MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR OCTOBER 9, 2000

PRESENT: Mayor Bob Jepsen; Council Members: Tim Van Cleave, Rita Hedman, Jerri Sly, Tom Wolff; City Manager Jerry Breazeale; Police Chief Doug Rathbun; Public Works Director David Winters; City Attorney, Bill Kuhn.

ABSENT: Council Member: Kay Robinson, Skip Matthews; Fire Chief: Rusty Estes.

VISITORS: Vice Chair Cyde Estes, representing the Planning Commission.

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

1. GENERAL BUSINESS
   1. Call to Order. Mayor Jepsen called the meeting to order at 7:04 P.M.

   2. Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Jepsen led the Pledge

   of Allegiance to the Flag.

   1. Announcements. Mayor Jepsen informed the Council that Skip Matthews and Kay Robinson were out with excused absences. Manager Breazeale announced that he needed to amend the agenda with several additions. The first addition would be to section 4D) Resolutions Declaring Certain Properties a Nuisance and Ordering Cleanup of Property. 7F) A Resolution Approving The Application For Assistance From The Oregon Downtown Development Association For Image and Marketing Services. 7G) An Amendment To The Contract Submitted by Boothby Architecture To Cover the Design Charrette. Manager Breazeale noted that there would be a Design Charrette Process/Meeting at St. Pat’s Senior Center October 28^th at 1:00 P.M. to gather public input regarding the design of the new Library/City Hall building plan.

   2. Approval of the Minutes from the September 11, 2000 Council Meeting. Mayor Jepsen asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes. Councilman Wolff noted one correction on page 5, item 4C) should have been identified as 4B). Motion by Councilwoman Sly to accept the Minutes as corrected. Seconded by Councilwoman Hedman. MOTION CARRIED. Abstained: Councilman Wolff.
   3. Report from the Planning Commission October 2, 2000 Meeting. Commissioner Estes explained that the Planing Commission had held a Public Hearing on the CUP submitted by Pioneer Memorial Hospital to construct a storage building for their CSEP equipment. She explained that the Planning Commission had approved their permit up to a 24’ x 24’ building. Their original permit was for a 20’ x 24’ building. Councilman Wolff voiced concern that the neighbors had not been notified of the request to increase the size of the building. Commissioner Estes explained that the Planning Commission had received no opposition, and felt that the increase in size would not be a problem. Commissioner Estes noted that the only reason the hospital had to file for a Conditional Use Permit was that they were a non-conforming use in that zone. The hospital was "grandfathered" in before the zoning ordinances came into effect. Attorney Kuhn offered more information regarding the history of the original building and zoning recommendations.

      There was additional discussion regarding the vacation of Thompson and Bisbee Streets and Heppner’s Transportation Plan.

   4. Correspondence. Manager Breazeale noted that he had received several pieces of correspondence. The first was a letter from The League of Oregon Cities requesting a voting delegate and alternate for the annual conference. Only one person can vote. Councilman Wolff made the motion to appoint the City Manager as the voting delegate, and Mayor Jepsen as the alternate. Seconded by Councilman Van Cleave. MOTION CARRIED.

   The next item of correspondence was a notification of grant opportunity from the State Of Oregon regarding Application for Pedestrian and Bicycle Grants. Applications are due March 15, 2001. Manager Breazeale suggested that the City submit the Court Street intersection.

   The next item of correspondence was a letter from the State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality announcing grants for Solid Waste and Recycling-Waste Prevention/Reuse. This grant could be "piggy backed" with private enterprise. The application deadline is November 30, 2000.

   The last item of correspondence was a letter from Umatilla Basin Watershed Council announcing two meetings regarding Total Maximum Daily Loads for the Umatilla River and tributaries (TMDL’s). Mayor Jepsen noted that Buttercreek would fit this description.

2. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC.

1. Oral communications from the public not on the agenda. There were no communications offered.

1. PUBLIC HEARINGS.

   1. Nuisance Abatement at 190/210 Thompson Street, Map 2S 26 35BA, Tax Lot No. 1600/1700. Chief Rathbun showed a "before and after" video of this property owned by Greg Smith. Chief Rathbun noted that a letter was sent to Mr. Smith two months ago and the property still had not been cleaned up.

   2. Nuisance Abatement at 820 Lakeview Court, Map 2S 26 35CC, Tax Lot No. 200. Chief Rathbun stated that this lot had been cleaned up to code.

   3. Nuisance Abatement at 830/835/840 Lakeview Court, Map 2S 26 35CC, Tax Lot No. 300/400/2100. Chief Rathbun noted that these properties had been cleaned up to code.

   D) Nuisance Abatement at 230/240 Rock Street, Map 2S 26 35BD, Tax Lot No. 500/600. Chief Rathbun noted that this property was owned by Pat Sweeney, and had not been cleaned up yet.

