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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FOR NOVEMBER 13, 2000 A) Call to Order. Mayor Jepsen
called the meeting to order at 7:05 P.M.
B) Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor
Jepsen led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
C) Announcements. Mayor Jepsen
welcomed Tom Sly to the meeting. Rita Hedman offered positive
information regarding the Veteran's Day celebration held at the
park. She felt that everything went really well. There was a
good turn out, more than fifty people. Those in attendance mentioned
that the ceremony was the best yet. All were touched by the speeches
made. The only problem, experienced by the speaker(s), was that
of the microphone not being stable and moving about. There was
cake and coffee available after the ceremony, which was also
well attended.
Councilwoman Hedman reminded us that
this was the 50 year anniversary of the Korean War, and we still
do not have "peace on earth". She also discussed a
program submitted by the Director of Veteran's Affairs to Judge
Tallman. The program commemorates Veteran's with three ceremonies/observances
per year over a three year period. Manager Breazeale noted that he had
several additions to the agenda: 7M) County Housing Web Page;
8A) Ballot Measure No. 7; 9D) Needs, Issues and Inventory - Morrow
County. Manager Breazeale announced that Nova Sweeney will be
recording and transcribing the Council Minutes for the next couple
of months while the present clerk is off on maternity leave.
D) Approval of the Minutes from
the October 9, 2000 Council Meeting. Mayor Jepsen
asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes. He noted
that he would like the wording to be modified on page 5, the
second paragraph, to read: "Mayor Jepsen asked about".
The Mayor also requested that documentation be noted regarding
a Motion made under 10. EXECUTIVE SESION TO EVALUATE
CITY MANAGER. Motion by Councilman Wolff to approve the evaluation
of City Manager Breazeale at a rating of above standard, and
to approve the compensation consistent with City Policy- in Resolution
413-2000. Seconded by Councilman Van Cleave. MOTION CARRIED.
Motion by Councilwoman Hedman to accept the Minutes as corrected.
Seconded by Councilman Van Cleave. MOTION CARRIED.
E) Report from the Planning Commission
November 6, 2000 Meeting. Commission Chairman Tom Sly stated
that he had no report. The Planning Commission meeting had been
canceled.
F) Correspondence. Manager
Breazeale noted that he had received several pieces of correspondence.
The first was a letter from GEODC (Greater Eastern Oregon Development
Corporation). Manager Breazeale requested the Council's support
in (his) sending a letter to GEODC supporting their Microbusiness
Loan Fund. The fund will assist small businesses in the GEODC
district with start-ups and expansion. Motion made by Councilman
Wolff to send GEODC a letter of support from the Heppner City
Council/City Manager Gerald Breazeale. Seconded by Councilwoman
Sly. MOTION CARRIED.
The next item of correspondence was
a card of thanks from Councilwoman Robinson for the flowers she
received from the City Council.
2. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC.
A) Oral communications from the
public not on the agenda. There were no communications
offered.
B) Morrow/Baker Partnership -
Tom Sly. Tom Sly made a Power Point presentation outlining
the last meeting of the Morrow/Baker Partnership held October
2000. The video titled: "A Presentation to the Community
Solutions Team" defined goals and objectives, and included
a little history of the partnership.
He explained that in 1999, County
Commissioners of the five counties, Wallowa, Union, Umatilla,
Morrow and Baker were unable to agree on a philosophy in scope
and purpose. Baker and Morrow counties were able to agree on
common purpose/philosophy. They broke away from the group and
the Morrow/Baker Partnership was formed. The Commissioners wanted
a strategic approach to funding. Principles would drive the partnership,
and planning would drive the projects, both new and existing.
The regional partnership would then
form a regional investment board. The partnership extends the
community solutions scope (with several government agencies,)
and fosters the inclusion of small towns and their projects.
Additional objectives of the partnership are to create business
recruitment methodology and a business opportunity fund to assist
small businesses.
The logo of a triangle, and the motto
of: Three Partners (Oregon, Baker, Morrow) - Three Environments
(natural, human, infrastructure/built) was explained.
