MINUTES OF THE CITY OF HEPPNER CITY COUNCIL MEETING

HEPPNER CITY HALL, 111 N. MAIN STREET, HEPPNER, OREGON

7:00 PM, July 09, 2007

 

NOTE:  Where stated “Motion Carried” is considered unanimous, unless otherwise stated.

 

ATTENDEES:

 

Mayor, Les Paustian

City Manager, Dave DeMayo

Judy Buschke

George Koffler

Jo Ann Burleson

 

Brian Harmon, Public Works Director (Departed at 8:20 PM)

Bill Kuhn, City Attorney

Deputy John Bowles, MCSD (Departed at 7:25 PM)

Rusty Estes, Heppner Fire Department (Departed at 7:06 PM)

 

Council Members Absent:  Glenn Baker, Kay Robinson, Cindi Doherty

 

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN ATTENDANCE:

 

David Sykes, Heppner Gazette

Tammy Malgesini, East Oregonian

Johanne Wood

 

 

1.  GENERAL BUSINESS

 

 

    B.  Pledge of Allegiance:  Mayor Paustian led the Council and attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

    C.  Announcements –Mayor Paustian announced that the meeting would be temporarily adjourned in order to conduct an Executive Session.  IAW ORS 192.660(1)(H) – Litigation.

Meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 7:02 PM.

Executive Session concluded at 7:34 PM.

 

Action:  Motion by Mr. Koffler to move forward with the recommendations of the Council to proceed with the actions on the litigation as discussed during the teleconference among City Council, City Attorney Kuhn, and Joe Yazbeck, Attorney for Moore Construction.  Seconded by Mrs. Buschke.

 

Question:

 

In favor:  Council Members Buschke, Burleson, Koffler, Paustian

Council Members Absent:  Baker, Doherty, Robinson

 

Motion Carried.  

 

    C.  Additional Announcements and Agenda Additions:  None.

 

    D.  Correspondence:  None.

 

2.  COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC.

 

Mrs. Johanne Wood announced that she is attending the meeting to voice her concerns as to where the police are.  She stated that whenever the Sheriff’s Department is called, she is told that the deputies are “in the North End.”  Mrs. Wood cited an incident that recently occurred in Heppner last weekend during the early evening.  Mr. Paustian asked Mr. De Mayo to investigate this further.  Mrs. Wood’s recommendation is that three deputies be assigned to live in Heppner, and to have one deputy available in Heppner at night.  Mrs. Wood is concerned with the time it takes deputies to respond to calls in Heppner.  She asked why the money from citations issued in Heppner was not received as revenue by the City.  City Attorney Kuhn advised that since the County Court system services the City, the money remains with the County.  

 

3.  CONSENT AGENDA.

 

 

    B.  Resolution No. 678, A Resolution Approving Accounts Payable for Payment.

 

    C.  Monthly Financial Statement.

 

 

Question:

 

In favor:  Council Members Buschke, Burleson, Koffler, Paustian

Council Members Absent:  Baker, Doherty, Robinson

 

Motion Carried.

 

 

 

 

7.  REPORT FROM HEPPNER HOUSING AUTHORITY.

 

Mrs. Buschke reported that there have been problems with the air conditioner units in the apartments.  According to Mr. Harmon, most of the problems are due to them being turned up too high and causing them to freeze up.  He stated that all units were operational when they were installed.  Mr. De Mayo stated that he has two units that need to be installed; one in apartment 205 and one in Ms. Turner’s apartment.  He has talked to Lott’s electric and the newer units are more compact and the installation will need to be modified.

 

Mr. Koffler reported that Ms. Rex has started contacting and updating letters of approval to be included in the grant package to be submitted later this month.

 

Mrs. Buschke stated that they are awaiting results of a background check for one unit.  If the information is satisfactory, there will be one vacancy in the center.

 

Mrs. Buschke commented that some improvements have been made in amenities for the tenants, i.e., hanging baskets and plants on the third floor balcony and second floor outside the laundry area.

 

Mr. Koffler asked about replacing the windows in Unit 209 so that it can be rented.  The contractor who originally installed the windows is unknown.  According to Mr. Paustian, the problem with the windows is the fact that the installation is faulty.  Mr. De Mayo was directed to research records to locate the contractor who installed the current windows.

 

Mrs. Buschke reported that the funds that were donated for new tables did not cover the cost of a cart.  They may be requesting donations for this.

 

 

    A.  Resolution for acquiring a Street Sweeper.

 

Discussion:  Mr. De Mayo explained that the best option he could come up with is through the League of Oregon Cities Low Capitalization Program, 4% Loan.  The budget was written to reflect this loan for 7 years at 4% interest.  The amount budgeted is $85,000.  According to Mr. Paustian they have considered a re-built sweeper which is as good as new at a lower price than a new one.  One has been located, depending on availability at the time a decision is made.  The machine would need to be inspected by City personnel prior to a final decision.  

 

Mr. Koffler questioned why a public hearing is necessary on a purchase that is included in the budget and recommended by the Utilities Commission.  According to Mr. Paustian, the purpose of the hearing is to ensure that the public is aware of expenditures such as this.  Mr. De Mayo felt that this is a large expenditure and should be approved by Council  

 

    B.  Sewer Plant Repairs Needed.

 

Discussion:  According to Mr. Paustian this item is for discussion only, at this time.  An outline of the necessary repairs is included in the Council packet.  Mr. Paustian questioned the cost of the Safety Walk - $4,500, since it is already in place.  Mr. Harmon responded that the paint needs removed and sand-blasted, and the handrails re-welded or replaced.  There are several repairs needed.  Mr. Paustian stated that he could do the welding, if necessary.  This came from Pendleton.

