MINUTES OF THE CITY OF HEPPNER CITY COUNCIL MEETING

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

7:00 PM, April 14, 2008

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

ATTENDEES:

Mayor, Les Paustian

Cindi Doherty

Kay Robinson

Keith Lewis

Judy Buschke

John Bowles

Ken Matlack, Morrow County Sheriff

Brian Harmon, Public Works Director

Rusty Estes, Heppner Fire Department

Ann Spicer, City Attorney

David Sykes, Heppner Gazette

Judy Eckman, City Treasurer

ABSENT

JoAnn Burleson

Randy Rayburn, MCSO

Steve Bogart

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN ATTENDANCE:

Samarra Van Doorn

Becky Harmon

Karen Kendall, GEODC

Alita Nelson

John Nelson

1. GENERAL BUSINESS.

A. Call to Order. The April 14, 2008 meeting of the City of Heppner City Council was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Paustian.

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

C. Announcements. None.

D. Correspondence. None.

E. Public Comment. None.

2. Communications from the Public

A. Requests for Animal Permits.

1) Nate and Chandra Arbogast, 360 Skyline Drive – 10 laying hens, three 4-H sheep.

2) Terry and Kellie Gray, 540 Morgan Street - three 4-H swine.

3) Rod and Janet Wilson, 655 S. Chase Street and adjoining lot – three 4-H swine.

4) Joey and Teresa VanDoorn, 327 E. Linden Way – three 4-H swine.

Discussion: Mrs. Alita Nelson, 4-H leader for VanDoorn, Gray, and Wilson, provided information concerning her 4-H group. They are using the permit process as a learning experience for her group members. They will learn methods of controlling odor, and daily cleanup of the pens. Last year, there were some complaints from neighbors of the VanDoorns which will be corrected this year. The 4-H members have also reviewed a copy of the City ordinance regarding keeping animals. Mrs. Nelson stated that there will be some odor from the animals, although the pens will be kept clean and sanitary.

Mrs. Buschke suggested that the neighbors be made aware of the fact that the animals would be located in the neighborhood. The permits can be approved contingent upon the fact that the permit can be revoked if complaints are received.

Action: Motion by Mrs. Buschke that the four permit applications be approved subject to the conditions stated in the City Permit. Seconded by Mrs. Robinson. Motion Carried.

3. Consent Agenda.

A. Minutes of City Council Meeting, March 10, 2008.

B. Resolution No. 704-08, A Resolution Approving Accounts Payable for Payment.

C. Monthly Financial Statement.

ACTION: Motion by Mrs. Robinson to approve the consent agenda as presented. Seconded by Mr. Lewis. Motion Carried.

4. Reports.

A. Fire Chief. Chief Estes reported the following actions for March 2008:

1 Smoke Alarm – Senior Center

1 Mutual Aid to Ione

1 Wildland Fire, Old Mill Site

19 other Chief calls

437 people were served at the St. Patrick’s Day breakfast. This is the final year for the traditional breakfast.

B. Morrow County Sheriff’s Department.

Morrow County Sheriff Ken Matlack addressed the Council on the terms of the contract for the next fiscal year. He also stated that Sgt Rayburn is on patrol and unable to attend the meeting. He also stated that one of the officers is no longer with the department since he has retired.

Sheriff Matlack stated that the monthly activity report forms have been condensed and contain the information that identifies the hours that are spent by the deputies during their assignments in Heppner. These reports are generated every two weeks and provided to the City of Heppner monthly. Some of the activities reported are for other employees assigned to Heppner.

With regard to the contract, Undersheriff Myren has compiled a document outlining the terms of the Contract for 2008/2009. This contract reflects the additional cost for a patrol vehicle. Vehicles are rotated every three years. The contract reflects a net increase of $7,545.02. The total contract amount is $176,376.02.

Sheriff Matlack stated that Heppner’s contract is similar to the contract with Irrigon. Most police departments use a formula to determine a median salary. For Heppner, this is a good way to do this since all the deputies cycle through Heppner. According to Sheriff Matlack, they cannot maintain the low end of the salary range. Mr. Lewis stated that he feels there will be problems in the future due to the competition with OSP. Sheriff Matlack stated that in some cases, the deputies are hired from the reserve forces. He also stated that in the past, Heppner decided to change the contract from three deputies to two deputies. Both Mr. De Mayo and Mr. Bogart are satisfied with these arrangements. The crime rate in Heppner is lower than other areas of the County. Sheriff Matlack stated that he is willing to go back to the three deputies if the City requests this. However, the cost would be higher.

Mr. Paustian stated that Mr. Bogart has recommended that the contract be signed. Mr. Paustian recommends that the contract be tabled until next month.

Mr. Bowles asked about the Code Enforcement. According to Mr. Paustian, this function is done through the ordinance and the City Manager has been appointed to handle property cleanups, etc., which saves time and money for the City. Deputies would be available for assistance, if necessary. Mrs. Spicer commented that there are some minor corrections that need to be made to the contract prior to approval at the next Council meeting. General consensus of the Council is to accept the contract at the next meeting.

C. Planning Commission. There are no actions reported this month. Five members of the seven-member commission have submitted resignations. Until these positions are filled, the Planning Commission will be unable to conduct official business.