The products of the Morrow/Baker
Partnership are: The formation of an advisory board of business
leaders in the Willamette valley to help in the recruitment of
businesses from the that area, through business relationships.
Natural Resource and Environmental Policy Decision Making is
also and objective of the board.
Mr. Sly outlined some additional
history, and stated that the Partnership's present position is
currently involved in prioritizing the eleven initiatives and
the program(s) within those initiatives. The initiatives are
derived from the Strategic Plans of each of our local communities.
Mr. Sly closed his presentation with
a list of the Morrow/Baker Board Members, and a
Statement of C) Animal Permit Renewal for Kenneth
Collins, 233 Linden Way. The Permit is for two roosters,
forty hens, and two horses. Motion made by Councilman Wolff to
grant the Permit. Seconded by Councilwoman Sly. MOTION CARRIED.
A) Animal Permit Renewal for Rod
Wilson, 655 South Chase Street. The Permit is for two horses.
Councilman Wolff made a motion to approve the Permit as submitted.
Seconded by Councilwoman Sly. MOTION CARRIED.
E) Animal Permit Renewal for Betty
Wilhelm, 105 NW Gale Street. The Permit is for one horse.
Councilman Wolff made a motion to approve the Permit as submitted.
Seconded by Councilwoman Sly. MOTION CARRIED.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS. A) Activity Report. Chief
Rathbun mentioned that he had received a complaint regarding
accumulation of junk vehicles and debris at the property owned
by John Looney. The address is: 220 South Chase Street. Councilman
Wolff made a motion to send Mr. Looney a notice to clean up his
property. Seconded by Councilman Van Cleave. MOTION CARRIED.
B) Utilities Commission Meeting
- Next Meeting Canceled.
5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
WORKS DIRECTOR. A) Activity Report. Director
Winters was out with the flu. There was some discussion regarding
the October Activity Report he had submitted for the Council
Meeting. Manager Breazeale offered additional information.
Manager Breazeale mentioned that
the City had been working diligently to replace any bad water
meters at residential locations. The City plans to read meters
all winter, reducing the cost of Spring bills. Reading the meters
over a twelve month period will help the City track it's water
and sewer usage. This will assist in more accurate data for the
Master Water Plan. The City is requesting that property owners
insulate around their meters.
There was some additional discussion
regarding Heppner's water quality and the different types of
testing procedures used by the City to determine the exact types
of bacteria(s) present/not present in the samples.
B) Utilities Commission Meeting
- Next Meeting Canceled.
C) Parks and Lands Commission
Meeting - Next Meeting Canceled.
6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FIRE
CHIEF. A) Fire Hydrant testing. Chief
Estes stated that all of Heppner's fire hydrants had been tested,
cleaned and any necessary repairs completed. This is the first
step in upgrading and increasing the department's ISO rating.
Chief Estes had submitted a report listing the location of each
hydrant, each hydrant's structural specifics, and Flow Tests
showing gallons per minute.
Manager Breazeale mentioned that
the data was beneficial to the City's plans for water system
improvements and demonstrated where shut off valves were needed
at hydrants.
There was some additional discussion
relating to fire protection coverage, and an adequate number
of hydrants (within the City limits,) to offer that coverage.
A) Resolution No. 438-2000. A
Resolution Approving Accounts Payable for Payment. Manager
Breazeale noted that enclosed in the Council's packet was a list
of current billings. There was some discussion regarding specific
billing amounts/providers, and a $50,000 bond payment. Motion
by Councilwoman Sly to approve the Accounts Payable as submitted.
Seconded by Councilman Matthews. MOTION CARRIED.
B) ODDA Special Projects Award.
The Oregon Downtown Association notified Manager Breazeale that
the City of Heppner had been successful in receiving the Special
Image and Marketing project. Through this ODDA sponsored special
project, our community will receive assistance in developing
a comprehensive downtown image development and marketing plan.
A local committee is necessary to identify the specifics that
represent/identify Heppner. Manager Breazeale has contacted our
local business people to participate in this committee.
C) Special Cities Allotment Grant.
