking over some county streets and asked if the City is aware of the inadequate constructions on some of the City streets. Mr. Koffler stated that the main consideration in that issue was that Spruce Lane had a lot of problems. Mr. Chick asked whether the City administration is aware of the inadequate substructure of some of the streets in the City. Mr. Chick asked if the administration is aware that some of the streets in the city are not in a condition to handle substantial weight loads. He feels that originally the City did the ordinance to prevent damage to the streets. Most of the damage is seasonal. The crosswalk between the elementary school and gym is now failing. He feels the weight loads are causing the failures. The street network needs to be defended. As far as the noise in the neighborhood since the new gym was built, the acoustics are such that the trucks in their neighborhood wake everyone up. He feels the Council should consider accommodations to allow them a safe place to park their vehicles. The City needs to make a substantial effort to accommodate small business owners. There is a problem with Meth users stealing property. The truck owners need a safe place to park their vehicles.
Gary Ball. He wants everyone to know that the road he uses is the same one the school busses use and he does not do as much damage as the busses. He stated that Mr. Bergstrom’s trees are out in the right-of-way. He cannot afford to have equipment stolen off his truck.
Donna Ball. They purchased their truck last summer and no one complained.
Johann Wood. Stated that driving trucks on Gale Street has caused traffic problems since the new bank building was constructed.
Cindi Doherty. Asked Mr. Ball if he could drive his truck on the opposite side of the street to avoid damaging Mr. Bergstrom’s trees.
Mr. Ball. Stated there was no problem doing this as long as there was no traffic in the opposite lane.
Mike Bergstrom. Had talked to the Interim City Manager to see if there was anything that could be done and the Interim City Manager stated that nothing could be done. The Sheriff’s department had informed him that there was an ordinance.
Jeff Thompson. Stated that he had lived in Heppner for 5 weeks. He feels the businesses need to be considered. It sounds like the ordinance is covering the weight of the vehicle, but he feels that the major complaint is the noise. He wonders if the noise ordinance could be considered.
Gary Ball. Asked who is going to authorize parking trucks at the Grain Growers or Les Schwab. According to Mr. Van Cleave, the question would have to be directed to them.
Kathy Maben. Stated that they live on Chase Street and that the trucks parked at Les Schwab are not logging trucks and that they are very noisy when they leave at night. She wonders if the City is going to prohibit them from starting the trucks at 2 or 3 in the morning.
Chuck Holt. Doesn’t think there is any such thing as a secure place to park trucks unless there is a night watchman to watch them.
Liz Pettibone. Asked if there could be a locked area to park the trucks with controlled entry.
Gary Ball. Asked how many people would like to drive from their home to another area to get their work vehicle.
Martha Doherty. Stated that she drives to work every day to get to her work vehicle.
Mike Bergstrom. Drives to work every day.
Chuck Holt. Stated that Mr. Ball sometimes has to do repairs on his truck.
Mr. Nelson. Stated that the ordinance on the trees 8 feet above the sidewalks and 14 feet above any street.
Mike Bergstrom. Asked if someone could identify the area in his neighborhood where the sidewalk should be. Mr. De Mayo will investigate this.
Mr. Van Cleave asked Mr. Kuhn to comment on the revision to the ordinance. Mr. Kuhn stated that the existing ordinance was designed to address traffic control and not parking issues. This is not a new issue and he suspects that the original ordinance was “let set” over the years hoping that neighbors would learn to live with each other. Parking control is the derivation of the ordinance to address parking control and contains the items discussed at the last Council meeting. The truck can be driven to the owners residence, parked off the street, and repairs could be done only at certain hours. A truck without a load or a semi without a trailer should not be a weight problem.
According to Mr. De Mayo, this issue is only at a discussion stage right now.
Mr. Van Cleave stated that Councilman Baker had informed him that he was in favor of the neighbors that had problems with noise. Mr. Wolff stated that he had visited several residents in the Ball’s neighborhood and all but Mr. Bergstrom had no problems with Mr. Ball parking in back of his home. Mr. Wolff would vote to proceed in efforts to amend the ordinance. There is already a jake brake ordinance and noise ordinance.
Donna Ball. Called several people who had signed Mr. Bergstrom’s letter. Each person she spoke with signed the letter without reading it. She feels that the letter was not true.
Mr. Van Cleave read the letter from the Mc Cabes wherein the stated that they wanted their names off the letter because they were misled.
