DRAFT ONLY.  Without council review or approval.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 24, 2012

CALL TO ORDER:  Mayor Echanove called the Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

ROLL CALL:  Council members present:  Cecil Floyd; Tim Jones; Mike Milano; Connie Newman; Bo Ossinger; Norm Schorzman; Rick Wekenman.  Also present:  Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin; Police Chief Jerry Neumann; & Deputy Clerk Ann Thompson. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Councilmember Wekenman MOVED to adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of January 10, 2012.  Councilmember Schorzman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT:    
Submitted written report.  Called Avista today to reschedule energy audit. 

POLICE REPORT: 
Got our first Avista bill since the energy savings changes to the P.D.  Even with a colder average December temperature over last year, the PD had almost a 50% savings on this month’s December bill.  

We found and purchased a 2007 Dodge Durango for the new police vehicle.  It was purchased under budget for $18,700 with tax, license, and dealer prep.  Majority of the police vehicle equipment should start arriving this week.  We’ve already started dismantling the Intrepid. 

Surplus police vehicle 2002 Dodge Intrepid:  Councilmember Milano MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Wekenman, to declare surplus of the 2002 Intrepid.  Motion carried unanimously.  Chief would like to ask $1,500 for it.  Anyone interested can contact the PD.

JFB REPORT:  At the JFB meeting:

• Chief Bagott talked about current condition of equipment and the depreciation rates.  They need a capital equipment plan in place.  The grants are becoming much more difficult to complete and obtain so they will have to seek out some other funding sources for that sort of thing. 
• They’re looking to surplus the old Dodge Pumper.  It has some antique value.  They continue to pay storage fees on it.
• In the past there were statewide funds available for EMS trainings but now volunteers have to pay for their own training.  It’s too bad volunteers have to pay to serve our community.  Annie Pillers will draft a letter in opposition of legislature trying to remove that funding.  JFB members will sign it once done. 
• There were 20 fire calls in 2011 and 56 EMS calls in 2011.
• There are currently 19 active firefighters.  The three most desired qualities in firefighters are capable, committed and available. 
• Councilmember Jones was appointed to the JFB.

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS: 

Finance, Property, & Equipment-Mike Milano, Chair: 

• Avista is going to look at Heritage Park, old city shop, etc. for potential energy savings throughout the city. 
• NW Collegiate Bicycle Race is coming April 21st.  There are some police costs associated with the race.  Organizers need to be reminded to provide more consistent guidance to participants. 

Police, Fire, & Safety-Rick Wekenman, Chair:
Submitted written report.  We had a committee meeting mostly to fill in new councilmember Bo Ossinger.  Outfitting of the new police vehicle will add probably $3,500 to the purchase price. 

Policy & Administration-Bo Ossinger, Chair:
Submitted written report.  Met on the 19th.  Discussed some of the policies on the to-do list.  First on the list is Allocation of Shared Costs.  The city has temporary resolution No. 2011-09, passed in August 2011.  Bo will meet with Joyce for more information. 

Planning Commission has questions regarding noise and odor; and light trespass; perhaps will require policy to be made. 

Water & Sewer-Connie Newman, Chair:  Still on budget for the water system plan.

Personnel & Pool-Tim Jones, Chair:  PW is still working on the pool filter manifold and pump.  Parts are ordered.

Streets & Sidewalks-Cecil Floyd, Chair:  Gloria Bennett from TIB has indicated we can pick off the short list for the engineers for the Mohr Street project.  Meeting planned for tomorrow to select an engineering firm.  There will be a recurring committee meeting the first Wednesday of every month. 

Regarding the street vacation request, the requestors were provided with a packet of information on how to proceed if they so decide.  Supt. Griffin explained there are already water and sewer mains through this right-of-way and vacating it is not an option.  Historically, public works does not support street vacations where utilities exist. 

MAYOR’S REPORT:    
Brownsfield update:  No new news.  EPA and DOE are still handling their end of the paperwork. 

ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS:  Councilmember Schorzman MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed.  Councilmember Wekenman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURN:  Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to adjourn.  Councilmember Newman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  The council meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.

The following checks are approved for payment:
Claims Paid, 12/31/11                Ck. No. 3762 – 3769 & EFT        $25,395.48
Claims Paid, 1/25/12                  Ck. No. 3770 – 3781                  $26,415.97

APPROVED: ________________________________   ATTEST: ________________________________