 

Mr. Koffler gave background information on the sewer plant repairs.  The Utilities Commission has discussed the issue of the sewer plant rebuild for roughly five months.  There are significant improvements that urgently need to be done.  The list outlines renovations that are necessary.  They have discussed combining the present debt and the improvements.  The amount due on previous renovations is two payments of approximately $75,000.  The suggested option would be to combine the present debt amount plus the proposed improvements, and possibly lower the $8.90 per month currently being charged.  Mr. Koffler declared a potential conflict on possible financing.  A loan of $315,000 for this could lower the monthly payments by customers which are included in their utility bills.  This could result in a longer range loan and also lower the monthly charge to the citizens.  Mr. Paustian feels the customers would be receptive to this plan since the work needs to be done.  

 

Mr. Harmon stated that the total cost of the repairs comes to approximately $315,000.  He would like to see funds reserved for other necessary equipment and unexpected repairs.  There is currently no reserve.  Mr. Koffler doesn’t feel that it is necessary to borrow funds to create a reserve.  Mr. De Mayo suggested not lowering the monthly charge to the customers drastically, but instead using the savings for building up the reserve.  Mr. Koffler suggested keeping the monthly charge steady as it is right now which would allow a reserve fund to be built up.  

 

Mr. Paustian commented that a lot of cities are raising their sewer and water rates.  

 

Mr. Koffler stated that if the monthly rate remains as they are now, this would create an approximate reserve fund of $12,500 per year.  Mr. Paustian stated that maintenance would be a major part of the project.  According to Mr. Harmon, the amount of maintenance would be unknown for new equipment.  

 

Mrs. Burleson, Mrs. Buschke, and Mr. Koffler agreed with leaving the monthly charge as it is.  Mr. De Mayo recommended changing the title of the charge from “sewer bond.”

 

Mr. Koffler asked Mr. Paustian for his recommendation on making a decision on this project.  Mr. De Mayo stated that he feels that this is close enough to proceed using the figure of $350,000.

 

Mr. Koffler suggested that the Council announce their intentions tonight to make a final decision at their next meeting and ask for public input to the Council members/City Manager.  Mr. Paustian suggested notices in the news media.  

 

    C.  Water Improvement Project – Amendment.  No discussion.

 

Public Hearings Closed at 8:12 PM.

 

9.  COUNCIL ACTION.

 

 

 

Question:

 

In favor:  Council Members Buschke, Burleson, Koffler, Paustian

Council Members Absent:  Baker, Doherty, Robinson

 

Motion Carried.

    

    B.  Approve Amended Award for Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund, Heppner Water System Rehabilitation and Improvements, Project No. S03008, extending required date for the project to June 30, 2008.

 

Action:

 

Motion by Mrs. Buschke to approve the Amended Award for Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund, Heppner Water System Rehabilitation and Improvements., Project No. S03008, extending required date for the project to June 30, 2008.  Seconded by Mrs. Burleson.

 

Question:

 

In favor:  Council Members Buschke, Burleson, Koffler, Paustian

Council Members Absent:  Baker, Doherty, Robinson

 

Motion Carried.

 

    C.  Motion ratifying the appointment of Judy Eckman as Treasurer for the City of Heppner.

 

Action:

 

Motion by Mrs. Buschke to ratify the appointment of Judy Eckman as Treasurer for the City of Heppner.  Seconded by Mr. Koffler.

 

Question:

 

In favor:  Council Members Buschke, Burleson, Koffler, Paustian

Council Members Absent:  Baker, Doherty, Robinson

 

Motion Carried.

 

 

11.  REPORT FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

 

 

Mr. Koffler commented on how good the hanging baskets look this year.  According to Mr. Harmon, his crew is working on the watering system.  This should be completed by the end of this week.  Mr. Paustian added that everyone doing this work should be commended.  

 

Mr. Koffler asked about the leaking line going under the creek.  In response, Mr. Harmon stated this is still under investigation.  They are trying to track down several possibilities of extra water going out.  There are fewer gallons coming into the plant and more gallons going out and the reason is presently unknown.

 

They are working to get Hager Park done by the end of next week in preparation for the hydro-seeding.  This should be done by the end of July.  

 

Mrs. Burleson stated that she had noticed the sprinklers running at night.  According to Brian this is the recommended procedure.

 

Mr. Harmon added that the Consumer Confidence Report has been changed this year to ensure that citizens are more aware of what is going on in the water system.

 

Mr. Paustian commented that the City Crew and volunteers did an excellent job in completing the Kirk Street Bridge project.

 

12.  REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER.

 

 

Ms. Rex is supposed to come to Heppner this week to meet with one of the tenants to obtain financial information needed for the new submission.  

 

    B.  Old Business.  None.

 

    C.  New Business.  None.  

 

13.  REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY.

 

City Attorney Kuhn commented that the old Ed Dick house on Gilmore Street is in foreclosure.  He stated that the property is in bad shape.  He has located a contact point with a Realtor in Hermiston for this.

 

14.  REPORT FROM MAYOR/CITY COUNCILORS.

 

Mr. Paustian commented that Mr. De Mayo has made a lot of progress on the “clean-up” letters that he has sent to residents.  There have been good results, and Mr. Paustian hopes that this work will be “contagious” throughout the City

 

Mrs. Burleson stated that she is making good progress on the Hager Park grant information and should have it ready next week.

 

Mr. Koffler commented on the number of vehicles in town that aren’t licensed and in need of repair..

 

Meeting Adjourned at 8:25 PM.