D. Heppner Housing Authority.

Discussion: Mrs. Buschke stated that the City Manager’s Report outlines the actions that have been taking place. According to Mrs. Buschke, things are moving slowly. It may be two months before the funds are received. The consultant was behind on some of the forms and has requested extensions. Martha Peck has been doing many tasks that are not part of the architect’s job. However, things are slowly moving forward. All the four contractor qualifications for bid have been examined, the references have been contacted, and probably all four will be allowed to bid on the project. There are several State requirements that have to be met prior to receipt of the funds.

Installing surveillance cameras in the Sr. Center has been discussed with the Sheriff’s Department. To date, nothing has been done on this. Recently, there have been complaints from residents of people knocking on doors in the middle of the night. It is unknown how someone would enter the center at the hours this is occurring. According to Mr. Paustian, this would show up on a camera. It is hoped that cameras will be included in the renovation. Sheriff Matlack stated that cameras range from very expensive to lower-priced equipment. According to Mrs. Buschke, there have been several incidents that were reported as thefts that were actually oversights by the tenants.

E. Public Works.

Discussion: Mr. Harmon furnished photographs of the recent upgrades to the sewer plant. These upgrades are complete and Mr. Harmon invited Council members to contact him to visit the plant. The City crew did most of the work.

Council members congratulated Mr. Harmon on the work done.

Mr. Harmon stated that the project was under cost by approximately $1300. The catwalk still needs to be done. De-chlorination tests have been good. Mr. Harmon will be meeting with the Utilities Commission to discuss future plans. In 1994, the plant was remodeled. There is about 90,000 feet of sewer pipe in the ground; a small amount of pipe was replaced in 1994; the rest is original pipe. This will be discussed in depth with the Utility Commission. Pipes on Court Street may need to be replaced when the work by ODOT is done next year. This cost will be included in the project.

With regard to streets, closing Willow Street and forming a cul-de-sac will be discussed. Mr. Harmon has the plans from ODOT. On the Morgan Street project, Mr. Harmon has not met with the engineer as of this date and is working to schedule a date and time.

Comments: Mr. Bowles stated that he was impressed with how clean and organized the sewer facility was. Mrs. Robinson agreed. According to Mr. Harmon, March was an exciting month for the Public Works crew.

F. City Manager’s Report. Mr. Paustian stated that items contained in the report have already been covered in the meeting.

5. Public Hearings.

A. Presentation by Karen Kendall, GEODC. Subject: Housing Rehabilitation Funds.

Discussion. Ms. Kendall reported that GEODC manages the housing rehabilitation funds. Some of these funds have revolved back into the community of Heppner. Previously, Mr. De Mayo had signed an agreement for GEODC to manage these funds for Heppner. Currently, there are funds available for the program in Heppner. There could be three houses rehabilitated in Heppner. An article concerning this will be published in the Gazette Times. Ms. Kendall would like two members from the City of Heppner to participate on the loan committee. These funds are available for rehabilitation of low income homes in Heppner. According to Mrs. Robinson, there were three homes in Heppner that were done during the last instance of this. One home did not get finished due to the death of the owner. The program allows for new heating systems, etc., for lower income homeowners, no interest rates, and do not have to be repaid until the property is sold. The two volunteers from Heppner would review the applications and approve or disapprove them.

Action: Mr. Bowles and Mrs. Doherty volunteered to serve on the loan committee.

6. Council Action.

A. Adopt Resolution 705-08. A Resolution Adopting City Goals for 2008.

Action: Motion by Mrs. Robinson to adopt Resolution 705-08, A Resolution Adopting City Goals for 2008. Seconded by Mrs. Buschke. Motion Carried.

B. Old Business. None

C. New Business.

1) Special Council Meeting to discuss garbage disposal franchise – Set Date.

Discussion: Council members agreed to set the meeting to discuss the garbage disposal franchise for 6:00 PM, Wednesday, April 30, 2008. Reminder notices will be sent to Council members.

2) Budget Schedule.

Discussion: Council members agreed to hold the budget meetings for 5 and 6 May 2008, at 6:30 PM. The second meeting may not be necessary.

3) Declare electric jackhammer and Easy-Go-Cart (utility golf cart) surplus.

Action: Motion by Mrs. Robinson to declare the electric jackhammer and Easy-Go-Cart as surplus equipment and available for sale. Seconded by Mrs. Buschke. Motion Carried.

4) Contract Renewal – Morrow County Sheriff’s Department.

Discussion: This issue was discussed previously. Action to approve the new contract will be taken at the May 12, 2008 City Council Meeting.

Mr. Harmon stated that he would like the dog ordinance to be discussed at the next Police Commission meeting since it needs to be updated to include animals other than dogs. Mrs. Harmon stated that responsibilities for enforcement between the Sheriff’s Department and the City of Heppner Public Works Department need to be clearly defined. Sheriff Matlack asked if Dr. Temple has ever been contacted for services animals instead of Pet Rescue. According to Mr. Harmon, Dr. Temple has been used the past to euthanize two animals. Mrs. Spicer remarked that the dog problem is getting worse in Heppner.

7. Minutes of Commission Meetings. (furnished for information)

8. Report from the City Attorney. None.

9. Report from Mayor/City Councilors.

Mayor Paustian announced that five members of the Planning Commission have resigned and new members need to be recruited to fill the positions.

10. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.