MEETING OF THE CITY OF CONNELL , WASHINGTON
CONNELL, FRANKLIN COUNTY , WASHINGTON

September 22, 2003

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.

ROLL CALL

PRESENT:       Mayor Gary Walton, Mayor Pro-Tem Perry Skoglund, Councilmembers Roel Martinez , Andy Sawyer, and Monica Pruett.

EXCUSED:      Councilmember Ron Boyer

STAFF:         City Administrator Art Tackett , Chief of Police Rick Rochleau, Public Works Director Pat Munyan , Fire Chief Robert Koch, and Deputy City Clerk Maria Chavez .

VISITORS:      Alan Schroeder, Anderson Perry; Kathy Bingham, Graphic.

CORRESPONDENCE

1)                  Residents of Sagewood – Delivered a big “Thank You” card to Councilmember Pruett, signed by many residents who wished to thank the Council for placing the 4-Way stop at the corners of Ash and Chelan.

CONSENT CALENDAR

Motion: Councilmember Skoglund moved to approve the Consent Calendar with the correction to the minutes of September 8, 2003 Regular Meeting of Page 1, Consent Calendar, Councilmember Skoglund moved to approve the Consent Calendar, not Councilmember Pruett.  Councilmember Pruett seconded motion.  Motion carried unanimously.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion: Councilmember Pruett moved to approve the agenda as listed. Councilmember Sawyer seconded, motion carried unanimously.

ORDER OF BUSINESS

USDA – WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS

Alan Schroeder of Anderson Perry reported on the following:

Phase I – On the Reservoir Rehab the interior was almost done being painted, support columns had been replaced and the existing seal patches had been removed. 

The exterior had been painted and the project was on schedule. 

The site had been excavated for the new reservoir, concrete was being poured and the tank was scheduled to be set up on October 15.

Phase II – 9,000 feet of the 10,400 feet of waterline was in place. About 2,500 feet had been pressure tested.  The meter boxes had been installed.  The meters would be arriving in about a week and a half. 

Service installation of the waterlines at Terrace Heights had been started.

Alan provided Council with a sample of the waterline that was being replaced. 

City Administrator Tackett reported that the City had received the paperwork for the first reimbursement from USDA.

City Administrator Tackett requested permission to have “Connell Home of the Eagles” placed on the small reservoir.

Council gave its consensus to have “Connell Home of the Eagles” placed on the small reservoir.

Public Works Director Munyan reported that signs would be made for the large reservoir.  The large reservoir signs would read “Connell” and would be similar to the city logo.

TIB – CLARK STREET – PROJECT UPDATE

Alan Schroeder reported that the street lights and landscaping still needed to be completed.

          Alan reported that the extension overlay on Elm Street was not satisfactory.  A proposed solution was being discussed.

          City Administrator Tackett noted that with the Fire Hall parking lot being paved now would be a good time for residents to have paving done at a less expensive cost.

WASTEWATER FACILITY  

Alan Schroeder of Anderson Perry reported they had been having problems with Lift Station 4.  The pump had been sent back for repair, cables had been replaced, the control panel cable to the pump had been tested, and an intermittent seal leak had been repaired.  The pump supplier advised that they were not happy with the relay

that was in place so they replaced it, since then there have been no problems with the seal leaks and all four pumps have been running fine with no alarms.

Public Works Director explained that they had found pinched wires that had been         arching. 

Alan Schroeder advised that a list should be put together with all the expenses so that closeout decisions could be made.  The pumps and panels carried a five year warranty and the site work carried a one year warranty.

SEWER PROJECT STATUS

Alan Schroeder reported that the pre-final inspection was held on September 15.  The Substantial Completion Notice had been received and would need to be approved. The contractor would have until October 15 to complete the punch list.

Motion: Councilmember Sawyer moved to have the Mayor sign the Substantial Completion Notice for Paragon.  Councilmember Martinez seconded motion.  Motion carried unanimously.

CONTRACT WITH SMICK

City Administrator Tackett advised that the City had received approval from USDA to proceed with the CRP contract with Neal Smick.  The salient feature of the contract was the 50/50 split on the rental receipts received from USDA.

Further discussion was tabled until the Contract had been received from the Attorney for Councils approval.

STAFF APPRECIATION BREAKFAST

City Administrator Tackett requested approval to hold the Staff Appreciation Breakfast on October 17th at Michael Jays.

Motion: Councilmember Pruett moved to hold the Staff Appreciation Breakfast on October 17th at 7:00 am at Michael Jays.  Councilmember Martinez seconded motion.  Motion carried unanimously.

PAYMENT OF BILLS

Motion: Councilmember Skoglund moved to pay the payroll and bills in the amount of $269,065.03.  Councilmember Pruett seconded, motion carried unanimously.

POLICE DEPARTMENT – Chief of Police Rick Rochleau

1)                  Fall Festival went well

2)                  Had a rash of thefts from yards

3)                  Had one vehicle prowl

4)                  Would be holding the monthly training meeting this week

FIRE DEPARTMENT – Fire Chief Robert Koch

1)                  Thanked everyone for their support of the Fireman’s Breakfast.  They raised $500.  The money would be used for educational materials for elementary students.

2)                  Received four new radios through a grant for the police and fire departments.

3)                  Would be attending class Friday through Sunday

4)                  Had been involved with the dedication for the flag on 395.

5)                  Voiced his gratitude for the asphalt at the Fire Hall.

6)                  Having problems with the noon siren.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – City Administrator Art Tackett

1)                  Finance Committee meeting set for Friday, September 26th at 7:00 am at Michael Jays

2)                  Park Plan had been completed.  A Public Hearing would be held September 30th.

3)                  Met with Senator Honeyford and the mayors of Bridgeport , Warden, and Quincy in regards to designating a percentage from the gambling tax for backfill, similar to MVET.  The major opponents would be the Indian tribes.

4)                  Dedication for Clark Street on October 3 at the Fire Hall.

5)                  Would be attending a Downtown Business Retention workshop along with Councilmember Pruett.

COMMITTEE MEETING – B/F Council of Governments – Councilmember Roel Martinez

            La Clinica would be sponsoring the Self Help Housing program in Pasco .

City Administrator Tackett noted that he had given the number of the owner of the Country Estates to La Clinica to see if they could do the program in Connell.

MEETING ADJOURNED

There being no further business to be heard before the City Council, Mayor Walton adjourned the meeting at 8:38 pm .