Manager Breazeale informed the Council that Heppner had received
notice from the Department of Transportation to approve our proposed
project for construction on Water Street. SCA funding is limited
to $25,000. Additional project costs would be the responsibility
of the City. Manager Breazeale estimates that $66,000 in additional
funding will have to come from the community. The City has two
years to complete the project.
D) Library/city Hall Meeting.
Manager Breazeale noted that the meeting held October 28th was
attended by twenty two people. This procedural meeting was interesting
and beneficial, allowing everyone attending to become involved
in the design process. Manager Breazeale felt that there had
been adequate publicity advertising the meeting.
He discussed the City's Web Page,
and pointed out that the City had an ongoing news letter offering
information to help keep citizens aware of what is new, different,
or exciting in Heppner. City Treasurer Devin has printed copies
of the newsletter available at City Hall for those people who
are not able to access a computer web site.
E) Resolution Number 439-2000.
A Resolution Establishing Fees for Processing Liquor Licenses.
Manager Breazeale noted that the application fee for obtaining
a liquor license was limited to $25. The City did however, have
the option of establishing fees to help recover the costs of
researching data and processing these licenses. Fees recovered
from processing would go into the General Fund. Councilman Matthews
made a motion to pass Resolution 439-2000 allowing the City to
collect fees for processing liquor licenses. Seconded by Councilman
Wolff. MOTION CARRIED.
F) HCC Report. Manager Breazeale
explained that in the last meeting, a review of the goals, needs,
and issues list that the City has regarding it's Strategic Plan
was discussed. The November 14th meeting will finalize these
ideas in support of funding research.
G) Morrow Leadership 2000.
Manager Breazeale stated that the last meeting will be held on
November 15th. There will be a graduation ceremony for those
completing the course. The course has been very well attended
and received, and has resulted in additional community networking.
H) Temporary Suspension of Commission
Meetings. Manager Breazeale stated that the ODDA project
was going to require a lot of his time. He requested that the
Commission Meetings be suspended until March of 2001. Any important
issues would require the scheduling of a meeting to address those
issues. The Council had no objections, and offered their approval.
I) Heppner Post Office. Manager
Breazeale mentioned that the City is continuing to receive complaints
regarding the Heppner Post Office. Some of the complaints have
to do with the return of mail of those persons away on vacation,
or out of town. Returning the mail, instead of holding it temporarily,
is creating problems for both the remitter and postal client.
Councilman Wolff stated that CBEC has experienced an increased
number of rejected billings as well.
A Discussion with the Postmistress
revealed that the Post Office is going "by the book."
There are people in our community that feel that the friendliness
of our Post Office has decreased, reflecting upon the types of
service Heppner used to receive. There was some additional discussion
of our Federal Position being held by someone who lived in the
Hermiston area. Attorney Kuhn pointed out that there was a complaint
box in the lobby of the Post Office that could be utilized by
concerned citizens.
The City Council felt that this was
an important issue to address. A joint venture with the Council,
the Chamber of Commerce, and HEDC- involving community participation
would be appropriate. Councilman Wolff made a motion to have
our City Manager co-ordinate with the appropriate entities in
drafting a letter. The letter would represent a unified effort
in voicing concerns regarding decreased Postal service. Seconded
by Councilwoman Hedman. MOTION CARRIED.
J) Budget Committee Meeting.
Manager Breazeale pointed out that the Council members had copies
of the Budget Report included in their packets. Manager Breazeale
discussed the possibility that the City may not have enough beginning
cash to start off the next year. He requested that the Budget
Committee reconvene early this next month to look into options
and ways to address these potential problems.
Councilman Wolff asked for a year-to-date
budget, or a monthly (cash flow spread sheet) breakdown of all
monthly revenues. He felt that this type of monthly report would
be more specific, and volunteered his time and professional expertise
in setting up such a program. The Council agreed that a Budget
Committee Meeting would be appropriate at this time, and agreed
that December 18th would work for all involved.
K) Annual Audit Results. Manager
Breazeale stated that the City had come through their annual
financial audit with no problems.
