MEETING OF THE CITY OF CONNELL, WASHINGTON
CONNELL, FRANKLIN COUNTY, WASHINGTON
The regular semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of the City of Connell was called to order by Mayor Walton at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall and was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENT: Mayor Gary Walton, Councilmembers Perry Skoglund, Roel Martinez, Monica Pruett, Andrew Sawyer, and Ron Boyer.
STAFF: City Administrator Art Tackett, Chief of Police Rick Rochleau, City Attorney Terry Tanner, Public Works Crew Leader Larry Turner and Deputy City Clerk Maria Chavez.
VISITORS: Larry Seibel, Anderson Perry; and Kathy Bingham, Graphic.
WA State Liquor Control Board - Liquor license renewals for Golden Harvest and Mei-Ling Inn. There being no comments or objections, the renewals were passed on to the approval of the Liquor Control Board
Good Roads Association - Correspondence
Councilmember Skoglund moved to approve the Consent Calendar as follows:
1. Minutes of the January 28, 2002 Regular Meeting.
Councilmember Pruett seconded motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Councilmember Skoglund commented that there was still litter around the High School. Public Works Crew Leader Turner affirmed that he would have a crew clean up the area.
Councilmember Sawyer commented that he had received a complaint about bicycles cutting across the property between 420 E. Birch and 249 S. Dayton. Not much could be done since it was private property.
Mayor Walton brought up a concern regarding garbage cans in the Brentwood area. These homes did not have alleyways and the cans were set out on the street and at times were knocked over.
The following change was made to the Agenda.
Item 20 changed to City Properties
Councilmember Pruett moved to approve the agenda as amended. Councilmember Martinez seconded motion. Motion carried unanimously.
CLOSED RECORD HEARING - Comprehensive Plan and Transportation Element
City Administrator Tackett recommended that if there were no concerns with the Plan and Element Council proceed with approval.
Councilmember Sawyer moved to adopt the Comprehensive Plan and Transportation Element as presented. Councilmember Pruett seconded motion. Motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING - MARYETTE CAMP
This item was tabled till the March 11th, 2002 Council Meeting.
WASTEWATER FACILITY
Larry Seibel of Anderson Perry was present to update the Mayor and Council on the progress of the projects.
Schedule A – A meeting was held to iron out the existing problems for the motor control center.
Schedule B - Things were on hold, waiting for the delivery of materials for the installation of the pump and well. Also, waiting for a proposal from Selland for change order items. Changeover to the new system would take place sometime before the first of June.
City Administrator Tackett noted that March 31st was the contract end date.
WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS - PROJECT UPDATE
Larry Seibel of Anderson Perry was present to update the Mayor and Council on the progress of the project.
Phase II - Work was still proceeding on the design for Striker Addition.
TIB- CLARK STREET - PROJECT UPDATE
Larry Seibel of Anderson Perry reported that the project was on schedule. Currently work was being done on the street light design, the storm drain system design had been completed. The plans and specifications would be completed in about two to three weeks for the City's review.
City Administrator Tackett reported that the City did not have to go out to bid for the second phase of this project, Anderson Perry would continue the work.
PHARMACY LEASE CONTRACT
This item was tabled to be brought back at the Feb 25th meeting.
OUTLET MALL
This item was tabled to be brought back at a future meeting.
AVISTA - APPLICATION FOR FUNDING -COMMUNITY CENTER
City Administrator Tackett reported that they had received information for a grant from Avista. The City would like to apply for a $9,000 grant for kitchen upgrades to the Community Center. Currently the Center was in need of a new dishwasher.
Councilmember Sawyer moved to authorize the Mayor sign the application for funding from Avista. Councilmember Pruett seconded motion. Motion carried unanimously.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT
City Administrator Tackett reported that the intent of the summit was to have groups, such as the City Council, Economic Development, Port of Pasco, and TRIDEC, get together to set goals and objectives for the community.
The meeting date was changed from March 2nd to April 13th.
APPEAL OF DOE DECISION - WATER RIGHTS APPLICATION
City Administrator Tackett reported that the City had been denied the Ground Water Application and would like to have approval from Council to proceed in requesting an appeal of the decision.
Councilmember Sawyer moved to appeal DOE's denial for the Ground Water Application. Councilmember Martinez seconded motion. Motion carried unanimously.
DNR
City Administrator reported that he had requested DNR submit a proposal in writing concerning the property being discussed. The City was also waiting for an appraised value of the property.
MEJIA PROPERTY
City Administrator Tackett reported that staff had been in contact with the owners of the property across from the Old City Park. Currently the City had a $451.18 lien on the property for attorney fees in 1994 to clean up the property. It was tentatively discussed with the owner whether or not they would take $3,000 and the City would wave the lien in exchange for the property. Due to the location of the property in the flood zone, the property was not suitable for construction.
Councilmember Skoglund moved to authorize the City pay Rosa and Vidal Mejia $3,000 and wave the lien of $451.18 for the property located at Lot 6, Block 6, Town of Connell, East 1/2. Councilmember Sawyer seconded motion. Motion carried unanimously.
CITY PROPERTIES
Mayor Walton reported that he had been contacted by Kathy Silva who wished to purchase property belonging to the City to build a daycare and physical fitness facility. Staff would need to discuss this further with Ms. Silva.
Mayor Walton also expressed that he would like to have a list made of all city property that was up for sale.
Discussed was the property at 325 N. Burke that needed to be advertised for bids.
Councilmember Pruett moved to authorize the City proceed with the bidding starting at $12,000 for the property at 325 N. Burke. Councilmember Martinez seconded motion. Motion carried unanimously.
PAYMENT OF BILLS –
Councilmember Skoglund moved to pay the payroll and bills in the amount of $66,701.50. Councilmember Pruett seconded, motion carried unanimously.
Planning Commission - The next meeting would be held on February 19th to discuss changing the zoning ordinance.
Council Meeting - A special Council Meeting would be held on February 12th to discuss water issues.
Golf Course Committee - A meeting had been schedule for March 5th at 7:00 pm. Sam Gunderson and Steve Larson would be in attendance. Mr. Gunderson had been asked to prepare a series of phases for the golf course.
POLICE REPORT - Chief of Police Rick Rochleau
1. Officer Boyer would be graduating from the Academy on February 15th.
2. Reserve Officer Joni Lisinger resigned from the reserves.
3. Had extra patrol during the power outage, everything was quiet.
4. Applying for a WASPIC Grant just under $9,000.
Councilmember Sawyer moved to approve the Mayor sign the grant for WASPIC. Councilmember Martinez seconded, motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - Public Works Crew Leader Larry Turner
1. Pat was doing well
2. Cleaned up around Community Center
3. Lights had come in for Burke Street
4. Weeds had been burned
5. Cleaned up the ditch
6. Grading alleys
7. Shannon & Wilson would be running test holes on February 12, 2002.
8. Working on the street sweeper, fan had gone out.
There being no further business to be heard before the City Council of the City of Connell, Mayor Walton adjourned the regular meeting at 8:45 p.m.