   1. Nuisance Abatement at Morrow Street, Map 2S 26 35BA, Tax Lot No. 1401/1402. Chief Rathbun noted that this property had been cleaned up to code.

   There was additional discussion regarding the clean up of large vacant lots and fields within the City limits. Manager Breazeale pointed out that the City Ordinance did not discriminate as to size. Complaints filed determined action taken. Councilman Wolff pointed out that there were some errors regarding physical addresses and property owners. The Council decided to table any Nuisance Abatement Action until the clarifications/corrections could be made.

2. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CHIEF OF POLICE.

   1. Activity Report. Chief Rathbun mentioned that the radios had arrived and were working well.

   2. Liquor License Renewal, GDL’s Linger Longer Restaurant & Lounge, 176 N. Main Street. Chief Rathbun stated that he knew of no problems within the County/Lexington. There was no criminal history. Councilman Wolff made a motion to approve the Liquor License for GDL's Linger Longer Restaurant & Lounge. Seconded by Councilwoman Hedman. MOTION CARRIED.

   C)Police Commission-Next Meeting-October 27^th. Chief Rathbun pointed out that the Minutes were included in the Council’s packets. He commented that the Police Commission had decided to leave the present ordinance prohibiting the shooting of bows and arrows within the City limits in tact.

   Councilman Wolff discussed item number 4. of the Police Commission Report. There was also discussion regarding the Police Department’s "knock and talk" operation.

   Manager Breazeale mentioned that the new dog licensing procedure was going well. Mayor Jepsen discussed the hazards of dogs sleeping in the back of pick up trucks. Manager Breazeale noted that if those dogs left the bed of the truck and were picked up, they would have to be licensed regardless of their home address.

5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR.

1. Activity Report. Director Winters noted that the Activity Report for September was in the Council’s packet. He mentioned that he had neglected to note (under item number 16) that the City had picked up the new Walker mower.

The new fire hydrant on Gilmore Street had been installed, and was now in operation.

Director Winters mentioned that he had attended a very interesting work shop regarding stream bank management.

Councilman Wolff questioned the sink hole located on Dick Devin’s property. There was some discussion involving the history of the building(s) that used to be there, and the possibility that an old septic tank remaining in the ground creating the sink hole.

There was some additional discussion regarding item number 11, and the new sewer line that now runs through the old Heath property.

Councilwoman Hedman mentioned that Lexington had purchased a boring machine, and wondered if Heppner might be able to borrow it to drill under the highway by the fairgrounds. Director Winters mentioned that there were some easement restrictions alongside the highway, and it would still be easier to cut the highway open and install the new 18" water line.

Mayor Jepsen questioned the progress being made by the Heppner Fire Department in checking the City’s hydrants. New keys had been made for the elevator in the senior center, and they will be stored in a safe place.

B) Utilities Commission Meeting - July 20^th meeting. Next meeting, September 21^st. A copy of the Minutes was in the Council’s packet.

C) Parks and Lands Commission Meeting - Next Meeting, September 25^th. Minutes from the meeting were included in the Council’s packets.

6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FIRE CHIEF.

Chief Estes was not present to comment.

7. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER.

1. Resolution No. 435-2000. A Resolution Approving Accounts Payable for Payment. Manager Breazeale noted that enclosed in the Council’s packet was a list of current billings. Councilman Wolff questioned a bill for Chemstar Research Inc.. Manager Breazeale explained that the billing was for graffiti removal. He also questioned a billing for Elmer’s Flag and Banner. The billing was for new flags for the City Hall Building. A billing for Inventory Trading Co. was explained as to have been for new shirts for the Public Works Department. Councilman Wolff made a motion to approve the accounts payable for payment. Seconded by Councilman Van Cleave. MOTION CARRIED.

B) Resolution No. 436-2000. A Resolution Approving the Transfer of Appropriations Within the 2000-2001 Budget. Manager Breazeale explained that insurance costs for Law Enforcement, the Fire Department and Parks and Maintenance had been higher than expected. Funds need to be transferred from the General Fund contingency to make the increased payments. Motion made by Councilman Van Cleave to approve the transfer. Seconded by Councilman Wolff. MOTION CARRIED.

C) Heppner Coordinating Council-Oral Report. Manager

Breazeale noted that the funding for the Willow Creek Assisted Living Facility had been approved. There were two checks received, one for $680,000 from Development Services with Farmer’s Home Administration, and the other from local financing from Heppner’s banks totaling $170,000. The remaining funds will come from private donations.

Tom Sly discussed the Morrow Baker Partnership and presented slides showcasing the Willow Creek Valley.

Dave Sykes made a presentation on his Zero Money Marketing Plan.

There was some discussion regarding chartering a bus for a cultural trip to Portland.

HCC will meet at 7:30 A.M. at the Forest Service Building on October 10, 2000. There will be discussion by Barbara Hays representing the Commission on Children and Families, and Laura McElligott will discuss the perspective of the Morrow County Health Department re: where Morrow County stands at this point regarding some of the critical issues outlined in The Strategic Plan.