L) Meeting With Port of Morrow/Stanford
Chemical. Manager Breazeale mentioned that the City of Heppner
had been invited to a meeting with the Port regarding the new
urea plant being built by Stanford Chemical Company. The new
plant will employ approximately 108 people at an average wage
of $40,000 per year. The company is interested in involving the
community and utilizing the potential work force here. The company
will also be constructing an upscale motel and restaurant on
the river at the Port location. Transportation options were discussed,
as well as promoting Heppner as a nice place to reside.
M) County Housing Web Page.
There was additional discussion relating to an actual current
inventory of homes for sale through Realtors, homes for sale
"by owner", vacant lots for sale, as well as homes
available for rent. This information list could be posted on
a web page and updated monthly. Local contact phone numbers would
be advertised for additional information/updates.
Tom Sly offered that this would be
very beneficial in supporting our tax base, since many businesses
were being attracted to the area by utilizing the free enterprise
zone tax advantage. Mayor Jepsen pointed out that it was very
difficult to attract businesses without offering them this type
of opportunity.
The Council agreed that they would
support Manager Breazeale's efforts in initiating this web page
information sheet.
A) Ballot Measure No. 7. Attorney
Kuhn discussed the impact(s) of Measure 7. He explained that
Measure 7 will have a much broader impact on the budgets of municipalities
and governmental entities (State, County, and City) than originally
expected. The requirement of compensating private property owners
(for restricting the use of their property) may hobble or cripple
most Cities planning programs and budgets. Attorney Kuhn discussed
strategic options in dealing with specific instances of occurrence/claims,
and procedures limiting the impact of the releases of those claims.
He also discussed legislated ordinances that would reduce the
impact of retroactive claims and definitions. Rezoning will have
to be scrutinized, and a temporary freeze on any pending enactment
of comprehensive plans may be appropriate.
9. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR/CITY
COUNCIL MEMBERS. A) Beautification Commission -
Next Meeting Canceled.
B) Heppner Housing Authority -
Mayor Jepsen, Chairman. Mayor Jepsen reported that their
next meeting would be the last Monday of the month. He did not
have any new news to report. There had been some repainting and
new carpet installation in the St. Patrick's Senior Center. Bids
would be taken for additional repairs at a later date.
C) HEDC (Willow Creek Valley Economic
Group) Current Activities.
Councilman Wolff explained that the group was working with David
Sykes, Darryl Raver, and Jerry Breazeale on the Zero Money Marketing
Plan created by David Sykes. He mentioned that this plan has
really pulled people together by donating in kind contributions
to make the mailing plan work effectively. The mailings are being
sent to selected Heppner Alumni and a limited number of businesses
as defined in the ELESCO study. These people/businesses were
identified as having the potential/criteria to make decisions
pertaining to relocating business or enterprise in the Willow
Creek Valley area.
D) Needs and Issues Committee
of Morrow County. Councilman Wolff informed the Council that
the Committee had met today to rank the applications received.
The City of Heppner had a number of applications in. Councilman
Wolff stated that there were three divisions: Community Facilities,
Infrastructure, and Community Readiness. The Willow Creek Valley Assisted
Living Corporation/Willow Creek Terrace had the number one priority
under Community Facilities. Second was Irrigon City Hall/Fire
Station/Community Library building. Third was Ione City Hall
and Maintenance building. Fourth was Morrow County Health District
CT scan project. Fifth was Boardman Multi-service Senior Center.
Under the Infrastructure category:
First priority went to the Port of Morrow Rail Spur Project.
Second was Ione Water System Improvements. Third was Irrigon
Waste Water System Upgrade. Fourth was Irrigon Water System Improvement
Project. Fifth was Lexington Well/Reservoir Improvement.
Under the Community Readiness Category:
First priority went to Morrow County Sheriff's Office 2001 Training
Equipment and Staffing Requests for Reserves. Second was Local
Leadership Capacity County Wide to Continue on the Current Project.
Third was the Umatilla/Morrow ESD Virtual Skills Center. Fourth
was Economic Development Co-ordinator for the Willow Creek Valley.
Fifth was Boardman RARE Co-ordinator Position.
Councilman Wolff pointed out that
no consideration was taken as to the costs or funding of any
of these projects. This list was a reflection of the importance
of priorities to each of our local communities.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned
at 9:50 P.M. |