MINUTES OF THE CITY OF HEPPNER SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING

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

11:45 AM, December22, 2008

 

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

 

ATTENDEES:

 

Mayor, Les Paustian

Judy Buschke

Keith Lewis

JoAnn Burleson

Kay Robinson

John Bowles

 

Dave De Mayo, City Manager

Brian Harmon, Public Works Director

 

Absent:  Cindi Doherty

                Rusty Estes, Chief, HFD

                Randy Rayburn, MCSO

 

Members of the Public in Attendance

 

Samarra Van Doorn

 

1.  GENERAL BUSINES.

 

      A.  Call to Order.  The December 22, 2008 meeting of the Heppner City Council was called to order at 11:45 AM by Mayor Paustian.

 

      B.  Pledge of Allegiance.  Mayor Paustian led Council members and attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

      C.  Announcements – Agenda additions and deletions.

 

Mr. De Mayo announced that there are two additions to the agenda:  2008-09 Tax Information concerning the formation of a Radio District, and Snow Removal Options.

 

2.  NEW BUSINESS.

 

      A.  Consideration of a Resolution Creating a “Tippage Fee” fund and a Supplemental Budget to Receive and Appropriate this Revenue.

 

3.  COUNCIL ACTION.

 

      A.  Motion by Mrs. Buschke to approve Resolution No. 729-08, A Resolution Creating a “Tippage Fee” Fund and a Supplemental Budget to Receive and Appropriate this Revenue.  Seconded by Mrs. Burleson.  Motion Carried.

 

4.  ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION. 

 

      A.  Mr. De Mayo announced that included in the packet is a sheet showing Tax Information for 2008-09 provided by the Morrow County Assessor with regard to estimated taxes required to cover the proposed Radio District which is projected upon closure of the Umatilla Chemical Depot.  The figures outline an estimate of how much the radio district will cost taxpayers and is for information only.  The equipment will need to comply with current FCC requirements.  The old radio system that was previously used is now obsolete.  The decision to form a district will be dependent on a vote.  The communication district regulations are being drafted at this time.  The issue will be discussed further at the next Council meeting, according to Mr. De Mayo.

 

      B.  Mr. Paustian stated that a decision needs to be made on the possible City purchase of an ATV which could be used for snow removal.  Currently, volunteers have been removing snow from the sidewalks with their personal vehicles which are getting worn out.  Mr. Paustian proposed the possibility of the City purchasing an ATV with a snow plow attached.  The ATV could also be used for meter readings once the touch-read meters are installed.  Mr. De Mayo is working on obtaining an estimate from Morrow County Grain Growers.  Mr. De Mayo suspects the cost would be around $5500.  According to Mr. Lewis, this would be for a small machine and a larger machine would actually be required for heavy-duty work.  Mrs. Buschke questioned funding.  According to Mr. De Mayo, the only place where funds could be drawn right now is the streets contingency fund, unless they could use some of the water fund, depending on justification.  The City also owes ODOT $10,000 for the Court Street project.  Mr. Harmon asked if there were funds in the equipment reserve and according to Mr. De Mayo, the funds could be taken from the fleet reserve.  This would have to be a Council decision.  Mr. De Mayo’s recommendation is to keep the funds until they are absolutely needed.  On the other hand, Mr. Wight has graciously used his equipment for snow removal, and the day may come when he wouldn’t be able to do the work.  Mr. Lewis stated that the City has voted to outlaw ATVs and this can be a problem in the future. 

 

Mr. Bowles advised getting a large enough machine that could be used for other work would be practical.  Mr. Lewis suggested that the merchants might be willing to donate funds for this.  According to Mr. Harmon, if the equipment is needed, the funds should be used.  They have been working to build up a reserve fund for needed equipment.  Mr. Harmon asked if the equipment is purchased, is the City going to be removing snow in front of businesses.  Mr. Paustian stated that the businesses are responsible for removing snow in front of their businesses.  The possibility of merchants compensating the City for snow removal was discussed.  Mr. Bowles stated that snowfall is normally not a continuing problem and snow removal by the City would not be a regular occurrence.  Mr. De Mayo stated that most cities have a snow removal plan.  According to Mr. Harmon, Heppner has a snow removal plan, but it is not formalized.  According to Mr. Paustian, safety in downtown Heppner is a major concern. 

 

Additionally, the areas of City responsibility need to be defined. 

 

In answer to Mrs. Burleson’s question, Mr. Harmon stated that the vehicle could be used at the golf course to get to the pump house, work at the parks, and meter reading. 

 

Mr. De Mayo agreed to obtain price estimates and then poll Council members for a decision. 

 

Action:  Motion by Mrs. Burleson, to allow the City Manager to purchase the equipment at a cost of up to $7,500.  Seconded by Mr. Lewis.  Motion Carried.

 

      B.  Walk-through of Completed Senior Apartments.  To be conducted immediately after adjournment.

 

5.  ADJOURNMENT.  Meeting adjourned at 12:15 PM.