The progress of Heppner’s Strategic Plan will also be discussed.

D) Morrow Leadership 2000. Manager Breazeale noted that there had been three sessions thus far, with attendance being good at all sessions.

1. Heppner Disposal Service. Manager Breazeale explained that the City had sent Mr. Green a letter (identifying complaints) on July 24, 2000. Mr. Green had just recently responded with the letter included in the Council’s packet. Manager Breazeale recommended that Mr. Green be invited to come to a Utilities Commission Meeting to discuss other issues. There was additional discussion regarding the difficulty in initiating service and reaching Heppner Disposal Service due to the lack of any listing in the local phone book, or other types of advertising. It was noted that Mr. Green is not good at responding to messages left on his answering machine or returning phone calls.

2. RESOLUTION NUMBER 437-2000. A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE OREGON DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION FOR IMAGE AND MARKETING SERVICES. Manager Breazeale explained that Heppner had an opportunity to receive funding and guidance to develop a local identity and marketing plan. In order to apply for this grant, the City Council needed to make a commitment to recognize that a comprehensive marketing strategy and work plan is needed to effectively market the community. The grant essay will be written by B.G. Cain. Manager Breazeale explained that there was no financial commitment, only the commitment of volunteer labor hours. Councilman Wolff made the motion to approve Resolution number 437-2000. Seconded by Councilwoman Hedman. MOTION CARRIED.

G) Modification of Contract by Boothby Architecture to include the Design Charrette. Attorney Kuhn discussed the items included and excluded within the contract. Manager Breazeale noted that the report developed at the end of the process was not covered in the contract. There were grant funds available to complete this process. Mayor Jepsen’s signature was required on the document to validate the contract. The contract amendment was to include the Design Charrette Process to involve the public in the decision making process before the plans went to the architect. There was additional discussion on the impact of aesthetics and location of the City Hall building. The different expenses related to new construction verses the costs of remodeling the existing building were discussed at length. Manager Breazeale explained the Design Charrette process. Councilwoman Sly made the motion to direct Mayor Jepsen to sign the contract as amended. Seconded by Councilman Van Cleave. MOTION CARRIED.

8. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY. Attorney Kuhn noted that Attorney Mike Mills was no longer with their firm.

9. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR/CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS.

1. Beautification Commission - Next Meeting, October 12, 2000. No additional information was presented. Minutes from the September 14, 2000 meeting were included in the Council’s packet.

2. Heppner Housing Authority - Mayor Jepsen, Chairman. Mayor Jepsen reported that the St. Patrick’s Senior Center had two apartments that will be repainted and receive new carpet. Manager Breazeale stated that the bids advertised to resurface the parking lot and install sidewalks had not brought the desired results.

    

3. Neighborhood Enhancement Team - Bob Jepsen, Project Report. Mayor Jepsen noted that there had been a nice article in the Gazette-Times written in favor of the Neighborhood Enhancement Team. He stated that it had been a rewarding experience. They were through for the winter, and would begin again in the spring. The Methodist Church sidewalk will be their first project.

4. HEDC Current Activities-Tom Wolff. Councilman Wolff noted that HEDC is officially doing business as The Willow Creek Valley Economic Group, and had included Ione/ICABO. Councilman Wolff mentioned that the old Kinzua Mill Site (pending approval by Gary Neal and the Commissioners,) is now known as the (Port of Morrow’s) South Morrow Industrial Park. WCVEG has erected a sign at the site offering industrial sites for lease.

Councilman Wolff also described a mass mailing project being reinitiated to attract businesses to the valley.

Zero Money Marketing Plan is being promoted by Dave Sykes. He came up with the concept of showcasing the South Morrow Industrial Park, advertising it to dovetail into the mass mailing project. Brochures and articles will be mailed. Up to 3000 advertisements will be mailed with no direct cost to any one organization. He has solicited services and "in kind" contributions from local businesses. Many people have made various types of contributions, donating labor, envelopes, and clerical services.

Councilman Wolff explained that their next meeting would establish goal posts for their progress. There is one vacancy on the board. Willow Creek Valley Development Group is accepting referrals for the vacant position.

1. Upcoming City Council Election. Mayor Jepsen pointed out that Councilwoman Sly is not running for another term for City Council. There will be a vacancy created, and write in votes are encouraged. Appointments and ratification are another option.
1. EXECUTIVE SESSION TO EVALUATE CITY MANAGER. Pursuant to ORS No. 192.660(1)(1). Executive session was entered into at 9:00 PM. The Council returned from executive session at 10:10 PM. Mayor Jepsen informed City Manager, Gerald Breazeale that he had achieved a rating of above standard and would receive a pay adjustment consistent with City Policy and Resolution No. 413-00.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 P.M.