Johann Wood. Stated that the diesel fumes cause her health problems. The noise doesn’t bother her, but something needs to be put in the ordinance about the diesel fumes.
Martha Doherty. Stated that Sam Scott has never parked his truck on her street.
Mr. Van Cleave asked for comments from the Councilors.
Mrs. Doherty asked what would be the next step on this issue. According to Mr. Kuhn, if the Council decides to continue, there needs to be an advertised public hearing at the next Council meeting.
Mr. De Mayo stated that this appears to be a win-lose situation and suggested that a committee be formed to address the issue and come up with a win-win solution. He would be willing to work with the people. He feels it is possible to work a solution that will be suitable to all people involved. Mr. Van Cleave asked if there are people in the audience who would be willing to serve on the negotiation committee. Following are the individuals who have volunteered to serve:
PRO AGAINST
Dave Piper Kevin Chick
Jim Rollis Mike Bergstrom
Gary Ball Martha Doherty
Donna Ball Johann Wood
Chuck Holt
Jeff Maben
Kathie Maben
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Mike Bergstrom. Stated that everyone that signed his letter had an opportunity to read the letter.
Mr. Jones. Asked if the ordinance is not going to be enforced, why do anything?
Mr. Van Cleave stated that the reason this issue is being discussed is because there is intent to enforce the ordinance if it is not going to be amended.
Mr. Rollis. Feels the current ordinance refers to loaded trucks and not empty trucks.
According to Mr. Van Cleave this issue has been brought up in the past, but that nothing has been done as far as enforcing it.
Mr. Holt. Feels this issue is about parking trucks in residential areas, not loaded trucks on City streets.
B. Other Communications from the Public.
Ms. Doherty. Ms. Doherty asked if anyone knows who is responsible for the gate the goes from her property up cross hill. According to fire chief Estes, Kyle Robinson owns the property. Ms. Doherty stated that the gate has not been repaired since it was vandalized and she would like to see it repaired. Mr. Nelson will investigate.
Mrs. Wilhelm. Asked who is responsible for the dogs in the pound. She stated that someone needs to be looking after them. Over the weekend, she noticed that a dog in the kennel has died. Mr. De Mayo stated that he will investigate.
Johanne Wood. Mrs. Wood stated that the City dog kennel doesn’t meet any ASPCA qualifications. There is no shelter for the dogs, especially in the winter.
Liz Pettibone. The dog pound needs water into it, especially in the summer.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of City Council Meeting, February 13, 2006.
B. Resolution No. 630, A Resolution Approving Accounts Payable for Payment.
C. Monthly Financial Statement.
Motion by Mr. Koffler to approve the Consent Agenda. Seconded by Mrs. Robinson. Motion Carried.
4. REPORT FROM THE FIRE CHIEF.
Chief Estes reported that they had 3 page-outs, 1 car wreck, 1 structure fire mutual aid in Lexington, and 1 grass fire. The Chief was called out 18 times during the month. There are 4 burn piles in the City that will be burned during the next month. The Shamrock and Willow Street are being washed in preparation for St. Patrick’s Day. The Fire Department will be leveling and packing the old Gazette Times lot, in preparation for applying for grants for the new building.
5. REPORT FROM COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPRESENTATIVE.
A. Activity Report. Sgt Rayburn report that the Activity Report looks good with 73 hours over the contract.
B. Code Enforcements. Sgt Rayburn recommends keeping the action on 235-255 Water Street open since they are making progress on the cleanup.
C. Additional Discussion. Mr. Koffler asked if the MCSO has noticed a difference in the way people are driving. Sgt Rayburn replied that there has been a change, especially in the way the high school students have been driving..
6. REPORT FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
Ms. Boyd reported the following:
The Commission has accepted resignations from Dan Dunnett and Rod Wilson. Two replacements have been nominated for Council acceptance.
The Commission agreed to move forward on the partition of the Cates property.
Discussions were held on the UGB issues and the Commission agreed to move forward.
Mr. Jones brought up a possible ordinance to be looked at for small structures such as small storage sheds. This issue will be researched.
7. REPORT FROM HEPPNER HOUSING AUTHORITY.
Mrs. Buschke reported the following:
Work has started on the roof.
The new manager, Kathy Turner, is doing an excellent job.
Doug Gunderson has resigned.
In answer to Mr. Koffler’s question, Mr. De Mayo reported that the damaged unit has not been completely repaired, but is being worked on. As soon as we have a good rain to ensure that the leak is no longer there, they will start repairs on Mrs. Struthers’ apartment. Mr. De Mayo explained the proposed repairs to the roof. Mr. De Mayo also stated that he is working on the paperwork for possible refinancing.
The status on the back door of the center is unknown. According to Mrs. Buschke, the door is operating. Mr. Nelson will double-check this. According to Mrs. Buschke, the rock that is used to prop the door open is to avoid it automatically locking when it closes.
Mrs. Buschke stated that they are working with Mr. Kuhn on an agreement between the Housing Authority and the Senior Board.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS.
Mr. Van Cleave announced that Mr. De Mayo had suggested that the Public Hearings and Council Action be combined for each item.
Open Public Hearing 8:30 PM
A. A Resolution Declaring Certain Property a Nuisance and Ordering Cleanup of Property. 235 and 255 Water Street. Map #2S 26 27DD, Tax Lots 5700 and 5702, County of Morrow, City of Heppner.
Close Public Hearing 8:33 PM. Recommended by MCSO that this item remain open. No Council Action taken.
Open Public Hearing 8:37 PM.
B. An Ordinance Amending Heppner City Code Sections 4-1-4, Regarding the Grant of a Franchise to David Green, DBA Heppner Garbage Disposal Service, Granting a New
Term to the Franchisee and Declaring an Emergency.
Mr. Van Cleave stated that this item was advertised as a discussion instead of a Public Hearing. Mr. Kuhn commented that this was discussed at the last Council meeting. The portions of the franchise agreement that are included in the amendment as stated. This is an amendment to the original franchise agreement.
Close Public Hearing at 8:40 PM.
Council Action: Motion by Mr. Koffler to adopt ordinance 556-06, An ordinance Amending Heppner City Code Sections 4-1-4, Regarding the Grant of a Franchise to David Green, DBA Heppner Garbage Disposal Service, Granting a New Term to the Franchisee and Declaring an Emergency. Seconded by Ms. Doherty. Motion Carried.
Open Public Hearing 8:41 PM
C. An Ordinance Granting to CenturyTel of Eastern Oregon, Inc., an Oregon Corporation, A Granchise to Construct, Operate, and Maintain a Telecommunications Network Within the City of Heppner, Oregon.
Mr. Dale Bates, CenturyTel, stated that he had no comments. Mr. Van Cleave stated that Councilmen Baker had informed him that the ordinance “was very well put together.” Mr. Kuhn commented that the ordinance will not be effective until it has been sent to CenturyTel. He stated that this ordinance is parallel with terms of the ordinance with WindWave.
Public Hearing Closed at 8:44 PM.
Council Action: Motion by Mrs. Robinson to adopt Ordinance No. 557-06, An Ordinance Granting to CenturyTel of Eastern Oregon, Inc., an Oregon Corporation, A Franchise to Construct, Operate, and Maintain a Telecommunications Network Within the City of Heppner, Oregon. Seconded by Mrs. Doherty. Motion Carried.
Council Action.
D. Ratify Appointment of Paul Jones and Angie Hanson to fill vacation positions on Planning Commission as follows:
Position 7 – 3-06-06-12-31-08: Paul Jones
Position 3 – 3-06-06-12-31-07: Angie Hanson
Motion by Mr. Koffler to ratify the appointments of Paul Jones and Angie Hanson to the positions as stated above. Seconded by Mrs. Buschke. Motion Carried.
10. MINUTES OF COMMISSION MEETINGS (provided for information only).
No Comments from Council.
11. REPORT FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
A. Activity Report. Council members reviewed the Public Works Report for February. Mr. Koffler asked about the water loss problem. According to Mr. Nelson, the industry standard has been lowered to 12-15%. They are currently at 26%. This was due to estimating the meter readings during the cold weather. Green Feed is the only one that had a broken meter. They have also had several sewer problems. Mr. Koffler also inquired about the condition of the City yard. According to Mr. Nelson, the fire department is planning to burn the large pile in the City yard. Mr. Nelson stated that cleanup work is planned. The material from the old GT building has been deposited at the yard. Miller and Sons is supposed to haul it away.
B. Additional Discussion. None.
12. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER.
Mr. De Mayo requested delaying his report until later in the meeting in order to allow Melisa Drugge, Greater Eastern Oregon Development Corporation (GEODC), to deliver her presentation.
Ms Drugge introduced herself as Executive Director of GEODC. The main office is located in Pendleton, OR. They serve seven Eastern Oregon Counties, including Morrow County. GEODC had sent a letter to the City requesting consideration in joining the Northeast Regional Housing Fund. An agreement is already in place that about one-third of Heppner’s existing fund is being is being transferred to the Northeast Regional Fund in conjunction with the Morrow County Housing Rehab program that took place about 1 ½ years ago. Those funds have all been expensed out. All the projects are in place, all the projects are closed out. They are now in the process of getting the rest of the commitment of the grant in place which leaves us with $100,000 for the City of Heppner pledged.
She would like the City consider going ahead and putting forth the entire fund. The reasons for this are: 1) If you are doing a partial, you are going to report on whatever funds are held at the City level. Eventually the $100,000 that the City currently agreed to pledge will lose its federal identity and will no longer have to be reported, so by keeping a portion, you are keeping that additional responsibility to continue to report to the State of Oregon forever. 2) The State has had several requests and one of the things they have done to encourage a regional type fund is to look at the fact that those Cities and Counties that have put their funds in a regional system will get some additional points on a score card if they wanted to apply for additional funds down the road.
Ms. Drugge explained the terms of the agreement. Most of the Cities and Counties have asked for quarterly updates. She explained that any of the funds coming back to the City that are less than $25,000 in a single year can come back to the City and be used for City use. The City can decide to let all the funds remain in housing rehab.
Existing funds have not been transferred yet.
Mr. Koffler asked if the City’s funds will be segregated so that three years down the road, the funds can be built back up by repayments and can be loaned out. According to Ms. Drugge this is true. Each pot of money will be segregated so that Heppner will have access to their funds. Ms. Drugge is not sure if Heppner has any money available. Mr. De Mayo stated that the City staff has no objection to GEODC taking this over.
According to Ms. Drugge, the loans under the project are income-based, the property has to be owner-occupied. The property is then inspected and an interview with the home owner is conducted.
Mrs. Buschke asked how people are made aware of this. According to Ms. Drugge, they are working on a brochure to make people aware of the program.
Mr. Kuhn asked whether the City determines who gets the loans. According to Ms. Drugge, the loan committee is made up of people from the City and GEODC. When there is a problem, GEODC will report to the City and determine a solution for the disposition. GEODC will come back to the City for decision-making. A few years ago, there were some problems with the “Jack Little property” which had to be resolved.
Motion by Mrs. Buschke to approve the Agreement with GEODC. Seconded by Mr. Koffler. Motion Carried.
A. Report from the City Manager.
•Mr. De Mayo reported that the St. Patrick’s contribution was self-explanatory.
Old Business.
•Tax Lot 6300. Mr. De Mayo has suggested two options for disposition of the property: Bid or fixed sale price. According to Mr. Kuhn, the City has to first declare the property surplus, and then advertise the property for sale. According to Mr. Van Cleave, Mr. Wolff would like to see the property advertised for sale to Morrow County Grain Growers. Mr. Koffler asked if there is any way the Grain Growers could purchase the property. This issue will be acted on at the next Council meeting.
•Watering flower baskets. Mr. De Mayo stated that if the City contracts with someone to do this, CCIS has stated that the City has to pay insurance. In order to avoid this, the work would have to be voluntary and a donation made. Council consensus was to make a donation. Ms. Van Doorn asked if there were safety concerns. According to Mr. De Mayo, there are, but if the work was voluntary this could be avoided. Mr. Koffler suggested leaving this decision up to the City Manager’s discretion. Martha Doherty asked what would happen if the baskets don’t get watered. Mr. Van Cleave stated that someone would have to take charge. According to Mr. De Mayo, the donation cannot be made until after the work is done. The watering period would be from May to September. According to Mr. Nelson, the new construction of the baskets may not work and they would still have to be watered twice a day. Mr. Van Cleave suggested that Mr. De Mayo contact Greg Grant, school athletic director for ideas on volunteers. Ms. Van Doorn asked about the age determination for this. According to Mr. Van Cleave, there would have to be at least one person who can drive. Artificial flowers are not a consideration.
•Mr. De Mayo announced that the Court Street project did not make the NEACT cut. There is a NEACT meeting on April 6, and we may be able to get the project back on track. Mr. Koffler asked about Rep Smith’s assurance that the project would make the cut. Mr. De Mayo is not aware of the outcome on this.
•City Hall roof project. Mr. De Mayo has inspected the roof on City Hall with Mr. Broderick since there are several leaks. Mr. Broderick feels that for $700.00 the roof can be temporarily repaired for two years. Mr. Broderick informed Mr. De Mayo that total roof replacement would cost $40,000.
Motion by Mrs. Doherty to authorize the City Hall roof repair for $700.00. Seconded by Mrs. Robinson. Motion Carried.
•Sheriff’s Department Contract. Mr. De Mayo distributed a memorandum from the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office concerning the 2006/2007 Contract. He stated that this will need to be discussed at the next Council meeting. There are several increases because they are unionized, fuel costs have increased, and the cost of new patrol cars has increased. Mr. De Mayo asked Councilors to review the information prior to the next Council meeting. In answer to Mr. Koffler’s question as to whether both parties have to give notice of intent to continue the contract for another year. According to Mr. De Mayo, both parties have to agree to this. The Police Commission has not reviewed the information yet.
•Surplus Equipment. Mr. De Mayo stated that he has the video camera that has been turned in by the Sheriff’s department. Mr. Cowett suggested declaring the cameral excess and put it up for bid.
Motion by Mrs. Buschke to declare the RCA Autoshot 32X video camera surplus and advertise for bids. Seconded by Mr. Koffler. Motion Carried.
•Heppner TV Franchise – Discussion. Mr. Kuhn reported that he and Mr. De Mayo discussed changes with Mr. Arbogast. They recommended that there should be something built into the ordinance relating to possible changes in the service package in the future. Mr. Arbogast added that they do have future plans to upgrade service as far as fiber. The hope to add more channels in the future in order to retain customers. Mr. Kuhn recommended that if the package is changed in the future, they would look at a revision of the ordinance at that time. According to Mr. Kuhn, they have agreed to let the agreement remain the same at this time.
Action not required at this time. Mr. Kuhn will provide a new ordinance reflecting name change.
C. New Business.
•A Resolution Establishing Pay Ranges and Policy for Employee Compensation for Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
Discussion: Mr. Van Cleave stated that Mr. Wolff had provided written concurrence with the proposed pay raises for City employees in the 3.5% range. Mr. Koffler asked about a treasurer trainee and why would the City pay a trainee the same as they have been
paying Mrs. Devin. He also asked if the Personnel committee has looked at this. Since they have not, he recommends the Personnel Committee review the information before a decision is made by Council. Mr. De Mayo will work on this. Action will be taken at the next Council meeting.
•A Resolution Adopting the City Council Goals for 2006.
Motion by Mrs. Buschke to adopt Resolution 631-06 adopting the City Council Goals for
2006. Seconded by Mrs. Doherty.
Discussion: Mr. Koffler questioned lowering the water loss rate to 15%. According to Mr. Nelson, this is not doable unless all the leaks were found and corrected.
Question called for. Motion Carried.
•Equipment Bids (Surplus Property).
The following Bids were opened by Mr. De Mayo:
Jeep Cherokee: $877.50 – Jones
$801.00 – Suter
Model 2410 Bobcat $2401.00 – Thorpe
$1500.50 – Dunaway
$1545.00 – Dunaway
$3500.00 – Suter
$1800.00 – Jones
Crown Victoria – No Bids Received
Pump – No Bids Received.
According to Mr. Nelson, the Crown Victoria has been removed from the list of items and will be retained for City use. .
Motion by Mrs. Doherty to approve the high bids for the Jeep and Bobcat. Seconded by Mrs. Robinson. Motion Carried.
•Enterprise Zone Manager. A Resolution Appointing Greg Sweek as Enterprise Zone Manager for the Willow Creek Valley Enterprise Zone in Morrow County.
Motion by Mr. Koffler to appoint Greg Sweek as Enterprise Zone Manager for the Willow Creek Valley Enterprise Zone in Morrow County. Resolution 632-06.
Seconded by Mrs. Doherty. Motion Carried.
13. REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY.
A. Ordinance amending Heppner City Code to allow parking of trucks off street. This item was covered earlier in the meeting.
14. REPORT FROM MAYOR/CITY COUNCILORS.
A. Furniture for Council Chambers. Mr. Van Cleave stated that he and Mr. De Mayo are investigating purchasing furniture that would provide a U-shaped arrangement for Council seating.
15. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 9:50 PM.